Inside Chicago’s Most Viral Slice Shop

Can one bad review really define a pizza shop?

Today, we’re slicing into the story of Pizza Lobo — the Chicago pizzeria that got slammed on One Bite Pizza Reviews for being “the blandest pizza” someone had tasted in 20 years. We sit down with Operations Manager Michael and Chef Joey to unpack the real story behind the pies, their dough philosophy, and why they’re doubling down on slices, even after a terrible review. From sourdough starters to vodka sauce, we get into what makes their pizza click.

Highlights:

00:00 – “It has no personality…” — the quote that started it all

00:44 – East Coast roots with Neapolitan finesse: the Lobo style

01:15 – Dough talk: 4-day fermentation, sourdough starter, no shortcuts

01:45 – Why shredded mozz wins over fresh when it comes to melt and bite

02:37 – Sauce secrets: raw San Marzanos, garlic, and restraint

03:00 – Crowd favorites: The Borgata, classic pep, white pies, and vodka vibes

04:00 – The “White Russian” pizza: smoky, creamy, and cocktail-inspired

05:36 – Slice shop logic: reheat to win — not just for convenience, but for flavor

06:31 – From restaurant to slice window: the post-COVID pivot

07:24 – Fun fact: “Lobo” means wolf 🐺

08:08 – What happens when The Bear features your pizza? Lines out the door

09:49 – Neighborhood love: kids, locals, and the community that fuels them

10:59 – Back to the review: “Maybe it was the weather… but we know it hits”

11:34 – Final word: 125K pies sold, Best Slice in Chicago (2024), and counting

Check Out Pizza Lobo Here:

https://www.pizzalobo.com/ https://www.instagram.com/pizzalobo_

Thank you to our show sponsors:Bacio Cheese: https://bit.ly/3FmQ3up

Corto: https://bit.ly/457DNII

DM @whatsgooddough https://www.instagram.com/whatsgooddough/ email me: eidref@whatsgooddough.com

Shot By Eidref Laxa

Edited By Valentine Phelippeau

Topics:

Pizza Lobo, Chicago pizza, best pizza in Chicago, underrated pizza Chicago, The Bear pizza episode, Pizza Lobo review, East Coast pizza Chicago, sourdough pizza crust, White Russian pizza, Chicago slice shop, The Bear FX pizza, pizza shop interview, Chicago food scene, pandemic pizza pivot, reheat pizza technique, Chicago restaurant stories, pizza lovers Chicago, pizza podcast, chef interview Chicago, behind the slice