Your State's Best Hole-In-The-Wall Pizza Restaurant

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It's no secret that pizza has been around for a long, long time. And as long as there have been people enjoying pizza, there have been little hole-in-the-wall pizza joints turning out some of the best pizza you can find anywhere. 

Sure, you can find some really nice, high-end pizzerias with gourmet dining experiences and upscale seating. Some of those are among the best pizza places in America. But at its heart, pizza has always been a food for the masses: a cheap, fast, handheld meal that's still filling and delicious. So there's something about an old-school pizza place with a non-nonsense aesthetic that makes those pies even tastier. When you eat at a little hole-in-the-wall pizzeria, you're going back to your childhood, tasting the memories of a better time. 

Best of all, there are no-frills pizza joints cranking out delicious pizza in every one of the 50 United States. So, no matter where you live, there's bound to be a great little unsung pizza place near you. Once you try these restaurants, you won't want to have pizza any other way. 

Step into Giuseppe's Cafe in Birmingham, Alabama, and you'll find yourself in the kind of old-school Italian neighborhood eatery that your grandparents told you about. Cited by locals as one of the city's hidden gems, Giuseppe's first opened in 2002 and has kept its dining room small to foster a family vibe. Keep an eye out for its ever-evolving specials menu, featuring dishes such as a lamb gyro pizza.

giuseppescafe.com

(205) 324-2626

925 8th St S, Birmingham, AL 35205

Want to try the pizza at Peace on Earth? Well, you're going to have to plan ahead, as there are no roads to the village of Unalakleet. Instead, you'll have to go by plane — or by dog sled. In fact, Peace on Earth is famous for delivering pizzas to competitors in the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. As per customers, it's worth the effort, with tasty pizza and crispy fries.

facebook.com/peaceonearthalaska

(907) 624-3373

107 Beach Rd W, Unalakleet, AK 99684

Squeezed into a tiny room and featuring a custom-made Italian pizza oven, Pizzicletta in Flagstaff, Arizona, is a hole-in-the-wall by design. The focus is on the food, with no distractions. Patrons have praised the pizza's flavor and texture — which is simultaneously chewy and crispy — as well as the gelato on offer for dessert.

pizzicletta.com

(928) 774-3242

203 W Phoenix Ave, Flagstaff, AZ 86001

Opened in 1991, Tommy's Famous A Pizzeria in Mountain View has lived up to its name, becoming famous among locals for its top-notch pizza pies. Considered among the state's most iconic eateries, Tommy's offers a unique hybrid that incorporates elements of both Chicago and Detroit-style pizzas. While the restaurant may not look like much, the food consistently impresses diners.

tommysfamous.net

(870) 269-3278

205 Carpenter Street, Famous Pl, Mountain View, AR 72560

The Coop Pizza in Los Angeles has served up New York-style pizza for decades. Locals swear by it – just bring comfortable shoes if you're dining in, because it's standing room only. Pizza is sold by the slice or by the pie, with the tiramisu also earning rave reviews.

cooppizza.com

(310) 837-4462

10006 National Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90034

Ask locals about the best pizza in the Denver area, and many Colorado residents will cite Pizzeria Lui in Lakewood. Pizzeria Lui uses the highest quality ingredients to create equally high quality pizza with a chewy crust, strong flavor, and a wide range of topping choices. The spicy honey sauce is a fan favorite.

pizzerialui.com

(303) 922-3202

5380 W Mississippi Ave, Lakewood, CO 80226

Considering Connecticut is arguably the pizza capital of America, being voted one of the top 10 pizza joints in the state by Connecticut residents hits different. Locals know pizza, and Tony's is where they get it. Expect consistently high quality, with even a plain cheese impressing customers.

tonyspizzaplace.com

(860) 423-7717

117 Main St, Willimantic, CT 06226

Wilmington is just 30 miles southwest of the pizza hub that is Philadelphia. But Wilmington's pizza scene plays second fiddle to no one, as proven by local favorite Tony & Dominick's Pizza. This no-frills, old-school parlor proves that sometimes smaller is better. The pasta is also beloved by customers.

