Slice by State: Exploring the Top Pizza Places Across America

Advertisement

There are fifty tempting answers to the ever-popular question of which state boasts the best pizza. Pizza has long been a staple of American cuisine, and no reputable dining scene is complete without it. While debates about its origins may continue, what truly matters is discovering the most exceptional slices worth traveling miles to savor.

The title of “best pizza” is undoubtedly subjective since individual tastes vary, but this collection of the nation’s standout pizzerias offers something for everyone. From upscale dining establishments to cozy, wallet-friendly joints, these places are sure to impress. If you’re exploring the U.S., a visit to the pizzerias listed below is highly recommended.


Pinky G’s Pizzeria: Jackson, Wyoming

Renowned for its top-tier quality, Pinky G’s Pizzeria gained fame after being featured on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.” Every pizza here is outstanding, down to the perfectly baked crust. Since its 2011 opening, locals have consistently voted it their favorite pizzeria. That’s no small feat!

A pizza on a tray

Description automatically generated

While the city offers many alternatives, the ambiance at Pinky G’s is unparalleled. If you stop by for lunch or an early dinner, try their slice, salad, and soda combo, which patrons describe as divine. Follow the irresistible aroma, and you’ll find yourself in the right place.


Wells Brothers Italian Restaurant: Racine, Wisconsin

The calzones here are a standout treat. While the thin-crust pizza is their best-seller, the calzones are equally worth a try. These take a bit longer to prepare than most menu items, but as loyal patrons will attest, the wait is well worth it.

A pizza with jalapenos on it

Description automatically generated

Stuffed with mozzarella, pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, and the Wells Brothers’ signature pizza sauce, these calzones are nothing short of spectacular. Good things come to those who wait, so patience will reward you richly at Wells Brothers.


Mia Margherita: Bridgeport, West Virginia

Mia Margherita stays true to classic Italian techniques, offering a taste of Italy right in West Virginia. Known for its “carne diavolo” pizza and coal-fired oven, this eatery is a must-visit for hearty lunches or dinners.

A pizza on a plate

Description automatically generated

As the name suggests, the “meat devil” pizza is packed with Italian sausage, capicola ham, hot soppressata, banana peppers, sweet onions, mozzarella, and provolone. They use only the purest, cleanest coal to fire their ovens, ensuring no emissions or smoke interfere with the flavor.


Rocco’s: Seattle, Washington

When it comes to cheesy bread, Rocco’s sets the gold standard. Overflowing with gooey cheese, their cheesy bread and inventive pizza creations are unrivaled in Seattle. Locals agree that Rocco’s delivers some of the best pizza in the state.

A close up of a pizza

Description automatically generated

Expect fresh, hot slices straight from the oven, topped with unique ingredients that rotate seasonally. Pair your meal with their extensive beer and drink offerings for the ultimate experience. Rocco’s pizzas are top-notch, from their flavorful crust to the smoky bacon toppings.


Melting Pot Pizza: Front Royal, Virginia

As its name suggests, this pizzeria is a true melting pot of flavors. Their delicious pizzas pair perfectly with their famous wings. One bite is enough to confirm this spot’s place on the list of must-try eateries.

A pizza and a basket of chips

Description automatically generated

Be sure to sample their signature sauces, “Regular” and “Pizzazz.” The latter delivers a subtle spicy kick that enhances the overall flavor. Using their original dough recipe of butter and olive oil, everything here is freshly made daily.


Folino’s Wood-Fired Pizza: Shelburne, Vermont

Great location plays a pivotal role in a restaurant’s success, and Folino’s is a shining example. Nestled beside Fiddleheads Brewery, it offers the perfect pairing of pizza and beer—a winning combination.

A close up of a pizza

Description automatically generated

Folino’s menu is filled with standout options, but the Truffle Pig is a crowd favorite. With an olive oil base, three-cheese blend, bacon, truffle oil, asparagus, buffalo mozzarella, and prosciutto, this pizza is as indulgent as it gets.


The Pizza Cart: Cedar City, Utah

Known for their exceptional thin-crust pizza, The Pizza Cart also offers irresistible homemade gelato. This charming spot is perfect for enjoying their wood-fired, brick oven-baked pizzas with friends or family.

Their traditional Italian techniques ensure the crust is cooked to perfection, delivering freshness in every bite. For those watching carbs, their salads are a fantastic alternative, but indulging in pizza every now and then is a must.


Home Slice Pizza: Austin / Houston, Texas

Garlic bread lovers rejoice—Home Slice Pizza elevates this classic side dish with their mouthwatering garlic knots. Packed with flavor, they’re a must-try for any visit.

