Celebrate Deep Dish Pizza with Arguably the Best You Can Find in Alabama at Tortugas Homemade Pizza

I've said it once, I'll say it again - I love pizza. I love everything about pizza. The pull of the mozzarella as you take your first bite. The crisp of the crust, peppered with scorched bits from the hot oven. And don't even get me started on the toppings. But here's the thing: no two pizzas are ever truly made the same. Pizza places all over the U.S. have different methods of preparation, different sauce recipes, and heck, even different ways to layer the ingredients. Take the Chicago-style pie as the perfect example. Cheese on the bottom and sauce on top?! Some might say you're out of your mind! But at Tortugas Homemade Pizza in Hoover, Alabama, this deep-dish style pizza reigns supreme, with some even calling it the best in the state.

If you're in Hoover, Alabama, and yearning for a taste of Chicago's famed deep dish pizza, look no further than Tortugas Homemade Pizza. Established in 1999 by Carlos Vizcaino and Carol Wilson, who honed their pizza-making skills at Edwardo's Natural Pizza in Chicago, Tortugas brings an authentic Windy City experience to the South. The restaurant's name, 'Tortugas'—Spanish for turtles—playfully nods to the patience required for their pizzas, which take about 45 minutes to bake to perfection.​

Upon entering, you're greeted by walls adorned with Chicago sports memorabilia, setting the stage for a genuine Midwestern dining experience. The star of the menu is the Chicago-style stuffed pizza, boasting a buttery, flaky crust enveloping layers of rich tomato sauce, gooey mozzarella, and a variety of fresh toppings. Each slice is a hearty, satisfying meal in itself, often leaving diners with leftovers to enjoy later.​

Tortugas has garnered numerous accolades over the years, including being listed in "100 Dishes To Eat In Alabama Before You Die" by I Love Alabama Food and winning multiple "Best Pizza" awards from local publications. Their commitment to quality and authenticity has made them a beloved fixture in the Hoover dining scene.​

So if you're in the Hoover area and want to taste some of the best deep dish pizza around, make sure this beloved local spot makes your list. Just remember to arrive with an appetite—and perhaps a friend to share the experience.​ For more information on visiting, including current hours of operation, visit the Tortugas Pizza Facebook Page.

Need something else to do in the area after devouring pizza? Head on over to the Hoover Public Library for some coffee and books!