Throughout the city of Chicago, there are famous landmarks that locals and tourists alike enjoy and visit frequently. From historic buildings to unique architecture, Chicago is home to beautiful works of art. The art of Chicago doesn’t only extend to landmarks, however. It also stretches to the local food – more specifically, the pizza.
As we all know, there are endless types of pizzas. Your friends may choose supreme while your go-to choice is vegetarian. We also can’t forget about that one friend who always wants Hawaiian pizza. No matter which type of pizza you love, you’re certain to find the relation of Chicago landmarks and pizzas interesting. What if Chicago landmarks were pizzas? Let’s find out.
A Classic Chicago Landmark and a Classic Pizza
When visiting Chicago for the first time, one of the most acclaimed landmarks to visit is the Cloud Gate. Known as “The Bean” due to its shape, the Cloud Gate is a classic landmark that is a must-see on any Chicago tourist’s to-do list.
Made out of stainless steel plates, the exterior has been heavily polished to showcase and reflect the Chicago skyline, including the clouds in the sky. The arch of the Cloud Gate is 12 feet high, allowing visitors to walk underneath. Hence, the name Cloud Gate. Due to the reflective surface, people can easily see their reflection. This mirror-like surface is perfect for those seeking unique and unusual photo opportunities.
This popular and classic Chicago landmark is beloved by local residents as well as tourists from all over the world. In fact, in 2016, nearly 54 million people visited Chicago. The Cloud Gate landmark is located at Millennium Park. It has even been featured in several films.
You might be wondering what classic pizza pairs with this classic Chicago landmark. For us, it’s the traditional pepperoni pizza. A constant go-to pizza over the years, the pepperoni pizza is for those seeking an easy order and something that most people will enjoy.
The pepperoni pizza is actually quite versatile. If you’re someone who doesn’t like pepperoni or you’re a vegetarian, simply pick the pepperoni pieces off the pizza and voila, you’ve got a regular cheese pizza. Because the pepperoni pizza is a crowd favorite and a classic dish, especially when ordered for many different people, we find that it’s the perfect match for the Cloud Gate landmark.
The Picasso Statue and the Pizza That No One Can Ever Agree On
Located in the Richard J. Daley Plaza Civic Center is an infamous and unique piece of art by the well-known artist Pablo Picasso. Known primarily for his paintings, Picasso’s artistic abilities were broader than the stroke of a brush.
The Picasso sculpture was dedicated and unveiled on August 15, 1967, in Chicago. At first, locals found it to be too quirky. They couldn’t wrap their mind around Picasso’s imaginative work. After all, the art left several questions for viewers. What is it supposed to be? What does it mean? Each person who gazed upon the statue saw something different. Some saw it as vulgar. For others, they instantly fell in love with the breathtaking, unusual expression that Picasso presented with the sculpture.
Over time, people became fascinated with the art, growing to love and admire it. Proudly displayed in the Richard J. Daley Plaza Civic Center, the Picasso statue continues to spark debate and conversation from those who see it for the first time and those who walk past it each day. What does the Picasso sculpture have to do with pizza? There’s only one type of pizza that continues to spark as much debate as the Picasso sculpture — the Hawaiian pizza.
Constantly rattling the pizza-lover community is the pineapple-speckled Hawaiian pizza. What causes the Hawaiian pizza to garner so much controversy? The addition of pineapple, of course. The primary ingredients of a Hawaiian pizza include tomato sauce, cheese, pineapple and ham or back bacon. Just like the Picasso statue, pineapple pizza has grown on people over the years. Some who started out hating it will now religiously choose the Hawaiian pizza if they have the opportunity to do so.
Almost as heated as politics or football team rivals, the debate of Hawaiian pizza can end friendships and tear families apart. Okay, we may be kidding about that last part. Still, no matter where you stand on the Hawaiian pizza debate, one thing is for sure — you’re certain to have a colorful conversation with those on the opposite side.
Garfield Park Conservatory, for Vegetarian Lovers
If you thought we wouldn’t make time to recognize the vegetarians of the world, think again. When it comes to pizzas, many vegetarians load theirs with a variety of tasty toppings. From mushrooms to spinach and everything in between, there’s always a garden of vegetables to choose from. Some of the common toppings for vegetarian pizzas include:
- Green Peppers
- Green Olives
- Black Olives
- Red Onions
- Mushrooms
- Roasted Red Peppers
- Diced Tomatoes
- Banana Peppers
- Spinach
- Artichokes
As you can see, a vegetarian pizza can be packed with as many or as few ingredients as you choose. For some, juicy diced tomatoes and delicious black olives are enough. For others, they enjoy as many toppings as possible. We think vegetarian pizza is perfect to represent the Garfield Park Conservatory.
For starters, the Garfield Park Conservatory is one of the largest botanical conservatories in America. Home to both indoor and outdoor gardens, the Conservatory gives people a break from the city with its presentation of tropical plants and numerous gardens. Here guests can visit some of the unique gardens and rooms such as:
- Palm House
- Fern Room
- Show House
- Aroid House
- Desert House
- Horticulture Hall
- Sensory Garden
- Monet Garden
- Demonstration Garden
- Play & Grow Garden
With so much to do at the Garfield Park Conservatory, it’s no wonder why people keeping coming back. Not unlike choosing vegetarian pizza ingredients, people who visit the conservatory can choose to view a few exhibits or see as many houses, rooms and gardens as possible.
