Tommy Chicago's, Mendota Heights, MN

Tommy Chicago's is a new addition to "The Village" in Mendota Heights off of Highway 110 not far from Interstate 35E. Tommy Chicago's is formerly "Windy City Pizza" based out of Seattle.

Design and branding done by Shea, the interior is roomy with high ceilings and a lot of room between tables. I visited twice recently, once on a busy weekday evening with a number of families and sports on the big screens and another time on a Sunday for lunch where the TVs were muted and new age music filled the space.

Both times we ordered the Chicago Style Deep Dish with pepperoni. The slices are thick with the sauce mostly on top, just as Chicago-style should be. On my first visit, I felt there was a lot more cheese than sauce and the crust was like a puffy, doughy breadstick that was just a bit undercooked. I wasn't thrilled and it caused me to come back the second time to give it another shot. On the second go-around there was significantly more sauce than cheese. While the sauce itself is tasty, a little chunky and a bit spicy, it was a bit much for my tastes. It felt cooked better but this is the kind of pizza that is quickly filling and sits with you for awhile. While I don't think this pizza lives up to the original style made famous by Pizzeria Uno and Gino's East in Chicago it is surely a contender, especially in a place like Minnesota where Chicago-style is generally lacking in availability.

That being said, most diners at Tommy Chicago's were not eating Chicago-style pizza and I have yet to give their other styles a shot.

Service overall is pleasant and their beer selection is good. They also allow bringing your own bottle of wine in for a $8 corking fee which is convenient considering and there's a wine shop across the parking lot. If you're in the area, give Tommy Chicago's a shot.

Tommy Chicago's
730 Main Street
Mendota Heights, MN 55118
651-209-7701