If you're visiting Chicago for business or on a vacation, getting a famous deep-dish pizza should be on your list of things to do before you leave. While you'll notice Chicago-style pizza at the airport upon your arrival, you should forgo the temptation and, instead, visit any of the Windy City's famous pizza restaurants to get an authentic deep-dish pizza. If you haven't previously experienced this style of pie, it's time to throw your preconceived ideas about pizza into Lake Michigan — Chicago deep-dish pizza is in a class of its own. Here are three things that you'll need to know about this type of pizza.
Traditional Is Best
While there are plenty of Chicago pizza restaurants that offer their diners a new take on this classic style of pizza, it's a good idea to go for a traditional pie to truly give yourself an opportunity to evaluate this unique style of pizza. Traditional Chicago deep-dish pizza doesn't go overboard with its use of ingredients. Generally, you'll find that tomato sauce, cheese, and either pepperoni or sausage — the latter is especially popular in the city — are all that sits in the deep crust. While other ingredients can certainly be tasty, going with a traditional pie is your best choice.
Don't Be Afraid Of Utensils
In some parts of the country, pizza is made to be eaten with your bare hands. In New York, for example, using a fork to enjoy your slice is a major no-no. In Chicago, however, you don't need to worry about such rules. Although some people choose to eat their deep-dish slices with their bare hands, there's absolutely no shame in using a knife and fork to enjoy your pie. In fact, you'll find that doing so is much easier than using your hands, given the high sauce content of this style of pizza.
Dine In, Rather Than Get Delivery
In Chicago, there are plenty of pizza restaurants that offer delivery. You may thus feel compelled to have a pie delivered to your hotel. However, you'll be short-changing yourself by opting for delivery instead of choosing to dine in. Chicago deep-dish pizza is at its best when it's hot and fresh out of the oven, and dining in gives you the best opportunity to enjoy this type of pie. Additionally, the city's many famed pizza restaurants offer cozy accommodations and an enticing energy that you won't find elsewhere.
