Chicago Deep Dish Pizza In St Louis Mo

St. Louis has its own legendary pizza: thin, cracker-crisp, cut into squares, and topped with Provel. So ordering a Chicago deep dish here feels a little like bringing a Cubs fan to a Cardinals game. Bold, slightly risky, and weirdly fun.

What Makes Chicago Deep Dish So Special?

Chicago deep dish is built upside down. The cheese goes in first, then the toppings, then a thick layer of chunky tomato sauce on top. The crust is buttery and tall, more like a pie crust than a pizza crust.

A single slice can weigh as much as a small dog. Okay, maybe a very small dog. But you get the idea.

You don't fold it. You eat it with a fork and knife, unless you want your shirt to become part of the meal. Embrace the mess.

Where to Get Chicago Deep Dish in St. Louis

You might think deep dish is hard to find here. Surprise: St. Louis has some solid options. You just have to know where to look.

Pi Pizzeria

Pi Pizzeria is probably the most famous deep-dish spot in St. Louis. It started here and now has several locations. Their deep dish has a cornmeal crust, which adds a little sweetness and crunch.

Order the classic "Pi" or build your own. Just don't expect an exact Chicago replica. It's Pi's own thing, and that's a good thing.

Blackthorn Pub

Blackthorn Pub in south St. Louis is a beloved dive with serious deep-dish cred. It's dark, cozy, and proudly unpretentious. The pizza takes a while, so bring patience and maybe a friend.

The crust is thick, the cheese is gooey, and the vibe is pure St. Louis. It's not trying to be fancy. It's trying to feed you.

JJ Twig's Pizza & Pub

JJ Twig's has a few locations around the area and serves a hearty Chicago-style deep dish. It's cheesy, saucy, and perfect for a group. You can also get thin crust if someone in your party is a coward.

Just kidding. Thin crust is great too. But deep dish is the main event.

The Pat Connolly Tavern

The Pat Connolly Tavern in Dogtown has been around forever. They've been known to offer Chicago-style deep dish, especially on specials. Check their schedule before you go.

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It's a classic St. Louis pub with a warm, friendly feel. The deep dish fits right in. Pro tip: call ahead to confirm.

Deep Dish vs. St. Louis Style: The Friendly Rivalry

St. Louis-style pizza is thin, crunchy, and topped with Provel. It's cut into squares, because triangles are for people who don't understand geometry. Chicago deep dish is thick, saucy, and requires a nap afterward.

They're opposites in the best way. One is a snack you can eat while standing. The other is a commitment.

You don't have to choose a side. You can love both. This is America, after all.

How to Eat Deep Dish Without Regret

Call ahead. Deep dish takes time to bake, sometimes 45 minutes or more. Don't show up hangry.

Bring friends. A deep dish is usually meant for two or more. Or one very determined person.

Ask about the crust. Some places use cornmeal, some use butter, some use both. Each spot has its own twist.

Don't wear white. Just trust me on this one. Also, order extra napkins.

A Little St. Louis Twist

Some local spots might sneak Provel into their deep dish. That's a St. Louis handshake in cheese form. If you find it, try it—you might discover a new favorite.

Black Thorn Pub | Chicago style pizza, Deep dish pizza, St louis

Others stick to mozzarella and classic Chicago toppings. Either way, you win. The only loser is your diet.

What About the Cheese Pull?

The cheese pull on a deep dish is legendary. It stretches like a rubber band made of dairy. You'll want to take a photo before someone steals your slice.

But don't wait too long. Deep dish is best when it's hot and gooey. Cold deep dish is still good, but it loses a little magic.

Delivery and Takeout Tips

Deep dish travels surprisingly well. Just keep it flat and don't stack anything on top. A squished deep dish is a sad deep dish.

If you're ordering delivery, expect a longer wait. Good things take time. Great things take time and cheese.

One More Thing: Don't Call It a Casserole

Some people joke that deep dish is a casserole. Those people are wrong. It's a pizza, just a very thick, very serious one.

Call it what you want, but don't insult it to its face. It has feelings. And a lot of cheese.

The Uplifting Conclusion

Chicago deep dish in St. Louis is a beautiful reminder that good food travels. It crosses state lines, ignores rivalries, and lands on your table with a happy little steam cloud. It's proof that we can all get along, especially when cheese is involved.

So next time you're in St. Louis and craving something thick, cheesy, and gloriously messy, give deep dish a shot. You might get a side-eye from a Provel loyalist. You'll also get a full belly and a big smile.

And really, isn't that what pizza is all about? Grab a fork, gather your people, and dig in. The only thing you'll regret is not ordering a second one.