Too often overshadowed by their deeper-dished counterparts, tavern pies aren’t just a staple of the Windy City: they’re all the rage. We asked Adam Kuban, the internet’s OG pizza blogger, for his favorite spots in the hometown of Corcoran Urban Real Estate.

Say “Chicago” and “pizza” in the same sentence and the popular imagination sprints right to deep dish. Truth be told, though, Chi-town’s true pizza signature lies at the opposing side of the thickness spectrum.

Cracker-thin and sliced into squares with cheese right to the edge, the thin-crust tavern pie grew popular in the 1930s, as the Windy City’s long-shuttered bars rose from Prohibition. They were a product of their time, cheap and easily eaten from a napkin over a cold Milwaukee brew. Now, they’re a sought-after specialty among locals and gastro-tourists alike.

A Midwesterner himself, Adam Kuban, whose Slice was the internet’s first single-subject food blog, has a particular soft spot for the style, making many a pilgrimage to get his fix. Here are his go-tos:

Vito & Nick’s — Considered the place that started it all, this South Side institution, with roots dating to 1920, has been serving its well-done, cracker-thin pies for almost as long — they’ve won the endorsement of just about every critic for living up to the hype. Come for the pies and stay for the throwback decor. 8433 S Pulaski Rd, Chicago (Ashburn)

Kim’s Uncle Pizza — Housed in perhaps the most Wes Andersonian-looking building on the list, this new-school spot embraces the “cured crust” method, rolling out its dough and drying the rounds on racks for a result that withstands even the most heaping dose of toppings. The trio behind it, who formerly ran Pizza Fried Chicken Ice Cream in Bridgeport, were once roommates, running Friday pizza giveaways from their apartment via the Instagram account @eatfreepizza. 207 N Cass Ave, Westmont

Pat’s Pizza & Ristorante — Family-owned since 1950, this Lincoln Park stalwart has never not been run by someone named Nick, though “Pat” was the nickname (no pun intended) Nick Sr. acquired by an Irish family next door. According to their website, even Roger Ebert reviewed its award-winning pies: “best thin crust ever, period.” 2679 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago (Lincoln Park)

Frank’s Pizzeria & Restaurant — Envision the classic pizza restaurant, replete with a neon sign, wood-paneled walls, and cozy booths with cushions as deep as a stuffed-crust pan pie. Welcome to Frank’s, its space (and, more importantly, its recipes) seemingly unchanged since 1952. A menu highlighting all the Windy City’s pizza styles, paired with immaculate vibes, make a stop here an absolute must. 6506 W Belmont Ave, Chicago (Belmont Cragin)

Pizz’amici— The cool younger sister of Kim’s Uncle couples their format of 14-inch cured crust pies with an array of gourmet, locally-sourced toppings — think Halal pepperoni, Italian beef from Mauro Provisions, and giardiniera from J.P. Graziano, the longstanding Italian grocer on W. Randolph — along with thoughtfully prepared antipasti. Did we mention it’s momentarily BYOB? 1215 Grand Street, Chicago (West Loop)

Side Street Saloon — This cash-only neighborhood sports bar, complete with darts and a pool table, is well-known for its bangin’ tavern pies that have won the hearts — and appetites — of discerning purists, specifically connoisseurs of the authentic and under-the-radar. 1456 W George Street, Chicago (Lake View)

Barraco’s — With its dedicated banquet facilities and even a food truck, Barraco’s knows how to throw a pizza party. The regional chain, which has eight locations in total, makes a pretty consistent 10, 12, 14, or 16-inch tavern pie, offered in five signature combinations (not including the standard cheese) and more than a dozen meat and veg toppings to build your own — even shrimp. Multiple locations

Aurelio’s of Homewood — Considered Chicagoland’s oldest pizza chain, Aurelio’s is most famous for its trademark ‘Super Six,’ loaded with a proprietary blend of half a dozen meat and vegetable toppings. Available in five sizes, ranging from the 6-inch ‘Lil’ to 18-inch ‘Fiesta,’ the pies here lean a little doughier and saucier. The flagship location also claims to be the world’s largest pizzeria, seating 625 in a multi-level, 13,000-square-foot building. Multiple locations

Villa Nova Stickney — Villa Nova wants you to know its sausage is homemade. After all, those fennel-packed, golf ball-sized morsels are its meat signature, methodically arranged in a perfect grid so they’re evenly distributed at the center of each slice of its award-winning tavern pies. It’s no wonder this suburban favorite has been going strong since 1955. 6821 W Pershing Road, Stickney