Crafting Chicago's Legendary Deep Dish Since 1971
More than fifty years of passion, tradition, and the most caramelized crust you'll ever taste — this is the story of Pequod's Pizza.
Born in Chicago,
Loved Worldwide
It all began in 1971 when founder Burt Katz set out to create something truly extraordinary — a deep dish pizza unlike anything Chicago had ever tasted. His secret? A caramelized, buttery crust that forms naturally against the cast-iron pan, giving Pequod's its unmistakable signature edge.
Nestled in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood on Clybourn Avenue, Pequod's has grown from a beloved local secret to a nationally recognized institution — featured in every major food publication and on the bucket list of pizza lovers across the globe.
Cast-Iron Perfection
Our dough is hand-pressed into seasoned cast-iron pans and baked to golden, caramelized perfection — a technique unchanged since 1971.
Farm-Fresh Ingredients
We source only the finest locally grown vegetables, hand-crushed tomatoes, and premium Wisconsin cheese for every single pie.
Made with Love, Every Time
Each pizza is crafted with the same passion and care as the very first one Burt made over half a century ago.
Our Mission & Core Values
Everything we do is guided by a simple philosophy: make the best damn pizza in Chicago, and treat every guest like family.
Uncompromising Quality
We never cut corners. Every ingredient is chosen for its excellence, and every pizza is crafted with the same meticulous standard that has defined us for over five decades.
Community First
Pequod's was built by the Chicago community, and we give back to it every day — through local sourcing, charitable partnerships, and creating a place where everyone belongs.
Respect Tradition
Our recipes haven't changed because they don't need to. We honor the original vision of Burt Katz while continuing to perfect the craft with every bake.
Joyful Experience
Great food is only the beginning. We want every visit to Pequod's to be filled with warmth, laughter, and memories that bring you back again and again.
A Legacy Built Slice by Slice
From a single cast-iron pan to a Chicago institution — trace the milestones that shaped Pequod's Pizza.
The Beginning
Burt Katz opens Pequod's Pizza in Chicago with a vision for a deep dish pie unlike any other — featuring his now-iconic caramelized crust born from seasoned cast-iron pans.
Lincoln Park Move
Pequod's relocates to its permanent home at 2207 N Clybourn Ave in Lincoln Park, Chicago — the iconic address that pizza lovers from around the world now make pilgrimages to visit.
National Recognition
Pequod's is featured in major national food publications for the first time, earning praise as "Chicago's best kept pizza secret" and attracting visitors from across the country.
Award-Winning Pie
Voted #1 Deep Dish Pizza in Chicago by Chicago Magazine readers — an honor we're immensely proud of and work every day to continue earning from our loyal guests.
Television Fame
Featured on multiple national food television programs, cementing Pequod's reputation as a must-visit destination for anyone serious about discovering authentic Chicago deep dish pizza.
Still Going Strong
More than 50 years after that first pie, Pequod's continues to serve thousands of guests every week with the same passion, the same recipe, and the same legendary caramelized crust.
The People Behind Every Perfect Slice
Our talented team brings decades of culinary expertise, warmth, and dedication to every pizza that leaves our kitchen.
Marcus Rivera
Executive Head Chef
With 22 years in Chicago kitchens, Marcus is the guardian of our original recipes and the creative force behind our seasonal specials.
Sophie Chen
General Manager
Sophie has led our front-of-house team for over a decade, ensuring that every guest who walks through our doors feels like family.
David Okafor
Dough Master
David perfected the art of Pequod's legendary caramelized crust over 15 years, hand-pressing each batch of dough with obsessive precision and pride.
Alicia Torres
Head of Catering
Alicia brings the Pequod's experience to events of every scale — from intimate gatherings to corporate celebrations — delivering perfection every time.
Our Core Values
These are not just words on a wall — they're the principles that guide every decision we make, every pizza we bake.
Excellence
We hold ourselves to the highest standard in everything we do — from sourcing ingredients to the final presentation on your table.
Integrity
Honest ingredients, honest pricing, honest service. We believe in transparency and doing what's right — always.
Sustainability
We actively work to reduce our environmental footprint through responsible sourcing, composting, and energy-conscious kitchen practices.
Community
Pequod's is more than a restaurant — it's a gathering place. We invest in our neighborhood and the people who make Chicago great.