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There is always a fair game dinner in my house – pizza night! Pizza is the easy option when Mom doesn’t want to cook, but some of our friends have pizza and movie night every Friday.
While we celebrate many things in October, and Pizza Month is a highlight. I don’t know what it is about pizza that keeps us returning for more. Of course, we all have our favorite toppings and mix of ingredients. But there is just something about combining a good crust, a signature sauce piled high and melted cheese.
Below are some of our favorite bites near our backyard and when we are on the road across Arkansas. They are listed in alphabetical order because we couldn’t pick a favorite.
1812 Pizza Co | Paragould, Manila, Jonesboro
Known for its extensive selection of specialty pizzas, 1812 Pizza Co. combines local charm with a laid-back atmosphere. Each location features a distinct vibe, making it a perfect spot for casual dining and gatherings with friends.
Recommend: BBQ Pulled Pork, Mac and Cheese or The Margherita
Certified Pies | Little Rock
Born from a passion for pizza and friendship, Certified Pies stands out by focusing on local and fresh ingredients. The inviting environment celebrates community, making it more than just a meal; it’s a shared experience.
Recommend: Margherita Pie, Pesto Chicken, The Certified Special
Deluca’s Pizza | Hot Springs
Deluca’s Pizza distinguishes itself with its traditional Arkansas brick oven, which imparts a unique flavor to its fresh ingredients and homemade dough. The emphasis on authenticity and craftsmanship in every pie creates a memorable dining experience.
Recommend: Pepperoni, Veggie Supreme, BBQ Chicken
Front Street Pizza | Piggot
Front Street Pizza is more than just a pizzeria; it’s a family-friendly hub with themed nights and seasonal specialty pies. Its creative seasonal offerings, like pumpkin-shaped pizzas for fall, heart-shaped pizzas for Valentine’s Day and moon-phase pizzas for the eclipse, add a festive flair that makes every visit special.
Recommend: Cinnamon Roll pizza, Reese’s pizza or the loaded sub
Grateful Head Pizza & Taproom | Hot Springs
Nestled in a back alley, Grateful Head offers a cozy atmosphere with a local flair. Its barbecue chicken pizza and diverse taproom selections make it a favorite hangout for those seeking great food and a relaxed vibe.
Recommend: BBQ Chicken, Meatball Marinara, Pesto Veggie
Guido’s Pizza | Tontitown and Springdale
With a rich heritage rooted in the early settlers of Tontitown, Guido’s Pizza serves up family-style dining with fresh ingredients at checkered tables. Its signature Cousin Vinnie’s pizza offers a nostalgic touch that evokes a sense of home.
Recommend: Cousin Vinnie’s, Buffalo Chicken, Margherita
Gusano’s Pizza | Bentonville, Fayetteville, Rogers, Bella Vista, Springdale, Fort Smith, Texarkana
Gusano’s is renowned for its Chicago-style pizza, which brings a slice of the Windy City to Arkansas. Its focus on deep, hearty flavors and generous portions sets it apart from traditional pizzerias.
Recommend: Chicago-deep-dish, Stuffed pizza, pepperoni and sausage
Joe’s Pasta and Pizza | Fort Smith and Texarkana
While famous for its authentic Italian pasta, Joe’s boasts pizzas as large as the table. Unique offerings like lasagna pizza and deep-dish Sicilian highlight its commitment to hearty, satisfying meals.
Recommend: Lasagna Pizza, Deep Dish Sicilian, Vegetarian Delight
Larry’s Pizza | Little Rock, North Little Rock, Bryant, Cabot, White Hall, Conway, Haskell, Malvern, Salem
As a quintessential local spot, Larry’s Pizza offers a unique buffet experience, allowing diners to sample a variety of signature flavors. Its focus on community support and gathering makes it an easy choice for groups and events.
Recommend: Larry’s Special, Taco Pizza, BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger
Mellow Mushroom | Fayetteville
Mellow Mushroom combines psychedelic decor with delicious pizza for a vibrant dining experience. Its diverse menu caters to adventurous eaters and traditionalists alike, ensuring everyone finds something to enjoy.
Recommend: Holy Shitake, Kosmic Karma, The Marley, or go half-and-half and try two!
MJ’s Pizzeria | Springdale
MJ’s Pizzeria stands out with its bougie take on pizza, featuring made-from-scratch crusts and an in-house brick oven. This artisanal approach elevates the pizza experience, appealing to those who appreciate gourmet quality.
Recommend: Truffle Mushroom, Prosciutto and Arugula, Buffalo Cauliflower
Nima’s Pizza | Gassville
Voted one of the best, Nima’s Pizza surprises with its award-winning New York-style pies. Despite being in a small town, its reputation for excellence draws pizza lovers from afar, showcasing the quality that transcends its location.
