1500 North McMullen Booth Rd
Clearwater, FL 33759
*Disclaimer: We were not paid for this review. All opinions are our own and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
Paul's is a Pinellas County favorite known for their thin crust and deep dish Chicago style pizza. As there are not many decent Chicago style pizza places in the Tampa metro, this local gem is a must try if you are in the vicinity craving authentic Chicago style pizza. As a Chicago native, I grew up enjoying this style pizza and actively seek it out wherever I am living or traveling. I have to say, I was quite pleased with the food and decor here!
The menu is simple with all the regulars menu items found at a typical pizza joint including specialty pizzas, create-your-own, wings, appetizers, salads, subs and calzones, as well as Chicago style Vienna Beef hot dogs. Their Chicago beef sandwiches are also super popular (the beef is shipped from Chicago as well as the Turano bread).
A regular thin cheese pizza is the way to go in my opinion. This is typically what I order at any pizza place. Deep dish never disappoints either and Pauls' offers a variety of interesting choices including a veggie version featuring onions, mushrooms, and peppers. I consider deep dish an occasional splurge as it is so heavy: best suited for the winter season, in my opinion.
Lots of great appetizers to indulge in including their delicious garlic poppers. Other tempting choices include breadsticks, jalapeno poppers, and fried ravioli. And of course, you can never go wrong with classic cheese sticks.
Service is just okay here, probably the only let down of dining here. Our waitress was not friendly in the slightest. Hopefully, they improve service as this would lead to an overall great dining experience.
The decor includes Chicago sports and bar memorabilia. The ambiance is reminiscent of an old-school Chicago pizza place. I love seeing all my favorite teams on display, as opposed to the Buccaneers and Rays. The casual vibe is perfect for anyone seeking a relaxed lunch or dinner experience.
Paul's is a great stop whether you find yourself in the St. Petersburg or Clearwater area. It's a convenient place to eat after a day of shopping or relaxing at the beach. And, it is worth going out of your way for if you love Chicago style pies and hot dogs.
