Pequod’s is the Best Pizza in Chicago
Here is a delightful story about pizza and a profound love for literature.
Burt Katz was a legend in the world of pizza-making celebrated for his extraordinary take on deep-dish "pan pizza." He meticulously crafted a recipe that he referred to as a culinary masterpiece, highlighting a crust that is not only substantially thick but also boasts an irresistibly crispy texture. This delightful crunch results from the careful caramelization of a generous layer of cheese, which melts and bubbles luxuriously over the edges of the pizza as it bakes in the oven, creating a golden-brown finish that's to die for.
The perfect blend of textures is matched by a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. Each slice delivers an exquisite balance of savory richness from the cheese, complemented by a rich tomato sauce infused with aromatic herbs and a medley of fresh toppings. The result is a pizza that transcends the ordinary, offering a deeply satisfying experience that is nothing short of heavenly.
In 1963, Katz opened his first pizza establishment, The Inferno, in Evanston, a vibrant college town (and home of Northwestern University) known for its lively atmosphere and eclectic dining scene. Following that venture, he launched Gulliver's in Rogers Park, a nod to Jonathan Swift's literary classic, Gulliver's Travels, where patrons enjoyed inventive pizza creations amidst a cozy, bookish ambiance. After successfully running these restaurants, Katz decided to sell them off.
In 1971, he turned his attention to a more ambitious project, opening the original Pequod's in Morton Grove, a spot that quickly garnered a loyal following for its unique deep-dish pizzas and warm, inviting decor. A few years later, Katz opened a second location in Lincoln Park, which became my go-to pizzeria for its delicious personal pies and lively neighborhood vibe, solidifying Pequod's reputation as a staple in the Chicago pizza scene.
If you've ever delved into the pages of Moby Dick, you would recognize the Pequod as the formidable whaling ship captained by the obsessed Captain Ahab. Ahab's relentless quest for vengeance against the great white whale, Moby Dick, stems from a tragic encounter in which the creature bit off his leg, leaving him with a deep-seated desire for retribution. Adding a whimsical touch, the logo features a playful whale perched with a thong on its head, embodying a blend of humor and nautical adventure.
The final pizza establishment that Burt oversaw was aptly named Burt's Place. Unfortunately, it shuttered its doors in 2015, and Burt's passing soon followed. Despite having sold off and distanced himself from the remaining locations, there's truly no other spot in Chicago that can replicate the unique flavor and character of his pizzas. Burt's Place was more than just a restaurant; it was a cherished culinary landmark that left an indelible mark on the city's food scene.
During my time in Chicago, I worked at a different pizza place (Pizza Capri on Halsted, down the street from Steppenwolf Theatre in Lincoln Park, now closed) that offered a pretty commendable deep dish. However, nothing could compare to the legendary Pequod's. Before my shifts, I would make a ritual stop there at least once a week to indulge in their delightful $5 (the price has gone up, but is still under $10!) lunch special—a charming, pan-shaped personal pizza just for me. Although I could never quite manage to polish off one of those adorable little pans in a single sitting, the nostalgia and flavor of Pequod's will forever anchor it as my go-to pizza haven whenever I find myself back in town.
Updates:
There are now technically three Pequod's locations in the Chicagoland area: the North Clybourn location in Lincoln Park (where they've expanded next door as Whale Ale!) and the Morton Grove location.
Whaaaa!? Pequod's now delivers frozen deep-dish pan-style pizza nationwide!
Photo via Pequodspizza.com.
