Brian Nagele
Denver’s culinary scene is renowned for its diverse and delectable offerings, and at the heart of this gastronomic journey is a love affair with pizza. The Mile-High City has embraced this beloved comfort food with open arms, fostering a vibrant pizza culture that caters to every slice lover’s desires. Whether you crave the simplicity of a classic Margherita pie, the bold flavors of inventive toppings, or the authentic taste of Neapolitan-style crust, Denver’s pizza scene has something for everyone. From cozy neighborhood pizzerias with wood-fired ovens to trendy pizza joints that push culinary boundaries, we’ve compiled a list of pizzerias that exemplify Denver’s passion for this iconic dish. Expect an array of styles, from New York to Chicago, all crafted with quality ingredients and served with a side of Mile-High hospitality. Join us as we delve into the delicious world of pizza in Denver, where every bite is a celebration of this timeless comfort food.
Kaos Pizzeria Denver
1439 S Pearl St, Denver, CO 80210
303-733-5267
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For Kaos Pizzeria, “farm to table” is more than a trendy term. It’s their entire philosophy. Their vegetables and meats are locally sourced, and their Caputo Flour is imported directly from a fourth-generation farm in Naples. I recommend the Are You FIGin’ Kidding Me pizza, which is made with figs, extra virgin olive oil, and goat cheese. If you’re looking for something more traditional, go with Kaos Cheese or a Veggie. They’re located near Platt Park, on Pearl Street between East Florida Avenue and East Arkansas Avenue. You can walk from the Pearl / Florida bus stop.
Cart Driver
2500 Larimer St #100, Denver, CO 80205,
303-292-3553
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Cart Driver is inspired by the Carrettiera, a job in Southern Italy where delivery men would use horse-drawn carts to serve fresh meals from the farms to the nearby villages. While the journey from the kitchen to the table is shorter today, the staff aims to deliver the same passion and hospitality of the Carrettieras of yesteryear. It’s a cozy 640-square foot space tucked away in the RiNo neighborhood. It’s near Broadway and Larimer, just across the street from the Ramble Hotel. They serve up several specialty pizzas, including my favorite, the Music City Hot Chicken. It’s made with hot tenders, red onions, cheddar, slaw, and a secret house sauce. Although it might sound a little odd, trust me – it’s delicious Denver pizza!
Marco’s Coal Fired
2129 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
303-296-7000
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Marco’s CF takes authenticity to a whole new level. They’re the only pizzeria in Colorado certified by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, an Italian organization that trains pizza chefs. The Sicilian-style pizzas have thick, deep-dish crusts. The dough used to make them ferments for five days, ensuring an authentic Naples taste. They also offer Neapolitan-style pizzas with a thin crust and loads of toppings. They have two locations in Colorado, one in Denver and the other in Englewood. Their Denver spot is within walking distance of Coors Field, along Larimer between 21st Street and 22nd Street.
Blue Pan Pizza
Multiple locations
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No matter what style of pizza you want, Blue Pan’s got you covered. Although they’re best known around town for their Detroit-style pizzas, they also make great New York and thin-crust pizzas. Gluten-free options are also available. Head chef Jeff “Smoke” Smokevitch is a world-renowned pizza chef. He placed first two years in a row at the International Pizza Challenge for Most Authentic Detroit Style Pizza and other competitions in Paris, Italy, and elsewhere. They have two Denver locations. Their West Highlands spot is along West 32nd Avenue between North Perry Street and North Osceola Street, while their Congress Park pizzeria is found just off of 12th Street, across from the 12th/Madison bus stop.
Hops & Pie
3920 Tennyson St, Denver, CO 80212
303-477-7000
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Beer and pizza are two great tastes that taste great together – and nobody knows that better than Hops & Pie. They have over 22 craft beers on tap, which rotate seasonally. Also, they offer a full selection of traditional bar food, including Detroit-style pizza, traditional pies, and artisan options that change monthly. The restaurant is helmed by Drew and Leah Watson, a husband-and-wife duo from California who moved to Colorado with big dreams but not much money. Fortunately for Mile High pizza lovers, the Watsons found success in CO, and today their restaurant has doubled in size from when it first opened. They’re a local fixture found on Tennyson Street between West 39th Avenue and West 41st Avenue. They’re a few blocks south of Cesar Chavez Park.
