Paul’s Chicago Pizza in St. Pete stands as a beacon for pizza lovers craving an authentic taste of Chicago without leaving Florida.
Known for its deep-dish craftsmanship and robust flavors, this pizzeria has quickly garnered a loyal following. The menu offers a compelling blend of traditional Chicago-style pies and innovative twists, ensuring that whether you’re a purist or an adventurous eater, there’s something tailored to your palate.
The vibrant atmosphere combined with high-quality ingredients creates an unforgettable dining experience that captures the essence of Windy City cuisine right in St. Petersburg.
What sets Paul’s Chicago Pizza apart is its dedication to authenticity paired with modern culinary flair. Every pizza is meticulously prepared with a buttery crust, rich tomato sauce, and generous layers of cheese, embodying the heart of Chicago’s pizza legacy.
The menu also extends beyond pies to include appetizers, salads, and desserts that complement the main offerings perfectly. Whether dining in, ordering takeout, or enjoying a casual night with friends, the selection caters to diverse preferences while emphasizing freshness and flavor.
The passion for quality and community shines through every dish, making Paul’s a destination for both locals and visitors. Exploring their menu reveals a thoughtful balance of classic and contemporary options, promising a memorable meal each time.
From hearty meat lovers to vegetarian delights, the menu’s versatility ensures every guest leaves satisfied.
Signature Deep-Dish Pizzas
The cornerstone of Paul’s Chicago Pizza menu is undoubtedly its signature deep-dish pizzas. These pies showcase the restaurant’s commitment to authentic Chicago flavors, featuring thick, buttery crusts and layers of premium toppings.
Each pizza is baked to perfection, creating a crispy yet tender base that holds the rich, chunky tomato sauce and melted cheese delightfully.
Paul’s deep-dish options range from classic combinations to unique specialties, inviting guests to explore traditional favorites and innovative recipes. The crust is made fresh daily, ensuring every bite delivers that distinctive Chicago texture and flavor.
The sauce is crafted with a secret blend of spices and vine-ripened tomatoes, adding depth and tang that balances the richness of the cheese and toppings.
Among the crowd favorites are the Meat Lovers, loaded with Italian sausage, pepperoni, and bacon, and the Veggie Supreme, which boasts fresh mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and olives. For those seeking a bit of heat, the Spicy Italian offers a flavorful punch with jalapeños and spicy sausage.
Popular Deep-Dish Pizzas
- Classic Cheese: Mozzarella, tomato sauce, buttery crust
- Meat Lovers: Italian sausage, pepperoni, bacon, mozzarella
- Veggie Supreme: Mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, olives
- Spicy Italian: Spicy sausage, jalapeños, mozzarella
“Nothing beats the comforting heartiness of a well-crafted deep-dish pizza, and Paul’s nails it every time.” – Local Food Critic
Thin Crust and Specialty Pies
While deep-dish reigns supreme, Paul’s Chicago Pizza also offers a compelling selection of thin crust and specialty pies. These pizzas appeal to those who prefer a lighter, crispier base without sacrificing flavor or quality.
The thin crust is hand-tossed and baked to a perfect golden-brown, providing a delightful crunch with every bite.
Specialty pies on the menu feature creative flavor profiles that blend traditional ingredients with gourmet touches. From the BBQ Chicken pie with tangy sauce and smoked chicken to the Mediterranean delight topped with feta, olives, and spinach, these pizzas showcase the kitchen’s versatility and commitment to fresh, bold ingredients.
The thin crust section is ideal for sharing or enjoying a lighter meal. Many of these pies come in customizable sizes, making them perfect for solo diners or groups.
The balance of sauce, cheese, and toppings is carefully measured to enhance the thin crust’s texture and taste.
