Chicago Style Pizza

When the weather turns cold, which counts for about eight months of a Chicago year, it’s not only time to pull out the heavy coats and layers, its time to fortify yourself with a frost-busting meal.  In Chicago, that can only mean deep-dish pizza. Lots of tourists dabble at sampling Chicago style pizza during the summer months but this hearty fare is best experienced during cold, blustery weather.   Noted for its  thick crust and gut-busting  piles of cheese and toppings,  Chicago style pizza reflects  the city’s brash attitude and heavy Midwestern palate. This calorie dense treat is easier to digest over a couple of days  so schedule a leisurely weekend and dive into my recommendations for the best Chicago style pizza.

Start with Pizzeria Due. An iconic Chicago restaurant credited with  being one of the first places to serve Chicago style pizza, Pizzeria Due offers  expertly baked, authentic, deep dish pizza.  Due is the second restaurant that was opened because the popular Uno was constantly over-crowded. Due attracts large crowds as well so prepare for a wait and a  super-stuffed and satisfied feeling.  Next, head over to Giordano’s.  This is another famous pizzeria preferred by locals. Giordano boasts a half dozen  locations all over Chicago but the one at 730 N. Rush supplies the best people watching as well as excellent pizza.  End your taste tour with Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Co., a less well known eatery but equally as memorable.  Oven Grinder creates a signature pot pie  that’s not to be missed.  Located in a charming brownstone in Lincoln Park, this pizza palace possesses an understated, stylish vibe, just like its neighborhood.  Since we’re focusing on high calorie Chicago traditions, you may as well top off your trip with a stop by Garrett Popcorn Shop to revel in the seminal caramel and cheese “Chicago mix.”  When you can’t move anymore, hole up in the nearby Best Western River North Hotel, where they provide a Chicago pizza and movie package that doesn’t require you to leave your room.

Photo courtesy of Girodano’s