“Piece” of mind from a pizza mind

If you plan on visiting the north-side of Chicago soon (or even if you already live there!), chances are you’re searching for a good place to get some pizza; if you’re not, then you need to be.  Chicago is home to the deep-dish pizza, so it’s blasphemous to leave without grabbing a slice or two of cheesy, saucy, crusty deliciousness.  But with so many pizza places boasting “world famous” or “Chicago’s best” pizza, it can be difficult to find the best of the best.  So, here are some tips that can help you in your search: 

Tip #1: Step away from Google!  Google will lead you straight to the tourist traps (which shall remain nameless here).  Don’t get me wrong; some of tourist places are decent, but expect a good 1-2 hour wait on the weekend.  Besides, if you really want to try their pizza, they can ship to you for about the same price as what you’d pay just for parking near the restaurant(s).

Tip #2: Be adventurous and travel a little!  Most tourists seem to think that the “city” is limited to downtown Chicago or Wrigley Field.  Not true!  Chicago is comprised of many beautiful neighborhoods and some of the best pizza places are scattered throughout some truly wonderful local stores.  Pick a place a little farther away from downtown and make a day trip out of it!

MY TOP 5 FAVORITE NORTH-SIDE PIZZA PLACES (in no particular order): 

PEQUOD’S PIZZA - 2207 N. Clybourn                          www.pequodspizza.com

Why it’s so amazingly yummy: They lace the crust of their deep-dish with cheese, giving the pizza a caramelized crust that’s to die for!  They also utilize a very robust sauce, which gives their pizza an added zing.  Pequod’s is hands-down my favorite place to go for pizza.

CARMEN’S PIZZA – 6568 N. Sheridan Rd.                  773-465-1700

Why it’s so amazingly yummy: Their sauce is a bit on the sweeter side and they use only a thin layer.  The rest of the pizza is loaded with ooey-gooey mozzarella cheese and a heaping portion of all your favorite toppings.  The crust is salty and buttery, giving their deep-dish a solid balance between texture and flavor.   Tip: If ordering delivery, be sure to ask them to cut the pizza, otherwise you’ll need to cut it yourself.

PETE’S PIZZA – 3737 N. Western Ave.                         www.pizzapetes.com

Why it’s so amazingly delicious: If you like your deep-dish loaded with cheese, Pete’s is the way to go.  As soon as you take a slice, the cheese oozes off the pizza like lava flowing down a volcano. 

GIORDANO’S PIZZA – 6836 N. Sheridan                        www.giordanos.com

Why it’s so amazingly delicious – okay, okay; yes, this is a chain and yes, Giordano’s downtown is very much a tourist trap.  However, the Roger’s Park location is awesome.  There’s rarely ever a wait to sit down and you still get to dig in to their amazing pizza.  Personally, I’m a fan of the thin crust here; it’s crispy and very light, but holds the pizza very well so you don’t have to worry about sogginess.  Their sauce is a perfect blend of fruity and zest and they use just the right amount of cheese.  One word: delicious!

PRIMO PIZZA - 5600 N. Clark                                            773-271-2233

Why it’s so amazingly yummy: They put some LOOOOOOVE into their pizza!  You can choose between a thin and thick crust, which is easier said than done because both are really delicious.  The thick crust gives more texture to the pizza, giving it a combination of crispy and chewy, while the thin crust is much more light and crunchy.  Their toppings are chunky and plentiful (personally, I recommend sausage and canadian bacon).  Similar to Carmen’s, they spread only a thin layer of sauce, allowing you to focus on the cheesey goodness.  Primo’s has always been a hit at my parties!

Well, that concludes my thoughts on Chicago’s pizza – for now.  Even if you don’t choose to visit the above places (you’ll be sorry!), take some time to be adventurous and try the pizza place that is less known; you may be pleasantly surprised!