The Bear, set in Chicago, follows the amazing and hectic transformation of a family-diner-turned-upscale-restaurant. Throughout the show, the characters try food from around the city. After winning multiple Emmys, it inspired many Chicagoans to try these spots for themselves. I decided to try three places featured in the show: Pequod’s Pizza, Lou Malnatis, and, of course, Mr. Beef!
The Bear features an amazing famous pizza spot in Lincoln Park called Pequod’s. On a chilly November day, I went up to Lincoln Park to try it. Pequod’s makes their pizza fresh and made to order. I ordered a deep-dish cheese pizza and it took about 45 minutes to make. When it arrived, it did not disappoint! The crust was unlike any Chicago deep dish I have ever had. They serve the pizza in a seasoned cast iron skillet with the cheese spread everywhere. The edges are burnt but super crispy, and the sauce? It’s the best part. Pequod’s tomato sauce is sweet and roasted to perfection. I would highly recommend tourists and even Chicagoesn to try Pequod’s Pizza. They take reservations, so make sure to secure your spot beforehand!
Lou Malnati’s is a famous deep-dish pizza restaurant in Chicago that also had a cameo in The Bear Season 3. I had heard great things about Lou Malnati’s, so I decided to give it a try and compare it to Pequod’s Pizza. I ordered a classic cheese deep-dish pizza. The wait for the pizza was about the same, but when it arrived, I could tell it was different: the crust was more visible, and the tomato sauce was chunky rather than smooth. I liked Lou Malnati’s—their sauce is very good, and their crust is excellent—but where the pizza lacked was that it was too cheesy. Overall, I prefer Pequod’s, but Lou Malnati’s comes in a close second.
Lastly, The Bear was inspired by the Chicago restaurant Mr. Beef which is famously known for its Italian beef sandwiches. The show was filmed in the restaurant and used a lot of its history for the creation of the show. Despite being from Chicago, I have never tried an Italian beef sandwich so I set out to have my first one at this iconic location. The inside of the restaurant looks exactly like the set of the show, down to the smallest details.
I ordered the renamed Italian beef sandwich, “The Bear”, and got all the toppings. When asked if I wanted hot or sweet and wet or dry, I opted for hot and wet. The sandwich is topped with giardiniera and provolone cheese. At first glance, I had my skepticism, but after my first bite, I was pleasantly surprised. The sandwich, dunked in the beef broth, was seasoned well and extremely flavorful. The bread was fresh and soft, while the beef was tender. Overall, Mr. Beef definitely satisfied my my itch to try Italian beef in Chicago.