facebook.com/tonydominickspizza

(302) 384-6063

1808 Newport Gap Pike, Wilmington, DE 19808

Forget the Magic Kingdom, the real magic in Orlando is Black Magic Pizza. A far cry from Pizza Planet, Black Magic is an acclaimed local favorite that specializes in hand-tossed, Neapolitan-style dough. Just make sure you keep your eyes peeled, because this place is a literal hole-in-the-wall.

blackmagicpizza.com

(407) 286-1310

121 N Bumby Ave, Orlando, FL 32803

Solar Slice Pizza in Marietta is a vibe. Locals swear by both the pizza and the joint's "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles"-esque arcade aesthetic. Come for the games, stay for tasty slices such as the birria (served with a side of birria juice) and the pepperoni drizzled with Mike's Hot Honey.

solarslicepizza.com

(678) 310-0444

497 Cobb Pkwy SE, Marietta, GA 30060

Stumbling across Boston's North End Pizza Bakery is a bit of a fever dream, given it's not in Boston at all, but Aiea, Hawaii. Boston's regional specialty, Greek-style pizza, meets Pacific flavors in this locally famous joint. Popular options include the spinach and garlic and the veggie garlic pizza.

bostonsnorthendpizza.com

(808) 487-4055

98-302 Kamehameha Hwy, Aiea, HI 96701

The Old Ice House Pizzeria is a little pizza shop in Hope, Idaho, that may be cramped on the inside, but has ambiance to spare outside. Locals recommend grabbing a slice and heading to the patio for breathtaking scenery in every direction – and great pizza. The crust has generated particular praise, as has its ratio to the sauce.

oldicehousepizzeria.com

(208) 264-5555

140 W Main St, Hope, ID 83836

Chicago is world famous for its iconic deep-dish pizza, but for something different, locals swear by the thin-crust pies you can get at Al's Pizza in nearby Warrenville. Some claim it's the best Chicago thin-crust pizza around, supported by a flavorful sauce and fresh toppings.

alspizzainc.com

(630) 393-9630

28w241 Warrenville Rd, Warrenville, IL 60555

From the outside, Perillo's Pizzeria in North Salem looks more like an abandoned garage than one of the top-rated pizza joints among locals in the know. Once you step indoors, however, you'll find an array of delicious New York-style and Sicilian pies, praised for the quality of their dough and sauce. Just be aware that this old-school pizzeria is cash only.

facebook.com/perillospizzeria

(765) 676-4171

5 S Broadway St, North Salem, IN 46165

Originally opened way back in 1977, Bordenaro's Pizza in Des Moines is a local landmark. Voted one of the top two pizzerias in the city by readers of the Des Moines Register, Bordenaro's packs a lifetime of happy diners into its small dining room. The thin-crust, square-cut pies include unique options such as bacon cheesburger and mac and cheese.

bordenarospizza.com

(515) 287-1607

6108 SW 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50315

Gary Wilson opened his eponymous restaurant in Kansas City in 1993. Fast forward three decades, and his homemade pizza dough with fresh toppings has made the restaurant a local institution for generations of hungry fans. Be sure to try the 18th Street Special.

wilsonspizzaandgrill.com

(913) 621-4066

1801 Quindaro Blvd, Kansas City, KS 66104

Ask residents of Louisville where to find the best pizza around, and chances are they'll point you to a ramshackle, roadside, cash-only dive that has a reputation befitting its name: Bonnie & Clyde's Pizza Parlor. The pizza there is as vintage as the decor, with a thin crust, tasty toppings, and a liberal amount of sauce.