The toppings are perfectly balanced, letting the exquisite crust take center stage. Alongside their pizzas, Home Slice offers antipasti, hot and cold subs, and fresh salads, making it a neighborhood favorite.


Five Points Pizza: Nashville, Tennessee

Situated in the lively East Nashville area, Five Points Pizza is famous for its delicious stromboli. Filled with Italian cheese and meats, it’s a must-try for anyone seeking a unique alternative to traditional pizza.

For a truly distinctive flavor, try their Habanero Cream Pie. Customers rave about its originality and bold taste. Pair it with their fresh salads and dressings, like the tangy lemon vinaigrette, for a complete meal.


Dough Trader Pizza Company: Spearfish, South Dakota

Dough Trader Pizza stands out for its made-to-order pizzas and inviting atmosphere. It’s an ideal spot to enjoy delicious food with loved ones.

A pizza with vegetables and a bowl of salad

Description automatically generated

This unique eatery uses a 130-year-old sourdough starter passed down through generations. Besides the deliciously named pizzas like Dances with Goats and King Leonidas, they also run an in-house bakery offering scones, cookies, cinnamon rolls, and bread.


AJ’s Pizza: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

At AJ’s, every pizza is a complete experience, never leaving as just takeout. Their delicious pizzas are paired with crisp, fresh salads and flavorful wings—a combination that works like magic. Trust us, this isn’t your run-of-the-mill franchise pizza; it’s in a league of its own.

A pizza on a table Description automatically generated
A favorite among locals and visitors alike, AJ’s is one of Myrtle Beach’s top-rated pizza spots. The team uses fresh, quality ingredients to ensure every pizza is baked to perfection. Choose from their specialty creations or craft your own for a personalized experience.


Providence Coal-Fired Pizza: Providence, Rhode Island

This pizzeria lives up to its name, delivering pizzas that feel almost heaven-sent. Rustic in style, their coal-fired pizzas boast a unique, smoky flavor that’s hard to replicate. If you haven’t been here yet, you’re missing out on a taste sensation unlike any other.


Their authentic pizza-making process involves a 900° coal-fired oven, which gives their pizzas their signature charred flavor. Don’t miss the large Bianca pizza—a standout on their menu that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.


Tommy’s Pizza: Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Tommy’s Pizza is a neighborhood favorite, known for its open kitchen and remarkably fresh toppings. This bustling eatery, established in 1973 by a Greek immigrant couple, is now managed by their sons and continues to delight guests with its lively atmosphere.


With enticing aromas and a wide menu, Tommy’s offers more than just pizza. Their menu includes chicken wings, stromboli, subs, salads, and gyros—something for everyone to enjoy.


Pisano’s Woodfired Pizza: Bend, Oregon

Pisano’s is the real deal for authentic Neapolitan pizza. The owner, trained in Naples, Italy, brings traditional pizza-making techniques to Bend, ensuring every pie is a masterpiece.

A pizza on a plate Description automatically generated
Their pizzas are baked in a wood-fired oven fueled by cherry, apple, oak, and peach wood, delivering a perfect crust that’s crispy yet soft. For a true taste of Naples, Pisano’s is the place to be.


Andolini’s Pizzeria: Tulsa, Oklahoma

While pizza takes center stage at Andolini’s, their menu offers much more. With tasty lunch specials, fresh salads, and local brews, they create a well-rounded dining experience.

A pizza with basil leaves on top Description automatically generated
Their signature white pizza, topped with spinach and mushrooms, is a customer favorite. But don’t take our word for it—head to Andolini’s and savor it yourself.


Pizza Crossing: Logan, Ohio

Pizza Crossing elevates breadsticks to an art form with their garlic butter and cheese-stuffed creations. These breadsticks alone are worth the visit, but there’s so much more to love here.


Their menu features a variety of pizzas, sandwiches, salads, spaghetti, and unique pies like Bacon Chicken Alfredo and Supreme Meat. Pair your meal with beer or wine for the perfect complement.


Rhombus Guys: Grand Forks, North Dakota

Rhombus Guys offers inventive pizzas with unconventional toppings like chipotle beef and bleu cheese cream sauce. Their rooftop dining area adds to the appeal, making it a popular choice for locals and visitors alike.

A pizza on a table Description automatically generated
Be sure to try their gorgonzola pear pizza, a delightful blend of flavors that showcases their creativity and culinary skill.


Slice: Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina

Slice is a haven for pizza lovers, offering a wide range of topping options from classic to gourmet. Their menu ensures something for every taste.


With 18 pizza variations, salads, pasta, and pizza by the slice, Slice guarantees a memorable dining experience with every visit.