Recommend: Classic NY Cheese, Pepperoni and Ricotta, Piggly Wiggly
Old Mill Pizza | North Little Rock
Famous for its ultra-thin crust, Old Mill Pizza sets itself apart with a minimalist approach highlighting its ingredients’ freshness. This focus on quality makes each bite a delight for thin-crust enthusiasts.
Recommend: Thin Crust Pepperoni, White Pizza, Mediterranean Veggie
Papa Dick’s Pizza | Horseshoe Bend
Located at Crown Point Resort, Papa Dick’s emphasizes fresh, natural ingredients and aged hand-tossed dough. Its scenic lakeside setting complements the quality of its pizzas, creating a unique dining experience.
Recommend: Classic Margherita, BBQ Chicken, Garden Veggie, Garlic Bread Tower
Papa’s Pub | Fort Smith
Papa’s Pub combines a casual pub atmosphere with exceptional pizza. Its motto—”A great pub and a hot pie, what else do you need?” – captures its laid-back vibe, making it a go-to for drinks and bites.
Recommend: Pub Classic Pepperoni, Taco Flatbread, Buffalo Chicken Flatbread
Pizzeria Ruby | Johnson
As Arkansas’ favorite new pizza place, Pizzeria Ruby stands out for its fresh, innovative menu and commitment to quality. Its rapid rise in popularity reflects its ability to capture the local pizza market’s attention.
Recommend: Ruby’s Special, Pepperoni and Green Pepper, BBQ Pulled Pork
Rod’s Pizza Cellar | Hot Springs
An Arkansas OG since 1975, Rod’s Pizza Cellar prides itself on in-house made dough and fresh cheese cut daily. Its commitment to quality ingredients ensures that every pizza is crafted with care and tradition.
Recommend: Rod’s Special, Godfather (or Godmother), Razorbiaco or chocolate chip dessert pizza
Smokin’ Oak Wood Stone Pizza | Fayetteville
With a casual atmosphere perfect for a pre-movie meal, Smokin’ Oak offers a blend of pizza and social gatherings. Its tap wall adds a modern touch, making it an easy spot for connecting with friends.
Recommend: Smokin’ Meat, Greek, Italian Stallion, Smokey Dokey
The Ouachitas | Mena
The Ouachitas offers a delightful escape with its artisan pizzas crafted from fresh, local ingredients. Known for its unique flavor combinations, this cozy pizzeria emphasizes community and a rustic charm, making it a perfect stop for locals and travelers.
Recommend: Mountain Margherita, Smoky BBQ Chicken, Wild Mushroom Medley
The Pizza Cafe | Little Rock
The Pizza Cafe specializes in take-and-bake options, allowing diners to enjoy freshly made pizzas at home. Its motto—”better is better”—reflects a commitment to quality and convenience for busy lifestyles.
Recommend: The Big Ricky, BBQ Chicken Take & Bake, The Dirty D
Tim’s Pizza East | Fayetteville
Tim’s Pizza East is a nostalgic throwback, offering old-school pizza that evokes memories of college life. Its bustling atmosphere on game weekends makes it a go-to for fans and families.
Recommend: just order a pizza!
Underground Pizza Co | Texarkana
Known for its creative and unique toppings, Underground Pizza Co. offers a distinct twist on traditional pizza. Its underground vibe sets the stage for a memorable dining experience off the beaten path.
Recommend: The Underground Classic, Spicy Italian Sausage, Veggie Extravaganza
Upper Crust Pizza | Jonesboro
Upper Crust Pizza emphasizes gourmet thin-crust pies baked in stone hearth ovens. With a commitment to fresh ingredients and playful menu items like the Chicken Ranch Mushroom, it appeals to culinary adventurers.
Recommend: Chicken Ranch Mushroom, The Widow Maker, Maui Wowie
US Pizza Co. | Fayetteville, Little Rock, Maumelle, Bryant, Sherwood, Conway, Batesville, Cabot, Springdale
US Pizza Co. is a staple in Arkansas, focusing on award-winning thin-crust pizza baked in open-hearth ovens. Its dedication to quality and from-scratch preparation sets it apart from other destinations.
Recommend: Award Winning Pepperoni, Buffalo Chicken, Margherita
Wood Stone Craft Pizza | Fayetteville
Wood Stone Craft Pizza stands out for its emphasis on artisanal ingredients and craft pizza techniques. Its focus on high-quality flavors and a cozy setting invites guests to savor every bite.
Recommend: The Bloomington, THISS, Ozarkansas
ZaZa Fine Wood Pizza | Conway, Little Rock
ZaZa specializes in Napoli-style pizzas cooked in a brick oven using fresh, local ingredients. Its inviting atmosphere encourages sharing, making it popular for groups to enjoy quality pizza together.
Recommend: Chile Honey Soppressata, The Forager, Green and White, Pepperoni and Roasted Garlic
Here’s a fun recipe for Gameday Pizza Twists you can make this weekend to cheer on your favorite team and celebrate Pizza Month!
Cover image provided by Larry’s Pizza.
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