(502) 935-5540

7611 Dixie Hwy, Louisville, KY 40258

Not far from Lafayette in the heart of Acadiana is Opelousas. There you'll find what some locals consider the city's top attraction: the legendary slice joint, Pizza Shack. The crust is crispy, the toppings are generous, and you can taste the Cajun influence on the sauce.

pizzashackopelousas.com

(337) 948-4838

1242 Edith St, Opelousas, LA 70570

Sometimes the best pizzeria is an Italian grocery store. Like Micucci Grocery in Portland, where you can buy Sicilian pizza by the slice. The crust has been compared to focaccia, while the sauce boasts a touch of sweetness. While each slice looks hefty, customers promise that it's not as heavy as it appears.

micuccis.com

(207) 775-1854

45 India St, Portland, ME 04101

Matthew's Pizzeria is a cultural cornerstone in Baltimore. The oldest pizza shop in the city, Matthew's has served customers since 1943. And to hear the locals tell it, the pizza is better than ever, with a crust that's caramelized on the edges and can be topped with everything from onions to crab.

matthewspizza.com

(410) 276-8755

3131 Eastern Ave, Baltimore, MD 21224

Tucked away behind a back door on a side street in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is Pinocchio's Pizza & Subs. Originally opened in 1966, this secret snack factory has been a hotspot for local college students in the know since it moved to Harvard Square in the 1980s. The slices are considered among the best in the Boston area, but some patrons warn that they literally got lost trying to find this hole-in-the-wall, so pack a map along with your appetite.

pinocchiospizza.net

(617) 876-4897

74 Winthrop St, Cambridge, MA 02138

Fredi Bello and his Melvindale, Michigan restaurant are both known as Fredi the PizzaMan, and for good reason, as Bello has been slinging pies for more than four decades. A tiny joint with about five tables, Fredi the PizzaMan has become so popular that it can be hard to actually secure a pizza, so if you make a pilgrimage, be prepared to plan your day around it. Customers promise it's more than worth the wait.

fredithepizzaman.com

17900 Allen Rd, Melvindale, MI 48122

Keeping the legacy of Ronnally's Pizza & Pasta alive is a labor of love. Opened in Woodbury, Minnesota, in 1973, this family business was bought by Greg and Diana Ehlenz in 2015. They use the original Ronnally's recipes, including the joint's famous secret sauce, preserving the unique identity of this strip-mall classic. With top-notch pizza and customer service, it's no wonder Ronally's has survived to become the city's oldest restaurant.

ronnallys.com

(651) 739-3823

1560 Woodlane Dr, Woodbury, MN 55125

You don't expect to find an authentic taste of The Big Apple in the Magnolia State, but Milano's N.Y. Pizza in Southaven, Mississippi, delivers just that. Praised for its real deal New York-style pizza, Milano's focuses on flavor first and foremost, so you won't get five-star ambiance from this small shop located on the corner of a strip mall. But with pizza by the slice or the whole New York size pie, you can expect to get your belly filled.

(662) 349-8111

7065 Airways Blvd, Southaven, MS 38671

Sequestered inside a squat little brick building in the middle of a parking lot, Pizza-A-Go-Go has been serving the residents of St. Louis, Missouri, since 1967. Customers wax poetic about its house-made sausage and its delicious pepperoni pizza, but if you want some, you'll have to travel, as Pizza-A-Go-Go doesn't deliver. The menu is pizza only, the establishment is open short hours, and it doesn't take credit cards — but you can still pay by check. Classic.

pizzaagogostl.wixsite.com/pizzaagogostl

(314) 781-1234

6703 Scanlan Ave, St. Louis, MO 63139

With just over 3,000 full-time residents, Glasgow, Montana, might seem an unlikely place to find the best pizza in the state. But that's only if you haven't had the experience of tasting a pie from Eugene's Pizza, which has previously been voted the top pie in Montana. According to regulars, Eugene's recently downsized the rest of its menu to keep its focus squarely on pizzas made with the finest ingredients available. Dedication.

