Two in Chicago and another two in Wisconsin. Your weekend plans are set before you even know it.
Eat This, Not That asked working chefs where they go for a fantastic slice of pizza. The answers spanned all parts of the United States, and four of the picks were in the Midwest. If you needed any more sign to order pizza tonight, here you go.
Chicago’s Top Pizza Picks
Pequod’s at 2207 North Clybourn Street
If you love deep-dish pizza, this is your chance to quiet all the haters. Multiple chefs have singled out Pequod’s for its caramelized crust, which hugs the pan and turns every slice into a cheese and sauce avalanche. One chef called it a perfect Chicago deep dish with an unreal crust. Decor that has not changed in 50 years. Pizza that does not need to.
Spacca Napoli Pizzeria at 1769 West Sunnyside Avenue
If you want the real deal Neapolitan, this is the stop. Chefs went wild over the authenticity of the place, the San Marzano tomatoes, and the kind of crust you only get from a wood-fired oven run by people who genuinely care. One chef even shouted that the team hands out slices to folks waiting for a table. That tells you everything about the Spacca Napoli and the confidence in their pizza.
Wisconsin’s Top Pizza Picks
Ian’s Pizza at 100 State Street in Madison, 319 North Frances Street, and 3241 Garver Green, Suite 121.
It’s the pizza joint that saves late-night and last-minute family dinners. Chefs rave about Ian’s dedication to dough and consistency. You can go classic or get weird with your pizza. Regardless, the crust at Ian’s always shows out.
Wells Brothers Pizza at 2148 Mead Street in Racine.
This place has been around for over 100 years and offers pure tavern-style pizza delight. Thin, square cut, and crackly, chefs say the nostalgia and monthly specialty pizzas will make you want to take bite after bite. This place feels like a time machine with a delicious pizza waiting for you at the end of the ride.
See the Midwest’s Best Pizza Spots
Pequod’s deep-dish pepperoni pizza in Chicago, known for its caramelized crust.
Spacca Napoli in Chicago serves true Neapolitan pizza baked in a wood-fired oven with fresh basil, mozzarella, and San Marzano tomatoes.
Ian’s Pizza in Madison is known for its creative pies, including the fan-favorite mac-and-cheese slice that keeps locals coming back.
Wells Brothers Pizza in Racine has been serving thin, square-cut tavern pies for more than a century. Locals love specialty creations like this jalapeño bacon masterpiece.
Why These Pizza Joints Made The Cut
Chefs are looking for more than hype when it comes to their pizza; they’re about dough that tastes like something, sauce with some balance, and shops that do the same thing every day. Chicago’s old-school skill shows up, and Wisconsin’s tavern-style pride makes an impression. The truth is, Midwest pizza holds up against any pizza joint in America…