The Unassuming Illinois Pizza Spot Serving Deep Dish Worth Crossing The State For
Pequod’s Pizza in Illinois doesn’t shout for attention, but anyone who discovers it knows a secret worth sharing.
Its deep-dish pies are a perfect balance of crispy crust, rich sauce, and gooey cheese, making it a destination in itself.
Locals and travelers alike swear it’s worth crossing the state just to taste a slice. One bite, and you understand why this unassuming spot has earned legendary status among pizza lovers.
1. Pizza Legend’s Creation
Burt Katz wasn’t just another guy with a pizza recipe. This mustachioed mastermind launched Pequod’s in 1971 in Morton Grove, bringing his unique vision to life in a converted house.
The humble beginnings never hinted at the pizza empire that would follow. Katz’s dedication to perfection created a legacy that continues decades after that first pie emerged from his ovens.
2. The Famous Caramelized Crust
Nothing prepares first-timers for that first bite of Pequod’s signature crust.
The magical ring of caramelized cheese creates a crispy, blackened “halo” around each pan-style deep dish that’s instantly recognizable to pizza aficionados.
This isn’t burnt cheese; it’s intentional perfection. The cheese wall climbs up the sides of the pan during baking, transforming into a sweet-savory crust that’s worth every calorie.
3. Literary Namesake With Depth
Literature buffs appreciate that this pizza haven shares its name with Captain Ahab’s doomed vessel from Moby-Dick.
The Pequod was a whaling ship in Herman Melville’s classic novel before becoming synonymous with pizza excellence.
While the fictional ship met a tragic fate, its culinary namesake continues sailing smoothly through decades of pizza history.
The literary connection adds an unexpected layer of depth to an already remarkable pizza story.
4. Chicago’s Double Pizza Presence
Success bred expansion when Pequod’s added a second location in Chicago’s bustling Lincoln Park neighborhood.
The N. Clybourn spot brings the same pizza magic to city dwellers who can’t make the pilgrimage to Morton Grove. Both locations maintain the same recipes and quality standards.
The Chicago location’s urban energy complements the suburban charm of the original, creating a perfect pizza one-two punch for the metropolitan area.
5. America’s Pizza Royalty
Trophy cases must be getting crowded at Pequod’s these days. The pizzeria regularly lands on “best of” lists nationally, but 2024 brought the ultimate crown when Yelp named it America’s #1 pizza spot.
Critics and everyday diners agree on Pequod’s excellence. The restaurant maintains its humble vibe despite the accolades, focusing on consistent quality rather than flashy marketing or gimmicks.
6. House-Turned-Pizza Haven
Pull up to 8520 Fernald Avenue in Morton Grove and you might think you’re visiting someone’s home.
That’s because the original Pequod’s operates from a converted house, giving it an intimate, neighborly feel unlike chain restaurants.
The homey atmosphere extends beyond the architecture. Regulars are greeted by name, and first-timers quickly feel like part of the family in this unassuming structure that happens to produce world-class pizza.
7. Beyond The Pan: Thin Crust Excellence
Obsession with the famous pan pizza sometimes overshadows Pequod’s equally impressive thin crust offering.
The crispy, perfectly balanced alternative proves the kitchen’s versatility beyond their deep dish claim to fame. Thin crust purists find plenty to love here.
The same quality ingredients and attention to detail that made the deep dish famous translate beautifully to this lighter style, giving pizza lovers options regardless of their crust preferences.