Pequod's Pizza, a stalwart of the Chicago dining scene, has been crowned the best pizza in America by Yelp, causing a surge in popularity and leaving even the restaurant's own staff astounded by their newfound title, NBC Chicago reported. Known for its caramelized cheese crust, the pizzeria has responded to its top ranking with humble appreciation, thanking its loyal customers for their unwavering support and promising to uphold their standards of excellence.
According to Manager Mario Castro, "It is insane. I cannot believe we got this far but I am glad we got first place," Castro expressed amazement at the recognition and attributed the win to their signature cheesy edges; Pequod's experienced a boom in business, cranking out 400 pizzas on a recent Friday night alone, the popular restaurant, adorned with ties to Chicago's rich pizza heritage, was also featured on the Hulu show "The Bear," further cementing its status in the local culinary landscape.
Pequod's surge in demand has not only cemented its status in its hometown of Chicago, but the pizzeria is also making waves throughout the suburbs, scheduling pop-up events that are quickly selling out, according to NBC Chicago. While Chicagoans are familiar with the beloved spot, the Yelp accolade has introduced Pequod's to a wider audience, looking to taste what the hype is all about.
The story of Pequod's began over half a century ago in Morton Grove, founded by Burt Katz, who made his mark on the city's pizza scene before selling Pequod's in 1986 to pursue other ventures, CBS Chicago recounted. Named after the whaling ship in "Moby Dick," the pizzeria prides itself on offering a unique take on pizza, focusing on the crisp and chewy texture of their pan pizza which strays from traditional Chicago deep-dish definitions, General Manager Sean Asbra said: "We call it pan pizza, but really, it's just our pizza: a unique take on traditional Chicago pizza. "It's thick, with a soft bready center, a crispy bottom, and a caramelized cheese crust around the edge," Pequod's still honors its roots and continues to evolve as evidenced by this recent nod from Yelp that has generated both local and national attention.
Flanked by other renowned Chicago eateries like Piece Brewery and Pizza and Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Company in the Yelp top 100 list, Pequod's now stands as a testament to the city's diverse and rich pizza culture; their success reflects not only a timeless recipe but an ability to resonate with a modern audience hungry for a slice of tradition with a cheesy, caramelized twist.
