16919 Audrey St. #110, Omaha
(402) 884-7566
The first thing you should know about Pudgy’s Pizzeria is that it is White Sox country, all the way. Cubs fans will be harassed, but at Pudgy’s they are harassed with a wink and a smile.
If you like Chicago style pizza, this is as close as you’re going to get in Omaha. Pudgy lived in Chicago running Pudgy’s Hot Dogs making Vienna brand dogs served up Chicago style for 10 years. After moving back to Omaha, Pudgy and family experimented with pizza recipes until coming up with the Chicago style they serve in their small family restaurant now.
Forget the New York style vs. Chicago style debate; there is enough dispute over what makes a true Chicago Deep Dish pizza. Pudgy’s version is appropriately deep; Toppings are generous; Sauce is on top. I managed to eat two slices of the pie my beau and I ordered and I was overstuffed. My brother ordered the stuffed pizza which you have to special request, it isn’t on the menu. A typical stuffed pizza is a deep dish filled with cheese and toppings then another layer of dough before the sauce goes on top and the crust is more rounded and puffy. Pudgy’s version did not have the top dough layer.
The pizza was pretty good. It is something I would definitely eat again (as I never get tired of pizza!) What really made the experience for our group was Pudgy (Phil) himself and his wife. This is a mom and pop operation in the true sense of the word. They work the kitchen, taking orders at the walk up counter, and handing out to-go orders as patrons come in. The seating area only has a handful of tables but in a slower moment, they came around and chatted with their customers. Phil will make you laugh and Mama Cerra is like the Italian mother you never had. She'll make sure you get enough to eat, tell you that you look too thin, and in our case, try to set my brother up with one of her daughters. They were too loveable not to recommend this place.
One caveat about the food... do not order salad. Ours were two styrofoam plates of watery iceburg lettuce. Period. I expected more toppings, but the amount of sauce and cheese to dough was just right.
If it's pizza again, but you're looking for something different than the usual, try Pudgy's and plan on dining in. You'll have a fun Friday night.
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