We also offer fast delivery service around the area.In addition to delicious deep pan . Even though its gotten a major update, Burts Place is still putting out amazing deep dish pizza, and the changes to the space have only improved this spot. He studied history at Roosevelt University. [4] In 2012, based upon a survey involving 85,000 votes, the editors of the magazine Men's Health selected Burt's Place as the USA's Best Pizza Parlor. Were putting the two head to head, breaking down their strengths and weaknesses to determine the victor. What should we be drinking?This a beer and a pizza joint, with local craft taps. Burts Places greatest strength is its crust, which is crisp at the edges and fluffy in the middle. Pequod's Pizza - Glen Ellyn, IL 60053 - RestaurantJump Gulliver's, which Burt opened with Jerry Freeman (who died in 2006), expanded from its tiny storefront into a sprawling, pseudo-Greek-ish revival pizza joint/antique shop/quasi salute to Liberace, with enough gilded mirrors and lamps to give Versailles a headache. Hours. ", In fact, if there's irony here, it's that despite Burt's iconic status in Chicago pizza annals, Gulliver's and Pequod's now feel like intentional, not-entirely-friendly repudiations of Burt and his philosophies. What you need to live your best life now. Asked if his distaste for Burt had anything to do with Burt's opening around the corner, Jackson said that Burt was within his rights to do that but that his moving so close to his old place was "disappointing." Since 1970, we've been known for our delectable caramelized crust and great service. When I told him Pequod's is moving next year from his old 1,600-square-foot shanty of a restaurant into a new, two-story 7,000-square-foot McMansion, he said nothing. Burts Place, the beloved and idiosyncratic Morton Grove pizza house open since 1989, has closed for good. Give us the lowdownespecially what not to miss.Pequods is a mainstay in the competitive Chicago pizza scene, but dont call it deep dish. You can easily hear whats being chatted about by the one or two other groups eating nearby and even the radio playing in the kitchen. Excellent Lunch Special - Review of pequods Pizza, Morton Grove, IL The place at 8541 N. Ferris Ave.is so tiny theres not enough room to put the pizza on your table. Burt owns only Burt's now, but Gulliver's and Pequod's (the Inferno has been closed for decades) carry his distinctive touches: caky crust, blackened grace notes, ingredients that are more embedded than placed. Cond Nast Traveler may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. Yes, Pequod's Pizza offers both delivery and takeout. It also jibes with what University of Denver history professor Carol Helstosky, author of "Pizza: A Global History," calls the "Ur pizza mentality of purists who feel the beauty of pizza is found in the combining of separate tastes into one big taste." Burt Katz - Wikipedia Upon Burt Katz's death, he was survived by his widow, three children, and six grandchildren; he was predeceased by one grandchild. Finally one in Evanston. He named it that simply because he liked Herman Melville. Despite the long beard and anxiety over corporate sensibilities, his son, Adam, a Chicago homicide detective, said, "Don't let the beard fool you; he's no hippie. Find the closest local pizzerias that deliver on Slice. She was throwing a birthday party for their son, who was 5. Monday - Thursday: 11AM - 9:30PM Friday: 11AM - 11:30PM Saturday: 12PM - 11:30PM Sunday: 12PM - 9:30PM. Support your local restaurants with Grubhub! Sharon describes this style, matter of factly, as "pizza in the pan," meaning pizza made in a thick, round skillet not entirely deep, not quite thin. Lunch Special Lunch Personal Pan Pizza $7.95 Personal Pan 7" Cheese Pizza Lunch Specials Lunch Personal Pan Pizza $4.95 Appetizers Garlic Bread $5.95 *Contains Cheese | Served with Marinara Cheesy Garlic Bread $8.45 *Served with Marinara Pizza Bread $8.45 Bruschetta $8.25 8520 Fernald Ave, Morton Grove. Performance & security by Cloudflare. If a motivated pizza-maker wants to continue Katzs work, he or she will inherit a legion of fans. He worked downtown but lived in Skokie. Pequod's Morton Grove is Open 7-Days a Week! read more, Summer is here and our patio is open for the season! This pizza isnt particularly saucy or cheesy, so the crust really stands out. What to eat. Whats the real-real on why were coming here?For your fix of Chicagos best pizza, Pequods is a no-brainer, even if its not technically deep-dish. He sold it in the 80s, then opened Burts Place right around the corner, serving the same style of pizza he made at Pequods: round pies cooked in a pan, with a caramelized crust. 