Home » Special Features » The World’s Best » Best Local Food Specialties Chicago
New York? Pizza. San Francisco? Dungeness crab. Mexico City? Tacos. Los Angeles? Food trucks. What better way to explore the world’s coolest cities than through the foods they are best known for? Here are Night+Day’s hotlists for the destination dishes (and one beverage) that define our favorite places.
Best Local Food Specialties in....
Best Local Food Specialties: Pizza
Chicago
Pequod’s Pizza 2207 N. Clybourn Ave., Lincoln Park, 773-327-1512 pequodpizza.com
The Draw: The deep-dish pizza Chicago is known for gets a modern upgrade. Ingredients are so fresh they taste like they are grown on site. The Scene: Late night pizzeria with neighborhood friendliness. Tucked in the heart of the Lincoln Park neighborhood, expect young and old, professional and blue-collar types dining at the Windy City’s favorite pizza joint that also offers a variety beers on tap and a full bar. Hot Tip: Deep-dish pizza can take a while to cook. If you’re starving, order the cheese bread with marinara sauce.
Piece 1927 W. North Ave., Wicker Park, 773-772-4422 piecechicago.com
The Draw: This pizzeria and brewery offers hand-tossed pizzas in three types of sauces (white, traditional tomato, and garlic Parmesan). Ingredients are plentiful and fresh, and the comprehensive beer and cocktail list means you needn’t leave for after-dinner drinks. The Scene: Think upscale pizzeria where cute outfits and heels wouldn’t be out of place. Expect a youngish crowd of 20–30 somethings, booming music (sometimes spun live by a DJ), and a large dining room with loft ceilings. Hot Tip: For those who can brave the stage, Piece is one of Chicago’s only spots to feature live karaoke backed by a full band on Saturday nights.
Pizza Metro 1707 W. Division St., Wicker Park, 773-278-1753 pizzametro.com
The Draw: This throwback to an original pizzeria welcomes diners with a comprehensive menu that includes everything from antipasti plates to 18-inch pies loaded with over 20 toppings. The Scene: The long room located in a bustling Wicker Park neighborhood houses small, close tables and a lengthy counter where orders are placed by everyone from speedy, on-the-go lunchers to families to late-night, post-bar snackers. Hot Tip: Try the potato rosemary pizza. The thin slices of potato nestled in grated cheese and sprinkled with rosemary make it a local favorite.
