Discovering Tavern-Style Pizza: A Quest for Midwestern Flavors in London

Pizza is a universally cherished dish, adored for its versatility and the opportunity it offers to experiment with flavors and textures. While most people equate pizza with the thick, cheesy indulgence of Chicago-style or the thin, hand-tossed elegance of Neapolitan varieties, another type of pizza rises to fame in the Midwest of the United States: the thin-crust tavern-style pizza. Its unique take on this Italian classic sets the Midwest apart, and today, we embark on a flavorful exploration of this delicious category, with a focus on finding similar delights in London.

Join me as we delve into the world of thin-crust tavern-style pizza, discover its origins, and hunt for authentic spots in London where one can experience these delightful square-cut slices.

The Origin of Tavern-Style Pizza

The tale of tavern-style pizza begins amidst the bustling streets of the Midwestern United States. Actions steeped in practicality and convenience gave birth to what we now recognize as tavern-style pizza. Historically, this pizza was created to serve working-class individuals who sought a quick, satisfying meal in local taverns after a long day at work. The pizza’s thin crust and square-cut slices made it easy to share among friends without needing utensils, perfectly accompanying a cold beer and lively conversation.

A distinctive trait of the tavern-style pizza lies in its cracker-thin crust, which offers the perfect vehicle for placing an array of toppings, often laden with a generous portion of cheese, marinara sauce, meats, and vegetables. This type of pizza epitomizes the diversity and creativity of Midwestern culinary culture. It reflects the flavors embraced by communities in Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio, uniting them under the crispy texture and irresistible taste of this beloved food.

Characteristics of Tavern-Style Pizza

To truly appreciate tavern-style pizza, one must understand the characteristics that make it special:

1. The Crust: Unlike the doughy foundation of a traditional slice, tavern-style pizza boasts an exceptionally thin crust. Often compared to a cracker due to its crispy and crunchy texture, this base provides a satisfying contrast to its rich toppings.

2. Squares, Not Slices: In the Midwest, tavern-style pizza is traditionally cut into squares or small rectangles. This style, known as the “party cut,” is designed for sharing. Its bite-sized proportions make it ideal for gatherings, encouraging communal dining reminiscent of its tavern origins.

3. Abundant Toppings: Tavern-style pizza is often adorned with an array of toppings, such as spicy pepperoni, savory sausage, bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, and olives, among others. Midwest culinary creativity leads to experimentation and often results in an impressive, hearty spread that satisfies a range of tastes.

4. Provolone and Mozzarella Cheese: The cheese used in tavern-style can vary but commonly includes a combination of mozzarella and provolone, melted to perfection over the saucy, savory toppings.

5. Rich Sauce: A well-loved tavern-style pizza should have just the right amount of tomato sauce to complement the toppings without overpowering the thin crust, balancing the flavors beautifully.

The Culture of Midwest Pizza

Understanding tavern-style pizza requires an appreciation for the cultural backdrop against which it emerged. In the Midwest, pizza is more than a meal; it serves as a communal experience, resonating with gatherings of friends and family, social events, and warm hospitality. People bond over its shared slices, and it becomes an instant crowd-pleaser at parties, sports events, and family get-togethers.

Moreover, Midwestern hospitality often translates into generous portions and top-notch flavor to ensure everyone leaves the table satisfied. The flexibility of each establishment in customizing their tavern-style offerings showcases regional pride while embracing innovation and legacy.

Finding Tavern-Style Pizza in London

London’s multicultural culinary scene continually expands, offering various pizza options crafted by both global and homegrown talent. Although tavern-style pizza is rooted in Midwestern American traditions, pizza enthusiasts in London often embark on a quest to find this unique variant. Let’s explore some noteworthy establishments where you might find similar pizzas:

Flat Iron Square

Located in the heart of London, Flat Iron Square offers a culinary hub brimming with food vendors creatively crafting international dishes. It’s worth keeping an eye on rotating pop-ups for special appearances by establishments specializing in innovative pizzas. While authentic tavern-style options may not be permanently featured, inspired culinary creatives regularly take cues from global inspirations.

The Pizza Room

Boasting a commitment to using the finest ingredients, The Pizza Room strategically blends Italian tradition with contemporary appeal. Here, their exploration of various thin-crust options can offer an experience akin to tavern-style pizza, embracing the concept of artisan pizza that pays homage to rustic, crispy bases topped with abundant flavors.

Yard Sale Pizza

Judging by its name alone, Yard Sale Pizza invokes a casual, community-inspired setting similar to the taverns where Midwestern pizza originated. While sized traditionally, Yard Sale Pizza emphasizes a delectable balance between crust and toppings, actively participating in London’s “square pizza” revolution. It might not be authentic tavern-style, but it’s an excellent pursuit of the concept.

Pizza Pilgrims

With multiple locations around London, Pizza Pilgrims exhibits a love for all things pizza, fusing classic styles with regional inspirations. Regularly offering themed pizzas, you might just stumble across an occasion when they pay homage to a Midwestern influence with a cracker-thin crust and generous toppings.

Try Your Own Creation

For those adventurous enough to take a hands-on approach, why not channel your inner pizza chef? With the help of available resources and fresh ingredients, you can experiment with crafting your tavern-style pizza. Purchase pre-made thin crust from specialty stores or create your own from scratch by exploring online recipes, and enjoy the artistic process of combining flavors, toppings, and textures.

Conclusion: Celebrating the Global Appeal of Regional Inspirations

Thin-crust tavern-style pizza symbolizes the innovation that thrives when culinary traditions fuse with regional flavors and cultural dynamics. It embodies the spirit of local gathering places and the timeless joy of shared meals. As tavern-style pizza captivates the hearts of those who experience its charm, even beyond the boundaries of the Midwest, it represents a testament to the nostalgia and multicultural creativity that define modern cuisine.

London serves as a melting pot of cultures and tastes, providing opportunities for discovering unexpected culinary delights that broaden the horizon of gastronomical experiences. While the search for a genuine tavern-style pizza may take you on a winding path of exciting samplings, the journey itself becomes an ode to the global nature of food.

Next time you’re in London or any city where pizza is loved and celebrated, embrace the adventure of tracking down tavern-style or ironically-inspired alternatives. Join a community of pizza enthusiasts who appreciate the shared act of indulging in a colorful, bold, and flavorful slice, cut into squares—with extra toppings, of course!