Chicago's pizza story is really a collection of neighborhood stories. Here is a tour of the areas that shaped the city's pizza culture.
The South Side
Chicago's South Side is ground zero for tavern-style thin-crust pizza. Neighborhoods like Bridgeport, Beverly, and Mount Greenwood are home to pizzerias that have been family-owned for decades, serving cracker-crisp, square-cut pies that define the style. The South Side tavern pizza tradition is arguably the purest expression of Chicago's pizza identity.
Taylor Street and Little Italy
The Taylor Street corridor in the Near West Side was the heart of Chicago's Italian-American community. While much of the neighborhood has changed, the pizza legacy lives on. Some of Chicago's oldest pizzerias trace their roots to Italian families who settled here in the early 20th century.
The North Side
The North Side has its own tavern pizza institutions, along with some of the city's most famous deep-dish restaurants. Neighborhoods like Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, and Lakeview have a mix of classic tavern joints and newer pizza concepts. The North Side is where deep-dish became a tourist attraction.
The Northwest Side
Neighborhoods like Edison Park, Norwood Park, and Jefferson Park are home to pizza spots that have served generations of families. These are the kind of places where the owner knows your name and your regular order. Many of our recipes and traditions at Mad Pizza draw inspiration from these neighborhood institutions.
The Suburbs
Chicago's pizza culture extends well into the suburbs. Some of the most beloved thin-crust pizzerias are in suburban towns surrounding the city, carrying the same traditions that started in the neighborhoods.
Bringing It to Hollywood
At Mad Pizza, we bring the spirit of the Chicago neighborhood pizzeria to 211 N 21st Ave in Hollywood, FL. Our 4-generation sauce recipe, hand-shredded mozzarella, and commitment to quality honor the tradition that made Chicago pizza great. Call (754) 275-8466 and taste that tradition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the pizza capital of Chicago?
Chicago does not have a single pizza capital, but the South Side is most associated with the tavern-style thin-crust tradition. Every neighborhood has its own iconic pizzerias and pizza personality.
Where did Chicago thin-crust pizza originate?
Chicago thin-crust tavern-style pizza originated in the neighborhood taverns of the South Side and other working-class areas in the mid-20th century, where Italian-American families created pizza as shareable bar food.
Does Mad Pizza represent a specific Chicago neighborhood style?
Mad Pizza draws from the overall Chicago tavern-style thin-crust tradition with influences from the neighborhood pizzerias that defined the style. Our 4-generation sauce recipe and approach honor this tradition at 211 N 21st Ave in Hollywood, FL.
Ready to Taste the Difference?
Order authentic Chicago thin-crust pizza from Mad Pizza. Every slice supports veterans through our LEGION partnership.