This is the original Pequod’s, right in my hometown. It was the location of my first ever ‘date’, where my 8 year old self rode bikes with 8 year old Joanna B, where I ordered for us and paid with carefully folded bills saved from birthdays and allowance. Afterwards we rode to Baskin Robins for ice cream.
The sauce is heavy on the fennel. The crust is rich, but still light, and satisfyingly crispy. And, of course, the signature cheese frico edge.
Right next to this place is Burt’s
Place, started by Pequod’s founder, Burt Katz, after he and his business partner had a falling out. Burt died a ways back, and I don’t think the new owners QUITE have his touch.
This is the 7” lunch special, a little personal size pie that’s just big enough without making you feel like you need a 3 week nap.
I really need to get to Pequod’s. I’m a big fan of Lou Malnati’s so that’s where we usually go when I visit my family. Last trip, I mentioned Pequod’s and my sister suggested we do Lefty’s instead - apparently the owner is a former Pequod’s employee so the pizza is similar - but we weren’t terribly impressed. I’ll push a little harder for the real deal next time as your lunch looks fantastic!
Malnati’s is a more ‘traditional’ deep dish. Pequod’s (and Burt’s Place) are more of a ‘pan’ style pizza. It lands somewhere between Chicago deep dish and a Detroit style with the cheesy edges (unsurprising. Burt was from Michigan).
Yeah, Lefty’s is the same - sort of midway between Detroit and traditional Chicago deep dish. I love both styles but I didn’t think Lucky’s did a particularly good job capturing the best parts of either style.
I haven’t been to Pequod’s since forever. Sadly was in Chicago this week and didn’t get a chance to have deep dish of any sort. I’ve got to plan better.