8520 Fernald Ave, Morton Grove, IL 60053 Order Online Ship Nationwide With Goldbelly DwellSocial Suburban Drop-Off's Choose Location ABOUT PEQUOD'S PIZZA The year was 1970. It's dark and spotless, and there's a single light illuminating the table where Burt makes pizza. Yes, you can make a reservation by picking a date, time, and party size. The front window features several Marx Brothers figurines, a Hamilton Beach blender, old radio microphones. 8520 Fernald Avenue Morton Grove, Illinois 60053. See all. Piece Pizzeria is serving New Haven Style pizzas, and its the ideal spot to hang out over pizza and beer with your friends. He opened Gullivers on Howard Street in 1965 but gained his reputation at Pequods, which he opened in 1971. Stella Barra is a comfortable and familiar place in Lincoln Park good for a lot of occasions. Chicagoans may debate over whether the citys best pie is made at Lou Malnatis or Giordanos, but in Morton Grove the great pizza debate is between Burts Place and Pequods. Since 1970, we've been known for our delectable caramelized crust and great service. Dont waste your time on the unmemorable pastas, forgettable salads, or boring sandwiches. I wish I could still be there and do it. His wife, Sharon, watched him come through the door. If it werent for my health, Id still be in the store., Though close friends had known for a while that Katz was closing his restaurant, it was first publicly acknowledged on the local food message board, Perhaps not since Ike Sewell and Rudy Malnati has there been a figure in Chicago pizza as towering as Burt Katz. When you come here, you just want the pizza. Does Pequod's Pizza have outdoor seating? Pequod's Pizza - Just Order Some deep-fried appetizers, like jalapeo poppers and onion rings, as well as a few salads are there to round out the menu, but dont waste your time with them. Because Burt's Place is pretty random. Dine-in or order delivery from one of our two locations in Chicago or Morton Grove. A pizza before it gets placed in the oven at Burt's Place in Morton Grove. But its a giant pizza loaded with toppings, so whos gonna know? Pequod's is a mainstay in the competitive Chicago pizza scene, but don't call it deep dish. Our server at Pequods was friendly, attentive and professional. What do I need a computer for? You see a sign, and one day later you're a NASCAR driver or a pizza shop owner." But for visitors or any Chicagoans who are (rightfully) too ashamed to admit theyve never tried it, well tell you - its the caramelized edge. He also said that comparing Pequod's pizza now to Burt's pizza is "like comparing a French dining experience to a meal of Kraft macaroni and cheese. I want to do this well, and I would only want someone involved in it who has the heart for it.". This post was contributed by a community member. 2023 Cond Nast. I found the sauce at Burts Place to be too thin and sweet, something that was especially pronounced given how little cheese the slices have. Monday - Saturday: 11AM - 2AM Sunday: 11AM-12AM. Above this table is a row of clothespins, which is how Burt tracks orders. This website stores data such as cookies to enable essential site functionality, as well as marketing, personalization, and analytics. If youve ever eaten burnt cheese off of anything, you know how crispy and delicious it is, and its what sets this style of deep dish apart. This is a close second. And how did the front-of-house folks treat you?The staff means business, with the host stand besieged by walk-ins, take-out orders, and impatient guests waiting outside. Burton D. Katz (7 July 1937, in Chicago 30 April 2016) was a pizza-maker and owner of Burt's Place, a Morton Grove, Illinois, pizza restaurant. All Rights Reserved. Is