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Get ready for the best damn pizza of #Denver Colorado.
Pizza is by far, my favorite dish. I will never be tired of it. It is my healthy and happy comfort food. I am embarrassed to admit how much I spent on this Best of Denver List, but let my obsession be your benefit. Am I addicted to pizza? Yes. Absolutely.
You should always ask a local, fellow pizza lover, and experimenter to share their favorite spots. I didn't even bother with an Honorable Mention list for this one... all pizza should not be discriminated. However, if you are entertaining guests or desire the best damn pizza in town, then you will appreciate this curated list. Yes, it begins with the #1 pizzeria and moves downward; but honestly, each one made it to this glorious compilation for a reason. I have included a map to help you find the closest finalist to you:
I didn't take this task lightly. I don't like making unvetted recommendations. I have tried the majority of this list and saving a few to explore for the rest of this month. I researched reviews, scoured publications, ruffled through online lists, compared my own experiences, and interviewed other pizza lovers. I want to present to you the Holy Grail of Pizza Destinations of Denver.
Just to be clear, this list is sincerely created based on online reviews, publications, personal experience, and local opinion. A pizza place can not buy their way on to this list and all factors were weighed. Of course, everyone has different preferences but I feel confident if you try any of these restaurants on this list, then you will be impressed!! I also try to give you a great idea of the vibe and overall quality for an educated decision if you want to bring a date, a group of friends, the family, or an out-of-state visitor. Enjoy!
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1st Place: Blue Pan Pizza
3509 E 12th Ave, Denver, CO 80206 (720) 519-0944 website
Blue Pan Pizza
Style: Detroit
Location: 3934 W. 32nd Ave. & 3509 E. 12th Ave.
Price Range: $$
Blue Pan was 2nd place on our original list and has made it to #1 this year! Known for its authentic Detroit-style pizza, Blue Pan Pizza is a must-visit. The secret lies in their blue steel pans and edge-to-edge cheese that creates a caramelized, crispy crust. Their standout pie, the Sweety Pie, is a savory-sweet combination of bacon, pineapple, jalapeño, and ricotta. Locals love it for the crispy yet fluffy crust that stays perfect even days later. Owner Giles Flanagin, along with chef Jeff Smokevitch, uses techniques true to Detroit’s original creator, Gus Guerra.
2nd Place: Redeemer
1702 Humboldt St, Denver, CO 80218 (303) 862-5323 website
Redeemer Pizza
Style: New York/Neapolitan HybridLocation: 2705 Larimer St.Website: redeemerpizza.comPrice Range: $$
Redeemer’s naturally leavened dough brings together the best of both worlds—crispy yet chewy. Famous for their Cacio e Pepe pie, they offer a well-blistered crust topped with house-made sausage, garlic cream, and black peppercorns. Their cozy dining room and patio make it a great spot to linger with a bottle of wine.
"My last night's dining experience at this charming pizza place was way more than my expectations so I must write about it. It had long been a suggestion of my 20-yr old daughter that this place was an awesome place for oak-fired pizzas supplemented by seasonal Italian dishes. The interior is rustic-chic. Near 5-star ratings/reviews by people who have dined there pretty much speak for its great food/ambience/service altogether. I let my daughter navigate through the menu; I only glanced at it to see what would catch my eye as a meal accompaniment beverage for the night. My daughter's familiarity with this establishment is because her best friend works there. Here are three things we ordered: Burrata: medley of cherry tomatoes, basil and olive oil. You must order vinegar/fig sauce on the side as this will change your whole burrata experience! Asbury Park Sour: this was probably the best bourbon based cocktail I've had in recent years. Despite its appearance, this drink only has a hint of sweetness. Perfect drink for a beautiful patio dining in mid July; so refreshing!! Cannoli: My daughter's best friend (who works there) said that the restaurant makes the Cannoli shells. The perfected right crunchiness of the shell amazed me as I bit into it. My daughter is not a huge fan of Cannolis in general but she loves theirs. I can see why!! "
- Rika M. from Denver, CO (Yelp)
3rd Place: White Pie
1702 N Humboldt St, Denver, CO 80218 (303) 862-5323 website
White Pie
Style: New Haven & Sicilian
Location: 1702 Humboldt St.
