Chicago Deep Dish

[StevieC]

So I'm in Chicago for work until tomorrow and I was told I have to try Deep Dish Pizza while I'm here so I google local places and pick one that gets the highest reviews, and ordered a pizza.

I have to say I was quite disappointed and I could have far better pizza at home. I don't see what the fuss is all about and it leads me to believe it's just a tourist trap sort of thing.

Thoughts?

 

[KGMtech]

I agree. Been to Chicago many times, tried DDP once....never again. Chicago is one of my favorite places to visit, but some things you don't need to do twice )

 

[StevieC]

See that's what I mean, then I questioned that maybe I had it at not a good place but the place I got the pizza from gets almost perfect reviews out of countless hundreds of reviews.

I didn't want to name the place here but thought maybe if anyone could recommend a place maybe I would give that place a shot for confirmation the DDP is not worth it.

Full disclosure I'm of Italian background so I know good Pizza!

I'm really enjoying Chicago otherwise, I'm glad I'm here on the company dime because Hotels are quite pricey compared to home. Food is great otherwise and people seem quite friendly. Lots of hotels on strike here so that makes it quite fun getting in/out of our hotel. Cab drivers are nuts and drive like they are driving a Go Kart. Pretty scary at times. My boss and I almost got mugged but thank god for Chicago PD that was near by and scared them off. This could happen anywhere though so I don't fault the city for it. It's crazy to see the "no gun" stickers on store windows everywhere, as a Canuck this is surprising as we don't have concealed carry or open carry at home. Sport shooting only for hand guns and transport is strictly controlled.

 

[bradepb]

Giordanos? pequods? 1-2 Hour wait is not unusual at Pequods to get in. For that reason I have never been but my son who lives there say's it's great!

 

[groomerz]

Please tell what pizza you had and the where what and how. Chicago Deep dish can be very different. The classic is cheese and sausage with the sausage as a patty across the whole pizza. My california relatives aren't fans and they prefer sausage pieces. They also don't get the pizza being covered in chunky tomato sauce. The well known restaurants are Lou Malnatis, Ginos east, Uno's. Giordanos is not on my list, If you ordered it to go l. You must order it UNCUT to get the correct experience and also get the butter crust to really crisp it up, Cut pizza to go is a bad move as it will make the whole crust soggy mess.. That is the reason they always cut and serve tableside when you dine in. If you are from out of town you wouldn't know about this and It changes the whole pizza experience. My 2 cents.

 

[dishdude]

If you can't fold the slice in half, it ain't pizza!

 

[StevieC]

It's on the list of places you named and the Pizza crust was not soggy and they served it with forks/knives to cut it.

 

[groomerz]

driving in chicago , The lines are for reference only and can and will be crossed all the time. Take a riverboat tour. or at least take the water taxi . Great experience to see chicago from the water and learn the history . As far as the lunch /dinner boats at the navy pier. The entertainment is cheasy, drinks weak, but still cool views. Lunch is cheaper and better experience and views. Dinner is dark on the water all you see is the buildings lights.

 

[groomerz]

It is different pizza and I grew up on it and it can be hard to like it. Kinda like wine and beer we all have are favorites

 

[groomerz]

Try to get to ALs beef for Italian beef , Hot or sweet peppers, Regular, or Dry or dipped in the aujus . My fav is sweet, dipped

 

[Quattro Pete]

Not a big fan of DDP.

Try one of these places in Chicago for good pizza, but don't expect to get exactly the same thing you'd get in Italy:

- Forno Rosso
- La Crosta Woodfire
- Pizzeria Bebu

Also, get a hotdog at Portillo's.

 

[StevieC]

I was just talking with someone at our Booth who lives in Chicago and apparently I haven't had the best experience.

She recommends the following places. Anyone been here?

Goirdano's

Lou Malnatis

 

[StevieC]

Originally Posted by groomerz
driving in chicago , The lines are for reference only and can and will be crossed all the time. Take a riverboat tour. or at least take the water taxi . Great experience to see chicago from the water and learn the history . As far as the lunch /dinner boats at the navy pier. The entertainment is cheasy, drinks weak, but still cool views. Lunch is cheaper and better experience and views. Dinner is dark on the water all you see is the buildings lights.


We had dinner one night at Rivas on the Navy Pier and it was excellent.

 

[SeaJay]

DDP is bread served warm with tomato sauce, cheese and possibly meat. Its food that appears to be popular with the Midwest crowd. I assume it is an acquired taste, but it ain't pizza.

 

[LeakySeals]

I do like Unos deep dish pizza.

 

[SevenBizzos]

Originally Posted by StevieC
I was just talking with someone at our Booth who lives in Chicago and apparently I haven't had the best experience.

She recommends the following places. Anyone been here?

Goirdano's

Lou Malnatis


Yes to both, but I prefer Lou's. Geno's is another staple.

I think I've traveled a fair bit (I think I have been to 45 of the 50 states) over the years and I have a completely biased opinion. Chicago, as a region, has the best food of anywhere. Sure, there are individual items other places that are awesome, but as a full menu, there isn't a better place......and that includes the pizza

 

[billt460]

I lived in Chicago for 38 years. I was never a big fan of deep dish pizza. It's like eating a loaf of bread with a thin crust pizza.

 

[SatinSilver]

Stevie,

Try the thin crust pizza. It has a fraction of the carbs and you won't feel like there's a lead balloon in your stomach. Also hit the fitness center in the hotel and hop on the treadmill for at least 30 mins. My .02.

You've lost 100+ lbs so need to stay on track.

 

[StevieC]

I'm staying on track just wanted to try it so I can cross it off my list sort of thing. Don't worry I'm not giving up on my weight loss goal!

I actually only ate one small piece before I gave the rest to my work colleague. ...Š

 

[jcartwright99]

There are different variations on deep dish. For me, Pizzeria Uno/Deuxe (not the chain), Peaqods, and The Art of Pizza are the best. However, most folks in Chicago don't eat deep dish very often. I would say thin crust pizza (think crispy cracker crust) cut into squares is what a lot of people get. Deep dish is just too much for most folks.