Pequod's Pizza currently offering delivery or takeout? Anyway, here's what Burt did once he decided what he was going to do with the rest of his life he opened a pizza place in Morton Grove and named it Pequod's for the whaling ship in "Moby Dick." The place at 8541 N. Ferris Ave. is so tiny there's not enough room to put the pizza on your table. Monday - Thursday: 11am - 9:30pm Friday: 11am - 11:30pm Saturday: 12pm - 11:30pm with Cosmetic Dentistry. ", Ric Lindahl, a retired schoolteacher from Skokie, said he actually prefers Gulliver's now to Burt's, but he can't stay away from Burt's, "because when I was in high school, I was in rock bands, and we would go to Pequod's after practice, and at this stage in my life, Burt's a reminder of that time. MORTON GROVE Burt Katz, the man behind numerous popular Chicago-area pizza spots and original owner of Pequod's, has died at 78, according to the Chicago Tribune . If enough people ask about it. Are dogs really allowed here? Burt Katz on closing Burt's Place, his legendary Morton Grove pizza house We tried to do our best by giving people fresh food and value for their money. If someone wanted the name Burts Place, thats the draw. Menu - Chicago Location | Pequod's Pizza Pequod's Pizza - Chicago's Favorite Deep Dish Pizza - Lunch, Dinner Once that's started, he heads to local markets and buys tomatoes for sauce, mushrooms, fresh spinach. Katz, a Wicker Park native, is well known forBurt's Place in north suburban Morton Grove, which closed in 2015. And I feel a little bad I cant continue doing it., Former investigator Jack Reed, who probed Dianne Masters death and was portrayed in TV movies, remembered as being devoted to family, job, Made-to-order doughnut shop Duck Donuts now open for business in Naperville, Facing legal peril, Trump calls on GOP to rally around him as he threatens primary challenges, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Their pan-style pizza is so delicious that itll make a deep dish truther out of anyone. You can easily hear what's being chatted about by the one or two other groups eating nearby. Pequod's Pizza - Morton Grove - Morton Grove, IL | Tock And as far as the rest of the menu? If such a thing as hair coral existed, that's what his beard would be called. He bought into Inferno, an Evanston pizza place, in 1963, according to Serious Eats. Heres the thing - in order to get the full benefit of the delicious caramelization, you need to eat it directly out of a pan that looks like it was forged in the Great Chicago Fire. MORTON GROVE Burt Katz, the man behind numerous popular Chicago-area pizza spots and original owner of Pequod's, has died at 78, according to the Chicago Tribune. Specialties: Great Pizza, Original Hangout. Burt is his own person". On their honeymoon, starting in December 1962, Burt and Sharon Katz went on a year-long, around-the-world honeymoon, which was reported in many international newspapers. Youre here for one thing: the deep dish. The kitchen in Burt's Place seems like the kitchen you would find on a submarine -- built 70 years ago. "Why? ", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Burt_Katz&oldid=1145695461, This page was last edited on 20 March 2023, at 13:37. Note after note read: "Great pizza!" Indeed, this caramelized crust, accomplished by ringing the pie with a touch of cheese and baking it until it becomes oil-black, is Burt's signature a craggy halo that begins halfway down the back of his pizzas then leaps above the lip of his crusts, creating flaky stalagmites of char. 8520 Fernald Avenue Morton Grove, Illinois 60053. I cant call it a retirement, Katz told the Tribune on Thursday. And finally, order a pizza at Burt's Place, just a block away from Pequod's. He sold it in 1986 to businessman Keith Jackson, who, when asked about Burt, said, "I never had the displeasure of being Burt's partner." Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more. That delicious ring of burnt cheese surrounding the pie, combined with the thick airy crust and perfectly spicy tomato sauce, is what makes Pequods something you need to eat before you die. We mean this: its Make-A-Wish pizza. Next, head to Morton Grove for the original Pequod's, which opened in '71. Hidden away on Fernald Avenue in Morton Grove Illinois, Pequods Pizza started a cult following for its pan style pizza with a "caramelized crust" edge. Remarkably, if you want to taste how that style has evolved since 1963, the DNA is mostly out there: Begin with the original Gulliver's on Howard Street, which Burtopened in '65. I'd guess the opportunity is outside on their newish patio. Pequods is moving soon to bigger digs near the Morton Grove Metra station. They don't know what the hell they're talking about.". Specialties: Great Pizza, Original Hangout. Find Location. It would be an opportunity for someone who wanted a place thats had a reputation of 50 years. Pequod's Morton Grove. They collaborate with local breweries and have a long-standing IPA partnership with Spiteful that pairs particularly well with their pizza. The restaurant's phone number is unlisted (but easily found online, 847-965-7997). "What are you doing home?" Pequod's Pizza - Just Order His oven looms behind him. The DNAinfo archives brought to you by WNYC.Read the press release here. Pequod's Pizza - Just Order Salad Sandwiches Kids Meal Wines Bottles/Cans Beverages Frozen Pizza Sides Appetizers Garlic Bread $5.95 *Contains Cheese | Served with Marinara Cheesy Garlic Bread $8.45 *Served with Marinara Pizza Bread $8.45 Full Wings $14.95 *9 Wings per Serving Half Wings $9.95 *5 Wings per Serving Mozzarella Sticks $10.95 It would be the recipes, the location, a bundle situation.. Burt is 74 now. In fact, the Chicago Department of Pizza Style and Regulation recently approved Pilsen-style. So why isnt Pequods a 10.0? By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our. 847-470-9161. Pequod's Pizzeria American Bar Food Lincoln Park Perfect For: Big Groups Casual Weeknight Dinner Classic Establishment Delivery Impressing Out of Towners Serious Take-Out Operation Sports! Dont worry - for $4.95 you can get a seven-inch pie thats baked in its very own little pan. This is the closest thing to a salad you should eat while here. It's random, but perfect. "Burt Katz, legendary pizza-maker and owner of Burt's Place, dies at 78", "Paying Homage to Restaurateur Burt Katz", "Burt's Place reopens, bringing back famed pizza of the late Burt Katz", "Owners of Burt's Place sought legendary founder's help on pizza recipes", "Anthony Bourdain No Reservations S05E05 Chicago", "Burt's Place: Home of the Pizza King of Chicago", "Paying Homage to Restaurateur Burt Katz; The Inferno, Gullivers, Pequod's and Burt's Place. Click to reveal The new owners have upgraded the kitchen, gotten rid of the 48-hour policy, and added a large patio with an outdoor bar. Loses Football Playoff, But Program Remains On Upswing. And also because Burt and Sharon are normally the only two employees. You concentrate on overall taste. Incidentally, that phone you call? And kind of like how the Reeses Easter Egg-shaped cups have the ideal chocolate-to-peanut butter ratio, the miniature pies have a fantastic amount of caramelized crust. Pizza Wars: Burt's Place vs. Pequod's | Skokie, IL Patch Our restaurant has a casual atmosphere that is equally appealing to families, couples, singles, and groups of friends. Theyve been great to my wife and myself. And if you have it delivered, or get it to-go, it wont be the same. Both restaurants serve up great pan pies made with caramelized crust. Katz went on to open Gulliver's on Chicago's Howard Street, selling it in 1968. I found this restaurant today, when looking for a read more, Astrid M. said: We wanted to go to Outback and started at the one closest to us, on read more, Ken M. said: I am updating my review from several months back. And finally, order a pizza at Burt's Place, just a block away from Pequod's. We warned you, dont bother. Pequod's Pizza Delivery Menu | Order Online - Grubhub These are the reliable neighborhood Italian spots where you'll want to be every weeknight. