Jeff Mauro Tells Us His Favorite Pizza Places In Chicago

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Imagine yourself in the heart of Chicago, where the air is filled with the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked pizza. Jeff Mauro, the renowned “Sandwich King,” spills the beans on his top pizza spots in the city, sharing his love for everything from tavern-style thin crust at Jimmy’s Place to the iconic deep dish at Pizano’s. With his insider tips, you’re bound to embark on a delicious adventure through Chi-town’s diverse pizza landscape, savoring unique and unforgettable flavors crafted by local culinary legends. Have you ever found yourself pulling that hot pizza box closer, inhaling the aroma of melted cheese and fresh toppings, and thinking, “This might just be the best moment of my day”? Pizza night is a tradition that connects us over simple, delicious food. Whether it’s a game night, after a big win, or just because it’s Tuesday, pizza always fits the occasion. Who knows better about good pizza than Chef Jeff Mauro? The Sandwich King himself, with his profound love for all things cheesy and crusty, shares with us his top four pizza places in Chicago.

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Pizza Night: A Beloved Tradition

Why Pizza is Special

Pizza has a unique place in our hearts. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience that starts from the moment you order until the last bite. Jeff Mauro puts it wonderfully: “The ritual of pizza is hard to beat. The ordering, the unveiling, whether you’re getting it delivered or whatever. You open the box and it’s that smell.”

Chicago vs. New York

While pizza debates are never-ending, Chicago has made a significant mark with its diverse pizza styles. From tavern-style thin crusts to deep-dish wonders, the Windy City offers a slice (or square) for every preference.

Jeff Mauro’s Top Pizza Picks in Chicago

Chef Jeff Mauro isn’t just any pizza lover, he’s a passionate advocate for the perfect slice. And when it comes to Chicago, he certainly has his favorites. Here’s a look at the spots that make his list.

Jimmy’s Place

The Go-To for Tavern-Style Thin Crust

If you haven’t tried Chicago’s tavern-style pizza, you need to head straight to Jimmy’s Place in Forest Park. This place has been a staple since 1998, serving up crispy, cracker-like thin-crust pizza that Jeff Mauro can’t get enough of.

What is Tavern-Style Pizza?

Tavern-style pizza is characterized by its super thin, rolled-out dough that’s cut into squares, making it easy to eat while enjoying a pint. Unlike traditional hand-tossed pizza, tavern-style pizza holds a unique appeal for its crunch and ease of munching.

What to Order?

Jeff Mauro highly recommends the thin-crust sausage pizza at Jimmy’s. According to him, “It’s the best.”

Restaurant	Specialty	What to Order
Jimmy’s Place	Tavern-Style Thin Crust	Thin-crust sausage pizza

Pistores

Detroit-Style Delight

Located in the River North neighborhood, Pistores brings Detroit-style pizza to Chicago. If you love a good thick crust with caramelized edges, Pistores should be your next stop.

What Makes Detroit-Style Special?

Detroit-style pizza is square-shaped with a fluffy, focaccia-like texture and a thick, crispy crust. These pizzas are baked in square pans, resulting in delightful, caramelized edges that provide a delicious contrast to the soft interior.

The Genius Behind Pistores

Behind Pistores’ success is Joel Reno, a former pastry chef who, along with his wife Andrea Alvarez, crafts these marvelous thick-crust pizzas. Opening just two years ago, Pistores has quickly garnered a devoted following.

Beyond Pizza

Pistores isn’t just about pizza. They also offer an array of entrées including chicken parmesan and oxtail ragu. And given the owners’ pastry backgrounds, the dessert menu is not to be missed, featuring treats like tiramisu, cheesecake, and chocolate pudding.

Restaurant	Specialty	What to Order
Pistores	Detroit-Style Thick Crust	Detroit-style pizza, desserts like tiramisu

Old World Pizza

The Best for Stuffed Pizza

When it comes to stuffed pizza, Jeff Mauro swears by Old World Pizza in Elmwood Park. This joint has been serving up family recipes since the early 60s, and it’s a hit among the locals.

What is Stuffed Pizza?

Not to be confused with deep-dish, stuffed pizza is made with a thick, doughy crust that is packed with layers of cheese, meat, and veggies, then covered with another layer of dough and smothered with tomato sauce. The result is a hearty, satisfying meal.

Why Jeff Loves It

Jeff Mauro returns to Old World Pizza for its unbeatable stuffed pizza, calling it “unbelievable.” That’s high praise from the Sandwich King himself.

Restaurant	Specialty	What to Order
Old World Pizza	Stuffed Pizza	Traditional stuffed pizza with various toppings

Pizano’s

The Classic Chicago Deep Dish

Chicago is known globally for its deep-dish pizza, and Pizano’s is Jeff Mauro’s go-to place for this iconic dish. Pizano’s has been around since 1991, started by Rudy Malnati Jr., making it a part of the deep-dish dynasty that began with Pizzeria Uno.

What Makes Pizano’s Stand Out?

Mama Malnati’s dough recipe is a cornerstone of Pizano’s fame. Even at 90 years old, she was crafting this magical dough, which Jeff Mauro finds irresistible. Their deep-dish pizzas are stacked high with cheese, sauce, and various toppings, making each bite an indulgence.

Other Offerings

Though known for its deep-dish, Pizano’s also caters to thin-crust lovers and offers an array of classic Italian dishes, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Restaurant	Specialty	What to Order
Pizano’s	Deep-Dish Pizza	Classic deep-dish pizza, thin-crust options

Wrapping It Up

With these recommendations from Jeff Mauro, your next pizza night in Chicago is destined to be a hit. Each of these pizzerias offers something unique, whether it’s the crunch of a tavern-style thin crust, the hearty layers of stuffed pizza, or the towering joy of deep-dish.

Why Trust Jeff Mauro?

Jeff Mauro’s love for pizza is evident in the way he talks about it. He isn’t just a celebrity chef; he’s someone who cherishes the rituals and flavors that pizza brings to the table. His recommendations stem from years of experience and a palate that appreciates the finest aspects of this beloved dish.

So next time you’re in Chicago, be sure to check out these spots. Who knows, your new favorite slice might just be a visit away!