PIZZA CRAWL REVIEWS
cHICAGO, il
PIZZA CRAWL REVIEWS
cHICAGO, il
PIZZA CRAWL REVIEWS
cHICAGO, il

Restaurant Review

We went to Chicago to find the best pizza…

Not the kind that coasts on reputation. Not the Instagram-famous, sauce-too-thin, crust-too-thick kind. We were after the real deal—pizza that hits you with flavor and leaves you wondering if every other slice you’ve had was just playing dress-up. Armed with high expectations and a tolerance for regret, we visited five spots in one day. Some impressed. Some didn’t. Here’s what actually went down—with zero sugarcoating and just enough grease.

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Pequod's

Destination - Chicago, Illinois

Overall Rating: 4.63 Stars
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The review system used above is solely created through Destinations We Know.

Pequod’s: A Deep Dish Drama with a Caramelized Plot Twist

Pequod’s Pizza in Chicago delivers a deep-dish experience that stands out for all the right reasons. The butter crust is thick and chewy, with a caramelized outer edge that’s packed with flavor and texture. We ordered the sausage and pepperoni, and the layering was exactly what you hope for—gooey cheese, vibrant tomato sauce, and crisp, flavorful meats all working in harmony. The sausage had great seasoning, the pepperoni curled and crisped slightly at the edges, and that edge crust was the best part: perfect carmelization that one would dream about. Blackened but not burnt tasting.  How is that even possible?  Important to note that while many of us found that It was completely addictive, one person in our group was not a fan. Overall the pizza holds together well without being overly greasy or heavy. The dining room has a casual, energetic vibe, and service moves quickly. Pequod’s deserves its reputation—it’s the kind of place you look forward to going back to.

Alright, buckle up—because Pequod’s is not your run-of-the-mill, “I just need something to soak up my regrets” kind of pizza. No, this is deep dish with a PhD in caramelization and a minor in blowing minds. 

First off, the crust. Let’s talk caramelized. Not like “oh it’s a little toasty”—I mean full-blown, edge-of-the-pan, crispy, golden brown sorcery. It’s the kind of crust that makes you forget your own name for a second. Seriously, it should be in a museum… or at least a moody food documentary narrated by Morgan Freeman.

Now, the sauce—it’s got a little acidity. A zippy little punch that balances all that molten richness sitting on top. Like it’s there to cut through the intensity and say, “Hey buddy, I got you. We’re in this together.”

Cheese? Yes. A lake of it. A gooey, glorious cheese lake where dreams go to do backstrokes.

The sausage is where things get… interesting. Flavor? Great. Fat content? Let’s just say it’s living its best life. It’s richer than a tech bro in 2012. A little too fatty for my taste, but hey, not everyone’s chasing lean meat goals on pizza night. Respect.

But let’s be clear—what makes Pequod’s shine like a grease-streaked star in the pizza sky is that crust. That caramelization. It’s not just good—it’s spectacular. Twice. Because I need you to really hear it.

Pan. Pizza. Royalty.

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Pizz'amici

Destination - Chicago, Illinois

Overall Rating: 4.56 Stars
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The review system used above is solely created through Destinations We Know.

Pizz’amici: A Love Letter with Cheese

Pizza Amici delivered one of the best thin crust pizzas I’ve had in a long time. The crust was exactly how it should be—ultra-thin, but not cracker-crispy or floppy. It held up beautifully under the toppings, maintaining just enough crispness to support the generous layer of sausage without losing its structure. And that sausage? It had to be homemade. The flavor was rich, perfectly seasoned, and so authentic it felt like something you’d find in a small family-run pizzeria in Italy. It wasn’t greasy or bland—every bite was packed with depth. The sauce was another highlight: bright, balanced, and seasoned to perfection. It had a touch of natural sweetness without being sugary and avoided that overly acidic bite some sauces fall into. The cheese was used with restraint, melted evenly across the top, enhancing the flavor rather than smothering it. This pizza was a hit with our whole group—everyone kept going back for more. Pizza Amici absolutely nailed the balance of ingredients, texture, and flavor. It’s the kind of place you find yourself thinking about days later, and one I’ll return to anytime I’m nearby.

I had Pizz’amici again—and honestly, it still hits like the first time. This isn’t just pizza anymore, it’s a ritual. Every bite reminds me why I keep coming back. It’s comforting, consistent, and somehow still surprises me with how good it is. Like catching up with an old friend who just gets you—only crispier and covered in cheese.

 

Let’s talk about the crust. It’s cracker-thin, but don’t mistake that for weak. This thing’s got structure—cool under pressure, sharp where it counts. If crusts had secret agents, this one’s wearing a tux and defusing bombs. It’s crisp, it’s flavorful, and it’s actually earning its spot—not just moonlighting as a glorified plate.

The sauce? Absolute gold. Rich and smooth, with just enough attitude to stand out without stealing the spotlight. It’s the kind of sauce that shows up on time, does its job, and makes everyone around it better.

 

Now the cheese. This isn’t your usual melt-and-forget-it situation. It’s a flavorful blend with character—sharp, savory, and layered. Like a good book or a well-aged opinion, it sticks with you. It’s not here to be creamy; it’s here to be memorable.

 

But the sausage? It makes me question every previous sausage I’ve ever known. It’s elite. High society in meat form. Each piece could probably run for mayor and win.

Yes, the slices are small. But you need three to get the full experience. Like a trilogy. You wouldn’t watch just one Lord of the Rings movie, would you?

Bottom line: I don’t know why I’d eat any other pizza after this. Seriously. I think I’m in a committed pizza relationship now.

Final Score: 4.56

Pizz’amici, call me.

 
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Other Contendors

* Did not Make Destinations We know Recommendation score of 4.0 Or above
 
Pizano’s
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Malnati’s
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D’amatos
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Pequod’s

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Pequod’s

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