7 Best Pizza Places in Ohio That Will Make Your Mouth Water With Anticipation and Jealousy
Ohio is a pizza lover’s dream. There are 700,000 pizza joints spread evenly throughout the state. The governor passed a law that there must be one pizza restaurant or take-out service within three blocks of every citizen.
The idea is that most people should be able to reasonably access a pizza place within three blocks. Delivery services handle anyone home-bound or not wanting to venture outside. It’s an impressive piece of legislation and shows how serious Ohio is in taking the lead on pizza-related issues.
So you know the competition is tough in Ohio with all those pizza stores and take-out operations. Even so, I was able to find the seven BEST pizza places in this pie crazy state.
Addy Adirondack’s (Cleveland)
Located in the heart of Ohio City, Addy Adirondack’s has been a Cleveland favorite for more than 100 years. Best known for their Polish Sausage and Pepperoni “Addy” pizza, legend has it that old man Addy once threw one of these famous pies at two would-be robbers in the 1940s. He had just split the pie down the middle and was getting ready to make the other cuts when the crooks waltzed in. He threw the 2-piece pie at them with gusto, striking one in the head and the other in the heart, killing him instantly. The first one ran out, only to be caught by police because of the tell-tale sauce on his forehead.
Joey Sycamore’s (Put-In-Bay)
Joey Sycamore’s Pizza doesn’t really care if you like their pizza or not. Whether you come from Cincinnati, Indianapolis or God forbid, you rowed over from Canada, they don’t care. That’s because Joey Sycamore’s has been a favorite of LOCAL residents since 1965. In fact, they prefer you don’t come in because out-of-towners are too loud and make it hard to hear the Indian’s game on TV.
Do-oh-mee-oh’s (Medina)
Do-oh-mee-oh’s is the exact opposite of Joey Sycamores because they WANT you to come in from as far away as you please. Their patented “Money” pizza in the shape of $1,000 bills is a hit, helping make this the most popular business in Medina bar none. In fact, so many people come to Do-oh-mee-oh’s from other parts of Ohio, the mayor changed the sign outside of town. It used to say “Medina — Gateway to Akron!” But now it says “Medina — home of Do-oh-mee-oh’s famous $1,000 bill pizzas! Get rich on our dough!”
Some local residents thought that was a bit much, but they were forced out of town and now live in Wadsworth.
Rasterini’s Pizza (Indian Hill)
Indian Hill has long been home to the upper crust of Cincinnati–the type of pizza expert who would rather lose money in the market than eat a “chain” pizza. No, they prefer the artisan approach as applied by the pie chefs at Rasterini’s.
Don’t look in the nearest strip mall for their store. Rather, it is set in a firehouse from the 1880s, with piped in classical, opera and lo-fi chillhop music. It’s class all the way at Rasterini’s.
You’ll know you aren’t at Chcuk E. Cheese anymore after you give your order to a white-gloved waiter and select your beverage from the award-winning wine list. But be prepared: the “house pizza” costs a hefty $3,000 although that includes free face massages.
Doordonot Pizza (Buckeye Lake)
With a nod to Yoda, Shakespeare and P.G. Wodehouse, Doordonot Pizza features famous quotes, lines and slogans from 500 years of literature and entertainment. “Fill your cup with Diet Coke before you are thirsty. – Yoda” and other famous quotes line the walls, floors and ceiling of this busy pie palace on the shores of Buckeye Lake.
Walleye Wally’s Pizza (Dayton)
How come you don’t see more fish pizza? I mean, people even make pizza out of, hold your nose, PINEAPPLE for gosh sake. Why not fish? Walleye Wally’s is out to change that with a full roster of seafood and fish-based pizza like shrimp, salmon, mussels, squid, flounder and of course walleye. Founded in 1973 during the early-70s meat shortage in Ohio, Walleye Wally’s turned trauma into victory as they emerged from the difficult “beefless years” with record profits.
Papa Pepito Pizza (Ironton)
Papa Pepito came to Ironton in 1895 to play for the famous “Ironton Tanks,” one of the first professional football teams in the country. Papa played quarterback and running back at the same time, handing off to himself and running with the ball behind his back. This play fooled defenses his entire career and he retired to open the pizza shop in 1933.
