10. Artichoke and Basille – New York City
Artichoke and Basille has been a New York favorite since Francis Garcia and Sal Basille opened shop in 2008. Edmond from The Food Buster calls it a “legendary pig-out joint catering to the endless throngs of nightwalkers… And it only took me one bite to understand what all the fuss was about: so original, so flavorful, and so downright greasy that it deserves every bit of its legendary status.”
9. Giordano’s – Chicago
“Authentic Chicago stuffed pizza at its finest,” says one Foursquare tipster, and we happen to agree. Named after their mother, Joseph and Efren, two brothers from Italy, opened Girodano’s to serve the classic deep-dish double crusted pizza they had grown up with in Italy.
8. Zachary’s – Oakland
This unique employee owned restaurant has been adorned with over 150 best pizza awards. Their style of Chicago pizza starts with a thin layer of fresh dough, topped with cheese and other fresh ingredients. Another layer of dough is then added to cover the filling. And the whole thing is topped with their secret sauce. Bellissimo!
7. Crisp Pizza Bar and Lounge – Milwaukee
Crisp Pizza Bar and Lounge is an ultra chic Neapolitan pizzeria that features authentic ingredients and live music. Word on the street is their Portabella Fries are to die for.
6. Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers – Raleigh
Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers takes the prize for best name, hands down. It’s all thanks to three eclectic Georgia Tech college students who opened Mellow Mushroom in 1974 to reflect their progressive values and pursuit of quality. While the Raleigh location is not the original, it is every bit as unique and eclectic as the original.
5. Ian’s Pizza – Milwaukee
Ian’s Pizza By the Slice is a Midwest sensation. The Milwaukee location is one of four to dish up delicious pies and what’s been called the best Mac ‘n Cheese on the planet.
4. Home Slice – Austin
Home Slice serves up authentic New York style pizza in Austin’s loveable South Congress district. Even more impressive than their knack for pizza is their love of music. For the past 6 years Home Slice has hosted MXTS (Music by the Slice) and we hear this year’s event in April was a blast.
3. Jack’s Pizza and Wings – Atlanta
Jack’s is a good ol’ unpretentious pizza joint with amazing calzones, pizza, wings and occasional “recession specials”. To quote one Foursquare tipster, “Jack is badass!”.
2. Grinders – Kansas City
Pizza and beer go together like apple and pie, and no one does the combo better than Grinders. The restaurant was even featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Dive-ins and Dives on the Food Network, so you know it’s gotta be good.
1. Pizza Luce – Minneapolis
Located in the epicenter of Minneapolis’ historic warehouse district, Pizza Luce has been serving gourmet pizza to Midwesterners since 1993. Critics and foodies alike rave about Pizza Luce’s variety and often call it “the best pizza ever!”.
