About an hour outside Chicago, McHenry is a pleasant town full of families, professionals, and retirees. Chicago and its suburbs have a historical population of Italian immigrants. It all started in the 1850s when many immigrants from Genoa settled in Chicago. They worked mainly as fruit sellers, restaurateurs, and merchants. Some of the others also worked in the plastering industry.

Between 1880 and 1914, there was a second wave of Italian immigration. This time, Italians from central and southern Italy came into Chicago. They were mainly young men of low income. When they settled in different cities, they established themselves and opened different businesses, including pizzerias and restaurants. By 1920, the population of Italians in Chicago was so high that Chicago had the third-largest Italian population in the country after New York and Philadelphia.

Truck Off is a festival in McHenry that brings together some of the best food trucks in the area for entertainment and live music. Many of the pizzerias in the area with the ability to cook on the road partake in this festival.

McHenry is Known for Chicago Deep-dish Pizza

Besides sports teams, if there’s something that the Illinois and Chicago area is best known for, it’s pizza. However, Illinois pizza has continued to spark debates over the years. Illinois has a bittersweet relationship with the signature deep-dish pizza. The residents love the deep-dish pizza style and, at the same time, do not want the out-of-towners to take over the Illinois pizza legacy. The city’s deep dish beauty has loyal fans who have continued to multiply over the years.

Deep-dish pizza, also commonly referred to as Chicago pizza, gets its name from the city it was invented in. Its origin can be traced back to the early 20th century when the Italian immigrants came into Chicago and looked for something close to Neapolitan pizza, which they were very familiar with. Instead of imitating the Neapolitan pizza, a chef called Sewell created a thick-crust pie with raised edges and its ingredients in reverse. This innovation made Sewell create Pizzeria Uno, a popular deep-dish pizza restaurant.

Best Pizza Delivery in McHenry

Buddyz Pizzeria is a local favorite in McHenry. Their thin-crust and deep-dish pies are a McHenry staple that keeps guests coming back! Buddyz Pizzeria is a restaurant that brings delicious food and historic charm together for an amazing dining experience. Their quality innovative pizzas pair perfectly with their large selection of beverages, perfect for family outings or delivery.

Their pizzas, which take a new spin on healthful and unique pizza options, are known to be incredible for both regular and special occasions. They serve Chicago deep-dish, thin-crust, gluten-free, and pan pizzas in a multitude of combinations. When you order from Buddyz Pizzeria, pizza lovers aren’t the only ones who can find great food. They have an extensive menu that includes Italian pasta dishes, salads, and calzones. Your taste buds will thank you when you place your order today.

Best Pizza Takeout in McHenry

If you’re looking for delicious thin-crust pizzas, place a takeout order from My Place Bar & Grill on Elm Street. Aside from great pizza, they’re most known for the pizza-making process, resulting in the irresistible flavor you can taste in every bite. With everything on their menu made from scratch, My Place Bar & Grill is one of the finest pizza spots in the area.

The pizza options at My Place Bar & Grill all have an Indian flavor twist. Locally famous for their Chicken Tikka Masala Pizza containing tikka curry and tandoori chicken, it also has green pepper, beets, and onion. The unique flavors of cilantro and ginger finish the pizza perfectly. Even cauliflower crust and vegetarian options are available to accommodate dietary restrictions, making it a great place for anyone. My Place Bar & Grill also offers pasta, sandwiches, salads, and more.

Best Pizza Near McHenry

Fox Lake

Known as the “Heart of the Chain O’ Lakes,” Fox Lake is one of the busiest leisure locations in the United States. It offers residents natural beauty, rich history, and fantastic business opportunities. Fox Lake also features several casual pizzerias like J’s Sports Bar & Grill. J’s Sports Bar & Grill is a top-notch pizzeria with a fun atmosphere. The pies here feature a unique flavor that combines well with cheese and their signature sauce.

Round Lake

Nine miles from McHenry, Round Lake is a cultural and commercial city with many parks and businesses. Rosati’s Pizza is a pizzeria well-known around these parts for its Italy-inspired pizzas and has managed to live up to the high expectations. Some of their most popular signature pies include Rosati’s Monster Pizza with nine different meat and veggie toppings. They do deep-dish, stuffed, and thin-crust pizza to satisfy any pizza craving.

Crystal Lake

Crystal Lake has fine shops, restaurants, and galleries. Rosati’s Pizza is a neighborhood favorite, and it’s easy to understand why this spot is so loved by the locals. Their thin-crust pizzas can be customized with white or red sauce and topped with a long list of ingredients, including black and green olives. They offer delivery, takeout, and dine-in service options.