Chicago-Style Pizza: Tavern-Style vs. Deep Dish – What’s the Difference?
- globalgrill9
- Feb 20
- 2 min read
When most people hear Chicago-style pizza, they immediately think of deep-dish—the thick, buttery-crusted pie loaded with cheese, toppings, and a rich, chunky tomato sauce. Chef Mike made personal deep dish pizzas two Sunday's ago. But for true Chicagoans, tavern-style pizza—with its thin, crispy crust and square-cut slices—is just as iconic.
So, what’s the difference?
Deep-Dish: A Knife-and-Fork Experience
Chicago deep-dish pizza is built like a pie, baked in a round pan with a thick, buttery dough that rises up the sides. Unlike traditional pizza, it’s layered in reverse—cheese first, then toppings, then sauce on top—to protect the cheese from burning during its long bake time. The result is a rich, indulgent, gooey masterpiece that’s best eaten with a fork and knife.
Tavern-Style: The True Chicago Classic
While deep-dish gets the national spotlight, tavern-style pizza is what most Chicagoans actually eat. This thin-crust pizza has a cracker-like, crispy texture, hand-rolled and stretched out before being topped all the way to the edge. Unlike deep-dish, it’s cut into small squares (party cut), making it easy to share with friends over beers. It’s the go-to pizza for neighborhood bars, family gatherings, and game nights—the real, everyday Chicago pizza.
Chicago Pizza Comes to Boquete at Mike’s Global Grill
Two Sundays ago, Mike’s Global Grill brought deep-dish pizza to Boquete, giving locals a taste of Chicago’s famous thick, cheesy pie. Now, this Sunday, February 23, 2025, it’s time for the other side of Chicago pizza—tavern-style.
Chef Mike will be hand-rolling and making each tavern-style pizza to order, creating an authentic Chicago tavern-style experience. Expect thin, crispy crust, toppings spread to the edge, and the classic square-cut slices that make it perfect for sharing.
Join us this Sunday afternoon at Mike’s Global Grill for tavern-style pizza, available for here or to go—all afternoon until Mike’s handmade dough runs out! Come early, bring friends, and enjoy a true taste of Chicago in Boquete.