Bleecker Street Pizza: New York City, New York

Bleecker Street Pizza combines exceptional flavors with the quintessential New York grab-and-go style. It’s no wonder this spot has earned a loyal following, including some famous patrons.


Owner Greg takes pride in delivering top-notch pizzas. Try the Nonna Maria for a perfect blend of mozzarella, basil, and sauce—it’s like a party for your taste buds.


Café Rio: Ruidoso, New Mexico

Café Rio’s Kitchen Sink Pizza defies its unassuming name with an impressive array of toppings that will thrill any meat lover.


From Canadian bacon to jalapenos and even anchovies, this pizza is a feast for the senses. It’s a must-try for those seeking a hearty and satisfying meal.


Manco & Manco Pizza: Ocean City, New Jersey

Manco & Manco delivers simple yet delicious slices on the Jersey Shore’s boardwalk. With thin, slightly burnt crusts and generous toppings, their pizzas have become a staple in Ocean City.

Pair your slice with a cold Pennsylvania Dutch Birch Beer for the ultimate boardwalk treat.


Tilton House of Pizza: Tilton, New Hampshire

Tilton House of Pizza is a welcoming spot with friendly staff and a menu that satisfies every craving. Their Greek pizza, loaded with feta cheese, is a standout.

Their stacked potato pizza with pulled pork is another must-try, offering a unique twist on traditional pizza.


Pizza Rock: Las Vegas, Nevada

Pizza Rock is a hidden gem in Las Vegas, combining a trendy atmosphere with gourmet pizzas that impress every time.


Try their tuna salad with pancetta and arugula or one of their creative pies. The friendly staff ensures every visit is memorable.


Orsi’s Italian Bakery & Pizzeria: Omaha, Nebraska

Unlike standard pizzerias, the pizza dough here is baked in a bakery known for its incredible bread, resulting in a hearty Sicilian crust. These square pizzas are light and airy, with perfectly charred edges.


You can also buy fresh pizza dough, bulk sausage, and premium red sauce to create a delicious slice at home. How convenient is that? It’s a wonder more places don’t offer this!


Biga Pizza: Missoula, Montana

Biga Pizza has earned a reputation in Montana for prioritizing quality. Their hand-tossed pizzas with sourdough crusts brushed with garlic and olive oil deliver a consistently delightful experience from the first bite to the last.


The popular Quattro Formaggio (four cheese) is a crowd favorite—because who doesn’t love cheese? Using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, their inventive specials cater to all tastes, with toppings ranging from mushrooms and peppers to pepperoni and anchovies.


Pagliai’s Pizza & Pasta: Cape Girardeau, Missouri

Pagliai’s Pizza has become legendary for its mouthwatering sausage toppings. Visiting Cape Girardeau without trying Pagliai’s is almost unthinkable—this is as far from generic, mass-produced pizza as it gets.


With options like wheat and gluten-free crusts, they aim to please every palate. Don’t miss their Chicago spicy sausage pizza. Pair it with a selection from their impressive craft beer list for a truly satisfying meal.


Tony’s Brick Oven Pizzeria: Gulfport, Mississippi

Tony’s Brick Oven Pizzeria is a master of crafting one-of-a-kind seafood pizzas cooked in a brick oven. These pizzas are a must-try at least once in your life.

A pizza with jalapenos on it

Description automatically generated

With a unique flavor profile and reasonable pricing, it’s no wonder Tony’s has a loyal customer base. Their commitment to excellence in every dish sets them apart.


Pagliai’s Pizza: Mankato, Minnesota

In Minnesota, Pagliai’s Pizza is renowned for its unbeatable trifecta: high-quality meats, generous cheese portions, and a classic, welcoming atmosphere.


This iconic establishment has been a Mankato favorite for years. Every element of their pizzas—crust, sauce, cheese, and toppings—is exceptional. Their golden-brown deep-dish pizzas with a buttery, fluffy crust are a must-try.


BJay’s Pizza and Coneys: Bay City, Michigan

At first glance, BJay’s pizzas look like a luxury indulgence, but they’re surprisingly affordable. However, affordability doesn’t come at the expense of quality—they don’t skimp on toppings.


No wonder BJay’s is a local favorite in Bay City. Packed with cheese and top-notch ingredients, their pizzas deliver an unforgettable culinary experience.


Regina Pizzeria: Boston, Massachusetts

Since 1926, Regina Pizzeria has been a cornerstone of Boston’s “Little Italy” North End, celebrated for its exceptional brick-oven pizzas and legendary reputation.


Bostonians are passionate about food, and Regina Pizzeria exemplifies why. Once you try it, fast-food pizzas will no longer satisfy.