Specialty Thin Crust Options
- BBQ Chicken: Smoked chicken, BBQ sauce, onions, cilantro
- Mediterranean: Feta cheese, olives, spinach, tomato
- Margherita: Fresh mozzarella, basil, tomato sauce
- Pepperoni Classic: Thin crust topped with pepperoni and mozzarella
| Pizza Type | Crust Thickness | Typical Bake Time | Flavor Focus |
| Deep-Dish | Thick, buttery | 35-40 minutes | Rich, hearty, layered |
| Thin Crust | Thin, crispy | 12-15 minutes | Light, fresh, crisp |
Appetizers and Starters
To complement the pizza offerings, Paul’s Chicago Pizza menu features a well-curated selection of appetizers and starters. These dishes are perfect for sharing or for those who want a light bite before the main course.
The starters emphasize bold flavors and fresh ingredients, crafted to excite the palate.
Popular choices include the classic garlic knots, baked to golden perfection and brushed with a savory garlic butter sauce. The menu also boasts an impressive spinach and artichoke dip served warm with crunchy pita chips, providing a creamy and flavorful option.
For those who like a bit of spice, the buffalo wings come tossed in a tangy sauce with a side of cooling ranch or blue cheese.
Paul’s appetizers are designed to pair seamlessly with their pizzas or stand alone as satisfying snacks. They provide a great way to sample different flavors and textures while waiting for the main dishes.
Featured Starters
- Garlic Knots: Soft dough knots with garlic butter and herbs
- Spinach & Artichoke Dip: Warm and creamy with pita chips
- Buffalo Wings: Tangy and spicy, served with ranch or blue cheese
- Cheese Breadsticks: Mozzarella topped with herbs and marinara sauce
“The garlic knots alone are worth a visit—they set the tone for a perfect meal at Paul’s.” – Regular Patron
Salads and Lighter Fare
For guests seeking healthier or lighter options, Paul’s Chicago Pizza provides a variety of fresh salads and lighter fare. These dishes showcase crisp vegetables, house-made dressings, and thoughtfully paired ingredients to offer a refreshing counterbalance to the rich pizzas.
The menu highlights the Caesar salad with freshly chopped romaine, shaved parmesan, crunchy croutons, and a tangy, creamy dressing. Another standout is the Greek salad, featuring kalamata olives, cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta cheese tossed in a zesty vinaigrette.
These salads can be ordered as sides or enjoyed as full meals for those with smaller appetites.
Additionally, there are options like the Caprese salad, which layers ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil, drizzled with balsamic glaze for a simple yet elegant dish. Each salad is crafted with attention to balance, ensuring that flavor and nutrition go hand in hand.
Popular Salad Choices
- Caesar Salad: Romaine, parmesan, croutons, Caesar dressing
- Greek Salad: Olives, feta, cucumbers, tomatoes, vinaigrette
- Caprese Salad: Tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, balsamic glaze
- House Salad: Mixed greens, carrots, cucumbers, choice of dressing
| Salad | Main Ingredients | Dressings Offered |
| Caesar | Romaine, parmesan, croutons | Caesar |
| Greek | Kalamata olives, feta, cucumbers, tomatoes | Vinaigrette |
| Caprese | Tomatoes, mozzarella, basil | Balsamic glaze |
| House | Mixed greens, carrots, cucumbers | Multiple options |
Sandwiches and Sides
Beyond pizza and salads, Paul’s Chicago Pizza offers a selection of hearty sandwiches and sides that round out the menu. These items are perfect for guests looking for variety or a lighter alternative to a full pizza.
Crafted with fresh bread and quality fillings, the sandwiches deliver robust flavors and satisfying textures.
The Italian beef sandwich is a standout, featuring tender, slow-cooked beef served on a fresh hoagie roll with au jus for dipping. Another favorite is the meatball sub, loaded with juicy meatballs, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella.
Both sandwiches are served with a side of house-made chips or a small salad, enhancing the meal’s satisfaction.
For sides, Paul’s offers options like crispy fries, onion rings, and homemade coleslaw, providing tasty accompaniments to any meal. These sides complement the bold flavors of the main dishes without overpowering them.
