The concept designates a specific regional culinary offering: a deep-dish pizza prepared in a manner emulating the style originating in Chicago, but found within the geographical boundaries of San Diego. It signifies a particular type of pizza characterized by a thick, buttery crust, layers of cheese, meat, and vegetables, topped with a chunky tomato sauce, available for consumption in a specific Southern California city.
The presence of this regional variation allows residents and visitors to experience a taste of the Midwest without traveling. It caters to those seeking a substantial and flavorful pizza, differentiating itself from the more prevalent thin-crust or New York-style options. Historically, the demand for regionally distinct foods has driven the proliferation of such offerings across diverse locations.