SMOG Pizza (Sausage-Mushrooms-Onions-Green Peppers)

Larry Goldberg (1934-2003) founded Goldberg’s Pizzeria in New York City. A favorite dish was the “SMOG” pizza, standing for Sausage-Mushrooms-Onions-Green Peppers.
 
“The biggest seller is The Smog pizza” was printed in New York magazine on November 18, 1968. Although Goldberg’s Pizzeria no longer exists, other pizzerias still serve the SMOG pizza. It’s sometimes called “Chicago Smog” or “Detroit smog,” when made with Chicago-style pizza or Detroit-style pizza.
 
 
Google Books
18 November 1968, New York magazine, “Goldielox,” pg. 21, col. 1:
The biggest seller is The Smog pizza but there is also the Goldielox which combines lox and onions.
(Goldberg’s Pizzeria at 1443 York Avenue.—ed.)
 
Newspapers.com
30 June 1971, The Evening Sun (Baltimore, MD), “Pizza Becomes Jewish Gold Mine; New Book Gives Details” by Winifred Phillips, pg. D1:
Mr. Goldberg’s specialty is a heart-shaped pizza which he calls SMOG. This deep-dish pizza is made with large wedges of sausage, mushrooms, onions and green peppers. “Spells SMOG, see?” Mr. Goldberg said grinning smugly.
 
Newspapers.com
8 August 1971, Boston (MA) Sunday Globe, “Goldberg does his pizza thing” by Marian Burros, Pg. A-27, col. 8
The ingredients, if you haven’t figured out the code are S(ausage), M(ozzarella), O(nions), G(reen Peppers).
 
Newspapers.com
2 September 1976, Daily News (New York, NY), “The PanJanDrum of Pizza” by Sidney Fields, pg. 89, col. 1:
He eats everything in sight, usually ending with his Smog pizzas, sausage, mushrooms, onions, green peppers, which he calls “a gourmet tap dance.”
(Lawrence Ivan Goldberg of Goldberg’s Pizzeria.—ed.)
 
Newspapers.com
2 September 1981, Spokane (WA) Chronicle, “It’s snack time,” pg. 40, col. 2:
“S-M-O-G” PIZZA
1/2 pount Italian sausage, casings removed
2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
1 medium onion, sliced
1 large green pepper, chopped
6 English muffins, split and toasted
1 jar (14 oz.) pizza quick sauce, traditional flavor
12 slices (about 12 oz.) Swiss cheese
 
X/Twitter
Josh Madison
@nosidam
@Seventhwheel SMOG = Sausage Mushroom Onions & Green Peppers. From Goldberg’s Pizza in the 70’s & 80’s. Torn down for condos. :(
4:03 PM · May 13, 2011
 
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Bill Andersen
@billander616
SMOG Pizza (sausage, mushroom, onion and green pepper) – really good! #hopsat84east #hollandmichigan @ Hops at 84 East https://instagram.com/p/BlyEcgXAgZD/?utm_source=ig_twitter_share&igshid=10uzmsz4r7bfa
12:38 PM · Jul 28, 2018 from Holland, MI
 
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Sarah C Gogstetter
@sarahgogstetter
Vegan S.O.G. Pizza. Sausage, olives, onion, green peppers. I was going for SMOG PIZZA but forgot the mushrooms. #adhdmoment #whatveganseats https://instagram.com/p/B0CazRdgzs6/?igshid=8nknwxaru5p1
8:21 PM · Jul 17, 2019
 
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GE7FDL🇺🇸🇨🇦🇬🇧🇺🇦
@FdlGe7
Thank you. That thin crust-in squares- is the pizza generations of Chicagoans grew up eating. Most popular-SMOG (sausage, green pepper, onion, mushroom)
2:53 AM · Jul 22, 2021
 
Instagram
askchefleo
January 29, 2024
In Chicago, we have a classic topping combo called the “SMOG” which is Sausage, Mushrooms, Onion, and Green Peppers. Frankly, I’m sick of green peppers 🫑 so I decided to mess around with some Shishito and char them right on top of the pizza. What are your thoughts, would you eat a pizza with a little kick on top like this? #shishitopeppers #panpizza #smog
Jumbo · Cookin
 
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timothy s. kassel
@Bwana300
When I order a pizza, I order a Chicago Smog: sausage, mushrooms, onions, and green peppers.
10:09 PM · Feb 19, 2024
 
X/Twitter
Ryan Leonard
@RRleonard19
I’m a huge supporter of this. My wife tries to order SMOG (sausage, mushroom, onion, green pepper) from our local place in Chicago. To much moisture for me it gets soggy in the middle. Pepperoni well done or Sausage & Garlic well done for me. That’s it. Damn I want a pizza now.
12:16 PM · Jul 27, 2025
 
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Amici’s East Coast Pizzeria
@amicisbayarea
ITEMS OF THE MONTH 🍕 🔥  Enjoy 20% off our Detroit Style SMOG Pizza and Kale & Sausage Pasta all month long! #AmicisBayArea
(Valid on pick-up & delivery orders only via http://amicis.com or mobile app)
➡️ https://order.amicis.com/?openSignup=true
10:11 PM · Nov 2, 2025