Pequod’s
2207 N. Clybourn, Chicago IL; Phone 773-327-1512
Date of Review: October, 2007
This place screams “classic pizza parlor”. They used to have a hard rock atmosphere with a décor reminiscent of a 1970’s Three’s Company episode, but they have updated things resulting in a much more cozy and amenable place to enjoy a meal for those that don’t want to hear Metallica playing in the background. It was a good change but it doesn’t change the classic pizza parlor atmosphere that still rings through. They also have a party room upstairs that will hold nearly 40 people.
This place is pure pizza. Sure, they have some sandwiches, appetizers and salads on the menu but so does every pizza place. Whether you go thin or opt for the thicker pan style pizza, both are outstanding. There is no Chicago style pizza.
For appetizers, they have all the standbys including garlic bread, jalapeno poppers, mozzarella sticks and fried mushrooms. I have tried a few and they are all about what you would expect. I do recommend the Pequod’s salad for some roughage before you bury your digestive system with cheese, white bread, sauce and whatever else you decide to toss into the mix.
That brings us to the primary reason that anyone visits Pequod’s and that is for the pizza. The thicker pan style pizza is baked in cast iron pans that look like they have been around for a while and it makes things taste all the better. I usually opt for a pizza loaded with mushrooms, onions, fresh tomatoes and either sausage or pepperoni. The key to the pan pizza is the cheese that emerges from the pan and melts into the crust, caramelizing the edges and offering a wonderfully unique contrast to the cheese, sauce and other chosen toppings. Some people prefer the crispy pepperoni which gets a bit toasty in the oven but the sausage is some of the best you will find on a pizza in Chicago.
The thin crust pizza isn’t crispy thin, but chewy thin and is also very impressive. The thin crust pizza is served cut in squares as opposed to triangle slices (which the pan is cut into) and a few pieces of thin seem to take you a long way.
Pequod’s prices are on the high end of average. It certainly isn’t cheap but you get what you pay for. A 16 inch (large) thin crust with cheese is $13.95 and it is an additional $2.90 per topping. The large pan goes for $16.95 and it is an additional $2.50 per topping.
This is the best traditional American pizza spot in Chicago. I really believe that. You can have the novelty Chicago style pizza all you want. Most people I know would rather talk about Chicago style pizza than actually subject themselves to eating it anyway. Just put a Pequod’s pan (preferably) or thin style pizza in front of me as this is as good as it gets when it comes to pizza.
This is that neighborhood kind of place that gets passed on from one generation to the next if you are lucky enough to know it exists. Well, now you are that lucky.