eugenespizza.com

(406) 228-8552

193 Klein Ave, Glasgow, MT 59230

Piezon's Pizzeria in Omaha, Nebraska, is more than just a restaurant. Founded by former Nebraska Cornhuskers college football star Matt Vrzal, Piezon's became a focal point for the community before his untimely death in 2025. Known for both its great pizza and family vibe, Piezon's has stayed open thanks to Vrzal's sister and mother taking up the reins in his honor.

piezons.com

(402) 991-7437

15605 West Center Rd, Omaha, NE 68130

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas — unless its word of mouth about a pizza speakeasy turning out some of the best pies in Sin City. The Cosmopolitan is one of the biggest hotels on the Strip. Hidden on the third floor is one of Las Vegas' biggest secrets: Secret Pizza, which sells slices out of a backroom located down a side hallway. Get yours, and keep the secret.

secretpizzalv.hey-restaurants.com

(702) 698-7000

3708 Las Vegas Blvd S, Boulevard Tower Level 3, Las Vegas, NV 89109

For years, there's been one top choice among New Hampshire pizza enthusiasts: Alley Cat Pizzeria in Manchester. Serving up classic New York-style pizza, Alley Cat is located right in the heart of downtown ManchVegas, making it a popular snack spot for folks enjoying the city's burgeoning nightlife scene. Customers swear by it as a perfect nightcap after an evening enjoying some local live hockey.

alleycatpizzerianh.com

(603) 669-4533

486 Chestnut St, Manchester, NH 03101

If you've heard of Pizza Land in Arlington, New Jersey, it's down to one of two things: the vintage joint's classic pizza or the fact that its tiny storefront was featured in the opening credits of the hit TV series "The Sopranos." Pizza Land isn't shy about the connection, so don't be fooled by the Sopranos bling on the walls. It's the thin-crust pizza, however, that's truly the star of the show at Pizza Land.

pizzalandnj.com

(201) 998-2500

260 Belleville Tpke, North Arlington, NJ 07031

Giovanni's Pizzeria in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has a long history of making top-tier pizzas. Back in 2012, the restaurant's New York-style pies were named by USA Today as the best pizza in the state. Judging by social media and online reviews, quality hasn't dipped a bit, with locals ready to take on all comers to defend the honor of this beloved strip mall joint. Tip: customers cite the sauce as a major selling point.

giovannispizzaabq.com

(505) 255-1233

921 San Pedro Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108

Seems like you can't walk 10 feet in the Big Apple without tripping over one of the best pizza shops in New York. If you're going to fall for one, though, Louie & Ernie's is your place. Named a must-try slice by The New York Times, this little brick shack in the Bronx is consistently cited as among the best pizzas anywhere. Just ask locals, some of whom have been returning on the regular for six decades and counting.

louieanderniespizza.com

(718) 829-6230

1300 Crosby Ave, Bronx, NY 10461

More than half of the people in the U.S. consider New York-style pizza the best. Why? Well, in North Carolina at least, some of that is down to the popularity of Ari's Pizza in China Grove. Lauded by locals and transplanted New Yorkers alike, this unassuming little shop on Main Street has limited seating, so some diners choose to eat their slices at a nearby park for enhanced ambiance.

aris-pizza.edan.io

(704) 431-2192

107 N Main St, China Grove, NC 28023

Considered a statewide institution by the citizens of North Dakota, Pizza Corner in Valley City opened back in 1977 before rolling out frozen pizzas statewide three years later. Nowadays, the frozen pizza business has been sold off, but don't be fooled by freezer-burned shrinkflation: The original and only physical location is still making classic pies the way your parents and grandparents liked. Just look for the iconic blue awning and smell the cheesy nostalgia goodness.