Website: whitepie.com
Price Range: $$
White Pie was knocked down from 1st place to 3rd this year, but it's still a strong compeditor. I have personally tried it and it was painful to place it down on the list. This list is not an easy decision!!! Siblings Kris and Jason Wallenta, inspired by their Connecticut upbringing, have created a buzz with their New Haven–style pizzas. This style is all about thin, charred crusts with unique toppings. Fan favorites include the Porky Porkorino with soppressata and hot honey. They also added a Sicilian twist, with thick, airy slices like the Blondie, coated with everything seasoning
"My last night's dining experience at this charming pizza place was way more than my expectations so I must write about it. It had long been a suggestion of my 20-yr old daughter that this place was an awesome place for oak-fired pizzas supplemented by seasonal Italian dishes. The interior is rustic-chic. Near 5-star ratings/reviews by people who have dined there pretty much speak for its great food/ambience/service altogether. I let my daughter navigate through the menu; I only glanced at it to see what would catch my eye as a meal accompaniment beverage for the night. My daughter's familiarity with this establishment is because her best friend works there. Here are three things we ordered: Burrata: medley of cherry tomatoes, basil and olive oil. You must order vinegar/fig sauce on the side as this will change your whole burrata experience! Asbury Park Sour: this was probably the best bourbon based cocktail I've had in recent years. Despite its appearance, this drink only has a hint of sweetness. Perfect drink for a beautiful patio dining in mid July; so refreshing!! Cannoli: My daughter's best friend (who works there) said that the restaurant makes the Cannoli shells. The perfected right crunchiness of the shell amazed me as I bit into it. My daughter is not a huge fan of Cannolis in general but she loves theirs. I can see why!! "
- Rika M. from Denver, CO (Yelp)
4th Place: De Sauce Pizza
2129 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205 (303) 296-7000 website
Da Sauce Pizza
Style: Chicago/Midwest Tavern
Location: 2907 Huron ST. .Website: dasaucepizza.com
Price Range: $–$$
De Sauce is a new competitor on our Best Pizza List! For something different, try the Midwest tavern-style pizza at Da Sauce. Husband-and-wife team John and Jandee Craig opened this spot near Coors Field to serve thin, crispy pies cut into party squares. Their cheese-heavy creations, made with love, are balanced with just the right amount of sauce. Their New-York Style Pizza is the most popular on the menu. "All things were awesome, food, service, and atmosphere felt like I was in New York even had table tops made out of old lanes from a NY bowling alley. Pizza was on point and the pepperoni pinwheels were fabulous! Definitely coming back!"
-Mark D., Northwest Denver Local
5th Place: Cart-Driver
2500 Larimer St #100, Denver, CO 80205 (303) 292-3553 website
Cart Driver remains in the same placing this year. Cart-Driver’s pizzas are all about the perfect Neapolitan-style crust, bubbly and charred in all the right places. With its simple menu and cozy RiNo location, their Daisy pizza, a local take on the classic Margherita, is a hit among both residents and tourists.
" The only reason I haven't reviewed sooner is that I was hoping to be able to keep this gem a secret. There simply is no better pizza in Denver!! And there's definitely no fresher pizza either. Cart-Driver knows what it's good at and sticks to it - pizza and oysters and the star of the menu and damn they're delicious! You must get the clam pizza, best I've ever had I often wake up dreaming of a slice. Their seasonal palisade peach was top notch and I guarantee you'll love whatever you choose.
Drinks: They have my favorite beer from my time living in Chicago *teardrop* Half Acre's Daisy Cutter. Pretty close to a full bar and enough wine options too."
-Haley M. from Denver (Yelp)
Honorable Mentions:
Hops & Pie
3920 Tennyson St, Denver, CO 80212 (303) 477-7000 website
3920 Tennyson St, Denver, CO 80212
"Wow. Hops and Pie's addition of Detroit style pizza elevates them even further. I did a pesto sauce Detroit pie with roasted garlic cloves, ricotta, and sun dried tomatoes, and I'll be surprised if I ever find any pizza as good as it. More or less had to wipe pools of drool up it was so delicious. I haven't had a lot of Detroit style pies, but compared to the place a few minutes away from them that specializes in Detroit style, H&P shits on them. I know that Detroit style involved the sauce on the top, but I hope they'll be cool with me asking for it underneath the toppings so I don't have all the delicious (house-made, if I recall correctly) pesto in one spot. Yes, I've done three reviews of the same spot. Yes, I feel it's every bit worthy of the praise they've been given. Yes, it's definitely worth your time. Yes, it's probably crowded. But they knock it out of the park. Now please bring back the mac & cheese!"
