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Eating History

Pizza Bites: Chicago’s Pizza Identity Crisis (Deep Dish v Tavern Style)

Tuesday · 7 min
0:00-7:33

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Welcome to episode four of Pizza Bites! This week, Adrienne and Stephen tackle a fierce Midwestern debate: If Chicago is famous for deep-dish, why do most locals actually eat tavern-style pizza? Tune in to explore the 1930s neighborhood origins, the culinary differences, and the ultimate showdown between the city's two iconic pies.

In this episode:

  • The defining characteristics of tavern-style pie (crispy edges, caramelized cheese, and toppings to the rim)

  • The 1930s tavern origins and the brilliant business strategy behind the square "party cut"

  • The legendary baseball-related origin story of Home Run Inn

  • Why deep-dish became the global tourist ambassador while tavern-style remained the true hometown favorite