Illinois Restaurant Crowned America’s Top Pizza Spot for 2024

I don't know how to handle this news. On one hand, I am delighted Illinois is getting some new recognition.

On the other hand, I feel like it's generated due to a TV show.

Don't get me wrong, I love the show that it's featured on so I am very conflicted.

It's just I have seen so many of these lists either forget altogether to mention how awesome the pizza is in our state or the list will mention a place or two only to push them down in favor of a pizza joint from some nonpizza city or state like Phoenix, Arizona for example.

Anyway, I guess I should just be glad that Yelp and their Top 100 Pizza Spots According to Yelp Elites 2024 even noticed Pequod's Pizza.

Yelp:

When a pizza appears on 2 seasons of TV’s chef-focused series “The Bear,” you know it must be something special.

If you haven't watched The Bear, set aside a few hours and get caught up. I mean, you're here, right? You love food. The Bear is about food. There's more to it than that but food is at the center of the award-winning show.

Started in the suburb of Morton Grove (where there’s still a location) by the late Burt Katz in 1971, Pequod’s developed a cult following early on. The current owners took over in the mid-1980s, expanding the menu and opening the now-famous Lincoln Park restaurant.

Yelp reviewer Bee B. says Pequod's "can seem a little divey; especially because it's in an older building" but "it adds to the charm."

Angela L. adds Pequod's lives up to the hype" while the pizza was "absolutely delicious." Nick B. says the "carmelized cheese crust makes the magic happen."

Buyer beware though, as your mileage may vary when it comes to the pizza from Pequod's as some customers didn't have an evening quite as "magical."

Virgilynn B. said they regretted going to Peqouds' for their last meal during a visit to Chicago. The pizza was referred to as "mediocre" and the service" worse than the food."

You can't make everyone happy, even if you're considered the best pizza spot in America.

Pequod's is located at 2207 North Clybourn Street in Chicago.