-Chris C. from Denver (Yelp)
Pizzeria Lui
5380 W Mississippi Ave, Lakewood, CO 80226 (303) 922-3202 website
5380 W Mississippi Ave, Lakewood, CO 80226
"We finally made it here, after lunch at Bonfire Burritos. BF had been talking about this place for months, but it seemed to be closed every time we planned to go! It's open Wednesday through Saturday, 3 pm to 9 pm, or until they run out of dough. We got our usual half pepperoni, half cheese. It came with a side of fresh basil and two hot sauces. Interesting. Worked very well with the pizza! We usually add garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, and sometimes Parmesan. BF got it to go, and we parked on a shady street. When he opened the box, he gasped. He said, "Babe, this is it. The search is over. We don't have to drive to Slice 420 (CO Springs) to find pizza heaven." The pizza was charred, the pepperoni cupped, the ratios of cheese and sauce perfection. The crust was crispy and chewy. This isn't NY pizza. It's a 14" Neapolitan pie. That's the only size. Which was actually perfect, since we'd already had lunch. Next time, we'll get two of their specialty pies. I only managed one slice of pepperoni with basil and hot sauce. I can't wait to try the sausage and onion with fresh mozzarella!"
- Jean T. from Lone Tree, CO (Yelp)
Fat Sully's
141 S Broadway, Denver, CO 80209 (303) 377-7900 website
141 S Broadway, Denver, CO 80209
"This place is always a go too location for a late bite. Their pizza is always delicious. But I gotta tell you on the garlic knots, I've had plenty and they've never been this soft and flavorful. A must try!
Also, never have I ever had melted Mozzarella cheese as a dip with pesto deeelicious!!"
-April V. from Denver, CO (Yelp
"Big AF slice of pizza here. Love that you can pick whatever toppings you want on your slice. They throw it on and bake it for you. Really nice guy that was working there too."
- Chelsea V. from Denver, CO (Yelp)
Famous Original J's Pizza
715 E 26th Ave, Denver, CO 80205 (720) 420-9102 website
Famous Original J’s Pizza specializes in authentic NYC-style pizza - available in a traditional crust or Grandma style - by the slice or as a whole pie. Gluten-free and vegan options available. Established in 2018, It's the team behind Rosenberg’s Bagels and Delicatessen, Famous Original J’s Pizza, an authentic, New York City-style slice shop, opened its windows on April 20, 2018. Located in Denver’s historic Five Points neighborhood, the 260-square-foot pizzeria resides on the patio of the 715 Club adjacent to the original Rosenberg’s Bagels, with a second walk-up window on the corner of Welton St. and 26th Ave. “What’s always attracted me to this neighborhood is that it reminds me of where I’m from. It feels like home,” said Joshua Pollack, owner of Famous Original J’s Pizza. “I’m excited to bring this nostalgic, happy place to the Five Points community. Nothing says ‘home’ to me more than grabbing a late-night slice at the neighborhood pizza shop.”
"Growing up in Connecticut/New York area I have been looking for good pizza spots here in Denver. This place does it best! I usually build my own large pizza, but you can always order this speciality pies or by the slice! The crust, sauce and cheese on their pizzas are the reason I come here every week. Hands down my favorite pizza spot in Colorado."
- Taavi K. from Denver, CO (Yelp)
Bar Dough
2227 W 32nd Ave, Denver, CO 80211 (720) 668-8506 website
Bar Dough offers an elevated take on traditional Italian cuisine and cocktails with pizzas, pastas, spritzes, and craft beers in the comfort of a neighborhood bar. Bar Dough, LoHi's newest addition, provides guests with an approachable dining experience through traditional yet elevated cuisine in a cozy neighborhood bar. Chef Max MacKissock offers a diverse menu of wood-fired pizzas, house-made pastas, and inventive small plates that pair perfectly with the Italian-inspired cocktails, craft beers, and Old World wines. Bar Dough Was estabished in 2015 by partner and Executive Chef Max Mackissock and restaurateurs Katie and Juan Padro the team behind Tap and Burger Concepts.
" Have come here on several occasions for date nights, and even to experience their "greenhouse" prix fixe during covid-times. All have been a hit! They have excellent pizzas, and do well with their mains as well. The desserts I've had have also been amazing. The photos here were for the prix fixe, which was well worth your time, but in my opinion not as good as the main menu. The most recent visit, we went for a double date with some friends. We split a salad, two pizzas, and a pasta. Everything was rich and delicious! The staff is knowledgeable about their menu & the wine list, friendly, and as speedy as they can be while short-staffed in the post-covid era."
-Anna B. from Denver, CO (Yelp)
Viale Pizza & Kitchen
1390 S Colorado Blvd Suite 190, Denver, CO 80222 (303) 495-3065 website
" Have to give them that extra star since dining in 4-5 times now! We have come on date night and taken our picky/varied diet family members here. The staff are incredibly friendly and the owner (female) is always bringing us some portion of our meal whether it's the appetizer or salad course and is so wonderful.
