Each day in December, I’m celebrating the rest of the best bites (and sips) that I didn’t get to blog about in 2013, posted in chronological order. Browse all of this year’s Best Bites, or look back at 2012’s Best Bites.
Why it’s another 2013 Best Bite: It turns out that Pequod’s is a well-kept pizza secret among locals. It doesn’t pop up on most of the standard deep-dish lists (Giordano’s, Gino’s East, Lou Malnati’s – you know the drill), but was definitely the best version I ate all year. The key is the blackened cheese rim around the crust which gives each slice extra caramelized crunch. Huge chunks of fennel-laced Italian sausage and salty olives made excellent toppings; I’m partial to spinach as well. Take out-of-town guests here and you’ll feel like a true Chicago insider.
I also recommend reading my friend’s great account of our meal for Groupon.
The details: Pequod’s Pizza, 2207 N. Clybourn Ave., Chicago.