Blackbird Pizza Shop (CLOSED)

Though Masa of Echo Park first began captivating locals pining for Chicago-style deep dish pizza back in 2004, this newer Melrose pizzeria is more likely to win over actual transplants from the Midwest. With a better crust-to-filling ratio than its better known competitor, Blackbird offers the real deal beyond just checking every box on what a deep dish pizza should have. Though the pies, of course, are baked in a two-inch-deep pan and feature a fresh cornmeal crust, the chunky fillings and copious amounts of cheese aren’t forced to compete with breading for your stomach space. Available in small, large and even personal-sized versions, one forkful will be enough to make you a convert.