We have never been disappointed by anything and like I said anyone's palette can be satisfied here. Overall everything is presented beautifully, and has depth of flavor making for many delicious bites without being too heavy like some Italian places that rely too much on cream. Some of our favorites are the burrata, Calamari, wedge and Spinach salads, the short rib, both rigatoni pastas and the chicken piccata. The drinks are also delicious although they sometimes take a bit to come out.
Check this place out next time you need an incredible meal in a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere!"
-Clarissa J. from Denver, CO (Yelp)
Brooklyn's Finest
5007 Lowell Blvd, Denver, CO 80221 (303) 477-0066 website
As a restaurant that serves authentic Brooklyn-style pizza, there's a lot of talk about how they able to capture the rich flavors of our favorite borough. Some say it's because they make their dough fresh every day, bake it in a brick oven, and use fine ingredients. Others say it's because of the passion they have toward the cuisine and the owner grew up with. After all, alongside the classic pies, they have a menu of pasta, strombolis, calzones, and signature slices rotating throughout the week. But if you ask what our secret is, they tell you they simply care about the customers and love cooking for them. If you're looking for the flavors of New York, prepare for a 1,800-mile journey with them beginning as soon as you take your first bite. With over 20 years of experience in the kitchen, the team at Brooklyn's Finest Pizza looks forward to many more years of bringing authentic New York flavors to Denver!
" Visiting Regis campus and decided to try it. Great by slices!! Great crunch thin crust, sauce dynamite and my new obsession "jalapeño cream cheese". Seriously jalapeño frikin cream cheese". Coming back ASAP. That is all!!"
- Scott N. from Parker, CO (Yelp)
Denver Pizza Company
1116 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203 (720) 475-1471 website
"It's worth the wait... I have followed on Instagram for many years.... and at last ... it is worth the wait!! traveling alone ... they went out of their way to make me feel welcome and included ... I sat at the bench seat & felt completely comfortable. The food and wine did not disappoint... I will be back. Thank you for the great selections ... next time I will bring a crowd so we select many items to share !! Great service."
-Rosalie from Denver, CO (Yelp)
Basta
3601 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, CO 80303 (303) 997-8775 website
"We just ate here for dinner. We had the Daisy Pizza and their Mussels- smoked. Smoking them gives it that added taste of that carcinogen that I love! Both are delicious! Adam assumed that their pizza was of the Personal Size. It's not! Lol! But it's the thin crust style so it's easy to finish. I've always said that the pizza crust is the vehicle that carries the toppings and if the crust is bad as in floppy or soggy then it ruins the whole 'Zal! Happy that the crust here is excellent. Service is attending but real and not too fussy. This location is right smack in the midst of apartments? Or something. Parking is abundant at least tonight. It's a warm atmosphere and delicious food so far!"
- Janet D. from Denver, CO (Yelp)
Black Shirt Brewing Company
3719 Walnut St, Denver, CO 80205 (303) 993-2799 website
Beer. Pizza. Music. Community. We are a brewpub in the RiNo Arts District of Denver, CO specializing in delicious beer, cocktails, and exquisite pizza, wings, and appetizers. Open daily at 11am.
"Yay for LGBT friendly places :) Anyways, excellent beers and the pizza was pretty dang good as well! I didn't totally know what to expect from this place since it's fairly new but I'm really happy we checked it out. Service was semi-slow that would be my only minor issue but I was with friends and we didn't mind hanging out so yeh, still service was very nice so that matters to me more. Finally, the inside was clean and cute. It's definitely in an area that is in transition to development so parking is easy to find....for now! ;) "
- Doc F. from Denver, CO (Yelp
Ester's Neighborhood Pub
1950 S Holly St, Denver, CO 80222 (303) 955-4904 website
Started by long standing craft beer employees, Esters is a labor of love for community, family and good times.
" The pizza is so tasty! The atmosphere is lively and trendy, but very family friendly! I highly recommend the BBQ nachos and pizza! The cocktail menu is to die for!"
-Kathryn from CO (Yelp)
"Great service & cool environment. We've gone to Sunday brunch and watch a football game. Bottomless mimosas and Bloody Mary's and creative brunch options. Also, gone for lunch with family in town. We all split a couple pizzas, really delish! Would recommend!"
-Joselyn B, from Emporia, KS (Yelp)
Pizza Republica
5375 Landmark Pl, Greenwood Village, CO 80111 (720) 489-2030 website
5375 Landmark Pl, Greenwood Village, CO 80111
Pizza Republica is a charming Italian Trattoria in the Denver Tech Center (DTC) and downtown Denver featuring Authentic Wood-Fired Neapolitan Pizza. Established in 2009, Pizza Republica was designed to bring real Neapolitan pizza and authentic Italian offerings to Denver. With recipes from Grandma Nona herself (straight from Sicily) and wines catering to any palate, we hope you'll enjoy our rustic and home-style offerings.
