Dreaming of that perfect, cheesy, deep-dish slice without leaving the Twin Cities? You’re in luck! Minneapolis boasts a vibrant food scene, and while it’s known for its own unique culinary offerings, the desire for authentic Chicago style pizza Minneapolis MN is definitely being met by a handful of dedicated establishments. Forget the thin crust and flimsy slices; we’re talking about a pizza that’s practically a casserole, a culinary masterpiece layered with cheese, toppings, and a rich tomato sauce.
So, can you find legitimate Chicago-style pizza in Minneapolis? Absolutely! This guide will take you on a delicious journey to discover the best spots serving up that iconic deep-dish goodness right here in the Twin Cities. Get ready to loosen your belt and prepare for a pizza experience unlike any other.
What Exactly Is Chicago Style Pizza? Defining the Deep Dish Dream
Before we dive into the best places to find Chicago style pizza Minneapolis MN, let’s break down what truly makes this pizza so special. It’s more than just a pizza; it’s an experience, a culinary event, a cheesy, saucy, deep-dish dream come true. Several key characteristics set it apart from other pizza styles you might be familiar with.
The Crust: A Buttery Foundation
The crust is arguably the most crucial element of Chicago-style pizza. It’s not your typical thin, crispy base. Instead, it’s a thick, buttery, and slightly flaky crust that rises up the sides of a deep pan, creating a well to hold all those delicious toppings. Think of it almost like a pie crust, but with a slightly more robust flavor. Some recipes incorporate cornmeal into the dough for added texture and a subtle sweetness.
Layering: An Inside-Out Approach
Forget what you know about topping pizza. Chicago-style pizza follows a specific layering order that’s almost the reverse of what you’d expect. First comes the cheese, a generous layer of mozzarella that stretches and melts into a gooey, flavorful base. Then comes the toppings, piled high with your favorite ingredients, from pepperoni and sausage to vegetables and beyond. Finally, the sauce is ladled on top, creating a vibrant, tangy finish.
Sauce: Chunky and Abundant
The sauce on a Chicago-style pizza isn’t just an afterthought; it’s a star ingredient. It’s typically a chunky, slightly sweet tomato sauce, often seasoned with herbs and spices. The chunky texture adds another layer of depth and complexity to the pizza, making each bite a burst of flavor. The sauce’s placement on top prevents the crust from becoming soggy during the long baking time required for this deep-dish creation.
Cheese: Mozzarella Reigns Supreme
While variations exist, mozzarella is the cheese of choice for Chicago-style pizza. Its mild flavor and excellent melting properties make it the perfect complement to the rich sauce and savory toppings. The thick layer of cheese provides a creamy, satisfying base that ties all the flavors together.
How does it differ from the New York slice or the Detroit square? New York style emphasizes a thin, foldable crust. Detroit style leans into a thick and airy crust, sauced after the bake. Chicago Style Pizza Minneapolis MN, when done right, aims for that buttery, almost pie-like crust with layers of flavor throughout.
Why do people love it? It’s rich, hearty, and satisfying. Every bite is a symphony of textures and flavors, from the crispy crust to the gooey cheese to the chunky sauce. It’s a meal in itself, perfect for sharing (or not!).
Top Chicago Style Pizza Spots in Minneapolis MN The Heart of the Search
Alright, let’s get to the good stuff. Here are some of the best places to find authentic or inspired Chicago style pizza Minneapolis MN. Keep in mind that pizza is subjective, and what one person loves, another might not. But these restaurants consistently deliver quality and flavor that are sure to satisfy your deep-dish cravings.
Pizzeria Lola: A Minneapolis Icon with a Deep Dish Secret
Pizzeria Lola isn’t exclusively a Chicago-style pizza joint, but this is one place to get a great deep dish that does justice to the format. Known for its wood-fired pizzas and eclectic atmosphere, Pizzeria Lola also offers a delicious deep-dish option that captures the essence of Chicago-style. With high-quality ingredients, and thoughtful preparation, Pizzeria Lola offers a satisfyingly deep dish experience.
Why it Stands Out: Pizzeria Lola blends classic deep dish inspiration with a modern flair. Their use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients elevates the pizza to a whole new level. They maintain focus on quality of ingredients and technique.
Must-Try Pizza: Order the Sunnyside Up with bacon, gruyere and egg!
Address: 5557 Xerxes Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55410 Phone Number: (612) 424-8338 Website: https://www.pizzerialola.com/
Black Sheep Coal Fired Pizza: A Charred Crust Contender
Black Sheep Coal Fired Pizza offers a different approach to pizza, they don’t specialize in Chicago pizza. Their pizzas are cooked in a coal-fired oven, resulting in a slightly charred and smoky crust. While not strictly Chicago-style, their deep-dish offerings share similar characteristics, such as a thick crust and generous toppings, providing a hearty alternative for those seeking a filling pizza experience.
Why it Stands Out: The coal-fired oven adds a unique flavor profile to their pizzas. Black Sheep is known for high quality and inventive pizzas, making it a popular destination for Minneapolis pizza lovers.
Must-Try Pizza: Go for their classic pepperoni and sausage pizza. You will be satisfied!
Address: Multiple Locations (refer to their website) Phone Number: Varies by location Website: https://blacksheeppizza.com/
Giordano’s: The Chicago Chain in a Nearby State
Okay, this one’s a bit of a cheat since Giordano’s isn’t directly located *in* Minneapolis. However, if you’re truly craving the quintessential Chicago deep dish experience, a trip to the closest Giordano’s in a neighboring state (like Wisconsin or Illinois) might be worth the drive. Giordano’s is a renowned Chicago-based chain known for its stuffed pizza, a variation of deep-dish that features an even thicker layer of cheese and toppings.
Why it Stands Out: Giordano’s is an institution when it comes to Chicago-style pizza. Their stuffed pizza is legendary for its layers of cheese, sauce, and fillings.
Must-Try Pizza: Of course, you have to try their classic stuffed pizza. Prepare to be amazed!
Address: Varies by location (check their website) Website: https://giordanos.com/
When choosing, remember price range, family friendliness or a more adult atmosphere. Consider also location and delivery to help decide where to find your best Chicago Style Pizza Minneapolis MN!
Beyond the Slice: More to Explore in the Chicago Food Scene
While you’re on the hunt for Chicago style pizza Minneapolis MN, why not explore other Chicago-inspired dishes? Some restaurants might offer Italian beef sandwiches, another Chicago staple, featuring thinly sliced beef simmered in a flavorful broth and served on a roll. While they can be more difficult to find, any place serving an authentic deep dish pie might also feature Chicago-style hot dogs. You can also try your hand at DIY with several resources online! Try to get all the details correct, from the crust, layering and chunky sauce!
Conclusion: Your Minneapolis Deep Dish Adventure Awaits
So there you have it: your guide to finding the best Chicago style pizza Minneapolis MN. While it may require a little bit of searching and perhaps a short road trip, the reward is a slice of deep-dish heaven that will transport you straight to the Windy City. The quest for the ideal Chicago Style Pizza Minneapolis MN can lead to great experiences in the city!
Don’t be afraid to try different places and explore new flavors. Pizza is a personal preference, and what one person loves, another might not. The most important thing is to find a pizza that you enjoy and that satisfies your cravings.
Now it’s your turn! Have you tried any of these restaurants? What are your favorite Chicago-style pizza spots in Minneapolis? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
