NATIONAL DAYFOOD & DRINK

National Tavern-Style Pizza Day

Dive into the delicious world of tavern-style pizza, a true Midwestern treasure.

OCT22

Thursday, October 22Every year on October 22

days to go

Roots: Chicago, Illinois
Vibe: Casual, social, and community-oriented
Also on Oct 22: International Stuttering Awareness Day · Color Day · Make a Dog’s Day
Hashtag: #NationalTavernStylePizzaDay

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3 ways to celebrate

AT HOME

Make thin-crust pizza

Roll the dough cracker-thin, load toppings and bake hot.

WITH FRIENDS

Host a pizza night

Everyone tops their own thin crust and you bake them all.

AT WORK OR SCHOOL

Order pizza for all

Treat the team to tavern-style pies at lunch.

Plan ahead

National Tavern-Style Pizza Day is observed on October 22 every year. Here is where it lands for the next ten years, handy for planners, marketers and party people.

2026Thu, Oct 22this year

2027Fri, Oct 22

2028Sun, Oct 22

2029Mon, Oct 22

2030Tue, Oct 22

2031Wed, Oct 22

2032Fri, Oct 22

2033Sat, Oct 22

2034Sun, Oct 22

2035Mon, Oct 22

2036Wed, Oct 22

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Fast facts

Tavern-style pizza is typically cut into squares.

Chicago's tavern-style pizza has been around since the 1940s.

The story

National Tavern-Style Pizza Day is celebrated on October 22 each year, recognizing a unique pizza style that hails from Chicago. This midwestern favorite is characterized by its thin crust, square slices, and a generous topping of cheese and sauce, making it a popular choice for casual dining and gatherings. Unlike deep-dish pizza, tavern-style is easy to share, creating a communal dining experience that embodies the spirit of the Midwest.

Read the full story

The origins of tavern-style pizza can be traced back to the 1940s when local taverns began serving pizza as a bar snack. Its popularity quickly grew, and it became a staple in Chicago's food scene. The square-cut slices are perfect for sharing, allowing diners to sample various toppings. Over the years, this style has gained fans well beyond Illinois, with pizzerias across the country adopting the tavern-style approach while putting their own spin on it.

Tavern-style pizza is known for its crispy thin crust, which is cut into small squares for easy sharing. The unique preparation allows for a high cheese-to-crust ratio, resulting in a deliciously satisfying bite. Traditional toppings include pepperoni, sausage, and a range of fresh vegetables, but creative variations have emerged, showcasing local flavors and ingredients. This pizza style is often enjoyed with a cold beer, making it a perfect companion for social gatherings.

As you celebrate National Tavern-Style Pizza Day, consider exploring local pizzerias that serve this delicious dish or even trying your hand at making it at home. Gather friends and family for a pizza-making night, where everyone can create their own unique combination of toppings. Embrace the communal spirit of this pizza style and enjoy the flavors that have made tavern-style pizza a beloved American classic.