" We tried a different pizza tonight, in addition to the double pepperoni. The arugula and pear salad is wonderful! The pistachios, goat cheese, pears, and arugula all work beautifully with the citrus vinaigrette. The gelato is as good as it is at Gelato & Co. Very generous bowl with three scoops. Rich, creamy, and full of flavor."
-Jean T. from Lone Tree, CO (Yelp)
Mellow Mushroom
1201 16th St Mall Suite 108, Denver, CO 80202 (720) 328-9114 website
1201 16th St Mall Suite 108, Denver, CO 80202
Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers has been serving up fresh, stone-baked pizzas to order in an eclectic, art-filled, and family-friendly environment. Each Mellow is locally owned and operated and provides a unique feel focused around great customer service and high-quality food. Mellow is a state of mind, a culture, a way of being. The mission is to provide delicious food in a fun and creative environment. We are the originators of hand tossed, stone baked classic southern pizza. The spring water crust is unique and flavorful, and all our pies are made with high quality, fresh ingredients. Their philosophy is to elevate the dining experience with a higher order of pizza. Mellow out... Established in 1974. Mellow Mushroom's mission is to provide delicious food in a fun and creative environment, but it's much more than that. Mellow is a state of mind, a culture, a way of being. Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers was founded in 1974 in Atlanta, Georgia. For over 40 years, Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers has been serving up fresh, stone-baked pizzas to order in an eclectic, art-filled, and family-friendly environment. Each Mellow is locally owned and operated and provides a unique feel focused around great customer service and high-quality food.
"Mellow Mushroom was always that pizza place that I wanted to check out in college but never had a chance to!! Even though Mellow Mushroom was close to my campus, I was always busy with mid terms and crammed schedules + classes. Now, years later, I treated Nick and I @ Mellow Mushroom for unforgettable pizza pies!! I don't know where or who mentioned that they had a bowling alley, but I fairly disappointed that they didn't! However, their menu made up for that disappointment and I enjoyed their two hosts who provided the best customer service. We walked in, walked down the stairs to the hidden diner area and were greeted by a wonderful hostess!! She informed me of the "Veg Out," pizza that had traditional mozzarella cheese, but could be substituted by vegan cheese. (At no additional cost, how cool is that?)"
-Alice Q. from Denver, CO (Yelp)
Angelo's Taverna
6885 S Santa Fe Dr, Littleton, CO 80120 (720) 532-1389 website
6885 S Santa Fe Dr, Littleton, CO 80120
Mark Dym opened Colorado’s first pizzeria certified by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, the organization that ensures pizzas are being prepared using proper Neapolitan methods, on the then-fringes of the Ballpark neighborhood back in 2007. It’s been churning out perfectly charred pies ever since. The menu is divided into New York pies, which come with more standard American pizza toppings like sausage and pepperoni, and Italian Neapolitan pizzas. Among the options on the latter section is the Abruzzo, which is topped with four types of Italian cheeses and olive oil. There is also a location in Inverness.
" I am kicking myself for not finding this little gem out sooner. But since finding Angelo's 2 weeks ago, I have been here 3 times for happy hour. And all 3 times I have walked out of the place only to question whether I should go back in. What gets me questioning whether I should go home to my wife and kids or start a new life with Angelo's Taverna are the oysters and crab cake sliders. Eating them gets me giddy like I have found my true love. Sure, this feeling goes away when I see my wife's face. But when I lay back in bed and my wife's asleep, I can't help but wonder what it would be like if I was at Angelo's Taverna at that moment. Yes... I was joking (Or was I?) But you can't help but walk away smiling knowing the experience was that good. I would suggest going to HH and getting the raw and chargrilled oysters. Then get a little naughty with it and eat some crab cake sliders. You won't regret it. It is also helpful that the staff are an awesome bunch. They never let me feel guilty for my indulgence."
-Brian J. from Commerce City, CO (Yelp)
Did your favorite pizza joint make the ultimate List of Denver Pizza?
Which one will you try out first or maybe you will try them all?
Do you have one to suggest?
Let me know!
Denver Great Minds is a community of ambitious humans in the Denver area who believe in good pizza, genuine professional networking, and inspiring each other to achieve our goals. All indutries are welcome to join events, classes, and parties to network, build friendships, and learn from each other.
If you liked this list then you would enjoy my choices for The Best Cocktail Destinations of Denver, The Best Damn Coffee, and the Best Damn Tea.
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