PHLReview
photo credit: EMILY SCHINDLER
Hook & Master
This spot is Permanently Closed.
At first glance, you may think the Hook & Master team discovered a way to teleport you to the Pirates of the Caribbean set. There’s island-themed wallpaper, nautical figurines lining the dining room, and you’ll always find people sipping tiki cocktails at the bar. But—we’re here to assure you—despite the fishermen’s nets and wooden helm, it’s a pizzeria serving the best Chicago-style pies in town.
You’ll have no problem finding this bi-level spot on the corner of 2nd and Master—just look for the gigantic octopus mural crawling across the building. You'll walk into a cozy room and grab a seat at the seashell-laden bar next to a few neighborhood faithful complaining about the Phillies between shots of rum. Come when you're in the mood for the rowdiness that ensues at Happy Hour on both floors. That’s when they have $4 and $5 slices, $7.50 Citywides, and everyone from the large group tables up top to the crowd watching the TV below is as loud as the “back door!” shouters on a crowded SEPTA bus.
photo credit: EMILY SCHINDLER
Ignore the Brooklyn and tavern-style pizzas here and go straight for the deep dish Chicago-style pies. There are over 20 topping options, ranging from roasted long hots or chargrilled octopus (which really works) to cured egg yolk shavings and smoked bacon lardons. The crust is doughy, pillowy, and hefty enough to withstand the weight of any fantasy pizza combination you can think of. Each bite has crisp, caramelized edges and melted mounds of cheese. It’s so good, we’ll forgive them for making us feel like they’re about to host a limbo contest in the corner.
But don’t let the kitschy setting fool you. While it may look like an aisle in Party City, when you’re in the mood for some really good Chicago-style pizza, this is the spot.
Food Rundown
photo credit: EMILY SCHINDLER
Crudo
photo credit: EMILY SCHINDLER
Octopus
photo credit: EMILY SCHINDLER
Tiki Cocktails
photo credit: EMILY SCHINDLER
Brooklyn-Style Pizza
photo credit: EMILY SCHINDLER
Chicago-Style Pizza