This IL Pizzeria Makes 'Must-Visit' List — And It's Not Deep Dish

CHICAGO, IL — Well-regarded cooking magazine "Food & Wine" scoured the country to compile a list of bucket list-worthy pizzerias, and found one restaurant in the Prairie State that made the cut.

America is in a golden age of pizza, according to "Food & Wine," as chefs across the country came out of the pandemic itching to try out new tactics for making the classic dish. The magazine said American pizza has never been better than right now.

"Italian immigrants brought pizza to the States in the early 20th century, where it was popularized as an affordable and adaptable dish, leading to the rise of iconic regional styles in New York, Chicago, Detroit, New Haven and even California," Food & Wine said.

Coming in third on the list of 10 pizzerias, Bungalow by Middle Brow in Chicago was lauded for its fresh take on tavern-style pizza. Before adding pizza and natural wine to the menu, Middle Brow started out as a brewery.

The establishment makes its own beer, wine, bread and pizza dough entirely from sources in Illinois and surrounding Midwest states.

"Most of the week, the Neapolitan-ish pies rock local veggies, from pickled ramps with barbecue bacon to rainbow chard, green garlic, and goat cheese. The pizzeria specifically serves crunchy, cracker-thin, tavern-style pizza on Tuesdays, cut into small, snackable squares," said Food & Wine, which calls itself "the global authority on food and drink culture."

"Food & Wine: gives the top nod to John's of Bleeker Street in New York. Rounding out the top five pizzerias are L'industrie in Brooklyn, New York; Bungalow by Middle Brow in Chicago; Buddy's Pizza in Detroit, Michigan; and Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana in New Haven, Connecticut.

The rest of the list includes:

• Razza Pizza Artigianale in Jersey City
• Quarter Sheets in Los Angeles
• Outta Sight in San Francisco
• Rose Pizzeria in Berkeley
• Lovely’s Fifty Fifty in Portland, Oregon