Phoenix has become a new battleground for the Chicago Style vs. New York Style pizza. Joy and I have visited one of those places where the Chicago thin crust is the main draw, Spinato’s. The rest is my take of this Chicago original.

It’s thin. It’s crispy. It brings this former Chicagoian back home. The only thing better than a thin crust pizza is a deep dish pizza. But since I can’t have my favorites from the Midwest again, the local fare in Phoenix suits me fine. Spinato’s is one of a handful of the Chicago style thin crust pizza places here in Phoenix and it is worth the drive to one of the four locations.

When you enter this pizza place, native Chicagoians will recognize the pleasant and inviting layout that most Chicago pizza places have: cozy booths, large tables, and soft italian music. This family owned pizza joint knows how to make you feel at home at their establishment.

Then there is the pizza. In addition to the cracker-like crispy crust, the toppings are fresh, the cheese is incredible, but the star of any pizza is the sauce. Their sauce is a well-kept family secret, but I can tell you it is sweet, savory, and just a hint of salty that makes the whole pizza experience melt in your mouth.

While there are pizza places that claim to be chicago style, they are simply importing the ingredients from Chicago, so in the process, you are paying more of the same type of pizza you can get at Spinato’s. Taking the trip will be well worth it.