What is Tavern-Style Pizza?
A True Chicago Classic: Tavern-Style Pizza and Its Origins
When it comes to pizza, everyone has their favorite—whether it’s thin crust, deep-dish, or the convenient fold of New York-style slices. But at the heart of Chicago lies a true treasure: crispy, tavern-style Home Run Inn pizza. This style offers a unique experience with its cracker-thin crust and bite-sized, square pieces, making it perfect for sharing and savoring. It’s a quintessential part of Chicago’s pizza tradition, loved by locals and visitors alike.
What is Tavern-Style Pizza?
Tavern-style pizza is known for its ultra-thin crust, crispy edges, and square cut. Originating in Chicago, it was created as a snack in neighborhood bars to pair perfectly with a cold drink. Unlike the larger slices of New York-style pizza, Chicago tavern-style pizza is easy to enjoy with one hand while holding a drink in the other—perfect for a casual snack, social setting, or full menu.
A Slice of History: The Origins of Tavern-Style Pizza
The roots of tavern-style pizza date back to 1923 at our original tavern on the South Side of Chicago. Looking for a unique pairing, our founders decided to serve complimentary thin-crust pizza (instead of the usual bar snacks like pretzels). The result? Our crispy, square-cut tavern-style pizza. Legend has it that one day, a baseball from a nearby park flew through the tavern window, leading to the name “Home Run Inn.” This moment became the foundation of our brand’s identity, marking the beginning of its journey as a Chicago pizza institution.
The Evolution of Tavern-Style Pizza
Over the years, Chicago Tavern-style pizza has evolved, but its essence remains unchanged. In the late 1960s, Home Run Inn was one of the first to introduce frozen pizzas, thanks to a loyal customer from Wisconsin who requested his pizzas partially baked to take home and cook later. This innovation led to the production of par-baked, frozen pizzas that could be enjoyed beyond the tavern, bringing the tavern-style pizza experience into customers’ homes.
As Gina Bolger, a fourth-generation family member and Senior VP of Marketing, explains, “We were among the pioneers in conceptualizing frozen pizza. A regular customer from Wisconsin frequently requested his pizza to be partially baked. This piqued my grandfather’s curiosity, leading him to discover that the customer would store the pizza in his icebox to finish baking it later at home.” This innovation helped Home Run Inn expand its reach, allowing people across the country to enjoy a slice of authentic Chicago tavern-style pizza.
The Legacy of Tavern-Style Pizza
Today, whether you’re searching for “tavern-style pizza near me,” curious about the difference between “tavern-style pizza vs. thin crust,” or looking to recreate a classic with tavern-style pizza recipes, it’s clear that this beloved Chicago tradition has earned out its place in pizza history.
No matter how you enjoy it—at your favorite local spot or baking a frozen version at home—the legacy of tavern-style pizza continues, serving up slices of history and flavor that connect generations, communities, friends, and family, far and wide.