Most of you have heard of “Chicago style” deep dish pizza. As a native Chicagoan, I’m here to tell you that we have our own thin crust pizza as well. Transplants will call it “tavern style”, but for natives it’s simply thin crust, and the pie is cut into squares instead of triangles.
The 3 places I’m introducing won’t be found in a mainstream to-do list, but I promise they’re worth your time. I grew up eating homemade pizza, so you can trust my judgement here.
D’Amatos Bakery
Located in a neighborhood formerly known as “Little Sicily”, D’amato’s has been a Chicago staple for years. They serve Italian sandwiches, sweets, freshly baked bread, arancini, and some of my favorite pizza in the city. In Italy, this style is typically served as “Pizza al Taglio”, simply meaning pizza by the slice. The original owners were from Adelfia, a small town located in the Apulia (Puglia) region of southern Italy. The family still owns the place and still uses a coal burning brick oven.
Important note – you must get your slice heated up.
The employee will most likely ask if you want your slice heated up. If not, make sure you ask. This type of pizza is designed to be eaten hot. My favorite one is with pepperoni and spicy giardiniera. If you prefer to try a different slice, go right ahead.
While you’re at it, feel free to go next door to Bari Foods, an Italian grocer with an exceptional selection of sub sandwiches. Kill two birds with one stone!
Bartoli’s Pizzeria
According to a lot of folks in the Chicago, Bartoli’s makes the deep dish pizza. I have never tried their deep dish personally, but this restaurant is my go-to for traditional thin crust.
I suggest you to request that they try to cook your pizza “well done”. This will ensure the crust isn’t too soft. It’s not a must, just a preference of mine. One of the reasons I like Bartoli’s so much is because of the flavorful marinara sauce. I generally gravitate towards pizza with good sauce, which is usually a sign of a perfected recipe.
It’s also important to note that there are 2 locations. I’ve only been to the second location at 658 N Ashland Ave in the West Town neighborhood. The original establishment is at 1955 W Addison St, about a mile (1.6 km) from Wrigley Field, the famous baseball stadium of the Chicago Cubs, accompanied by tons of bars on Clark St.
Feel free to visit the stadium and get some good pizza to go along with it!
Barnaby’s of Northbrook
Barnaby’s has been around for decades, having opened in 1969. It’s recognized for its thin, cornmeal-crust pizza and casual atmosphere where you order at the counter.
Barnaby’s was first introduced to me by my friend’s dad, who used to eat here as a kid many many years ago. It’s located in Northbrook, a suburb just outside of Chicago. It’s a bit far, but not impossible to get to. Many of you won’t make it here, but if you do, kudos for getting a taste of history and tradition.
The pizza is delicious. Under no circumstances should you order for delivery. The crust is much better when consumed fresh. The pizza is cooked to perfection, and nice and light. The texture is appetizing and leaves you wanting more.
I really enjoy eating with friends at Barnaby’s. The vibes are great and it gives me a comforting feel. Unfortunately I don’t get to come often but I make it a point to visit every once in a while.
