City Cast

Beer-Flavored Pizza, and Other Chicago Food Combinations

Natalia Aldana
Natalia Aldana
Posted on July 13   |   Updated on July 14
“Caramel Crisp,” a beer made with Garrett Popcorn’s caramel corn, at Revolution Brewing in 2022. (Erin Hooley / Tribune / Getty)

“Caramel Crisp,” a beer made with Garrett Popcorn’s caramel corn, at Revolution Brewing in 2022. (Erin Hooley / Tribune / Getty)

From the pizza puff to the brownie, there’s no arguing Chicagoans are innovative in the kitchen. But some of these new combos being cooked up are, uh, a little weird, right?

Here are a few of the latest inventions popping up in Chicagoland:

If you’re at Wrigley on game day, you might be holding a slice of pizza in one hand and a beer in the other. So for any of you who have ever wondered how you can free up one hand to catch a foul ball, this invention is for you. The eight-inch “Beer Pizza” with non-alcoholic sausage and a wheat ale flavor will be sold at the stadium for the rest of the season.

Revolution Brewing is selling an ale made with more than 450 pounds of Garrett Popcorn. Expect a rye malt with notes of crème brûlée and kosher salt. These 7% ABV brews are a limited release.

A few restos in town are cooking up pies with Italian beef and giardiniera, the Italian relish of pickled vegetables in vinegar and oil. If tangy and drippy pizza sounds appetizing, Manny’s Deli, Pleasant House Pub, and Pompei have got you covered.

So, what's the weirdest Chicago food combo you can imagine? City Cast Chicago lead producer Simone Alicea says a hot dog milkshake sounds particularly bad. Email us!

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