About Pequod's pizza
Rooted in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood, pequod's pizza has been crafting legendary deep dish for over five decades — one perfectly caramelized crust at a time.
The Story Behind
Pequods Pizza
"Every great pizza starts with passion — and ours began in a small kitchen on Clybourn Avenue."
Pequod's pizza was founded in the early 1970s with a singular obsession: creating the perfect Chicago deep dish pizza. What set us apart from day one was our signature pan-baked crust with its distinct caramelized cheese edge — a technique we perfected over years of experimentation and countless pies.
The name "Pequod" pays homage to the legendary ship from Herman Melville's Moby-Dick — a symbol of relentless pursuit of excellence. Just as Captain Ahab chased his white whale, we chase the perfect pizza. That same spirit of dedication flows through everything we do at pequod's pizza today.
Over five decades, we've served generations of families, countless first dates, and every kind of celebration imaginable. Our recipe hasn't changed because it doesn't need to — great ingredients, honest preparation, and real care for every guest walking through our door.
View Our MenuOur Mission & Values
At Pequod's pizza, every decision — from sourcing ingredients to serving guests — is guided by a simple promise: deliver an experience worth remembering.
Made with Passion
Every pizza that leaves our kitchen carries the care and craftsmanship of a team that truly loves what they do.
Fresh Ingredients
We source the finest local ingredients — from hand-crushed tomatoes to premium Wisconsin mozzarella — to ensure every bite is exceptional.
Community First
We are proud to be a fixture in Chicago's Lincoln Park community, supporting local families and creating lasting memories together.
Unmatched Quality
From caramelized crust to generous toppings, our commitment to quality is non-negotiable — every single order, every single time.
The Pequods
Way of Life
Our core principles aren't just words on a wall — they shape every interaction, every ingredient choice, and every pizza we proudly serve.
Get in TouchHand-stretched dough, house-made sauce, and techniques refined over generations — our process is never rushed.
We treat every guest like a neighbor — with warmth, respect, and a genuine desire to make their visit special.
We minimize waste, support sustainable farmers, and make environmentally conscious choices wherever we can.
While our classic remains unchanged, we explore new flavors and seasonal specials to keep things exciting.
Five Decades of
Deep Dish History
From a humble neighborhood pizzeria to a Chicago landmark — trace the milestones that made Pequod's pizza what it is today.
The Founding
Pequod's pizza opens its doors on Clybourn Avenue in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood, serving its first deep dish pizzas to curious locals who quickly became devoted regulars.
The Signature Crust
After years of experimentation, our legendary caramelized cheese-edge crust is perfected — a technique that would become the most distinctive feature of the Pequod's pizza experience.
Chicago Magazine Recognition
Chicago Magazine names Pequod's among the city's top pizzerias, introducing a new wave of visitors who'd never experienced our style of deep dish before.
Expansion & Renovation
Growing demand leads to a full renovation and expansion of our Clybourn location, adding a full bar and increasing seating — while keeping every bit of the original character and charm.
National Fame
Food Network and national travel publications place Pequod's pizza on must-visit lists, bringing guests from across the country eager to try Chicago's most talked-about deep dish.
Still Going Strong
Over 50 years on, Pequod's pizza continues to serve the same great recipes to a new generation of pizza lovers — still family-operated, still made with the same love and dedication.
Meet Our Team
The heart of Pequod's pizza is the passionate team that shows up every day committed to crafting the perfect deep dish experience for every guest.
With 22 years at the stone, Marco is the guardian of Pequod's legendary caramelized crust technique. His instinct for dough is nothing short of art.
Sarah brings 15 years of hospitality leadership to Pequod's, ensuring every guest leaves happier than when they arrived. She knows every regular by name.
James has led Pequod's catering division for over a decade, bringing our iconic deep dish to corporate events, weddings, and celebrations across Chicago.
Elena rounds out the Pequod's experience with handcrafted desserts that perfectly complement our deep dish — because every great meal deserves a sweet ending.