Pizzeria Locale
Multiple locations
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Pizzeria Locale offers several scrumptious, artisanal pizzas. It’s one of my go-to spots for a quick lunch or dinner. The pizzas are light, airy, and fresh. Although I’m a fan of their traditional pies, such as their Veggie and Pepperoni, I’m also partial to their more culinary options, such as their Prosciutto & Arugula or their Four Cheese & Mushroom white pizza. They have multiple restaurants throughout the Denver area, including one of their most popular locations at the corner of East 6th Avenue and North Broadway. They’re just a block east of Speer Boulevard and the KDVR building.
Pizzeria Lui
5380 W Mississippi Ave, Lakewood, CO 80226
Phone: 303-922-3202
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Pizzeria Lui is another of my top choices for artisanal pizzas. Their pizzas have a crisp, flaky crust that delivers a delicious, fresh-baked taste. Plus, they pride themselves on using only fresh, seasonal ingredients. I’m a big believer in trying a pizza place’s signature dish, and the Lui House Favorite doesn’t disappoint. It’s made with Italian dry salami, fresh mozzarella, rosemary, and pecorino. Another unique offering is their Street Taco Pizza, with homemade chorizo, tomatillo salsa, and cotija cheese. They’re located in Lakewood, Colorado, about a 15-minute drive from the heart of Denver. You’ll find Pizzeria Lui along Mississippi Avenue, near the intersection of Sheridan Boulevard and Morrison Road.
Bar Dough
2227 W 32nd Ave, Denver, CO 80211
720-668-8506
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Bar Dough combines contemporary Italian cuisine with the cozy feel of a neighborhood restaurant. Their broad menu includes meats, seafood, handmade pasta, and wood-fired pizza. Chef Russell Stippich puts his own unique spin on each traditional favorite. They offer six handcrafted, specialty pizzas. If you’re looking for something with a bit of a kick, check out the Diavolo, which has a spicy red sauce, fennel sausage, Fresno chile, and more. Another awesome option is the Tavolino Della Nonna, which includes three chef-selected courses for $55 per person. To enjoy their specialty pies, head to the Highland neighborhood. They’re on West 32nd Avenue, just past Vallejo Street. Head one-and-a-half blocks due west from Alexan LoHi at Dickinson Plaza.
White Pie
1702 Humboldt St, Denver, CO 80218
303-862-5323
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I love the vibe of White Pie. It’s a friendly, neighborhood pizza joint where the staff always seems genuinely proud of the food they create. Plus, the restaurant has a relaxing, rustic décor that’s perfect for hanging out. Their pizza pies are what’s called New Haven style. They’re asymmetrical, with a slightly uneven surface and a crispy crust with a charred edge. If you’ve never had this type of pizza before, even a traditional pepperoni will be a new experience. They also offer several specialty pies, including the Fuggetaboutit or the Porky Porkorino. Head west from City Park down East 17th Avenue until you reach the corner of North Humboldt Street. They’re right next to Dos Santos and the Humboldt Kitchen + Bar.
Fat Sully’s Pizza
Multiple locations
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Fat Sully’s is where to go at the end of a Friday or Saturday night when you want a slice or two before heading home. They’re open for pick-up and delivery until 11 pm on Monday through Thursday and Sunday and until 1 am on Friday and Saturday. They serve, as they describe it, “big-ass pizza” by the slice or whole pie. You can order a 20″ pie for delivery or, if you’re feeling super-hungry, they serve a 26″ pie to dine-in customers, with a broad range of meat and veggie toppings, plus several delicious dipping sauces. They have two locations in Denver. Their Colfax location is due south of Denver City Park and just a few blocks north of Congress Park, and their Tennyson Street spot is in Mountain View near Lakeside.
Black Shirt Brewing Co
3719 Walnut St, Denver, CO 80205
303-993-2799
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When you want pizza with a side of live music, head over to the Black Shirt Brewing Company. They’re named after rock-and-roll legend Johnny Cash’s color of choice, and they embody the singer’s outlaw philosophy. Spent-grain pizza is on what’s on the menu here. They offer more than 20 toppings for custom pies, as well as several specialty options. I’m particularly fond of The Motley Crue, a pizza with homemade red sauce, a blend of cheeses, pepperoni, sausage, onions, and mushrooms. They’re in the River North Art District along Walnut Street between 38th Street and North Downing Street. You can walk there from the 38th/Blake bus stop. The restaurant is just one block west of the St. Charles Recreation Center.