thepizzacornervalleycity.com

(701) 845-3423

202 E Main St, Valley City, ND 58072

One of the most iconic sights anywhere is the famous leaning tower. No, not the one in Pisa, Italy. The one in Mansfield, Ohio! That's where you'll find Leaning Tower of Pizza, which introduced the town to pizza when it opened on Christmas 1957. Instantly recognizable thanks to the groovy psychedelic mural on the wall outside, Leaning Tower lives up to its name with pies — and subs — piled high with toppings.

leaningtowerofpizzamo.com

(419) 525-3462

180 Lexington Ave, Mansfield, OH 44907

Squeezed in next to a barber shop in a shopping plaza is one of Oklahoma City's unsung gems: Dado's Pizza OKC. Those songs are starting to be written, though, as Dado's was voted best pizza in the city in 2024 by readers of The Oklahoman. Diners praise Dado's New York-style pizza, citing great sauces and generous portions as ample reasons to stop by and pick up either a slice or a whole pie.

dadospizzaokc.com

(405) 367-8707

10942 N May Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73120

If you're looking for a literal hole-in-the-wall with amazing pizza, go no further than Kitchen Window in Bend, Oregon. Opened in 2024 by the owners of a popular local food truck, Kitchen Window is just that — a kitchen with a window where you order and pick up freshly made pizza. Customers say that Kitchen Window's use of sourdough crust gives the pizzas extra oomph. Don't sleep on the donut holes for dessert!

kitchenwindowbend.com

(458) 202-1532

1227 NW Galveston Ave, Suite C, Bend, OR 97703

Voted the best pizza in 2023 by readers of Pittsburgh Magazine, Fiori's Pizzaria is a city icon. Opened in 1979, the original Fiori's is an old-school pizza joint in an old-school brick building set just off the main drag in Pittsburgh's Brookline neighborhood. The classic order at Fiori's is "cut n' tea," which is a slice of pizza with an iced tea, while customers also appreciate the signature sweet sauce used on the pies.

fiorispizzaria.com

Multiple locations

Rhode Island is the nation's smallest state, so it's fitting that one of the smallest pizza places in The Ocean State is turning out its best pizzas. Pizza Marvin is pizzaiolo Robert Andreozzi's love letter to pizza, and pizza clearly loves him back, as his pies have earned him two James Beard nominations. Space is limited, but customers enjoy the outdoor seating on a nice evening as the perfect way to enjoy top-rated pizza.

pizzamarvin.com

(401) 262-3336

468 Wickenden St, Providence, RI 02903

Located in an unprepossessing corner shop in a residential neighborhood in Charleston, South Carolina, D'Allesandro's Pizza has quietly become a favorite among the city's pizza cognoscenti. Known to locals as D'al's, the joint features a thin-crust pie that regulars cite as top-notch. Just note that parking can be a challenge at the original downtown location, so plan for a bit of a walk.

dalspizza.com

Multiple locations

From the outside, this little shotgun-style pizza joint looks more like a storage unit than a restaurant. But step into Empire Pizza in Watertown, South Dakota, and you'll immediately realize the only thing you'll be storing is pizza in your belly. Routinely cited by locals as the best pizza in the area, the crust at Empire Pizza is singled out for special praise for not being too greasy or salty.

empirepizzainc.com

(605) 882-2644

15 1st Ave SW, Watertown, SD 57201

A staple of midtown Memphis dining, Little Italy Midtown opened in 2004 and had a strong run before shutting its doors in 2023. Good news for fans of good New York-style pizza, though, as it reopened in 2025 to the delight of hungry locals. Regulars recommend trying the Buffalo chicken pizza with a side of ranch dressing, or the stuffed pizza  for a unique dining experience.

littleitalymemphis.com

(901) 725-0280

1495 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38104

Move over, Alamo, because there's another San Antonio institution that's rising up the rankings of must-visit destinations: Main Street Pizza & Pasta. The establishment has won numerous local awards for its fresh, handmade dough, and customers also rave about its exceptional sauce. Seating is limited, but unusually for a pizza place, Main Street Pizza also has a drive-thru for maximum convenience.

