Like a windy city transplant finding its footing in the heart of Tennessee, 312 Pizza Company brings authentic Chicago-style pizza to Nashville’s bustling food scene. Dave Portnoy’s One Bite review showcases both the restaurant’s deep dish and thin crust offerings, highlighting specialties like the five-cheese Mrs. O’Leary Pizza that’s become a local favorite. Beyond just the pies, the establishment’s game-filled atmosphere and inclusive menu options suggest there’s more to this Midwestern-Southern fusion than initially meets the eye.
Chicago in the South: 312’s Pizza Experience
While many pizza establishments in the city claim to offer authentic Chicago-style pies, 312 Pizza Company stands out as a contender worth investigating in Barstool’s latest pizza review series. Located in Nashville, this restaurant brings a taste of the Windy City to Tennessee with its impressive selection of deep dish and thin crust options that satisfy both traditionalists and adventurous eaters alike. Following the traditional layering technique, their deep dish pizzas are assembled in reverse order to enhance the melding of flavors.
Authentic Chicago-style pizza finds its Tennessee home at Nashville’s 312 Pizza Company, where deep dish dreams come true.
The menu at 312 Pizza Company features an array of specialty pizzas that showcase the restaurant’s commitment to authentic Chicago flavors. Their Mrs. O’Leary Pizza, a cheese lover’s dream, combines five different cheeses including mozzarella, cheddar, provolone, Gruyere, and Parmesan for a rich, gooey experience. For meat enthusiasts, The Capone Pizza packs a punch with sausage chunk, pepperoni, Italian beef, and bacon, while vegetarians can enjoy the Dearborn Station Pizza loaded with mushrooms, tomatoes, black olives, and roasted peppers. While the restaurant specializes in Chicago-style pizzas, they also offer a unique Detroit-style crust option featuring the signature rectangular shape and crispy edges.
Beyond their pizza offerings, 312 provides a unique dining experience with their game menu, allowing customers to enjoy classic pastimes like Chess, Checkers, and even Table Corn Hole while waiting for their food. This playful approach creates an atmosphere that’s both casual and engaging, perfect for family outings or casual get-togethers with friends.
The restaurant doesn’t skimp on dietary options either, offering vegan and gluten-free alternatives that don’t compromise on taste. Their gluten-free cauliflower crust and Beehive vegan mozzarella make it possible for those with dietary restrictions to enjoy their specialty pizzas, including cauliflower versions of favorites like the Capone and Daley Supreme. Customers can also enjoy vegan dough nuggets as a plant-based appetizer option that maintains the same great flavor as the original version.
Appetizers at 312 Pizza Company deserve their own mention, with standouts including fresh-cut fries that can be drenched in beer cheese, hand-cut mozzarella sticks with house-made breading, and soft baked pretzels served with cheddar ale.
Their beverage selection complements the menu nicely, featuring craft cocktails, non-alcoholic options like Mexican Coke and fresh lemonade, and a variety of beer selections including Untitled Art Juicy IPA and Italian Pilsner.