Joe Benny’s Focacceria: Maryland

Meatballs as a pizza topping might sound unusual, but Joe Benny’s proves they’re a perfect match. Their meatball appetizer, a blend of beef and pork with heavenly garlic bread, is unforgettable.


Known for innovative and flavorful pizzas on thick crusts, Joe Benny’s is a must-visit in Baltimore’s Little Italy. The cozy atmosphere and loyal patrons speak volumes about their exceptional food.


Seacoast Pizza and Pasta: Wells, Maine

Seacoast Pizza offers an impressive variety of pizzas, many of which are available by the slice, including delicious Sicilian-style options. They also craft made-to-order pies.

A square pizza on a metal tray

Description automatically generated

From New York-style to thick Sicilian varieties, there’s something for everyone. Beyond pizza, their menu includes pasta dishes, salads, calzones, and spinach rolls, all enjoyed in cozy indoor or outdoor settings.


Wildwood Pizza: Alexandria, Louisiana

Wildwood Pizza stands out with top-tier ingredients that let their toppings shine. Their specialty pizza, “The Beast,” lives up to its name with an irresistible combination of red sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, spicy sausage, meatball, red onion, and bacon.

A pizza on a cutting board

Description automatically generated

For a lighter option, their salads are equally fantastic. And for the creative diner, there’s the option to build your own pizza masterpiece.


Fatkat’s Pizzeria: Georgetown, Kentucky

True to their name, Fatkat’s goes all out with generously topped pizzas, wings, and subs, making for a hearty and satisfying meal.

A slice of pizza with vegetables

Description automatically generated

Favorites include the Cowboy pizza and Sweet Red dressing. The friendly service and welcoming staff make dining here a delight.


Ziggys Pizza: East Wichita, Kansas

Ziggys took a bold step by adding mac and cheese to pizza—a twist that’s as delicious as it is unconventional. It’s worth a try!

A pizza with pepperoni on top

Description automatically generated

The lively, modern atmosphere complements their creative menu. If mac and cheese isn’t your thing, they have plenty of other fantastic pizza options to explore.


Need Pizzeria: Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Need Pizzeria offers generously sized pizzas with a variety of toppings and sauces, making them hard to resist. They’re also known for their large portions, extending their appeal to everything on the menu—from salads to desserts, and of course, their pizza.


The diverse selection of toppings and sauces takes customers on a flavorful journey. What sets them apart is their inclusivity, catering to various dietary restrictions and allergies, ensuring everyone finds something to love.


Mother Bear’s Pizza: Bloomington, Indiana

Mother Bear’s pizza crusts are in a league of their own. Situated in a bustling college town, this spot is famous for its handmade sesame crust—a favorite among students and faculty alike.


In addition to their signature crust, Mother Bear’s pizzas have earned numerous accolades, including being voted the best pizza in Bloomington by the Indiana Daily Student. When it comes to satisfying pizza cravings, Mother Bear’s delivers every time.


Pequods Pizza: Chicago, Illinois

Pequods is renowned as the go-to spot for deep-dish pizza in a city famous for this iconic style. Many Chicagoans recommend it as the best in town.

A pizza on a plate

Description automatically generated

Their crust strikes a perfect balance between “yeasty” and “biscuity,” with a light, crispy texture that sets it apart from the heavier, oilier versions found elsewhere. On weekends, expect wait times measured in hours—it’s that good!


MOD Pizza: Idaho

MOD Pizza offers a unique experience, allowing diners to craft affordable, customized pizzas. Despite the often long lines, the efficient service ensures a quick turnaround.

A pizza and salad on a table

Description automatically generated

Every visit guarantees delicious food, and their “no name cake”—a cream-filled dessert—is a must-try treat to end your meal on a sweet note.


Outrigger Pizza Company: Kihei, Hawaii

Outrigger Pizza Company exudes Hawaiian charm with its quick, affordable, and flavorful individual pizzas. Perfect after a day of surfing, this spot is a favorite for wood-fired delights.

A pizza with corn and cheese

Description automatically generated

The inviting atmosphere, freshly made toppings, and friendly staff create a memorable dining experience. Customize your order for a pizza that’s uniquely yours.


Antico Pizza Napoletana: Atlanta, Georgia

Antico Pizza Napoletana sticks to authentic Italian traditions, baking their pizzas in a 900-degree oven for the perfect thin, Neapolitan-style crust.

A pizza with onions and spinach on a plate

Description automatically generated

Using premium ingredients like Mozzarella di Bufala and San Marzano tomatoes, they offer both white and red pizzas. Their Margherita and lasagna pizzas are fan favorites.

Advertisement