Sandwich and Side Selections
- Italian Beef Sandwich: Slow-cooked beef, hoagie roll, au jus
- Meatball Sub: Meatballs, marinara, mozzarella, toasted roll
- Crispy Fries: Golden, seasoned fries
- Onion Rings: Crunchy, beer-battered rings
“The Italian beef sandwich at Paul’s is a hidden gem—rich, tender, and packed with flavor.” – Food Enthusiast
Desserts and Beverages
To conclude the meal with a sweet touch, Paul’s Chicago Pizza offers an enticing dessert menu alongside a curated beverage selection. These options are crafted to complement the savory dishes and leave guests with a lasting impression of indulgence and satisfaction.
Classic desserts include a rich New York-style cheesecake and a decadent chocolate lava cake, both perfect for sharing or enjoying solo. For a lighter option, the menu also features fresh fruit cups and sorbet.
The dessert offerings provide a balance between richness and freshness, ensuring a satisfying finish to any meal.
The beverage list includes local craft beers, a selection of wines, and non-alcoholic options such as house-made lemonades and sodas. These drinks are chosen to pair well with the diverse flavors of the menu and enhance the overall dining experience.
Dessert and Drink Highlights
- New York-Style Cheesecake: Creamy and smooth with a graham cracker crust
- Chocolate Lava Cake: Warm, rich, with molten chocolate center
- House Lemonade: Freshly squeezed and refreshing
- Local Craft Beers: Rotating selections from St. Pete breweries
| Dessert | Description | Price Range |
| Cheesecake | Creamy, smooth, graham crust | $6 – $8 |
| Chocolate Lava Cake | Warm cake with molten center | $7 – $9 |
| Fruit Cup | Fresh seasonal fruits | $5 – $7 |
Customization and Dietary Options
Paul’s Chicago Pizza recognizes the importance of accommodating diverse dietary needs and preferences. The menu offers extensive customization options to ensure every guest can enjoy their meal without compromise.
Whether it’s adjusting toppings, selecting crust types, or choosing dairy-free cheese alternatives, flexibility is a key part of the dining experience.
Vegetarian and gluten-free options are clearly marked and thoughtfully prepared. The kitchen staff is trained to handle special requests carefully, minimizing cross-contamination and ensuring safe dining for those with allergies or dietary restrictions.
Additionally, vegan choices have been expanded, reflecting the restaurant’s commitment to inclusivity.
This focus on customization allows guests to build their perfect pizza or meal, combining favorite flavors with dietary needs. It also encourages experimentation, inviting patrons to explore new combinations while maintaining their health and wellness goals.
Dietary Accommodation Examples
- Gluten-Free Crust: Available for both deep-dish and thin crust pizzas
- Dairy-Free Cheese: Vegan cheese options on request
- Vegetarian Pizzas: Multiple fully vegetarian recipes
- Allergy Awareness: Staff trained for nut, dairy, and gluten allergies
“Paul’s commitment to accommodating dietary preferences without sacrificing flavor makes it a true community favorite.” – Nutrition Specialist
Conclusion
Paul’s Chicago Pizza in St. Pete offers a rich and varied menu that captures the spirit of authentic Chicago-style pizza while embracing modern tastes and dietary needs.
From the hearty, buttery deep-dish pizzas to the crisp thin crusts and inventive specialty pies, every dish is crafted with care and dedication to quality. The inclusion of fresh salads, satisfying sandwiches, and flavorful appetizers rounds out a dining experience that caters to all appetites and preferences.
The thoughtful dessert and beverage selections provide the perfect end to a meal, while customization options ensure that everyone—from traditionalists to those with dietary restrictions—can find something to enjoy.
The welcoming atmosphere and consistent attention to detail make Paul’s Chicago Pizza a standout destination in St. Petersburg’s culinary scene.
Whether visiting for a casual lunch, a family dinner, or a gathering with friends, the menu promises satisfaction, authenticity, and a true taste of Chicago’s beloved pizza heritage.
By blending time-honored recipes with fresh, high-quality ingredients and a passion for customer service, Paul’s continues to build a reputation as one of the finest pizza establishments in the region.
For anyone craving the unique experience of Chicago-style pizza, Paul’s Chicago Pizza in St. Pete is an essential stop.