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. That aberration aside, this citys pizza landscape continues to evolve in exciting ways. Pequod's Pizza - Morton Grove, IL - Yelp Katz grew up in the Wicker Park, Chicago, neighborhood. Theres also the original location in Morton Grove (the smaller Pequods that crawled out of the primordial ooze), but its even busier. It was the middle of the day. [1] A photograph of a slice of pizza from Burt's Place was featured on the cover of the October 2007 issue of the magazine Saveur with an accompanying article; a huge reprint of the cover was displayed on the wall next to the kitchen entryway. When you want great pizza that doesnt involve a plate full of cheese and garlic buttercrust. The good news is that the food is largely the same. Sharon Katz, who co-owns the restaurant with her husband Burt,dishes out slices one at a time, chatting with customers about whatever pops into her head. Intimate barely begins to describe the setting at Burts Place, which feels more like eating at someones house than at a restaurant. In 1963, Katz became an owner-partner in an Evanston pizzeria called The Inferno [3] one of a series of pizzerias with literary names he opened and where he introduced his signature caramelized cheese crust style of pizza. He had three kids, a mortgage and no plans. Ive always fallen into the Giordanos camp, but after my visit to Pequods I have a new hands down favorite pie. Pequod's Pizza - Morton Grove, IL - Yelp Register for a user account. This is the best pizza here. Pequod's Pizzeria Menu - 8520 Fernald Ave, Morton Grove, IL - Slice His last day of work was on his 78th birthday. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. He opened Gullivers on Howard Street in 1965 but gained his reputation at Pequods, which he opened in 1971. The restaurant has been closed since July 8, when owner Burt Katz was admitted to a hospital. There, he developed a style of pizza thats not quite deep dish a deeply charred crust encircled with a ring of caramelized cheese one shade lighter than black. Developed by the late Burt Katz (before he opened Morton Grove's Burt's Place), . He also stopped shaving on that day, slightly longer than 40 years ago April 12, 1971. The views expressed here are the author's own. Local institution known for deep-dish pizza with a caramelized crust, served in spacious digs. (847) 470-9161. A giant whisk and a giant ruler. Youd reach Sharon Katzs wife of 53 years on their rotary phone, and she would try to accommodate your order. We also offer fast delivery service around the area.In addition to delicious deep pan . Any information published by Cond Nast Traveler is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Copyright 20042023 Yelp Inc. Yelp, , and related marks are registered trademarks of Yelp. Burt's beard, however, is white, sparse and long now, so unusual that it doesn't quite resemble a beard; it explodes outward, unkempt and chaotic. Pequod's Pizza menu in Morton Grove, Illinois, USA - Sirved Always get pepperoni, but if youre in the market for a change (or want some variety), this is your order. Burts Place quickly developed its own incredibly devoted fan base, and getting pizza there was quite a challenge. I don't recall seeing dogs inside.and the space is quite tight. He has no culinary background. Pequod's Pizza is one of Morton Grove's legendary pizzerias. I've been busy making it, adjusting it, playing with it, until I arrived at a pizza where frankly I can't see the point of doing any more research on it. parties of 1 to 20 Join us on the patio!When booking a reservation, please include children that need a high chair in the guest count. Pequod's Pizza - Morton Grove, IL - Yelp He's flattered, but not the kind who needs to be patted on the back to be proud of what he accomplished. A handful of tweaks, to accommodate for how Pequod's and Gulliver's later fiddled with Burt's formula Gulliver's is more of a yellow cornmeal crust now; Pequod's sauce is now much sweeter than Burt's and Burt's pizza philosophy is also not a bad description of a Burt-style pizza. Burt doesn't own a cell; doesn't have cable; when Anthony Bourdain profiled Burt on a 2009 episode of "No Reservations," it was the first time Burt had even heard of the celebrity chef. On the ceiling, a rendition of Michelangelo's painting on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel: the famous image of God giving life to Adam, except someone put Burt'swizened face over God's wizened face.