Go big or go home, but we suggest you head to Big Al's Chicago Style Pizza for deep-dish tarts fresh out of the oven. With a freshness that can only be matched by the friendliness of the staff, Big Al's classic Italian food is a favorite of the locals, especially if it's their famous Chicago-style cheese pizza, with its crispy, super fluffy crust and a baked mix of oils and herbs. Big Al's also serves New York-style pizzas, so mix them up visit after visit. Be sure to try a special cake, such as Buffalo Chicken Pizza, Penne Vodka Pizza, or Virginia's Hawaiian Pineapple and Ham Pizza.
The calzones also call you by name, so try their calzone of meatballs, spinach or ricotta cheese. Locals love Big Al's and you will too. Thick doughs are the cornerstone of Archie's Bar+ Pizza cakes, which are cooked in a pan, piled up with tempting ingredients and cut into delicious squares. The Brooklyn-based establishment is run by a husband and wife team who are passionate about the perfect pizza.
Ingredients galore allow you to create your favorite cake, from hot peppers to feta cheese, pesto or Kalamata olives. Come and get the pizza but split a grinder because they're too tempting to pass up. The grinder is a classic combination improved with sticky baked mozzarella. Or try Archie's Chicken Parmesan, Sausage or Turkey Club, just be sure to leave room for a delicious slice of locally made lime pie.
If you're looking for a large, super-thick slice with texture and deep plate style, The Big Ragu in Williamsburg is the ideal place to eat pizza with a knife and fork that is cut into hearty squares, making it a meal in and of itself. The fluffy dough makes The Big Ragu's pies unique, and toppings such as meat, white clams, shishito peppers or anchovies take things to another level. Generous amounts of tasty sauce and gooey cheese make every slice delicious, but save space for your unkillable garlic knots. With three locations in Brooklyn and one in Howard Beach, La Villa Pizzeria serves pizza cakes for fans of Italian food who are just looking for the perfect portion.
Lovers of pizza with deep plates can sink their teeth into La Villa Pizzeria's Siciliana, a thick crust version of their classic Neapolitan pies. Divide a large cake or save yourself the treat with a personal small deep plate cake. Dressings abound with options such as sautéed mushrooms, fried eggplant, sweet fennel sausage, Vermont white cheddar cheese, and artichoke hearts. Don't miss out on their gourmet cakes, whether in a wood oven or in a deep dish.
And if you feel like eating pasta, their homemade pappardelle with Bolognese basil sauce are fantastic. Joumou soup is traditionally served as part of Haiti's Independence Day celebrations in January. It's the worst stereotype of what New Yorkers think Chicago pizza is: New York pizza with lots of extra bread. Even if you're a diehard fan of New York-style pizza, there's a deep dish serving that's perfect for you.
Gothamist is a website about New York City news, art, events and food, presented by New York Public Radio. According to The Spruce, Chicago-style pizza generally refers to deep-dish pizza, which is thick pizza baked in a pan and covered with layers of cheese and fillings such as meat and vegetables, and sauce, in that order. And while they may fear betraying their hometown's pizza pride, Chicago-style deep-dish pizza is an equally delicious option.