Joy Hill
1229 S Broadway, Denver, CO 80210
303-954-8784
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You can’t beat this dough! Joy Hill serves up naturally-leavened pizza cooked in a wood-fired oven. It’s soft and chewy with just a hint of crispiness. This neighborhood joint has a top patio and a lounge with a roof. It’s a fun place to hang out with friends and enjoy a specialty pizza, including several vegetarian options. Some of my favorites are the Mushroom Sally and the Everything Veggie. They’re easy to find, too. Joy Hill is right on Broadway between East Louisiana Avenue and East Arizona Avenue. They’re across the street from the Dos Luces Brewery.
Angelo’s Taverna
620 E 6th Ave, Denver, CO 80203
303-744-3366
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Helmed by Eric Hyatt, Angelo’s is a neighborhood favorite. They’re a contemporary Italian diner that serves up dishes from both the East and West Coast. Seafood, pasta, and pizza are the focus at Angelo’s. Many of the names of their specialty pizzas are inspired by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. My top choice is the Californication, which is loaded with veggies. If you’re a fan of seafood, stop by on Mollusk Mondays, when a bowl of mussels is just $7. They have two Colorado locations, one in Denver and the other in Littleton. The Denver spot is right on East 6th Avenue at the intersection of North Washington Street, a few blocks north of Alamo Placita Park.
Parisi
4401 Tennyson St, Denver, CO 80212
303-561-0234
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Parisi is a warm and inviting Italian restaurant and bar with friendly staff and a modern, rustic style. They have an extensive menu with spaghetti, ravioli, salmon, and some of the best pizza in Denver, including several specialty pies. My favorite is their Mimosa, which features mozzarella, prosciutto crudo, mushroom, and oven-roasted corn. Another excellent option is the marinara, made with tomato sauce, oregano, and garlic. Because it has no cheese, it’s perfect for anyone with lactose intolerance. They’re at the corner of North Tennyson Drive and West 44th Avenue, in the Berkley neighborhood. You’ll find them just two blocks south of Berkeley Lake and Park.
Esters Denver
Multiple locations
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Esters has been a neighborhood favorite since 2018. At any moment, you can walk in to find families, sports fans, Phish fans, and other locals, giving the place a fun, funky, and friendly vibe. They offer a full range of pub food, including several 12″ pizza pies. You’ll find several vegetarian options, including the Fluffhead, Of the Earth, and Averie’s Cheese. Meat lovers will find plenty of satisfying choices, too. Try the Ya Mar, which features loads of salami, ham, and house sausage. They have two Denver restaurants. The original location is located on South Holly Street, near the Aurora city limits. They’re right near Fred Thomas Park. The newer location is near the intersection of East 23rd Avenue and East 22nd Avenue.
Slice Works
Multiple locations
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Slice Works is owned by the Scileppi family, New Yorkers, who operated a pizza place in the Big Apple for over 20 years before moving to the Mile High City. They opened their first Denver-area Slice Works back in 2012, and they’ve been winning fans ever since. Pizzas are available in whole pies and by the slice (note that their LoDo location offers to-go options only, with no interior seating). Aside from the traditional toppings, they also offer some unique options, such as the Big Mac Pizza, with two all-beef patties and a sesame seed crust. Slice Works has a major presence through the Denver Metro area, with three locations. Their Colfax location is at the corner of Colfax and North Washington Street, their LoDo restaurant is at 17th and Blake, and their Castle Rock spot is along the CanAm Highway near Third Street.
Why Trust Us?
When it comes to local restaurant recommendations, we pride ourselves on being a reliable and trustworthy resource. Our suggestions are not just based on our personal experiences, ensuring a more authentic and well-rounded perspective, but also on extensive online research. We diligently searched the internet and reviewed 4 credible sites and blogs, including Denver Eater and Secret Denver.
We compiled all the findings in one location and sorted them by the frequency of mentions to ensure you receive top-notch recommendations. We strive to present you with a curated list of establishments that truly stand out, allowing you to enjoy the best dining experiences possible.
Interested in the sources we consulted? Check out the list of all 5 sites we referenced below this paragraph, offering transparency and an opportunity for our readers to explore further. Our commitment is to deliver trustworthy and unparalleled recommendations, helping you make informed decisions on your culinary journeys.
https://denver.eater.com/maps/best-pizza-denver
https://www.westword.com/restaurants/best-pizza-denver-13407817
https://www.femalefoodie.com/restaurant-reviews/colorado/best-pizza-in-denver/
https://kdvr.com/news/local/10-top-rated-pizza-places-in-denver-metro-area/
Any pizza list without Benny Blancos just is complete rubbish. It is really the only good NY slice and belongs in the top 3 of any list regardless of your pizza taste.
Haha, you need to get out more.