This Chicago landmark provides a natural, safe and educational environment for visitors. Even though many of the plants featured at the Garfield Park Conservatory cannot be eaten, we still believe it’s the best representation of a vegetarian pizza.
The Magnificent Mile and the Supreme Pizza
If you live in Chicago or the surrounding areas, you’ve probably taken quite a few trips to the Magnificent Mile. If you’re visiting Chicago for the first time, chances are you’ve heard of the Magnificent Mile and plan on checking it out. Whatever the case may be, you and your friends are certain to have fun and adventure exploring all the Magnificent Mile has to offer.
The Magnificent Mile is a 13-block stretch that extends for a full square mile. The Magnificent Mile proudly offers over 460 stores, 275 restaurants, 60 hotels and much more. There are plenty of fun things to do at the Magnificent Mile as well. Some of these include:
- Events
- Sweepstakes
- Theatre
- Museums
- Tours
- Sports
- Spas
- Festivals
- Attractions
With hundreds of your favorite stores and popular restaurants, the Magnificent Mile is the perfect way for visitors to get acquainted with the city of Chicago. Spend several hours or even a weekend exploring everything along the Magnificent Mile. There are also several Chicago landmarks spread throughout the Magnificent Mile as well.
Whether you’re strolling down the Magnificent Mile during the day or enjoying the nightlife, you’ve got the comfort of knowing that there’s plenty to see and do at every turn. What pizza gives people enough different and distinct toppings to enjoy everything at once? The famous supreme pizza, of course.
Supreme pizzas have something for everyone. Meat-lovers will appreciate the ham, sausage and pepperoni while vegetable lovers will enjoy all the accompanying veggies. Another great thing about the supreme pizza is that the definition of supreme changes depending on where you go. Each place is unique, and if you choose the supreme pizza, you’ll receive different toppings.
From meat options to veggie options, the supreme encompasses all that’s great about pizza — the customization and the variety of flavors. Just as the Magnificent Mile has something for everyone, so does the supreme pizza.
The Chicago Riverwalk and the Pizza That’s Always a Safe Bet
If you’re planning a party or an event with many guests in attendance, choosing the traditional cheese pizza is always a safe bet. This way, you won’t have picky eater party guests constantly plucking toppings off the pizza. Over the years, the cheese pizza has remained a favorite for not only kids but also for adult.
Although some people might see the cheese pizza as boring, this simple pizza continues to hold its own. In fact, some might say that the advantage of cheese pizza lies within its simplicity as this makes it pair well with a variety of dipping sauces. Some of the popular sauces that people choose to accompany their cheese pizza are:
- Ranch Dressing
- Marinara
- Hot Sauce
- Garlic Butter
If you’re in Chicago and searching for a landmark that’s a safe bet for people of all ages, we recommend taking a trip to the Chicago Riverwalk. Although the Chicago Riverwalk might not seem to have much to offer on its own, you and your family will be surrounded by fun events. Some of the events in the area include:
- Water Tours
- Attractions
- Dining
- Live Music
The Chicago Riverwalk is also a popular place for pictures and photo shoots. Just as some think the cheese pizza wouldn’t be anything without the dipping sauce, the same can be said for the Chicago Riverwalk. Without the gorgeous Chicago skyscrapers located beside the Chicago Riverwalk, the view just wouldn’t be the same.
An End to Your Night and Your Final Course
When your belly is nearly full from all the pizza, it’s time to consider your dessert options. Fortunately for you, the pizza doesn’t stop when dessert arrives. With the abundance of dessert pizza options available, there’s something for everyone. If you haven’t tried dessert pizza before, now is the time to do so. Some of the different types of dessert pizza are:
- Caramel Apple Pizza
- Cinnamon Roll Pizza
- Chocolate Pizza
- Cookies and Cream Pizza
- Peach Pizza
- Strawberry Pizza
- Blueberry Pizza
The great thing about dessert pizza is that lingering taste after you’ve finished. You can choose to give in to your sweet tooth or go for a more healthy option such as a fruit pizza. Either way, your taste buds will thank you. Dessert pizza can only represent one Chicago landmark — the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink.
The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink is a fun place to go after your meal or to hang out at night. Located in Millennium Park, the ice rink is the perfect place to wind down after an eventful day. You and your friends can glide across the ice and show off your skating moves all while being surrounding by the beautiful city lights of Chicago.
The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink is open to the public from November to March each year. For those tired of being inside during the winter months, the ice rink is the perfect place to go to get some fresh air and enjoy a bit of nightlife with friends and family.
The Perfect Place for the Perfect Pizza
For a unique pizza experience in Chicago, come visit Giordano’s. Whether you’re visiting Chicago or are a resident sight-seeing in your own city, make time to stop by one of our convenient locations throughout the Chicago area. Chicago is known for its deep dish pizza and Giordano’s has a deep dish like no other.
The secret to our famous pizza is similar to that of other famous landmarks — its unique construction. Giordano’s stuffed deep dish starts with a foundation of crust covered with toppings, cheese, a thin layer of crust and sauce on top. Giordano’s takes pizza to another level.
Need another reason to try our delicious pizza? We’ve been named “Chicago’s Best Pizza” by several publications including:
- Chicago Eater
- Chicago Magazine
- Chicago Tribune
- CBS Chicago
- NBC
- New York Times
- Home & Garden Magazine
While you’re in Chicago visiting the historic landmarks in the area, don’t forget to stop by and get a taste of “Chicago’s Best Pizza” at Giordano’s!