Move over, New Jersey! Our Chicago team shares their own suburban pizza tour.
After sharing a run-down of the best pizza in the New Jersey suburbs, our Chicago team wanted to weigh in — their area, after all, is known for having amazing deep dish pizza that they claim can go toe-to-toe with NYC-area slices any day. So if you’re exploring towns this weekend, be sure and swing by these popular suburbs, each with an amazing pizza scene.
#1. Glencoe
While you’re checking out Glencoe, stop by Poppy’s Social. This hip spot calls itself “pizza with a purpose” and if you sit on one of their pink chairs you’ll soon see why. Poppy’s donates to a local charity in the name of each customer who sits in one of these vibrant seats.
But that’s just the start of why locals love Poppy’s. Their caramelized pizza crusts are crave-worthy plus they offer huge salads and a great drinks menu complete with craft cocktails and wine. It’s a short walk from the Glencoe train station making it the perfect place for commuters to meet after work. In the mood for carry out? Take their classic Chi-Town pie with you to the nearby Glencoe Beach picnic area for some al fresco dining.
#2. Northbrook
You can’t miss Barnaby’s of Northbrook when you’re in town. This old-school pizzeria has been serving their famous crispy cornmeal crust pizzas for more than 40 years. Their pies are made with 100% real mozzarella cheese and can be topped with all of the classics like mushrooms, pepperoni, sausage or onion.
Make a day of it and take the kids to the nearby Chicago Botanic Garden or Skokie Lagoons — the place for locals to go kayaking or canoeing.
#3. Glenview
When Glenview locals want something a bit lighter, they head to Pappi’s Pizza — a neighborhood favorite since 1990. Here, “pizzalads” are the name of the game. This unique salad-pizza combo is served cold on a crispy crust. (Trust us, cold pizza is way better than you might think.) The menu includes Chicken Caesar, BLT, Southwestern and Classic Pizzalads. But if you want something more traditional, their thin crust, pan and stuffed crust pizzas are also top-notch.
After, let the littles burn off some energy at the Community Park West playground or bring your pup to the dog park.
#4. La Grange
If La Grange is on your list, be sure to visit Ledo’s. This family-owned spot is huge in the community and has served made-to-order pies since 1961. They sponsor tons of youth sports teams and the party room is a popular spot for locals — and the arcade games are always a hit with the kids.
Need to satisfy a sweet tooth? Take a short drive to Andy’s Frozen Custard for a classic midwestern treat. There’s really nothing better than getting pizza and ice cream on the same day.
#5. Hinsdale
This classy (but still casual) eatery works for both date nights and family dinners. Stop by Giuliano’s while you’re in Hinsdale for a taste of their famous gourmet pizzas. If anyone in your crew is gluten-free, there’s also plenty of pasta and pizza options for them.
Giuliano’s is in the heart of town so you can keep exploring after enjoying your pie. It’s close to the train station, public library and Burlington Park (where the farmers market is held) — important spots to explore if Hinsdale is on your list.
#6. Morton Grove
Pequod’s Pizza serves authentic deep-dish Chicago-style pizza. Their award-winning pies have been featured by tons of tv shows and publications, like Food Network, Bon Appetit and USA Today. They’re so popular that they even ship their frozen pizzas nationwide but locals get to enjoy these famous pies made-to-order. If you’re stopping by for lunch, don’t miss their weekday pan pizza special.
Turn it into a family adventure and bring your bikes with you to the ‘burbs. Pequod’s Pizza is close to the scenic Miami Wood’s bike trail.
#7. Evanston
Evanston is home to a bunch of excellent pizzerias, especially in the Main-Dempster Mile District. Two standouts are Union Pizzeria and Union Squared. While they’re owned by the same people they offer very different styles of pies. Union Pizzeria serves crispy, wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas. At Union Squared, you can enjoy Detroit-style pan pizzas along with local brews in a spacious outdoor beer garden.
Both spots are a perfect jumping-off point for a day of exploring Evanston. Union Pizzeria and Union Squared are close to everything, including Trader Joe’s, the Dempster train station, and the Raymond Park playground. During your post-pizza stroll, imagine what future weekends could look like if you end up calling Evanston “home.”
Craving a slice — or a new town to call “home?” Let’s talk. Our services are 100% free.