A pizza puff is a deep-fried dough pocket filled with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and toppings like sausage or pepperoni. Unlike calzones or pizza rolls, pizza puffs use a soft, tortilla-like wrapper instead of pizza dough. When fried, the shell turns golden and crisp while the inside stays gooey and hot.
The result is a handheld pizza experience — portable, satisfying, and uniquely Chicago. It’s the kind of snack you can eat on the go, whether from a corner hot dog stand or straight out of a fryer basket at midnight.
The Chicago Origins of the Pizza Puff
The pizza puff was born at the Illinois Tamale Company, later known as Iltaco Foods, founded in Chicago in 1927 by Elisha Shabaz. Originally a tamale supplier for local vendors, Iltaco evolved when Elisha’s grandson, Warren Shabaz, decided in the 1970s to experiment with a new fried snack that combined the flavors of pizza with the convenience of tamales.
In 1976, the first official pizza puff was created — stuffed with cheese, tomato sauce, and sausage, then fried to perfection. Chicago’s hot dog stands quickly adopted it, and soon the pizza puff became a menu staple throughout the city.
Today, Iltaco remains a family-owned Chicago company, producing millions of puffs each year and shipping them across the Midwest.
What Makes Pizza Puffs Unique
The pizza puff’s staying power comes from its balance of convenience, nostalgia, and flavor. Here’s what sets it apart from other snacks:
- Deep-fried texture – Fried until golden and blistered, giving every bite a satisfying crunch.
- Soft, molten interior – Gooey cheese and tomato sauce melt together inside.
- Variety – Classic sausage remains the favorite, but versions like beef, taco, spinach, and breakfast-style puffs have loyal followings.
- True Chicago identity – Most commonly found in neighborhood hot dog stands, gas stations, and local counter joints.
This mix of comfort, creativity, and accessibility makes pizza puffs one of Chicago’s most underrated culinary icons.
Why Pizza Puffs Are Overlooked
Despite their long history, pizza puffs rarely make the list of Chicago’s “must-try” foods. Tourists gravitate toward deep-dish pizza or Italian beef, while locals view pizza puffs as everyday fare — the kind of food you grab without thinking twice.
Their unapologetically greasy, no-frills appearance doesn’t help either. In a world obsessed with camera-ready food, pizza puffs are proudly messy. But that’s also their magic: a bite into a hot, crispy puff is pure nostalgia and comfort.
Where to Find Pizza Puffs in Chicago
If you want to try a real Chicago pizza puff, skip the tourist-heavy spots and visit the local legends:
- Jimmy’s Red Hots (West Side) – Famous for their spicy Polish and old-school puffs fried fresh.
- Fat Johnnie’s Famous Red Hots (South Side) – A Chicago classic serving puffs for decades.
- Iltaco Factory Store (West Loop) – The family business that started it all occasionally offers fresh puffs directly.
You can also find frozen pizza puffs in grocery stores across Illinois and nearby states, though the best ones are always made to order.
A Hidden Gem of Chicago Cuisine
Pizza puffs may not be as famous as deep-dish or hot dogs, but they capture the essence of Chicago food: bold, hearty, and born from working-class creativity. They’re a taste of the city’s neighborhoods — the spots where grease, flavor, and history come together.
So next time you’re in Chicago, skip the deep dish for a day. Order a hot pizza puff with fries and a soda, and you’ll taste a bite of the real Windy City.