Pizza Quest Underway

In case you haven’t been following me on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook, you probably haven’t realized there’s a Pizza Quest underway. It all started last weekend, after I read a particularly troubling listicle of the city’s hottest pizzas. I figured since I did the Ultimate Italian Beef Roundup in the Spring, and I’ve never tackled pizza, now would be as good a time as any. What I didn’t realize was how many more pizza places there were, and how many styles I would have to cover (tavern, thin, pan, deep, Neapolitan). So I’m on my way, so to speak, having covered about a dozen this week. I figure I’ll hit 40 – 50 places in all, when it’s done, and hopefully will have the results for you here right after Labor Day. The plan is to break up categories into THICK and THIN, with subclassifications like “tavern-style” “thin” and “Neapolitan” vs. “deep” “stuffed” and “pan.” Until then, keep your suggestions coming!

29 responses to “Pizza Quest Underway
  1. If you get out to the western burbs check out Cassano’s (Downers Grove or Naperville) and Roberto’s in Elmhurst. Both have excellent thin crust and order it well done.
    Long time favorite Armand’s in Elmhurst – but they have expanded to other locations – is another excellent thin crust pizza.

  2. I’m a simple man.

    D’Agastino’s does it for me with their thin crust, square cut, slightly sweet sauced pizza. Tavern style.

  3. Al’s pizza in Warrenville for old school thin pizza. Some of the best anywhere. Fasanos pizza in Justice also rocks it out (carryout only)

  4. You have to try Capri Pizza in Chicago’s South (far south) side!!!! 88th and Commercial Ave to be exact! Best dough, best cheese, best sauce and best toppings in our parts!!!! You won’t be disappointed and you’ll wonder why this wasn’t the first stop on your pizza quest! Hope to see you there real soon!!!

  5. Best Kept Secret in the Suburbs… “Bertolli’s River Pizza” You have to head to River Forest to have the best pizza you will ever eat! Whether you order thin, pan, stuffed you will not be disappointed! Let me recommend a secret pizza not on their menu it’s called the “Flying Saucer” order it with sausage, spinach, and garlic and you will be there once a week for it. A true Italian pizzeria from the pizza to the commentary you will hear from the owners in the back – you will leave satisfied and full of laughs!

  6. Have you tried the White Pizza varieties at the Candlelight on North Western Ave near the border with Evanston? Very thin and delicious. They also have nice draft beer selections.

  7. I love all types at Art of Pizza near Barry and Ashland. In ‘burbs, I like Parmesans on Lincoln Hwy in Frankfort.

    1. I did look at the map. Searched “Chicago” and only saw 10 places. Not exactly a thorough effort.

      1. Steve,

        Thanks for checking out the map. I think an explanation would help quantify the effort you mentioned. Forza Pizza is not my own review site or blog or pizzeria tracker. It’s a social pizza network open to the public to add a pizzeria, like photos, comment, and connect with fellow pizza lovers. It’s based entirely on the pictures as you can see.

        It’s been live for only four months and has collected over 1,500 pizza pics and over 120 pizzerias from the 100+ users around the world. So, it is a fast growing group effort to showcase the world’s greatest food. This is only the beginning!

        I understand I only get one first impression. I take your feedback seriously and I’m sorry I didn’t impress. I appreciate your visit and if you give it a second chance, I encourage you to zoom in and out of the map on your desired area. You will have a better experience and it will help you find hidden gems like Adreani’s in Des Plaines. Of course, if you want to contribute in any way, all you have to do is sign up!

        Thank you very much. I look forward to hearing from you.

        -Alberto

  8. Gotta try Louisa’s in Crestwood the best pan pizza ever ! Hidden gem on the south side ! Buttery crust and fresh tomatoes fresh ingredients .

  9. Love the deep dish pizza . Been a loyal customer for years . They only use high quality ingredients and you can tell the difference and the crust is the best ever I can just eat all the crust off the pizza and be happy

  10. Saw a recent show where you featured Ted’s Pizza in Elgin. I have tried many ways to find a listing but to no avail. Could I impose on you to send me their address and phone number. I think it was on Main Street and yet, everyone tells me that there is no Main Street in Elgin. Please help. Thanks.

  11. Perhaps you should blog under the table about what you dislike as you did at Charlie Trotter. about the one you hate….not what you ate. You don’t belong to the food industry, that also is a mistake.

    1. Not sure I understand. I’ve been commenting all along, after every one of the 74 pizza places I’ve visited on this experiment.

  12. Just Had Ed and Joes Pizza in Tinley Park, last night the thin pizza crust was excellent and sauce and cheese just melted in yout mouth. Just try it you will love it!

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