Pizza Tour

Chicago-style pizza, often associated with Chicago, developed in the early to mid-20th century as Italian-American pizza makers began adapting traditional Neapolitan pizza to local tastes and available ingredients. The most famous version, deep-dish pizza, is widely credited to the creation of Ike Sewell and Ric Riccardo at Pizzeria Uno in 1943, where they introduced a thick, high-edged crust designed to hold layers of cheese, toppings, and a chunky tomato sauce baked in reverse order compared to traditional pizza. This style stood out because it was more of a hearty, knife-and-fork meal than the thinner, crispier pizzas found in other American cities.

Over time, other variations emerged in Chicago, including stuffed pizza, popularized in the 1970s by restaurants like Giordano’s, which added an additional layer of dough over the toppings before the sauce. Another variation, tavern-style pizza, developed in Chicago’s neighborhood bars, features a thin, crispy crust cut into squares and designed for easy sharing. Together, these styles helped define Chicago’s distinct pizza identity. Today, Chicago-style pizza is recognized worldwide as a unique American interpretation of pizza that reflects the city’s immigrant history, culinary creativity, and working-class dining culture.

Pizza Tour Map -> Google Maps

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