When friends visit Chicago, they often ask me for pizza recommendations. Since most people already heard of the “popular” pizza choices, I tend to steer them to more under-the-radar places.

Graziano’s Brick Oven Pizza in Niles is just west of Chicago’s northwest side. A brick oven and chips from cherry, oak and apple wood combine to give their pizza a unique flavor and crust. I rotate toppings, but goat cheese is always one of them.

A slightly sweet sauce is the key reason I keep coming back to Pete’s Pizza. Located about a mile west of Wrigley Field, Pete’s is a large restaurant that also does ridiculous business on delivery. Unfortunately, I am out of their delivery area, but it is well worth the drive.

Pequod’s Pizza in Chicago’s Lincoln Park area specializes in pan pizza, with a caramelized, crispy (almost burnt) cheese edge. I love the entire pizza, but I’d be fine with just ordering pizza rings, because the edges are just that good.

Pizano’s Pizza has a few locations around Chicago, and it is known for Chicago deep dish, but I always get the thin crust. I could eat the buttery, cracker-like crust alone and be happy.

I’ve listed my four favorite lesser-known pizzas in the Chicago area. You certainly won’t go wrong picking one of the usual favorite pizzas, but for something a little different, you won’t regret any of these other options.

— John Wroblewski, online contributor