Is Tampa's deep dish pizza as good as the real pies you find in Chicago? I finally got to find out. The heated debate of whether deep dish pizza really even IS "real pizza" is a biased one. If you're from New York, you probably call deep dish pizza a fraud. I like both. Shoot me. Even many Chicago pizza lovers are not fans of the deep dish style. They will tell you the crispy thin cracker crust is the more legit Chicago version of pizza. Hogwash. That thin flavorless apologetic kind of crust makes that feel more like an appetizer than a pizza to me.
Cappy's deep dish pizza in St. Pete definitely holds its own against Chicago's pies.
When I want a traditional pizza, you can find no better than Cristino's Coal Oven Pizza on Fort Harrison in Clearwater.
But for the deep dish experience, although many rave about Paul's Chicago Pizza, I say you can't do any better than Cappy's. I've had both. I like both. But Cappy's has a better flavor and texture. There are a handful of Cappy's locations in Tampa Bay. I've only been to the ones in St. Pete and Riverview, but they also have 3 Tampa locations.
Geno / BeasleyMy first deep dish slice from Lou Malnati's.
Recently I finally got to do a taste test when I made my first visit to Chicago. I've had connecting flights through Chicago airports a dozen or so times but until now, I'd never had a chance to actually stop and explore the city. The first thing I did when I landed was head straight to a Lou Malnati's restaurant. Widely regarded as the real deal, I couldn't wait to dive in to my first real Chicago deep dish pizza.
So how does Tampa's version of Chicago deep dish measure up to the real thing? I think Cappy's Pizzeria's deep dish goes toe to toe with Lou Malnati's. While I'd give a slight edge to Lou's, the difference is unremarkable. Lou's signature pie has sausage so I may be comparing apples to oranges here. Normally when I order a deep dish pizza at Cappy's, I don't clutter it up with toppings. Maybe the next time I order at Cappy's I'll add the sausage in. That said, Lou Malnati's is probably the best deep dish I've had, but the margin between Cappy's and Lou's is super super small. In fact, once I'm done typing this article, I think I'm heading to St. Pete to pick one up. I live on the north side of Pinellas so it'll probably JUST be ready by the time I get there since they take so long to make. Here are the rest of my pics from the visit to Chi-town. It definitely won't be the last.
As we wait for the cooler weather to stick around in Florida, it was a good time of year to make my first trip to Chicago. I'd connected through Chicago airports a bunch of times, but never had a chance to explore the city to hunt down the best deep dish pizza or catch a game at Wrigley Field.
Had to be a typical tourist and take a bunch of pictures with the famous bean (Cloud Gate).
Hmmm what should I have for dinner tonight... beans?
Ta-dah, tourist.
Love this pic... the foliage was just starting.
Yikes.
There's actually a little deli near Q105 that sells these in St. Pete. But I had to have a fresh one.
For years I've waited for this moment. A real Lou Malnati's deep dish pizza.
My friend insisted on bread... I passed. I knew this pizza would fill me up.
How beautiful is this thing?
Let's do this.
Looks perfect. And it tasted perfect. Chunks of tomato swimming with that sauce and cheese with a slightly crunch crust.
Geno / BeasleyMy first deep dish slice from Lou Malnati's.
Even though we have 'em in Tampa, had to get a meal at a Chicago Portillo's.
Daaaaaaaaaah beers.
Many told me I had to get a mix of caramel and cheese popcorn from Garrett. It was good but I've had just as good from bags I've bought at Sam's Club.
A few freinds suggested we take the architecture cruise. Chilly doing it at night, but the views were great!
Visiting this time of year is perfect - you get out of the Florida heat, but the frigid temperatures and snow haven't arrived yet.
Chicago opened their own Riverwalk just like Tampa's a few years ago.
Online reviews brought me here for lunch... it looked legit Italian.
I went with the Italian... great stuff.
Pretty busy spot... but it's a short wait.
Time to unwrap and try it.
Good but I might be more of a fan of the subs at Mazzaro's in St. Pete.
Don't know what's higher - the Sears Tower or gas prices. And yes, I know it's not called the Sears Tower anymore. But I can't remember the new name and a tour guide said most in Chicago still call it the Sears Tower.
Back again.
One more Lou's visit... this time a latenight one so I went with the smaller personal size.
Game time.
Was unsuccessful in getting a "Let's Go Lightning" chant going.
Seeing a Chicago Blackhawks game was a treat.
The other MJ.
They had Giordano's at the game so figured I'd give them a try. But they only offered the crispy thin crust style.
Honestly... wasn't impressed. Later in the night, I found out other sections sold deep dish.
I did finally try a different deep dish instead of just Lou Manati's. Pequod's is pretty well known. I liked it, but Lou's is the best.
All the Chicago staples at this place near our AirBnB.... Italian Beef, Hot Dogs, etc.
Good dog.
Chicago was really expensive... unless you went to little Mexican bakeries like this.
Great stuff and so cheap!
Lots to choose from.
More...
Reviews brought me to this place for a great burger.
Honestly, it was just ok. Looked good in the photo, but a B-.
If I had my own restaurant...
Chicago style hot dogs are a bit much... but when in Rome.
Love old ballparks!
