Exploring the Best New York-Style Pizza in Chicago

Introduction to Chicago Pizza

Chicago, a city known for its deep-dish pizza, is often mistaken for the epiphany of all pizza types. However, the authentic New York-style pizza enthusiasts may find themselves asking, "Where can a person find New York-style pizza in Chicago?"

Understanding the Dilemma

Why searching for a true New York-style pizza in Chicago might seem like a quest is a matter of cultural and culinary perspective. The beloved deep-dish pizza, with its cheese-filled crust, is a Chicago specialty, enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. But true New York-style pizza, characterized by its thin, foldable slice with crispy edges and chewy interior, is another story.

Chain Restaurants vs. Local Pizzerias

Chain restaurants often offer what they claim to be "New York-style" pizza. However, these slices are usually made from dough that has been pre-stretched, leading to a cardboard-like texture instead of the fresh and crispy original.

Why Chain Chains Don't Cut It

Size and quality often matter in pizza. In chain restaurants, New York-style pizza is often pre-cut into round slices or squares, missing the essence of foldable triangles that one would find in a classic New York pizzeria. This factor, along with the use of machine-made dough, leads to disappointing pizza experiences that do not satisfy true pie lovers.

Chicago's Minneapolis

For those craving that unique, foldable slice, Chicago's pizza scene still has a shot. Many local pizzerias offer thin-crust pizzas that are slightly doughy and delightful, striking a balance between New York-style and Chicago-style perfection.

Local pizzerias are a treasure trove for those familiar with the New York style. Whether they are family-owned or hip, innovative spots, these places often pull out all the stops to capture that famous foldable slice experience. They may not always succeed, but the effort is evident, and the slice is often worth seeking out.

Chicago Pizza vs. Accuracy

While deep-dish is Chicago's specialty, many good local pizza places prioritize thin-crust slices. These slices are often cut in squares, as the city is known less for the traditional by-the-slice style found in New York.

This means that if you see advertisements in windows or online showing pizza cut in squares, you are getting closer to the authentic New York-style pizza experience. Some of the best slices can be found at places like Evanston-based Fat Fat Pizza or the iconic Max final White.

Finding the Best Slices in Chicago

Here’s a guide to finding the best slices in Chicago:

Fat Fat Pizza

Located in Evanston, Fat Fat Pizza is known for its amazing thin-crust pizza. They offer a wide range of toppings, and their slices are crispy with a chewy interior – a true representation of New York-style pizza.

Max final White

A Chicago favorite, Max final White offers generously sized slices that are both crispy and chewy. The combination of their dough and toppings makes for a delicious, foldable slice that is a must-try.

Conclusion

While Chicago's pizza scene is predominantly centered around deep-dish, there are still spots where you can find true New York-style pizza. The key is to look for specialty pizzerias that focus on thin-crust, doughy slices cut into squares. This unique choice will not only satisfy your craving for the perfect foldable slice but also enrich your culinary experience by exploring the intersection of two great American pizza traditions.

So next time you are in Chicago, don't hesitate to seek out these hidden gems. They might just offer the slice of heaven you were looking for all along.