ms.pizza

(210) 732-8861

1906 N Main Ave, San Antonio, TX 78212

Want to try a pizza so good it will put you six feet under? Try Pie Pizzeria's iconic Underground location in Salt Lake City. Open under its current name since 1980, Pie Pizzeria Underground is exactly that: To get to the pizza place, you have to go down a flight of stairs from street level into a funky basement that has been a meeting place for generations of pizza-loving University of Utah students.

thepie.com

Multiple locations

Way up in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom, just a stone's throw from the Canadian border, you'll find the iconic Lake Parker Country Store in West Glover. Inside is a delicious pizza secret: Parker Pie Company, which serves top-end gourmet pies to pizza aficionados who make the pilgrimage. Customers rave about the crust and the Green Mountain Special: a pizza topped with spinach, bacon, apples, and drizzled with maple syrup.

parkerpie.com

(802) 525-3366

161 County Rd, West Glover, VT 05875

Hot for Pizza in Richmond, Virginia, is the kind of old-school pizza parlor that you probably thought didn't exist anymore. Described by local media as a divey '80s fever dream, Hot for Pizza is a little corner shop perfect for late-night pizza runs for hungry adventurers. And thirsty, as Hot for Pizza is also a popular local bar where patrons can chase delicious slices with a beverage of choice while watching anime on the TV.

hotforpizza.square.site

(804) 447-0757

1301 W Leigh St, Richmond, VA 23220

Described as the type of pizza place you remember from the '90s, Stevie's Famous is one of the Seattle area's most acclaimed pie factories. The flagship shop is located just a short hop down 509 in nearby Burien, Washington, and patrons particularly cite its excellent dough as a top reason for the quality of the pizza. Upgrading to a Normie — which involves adding burrata and house-made hot honey — is recommended.

steviesfamous.com

Multiple locations

What goes better together than pizza and ice cream? Answer: Nothing, especially if you're in Nebo, West Virginia, and have a chance to eat at Pizzas & Cream. Resident Ed Miller decided one weekend to build a brick oven in his backyard. Fast forward to today, and Pizzas & Cream has received praise as one of the best pizzas in the state. It's still in Miller's backyard, though, so be prepared for some bucolic outdoor dining.

pizzasandcream.com

(304) 286-2985

133 Nebo Walker Rd, Nebo, WV 25141

The town of Random Lake, Wisconsin, sits on the shores of Random Lake. But there's nothing random about the pizza in Random Lake Pizzeria. With quirky decor that includes a disco ball and an aquarium, you may feel you've stepped into a fever dream. But once you bite into a slice of what locals consider to be the best pizza anywhere, you may not want that dream to end. End with some signature homemade ice cream.

randomlakepizzeria.com

(920) 994-4414

435 2nd St, Random Lake, WI 53075

Located inside a squat brick bunker that was once a bank, in a town of less than 400 residents, The Burlington Place in Burlington, Wyoming, might seem an unlikely home to some of the state's best pizza. But owners Mike and Melissa Harrington have been crafting top-tier pies since 2013, making it well worth the drive for anyone craving a unique and delicious pizza experience. Bonus: it's just 90 minutes east of Yellowstone.

theburlingtonplace.com

(307) 762-3800

100 S Main St, Burlington, WY 82411

Megaflopp/Getty Images

To determine the best hole-in-the-wall pizza joints in every state, we first defined what it means to be a hole-in-the-wall restaurant. As such, we favored restaurants that are smaller, older, and especially those that focus on pizza over ambiance or dining experience. What constitutes a hole-in-the-wall restaurant also varies by location: more rural pizza places tend to be larger than their inner-city counterparts. 

With those parameters in place, we looked for hole-in-the-wall pizza places that are highly rated among regular customers and local media outlets alike. The quality of the pie is always paramount. Finally, to ensure this, we visited as many pizza places as we could to test firsthand where the best pizza comes from, an endeavor that is truly a lifelong journey.