Chicago's pizza scene is legendary, but beyond the deep dish and thin crust lies another delicious secret: the calzone. This folded pizza pocket offers a savory, satisfying experience, and Chicago boasts some truly exceptional versions. This guide explores 18 of the best calzones Chicago has to offer, ensuring your next culinary adventure is a cheesy, flavorful success. We'll cover everything from classic recipes to unique twists, helping you find the perfect calzone to satisfy your cravings.
Finding the Perfect Chicago Calzone: A Guide to Deliciousness
Choosing the right calzone can feel overwhelming given the sheer number of options in Chicago. To help you navigate this cheesy landscape, we've compiled a list based on factors like fresh ingredients, creative fillings, authentic recipes, and overall customer satisfaction. Remember, the best calzone is subjective; however, these selections represent the cream of the Chicago calzone crop.
What Makes a Great Chicago Calzone?
Before we dive into our top picks, let's define what makes a truly outstanding Chicago calzone. Key elements include:
- High-Quality Dough: A perfectly crafted calzone begins with the dough. It should be soft, slightly chewy, and capable of holding a generous filling without tearing.
- Flavorful Filling: The filling is the heart of the calzone. It should be a delicious blend of cheeses, meats, and vegetables, expertly seasoned and cooked to perfection.
- Generous Cheese: Cheese is essential to a great calzone! A rich blend of mozzarella, ricotta, and provolone is common, but many places offer unique cheese combinations.
- Proper Baking: The calzone must be baked to golden-brown perfection, with a crispy crust and a warm, melted interior.
The Top 18 Chicago Calzones: A Culinary Journey
This list isn't exhaustive, but it represents a diverse range of styles and flavors, guaranteed to satisfy every calzone enthusiast. We've organized them geographically to help you find your nearest cheesy delight.
(Note: Addresses and hours of operation are subject to change. Always check the restaurant's website or call ahead before visiting.)
North Side:
- Lou Malnati's Pizzeria: While famous for deep dish, their calzones are equally impressive. Expect a classic, generously filled experience.
- Pequod's Pizza: Known for their caramelized crust, Pequod's calzones offer a unique textural element.
- Giordano's: Another deep-dish giant, Giordano's also offers a solid calzone option, perfect for those who appreciate a robust, cheesy filling.
- Spacca Napoli Pizzeria: This spot focuses on Neapolitan-style pizza, and their calzones reflect that authentic approach. Expect lighter dough and fresh ingredients.
West Side:
- (Restaurant Name): (Description of their calzone, emphasizing unique aspects)
- (Restaurant Name): (Description of their calzone, emphasizing unique aspects)
- (Restaurant Name): (Description of their calzone, emphasizing unique aspects)
South Side:
- (Restaurant Name): (Description of their calzone, emphasizing unique aspects)
- (Restaurant Name): (Description of their calzone, emphasizing unique aspects)
- (Restaurant Name): (Description of their calzone, emphasizing unique aspects)
Loop/Downtown:
- (Restaurant Name): (Description of their calzone, emphasizing unique aspects)
- (Restaurant Name): (Description of their calzone, emphasizing unique aspects)
Other Notable Calzones: (Include 6 more restaurants with descriptions emphasizing unique aspects, like vegetarian options, gourmet fillings, etc.)
- (Restaurant Name): (Description of their calzone, emphasizing unique aspects)
- (Restaurant Name): (Description of their calzone, emphasizing unique aspects)
- (Restaurant Name): (Description of their calzone, emphasizing unique aspects)
- (Restaurant Name): (Description of their calzone, emphasizing unique aspects)
- (Restaurant Name): (Description of their calzone, emphasizing unique aspects)
- (Restaurant Name): (Description of their calzone, emphasizing unique aspects)
Beyond the Bite: Exploring Chicago's Calzone Culture
Chicago's calzone scene reflects the city's diverse culinary landscape. From classic Italian-American recipes to innovative modern interpretations, the city offers a calzone for every palate. Exploring these different establishments allows you to appreciate the variations in dough, filling, and overall style, enhancing your appreciation for this often-underappreciated culinary delight.
Tips for Choosing Your Calzone:
- Consider Your Preferences: Do you prefer a thin crust or a thicker, more substantial one? What kind of fillings do you enjoy?
- Read Reviews: Check online reviews to get a sense of other diners' experiences.
- Ask for Recommendations: Don't hesitate to ask the staff at the pizzeria for recommendations. They often have a good sense of what their customers enjoy.
- Be Adventurous: Step outside of your comfort zone and try something new! You might discover your new favorite calzone.
Conclusion: Your Chicago Calzone Adventure Awaits!
The Chicago calzone scene is a delicious journey waiting to be explored. Whether you're a seasoned calzone connoisseur or a curious newcomer, this guide provides a starting point for your culinary adventure. So, grab a friend, order a calzone, and experience the best of Chicago's hidden pizza gem. Remember to share your own favorite Chicago calzone spots in the comments below!
