Perfect Pairings: Beers to Enhance Your Deep Dish Pizza Experience
At Gino’s East, not only are we passionate about crafting the perfect deep dish pizza, but we also pride ourselves on our selection of fine beers. Each beer on our menu is chosen to enhance the dining experience, offering a harmonious match with our hearty pizzas. Here’s a guide to the best beer pairings for our signature deep dish pizzas, ensuring every bite is a journey of enhanced flavors and shared joy.
1. The Meaty Legend: Gino’s Seasonal or Zombie Dust
For the meat-packed delight that is the Meaty Legend, featuring pepperoni, Italian sausage, Canadian bacon, and bacon, a fuller-bodied beer with a robust profile is ideal. We recommend pairing it with Gino’s Seasonal, which varies but typically offers a unique flavor that complements rich, savory dishes. Alternatively, Zombie Dust by 3 Floyds, a strong pale ale with notes of citrus and pine, cuts through the richness of the meats while enhancing the spices.
2. Chicago Fire: Checkered Past Hefeweizen
The Chicago Fire pizza, with its spicy sausage, fire-roasted red peppers, and red onions, calls for a beer that can handle heat while offering a refreshing counterpoint. Checkered Past Hefeweizen, a Bavarian wheat ale, is perfect with its citrusy notes and smooth finish. The crisp and clean taste of the Hefeweizen cools the palate and complements the spiciness of the pizza.
3. Gino's Supreme: The Writing on the Walls
Gino's Supreme, whether topped with pepperoni or Italian sausage along with onions, green peppers, and mushrooms, is a medley of flavors that requires a versatile beer. The Writing on the Walls, our light-bodied German-style Pilsner, is an excellent choice. Its refreshing and slightly bitter undertone balances the richness of the sausage and the sweetness of the vegetables.
4. Cheesy Legend: Original Gino’s Lager
Our Cheesy Legend, with its layers of mozzarella, cheddar, romano, and fresh mozzarella, is a cheese lover’s paradise and pairs beautifully with Original Gino’s Lager. This German-style Helles is easy drinking with a crisp and well-balanced finish, which harmonizes with the creaminess of the cheese without overwhelming the flavors.
5. O.M.G.: Goose Island 312 or Superior West Coast IPA
The classic vegetarian O.M.G. pizza, featuring onions, mushrooms, and green peppers, pairs well with a beer that has a floral or herby touch. Goose Island 312, a smooth wheat ale, complements the earthiness of the mushrooms and the overall freshness of the vegetables. For a bolder taste, Superior West Coast IPA offers a hoppy punch with floral and citrus notes that enhance the natural flavors of the toppings.
6. The Italian Special: Beer for Huddles
Featuring Italian beef, sweet peppers, and giardiniera, The Italian Special is robust and tangy. Beer for Huddles, a red ale from Off Color Brewing, with its balanced malt and subtle hop profile, is a great match. The caramel notes of the ale blend well with the savory beef and the pickled sharpness of the giardiniera.
7. Spinach Margherita: Stella Artois or Checkered Past Hefeweizen
The fresh and light Spinach Margherita, with its spinach cheese blend, cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil, goes wonderfully with lighter beers. Stella Artois, a clean and slightly malty lager, accentuates the freshness of the tomatoes and basil. Alternatively, the Checkered Past Hefeweizen with its smooth and citrusy profile, complements the light and creamy textures of the pizza.
8. Diavola: Superior West Coast IPA or Guinness
The spicy Diavola with pepperoni, basil, and white truffle oil needs a beer that can stand up to its bold flavors. Superior West Coast IPA, with its intense hops and notes of citrus, pairs excellently, enhancing the spiciness of the pepperoni and the aromatic basil. For those who prefer a contrast, Guinness with its creamy, rich body offers a smooth counterpoint to the heat.
Choosing the right beer to accompany your deep dish pizza at Gino’s East isn’t just about quenching thirst—it’s about enhancing each bite, making each meal a memorable experience. Whether you prefer light lagers or robust IPAs, our selection has been curated to complement our pizzas perfectly. Next time you’re at Gino’s, let our pairing guide lead you to the perfect culinary combination, where every sip and every slice is a taste of Chicago crafted just for you.