Just a few weeks after Pizza Hut made the bold announcement that it would be serving “authentic” Chicago-style pizza, NBC Chicago Food Guy Steve Dolinsky decided to buy one for himself to see if the hype was true.
According to Pizza Hut’s website, the new pizza is “inspired by Chicago bar pie” and made with “that Pizza Hut magic touch.”
Dolinski bought a tavern-style pizza at the Lakeview Pizza Hut near the intersection of North Clark Street and West Wellington Avenue, a “medium” size pizza (about 12 inches) that cost $22.89.
Dolinski said the pizza was baked at 420 degrees for eight to eight and a half minutes, and that a higher temperature could have been better.
The cheese used on the pizza was praised by Food Guy, but Dolinski wasn’t impressed with the flavor of the sausage or the size of the square-cut slices, noting they are larger than those found on most tavern-style pizzas.
The slices also had a hard time holding their shape when picked up as is, whereas izakaya-style slices are usually crisp enough that they don’t fall over when picked up, Dolinski noted.
“They’re cut into squares and they’re thin. But is it Chicago tavern style? No,” Dolinski said as he ate his meal.
“It should be cracker-thin and crispier. The sausage should have more fennel and more fat,” Dolinski said.
Dolinski also noted that Pizza Hut did not offer Giardiniera, even though the pizza was picked up quite far away in the city.
Those trying the new pizza can customize the toppings to their liking, but Pizza Hut also offers recipes like double pepperoni, pesto margherita and spicy chicken sausage.
The pizza is available now at participating locations for a limited time, according to the chain.
Checking the menu on your local Pizza Hut’s website will tell you if your local location offers tavern-style pies.
