1. Ohio
You wouldn’t think Ohio is a pizza powerhouse, but it’s home to some seriously good pies. In cities like Columbus and Cleveland, you’ll find everything from thin, crispy New York-style to Sicilian squares, and even quirky local creations like Ohio Valley-style pizza, where cold toppings are added after the pie is baked.
2. Connecticut
Everyone talks about New Haven pizza (and for good reason), but the entire state is a pizza wonderland. New Haven’s apizza spots like Pepe’s and Sally’s get the spotlight, but pizzerias across Connecticut are dishing out charred, chewy perfection that stands up to the best of them.
3. Michigan
Detroit-style pizza is having its moment, but Michigan’s pizza scene is still criminally underrated. Those thick, rectangular, cheesy-edged slices from places like Buddy’s are legendary, and the state is also filled with hidden gems serving everything from Neapolitan to classic Italian-American pies.
4. Arizona
Arizona’s pizza might not be on everyone’s radar, but the state has an impressive roster of pizzerias. Phoenix is home to some next-level wood-fired pizza joints, and Tucson’s Pizza Luna serves up pies that rival anything you’d find on the East Coast.
5. Rhode Island
Rhode Island may be tiny, but its pizza offerings are big on flavor. The state’s unique style of “grilled pizza” – crispy dough grilled to perfection – is something you won’t find anywhere else. Combine that with a host of mom-and-pop shops that have been perfecting their pies for decades, and you’ve got a pizza scene that flies under the radar.
6. Missouri
St. Louis-style pizza might be divisive with its cracker-thin crust and Provel cheese, but it’s definitely something you need to try. Beyond that, Missouri is home to some creative pizza joints in places like Kansas City, where barbecue and pizza collide in the best way possible.
7. New Mexico
New Mexico is more known for green chile than pizza, but combine the two, and you’ve got something special. The state’s pizzerias love to infuse Southwestern flavors into their pies, making for a unique take on classic pizza that you won’t find anywhere else.
8. Kentucky
Believe it or not, Kentucky’s pizza game is on point. Louisville has some fantastic pizza spots, and Lexington is home to pizzerias that put their own southern twist on traditional pies. You’ll find farm-to-table ingredients and creative flavor combinations that make these pizzas unforgettable.
9. Alaska
Yes, even Alaska is home to some shockingly good pizza. Anchorage has a growing pizza scene, with joints offering everything from classic pies to wild creations featuring local ingredients like reindeer sausage. If you’re craving comfort in the cold, Alaskan pizza will hit the spot.
10. Utah
Salt Lake City has quietly developed an impressive pizza scene, especially when it comes to wood-fired, Neapolitan-style pies. Local ingredients and creative toppings reign supreme here, and Utah is fast becoming a destination for pizza lovers in search of something different.
11. North Carolina
North Carolina is best known for its BBQ, but its pizza scene deserves some serious credit. In cities like Raleigh, Charlotte, and Asheville, you’ll find everything from authentic Neapolitan pies to inventive wood-fired options, often made with local, seasonal ingredients.
12. Minnesota
Minnesota has its own style of pizza that doesn’t get enough love. Think thin, crispy crust cut into squares, loaded with toppings. Twin Cities pizzerias like Black Sheep are leading the charge with coal-fired pizzas, and smaller towns across the state are hiding pizza gems that rival the big city.
13. Tennessee
Tennessee is better known for its barbecue, but pizza fans will find a lot to love here too. In Nashville, you can get anything from New York-style to deep dish, while in Memphis, you’ll find pizzas with a Southern twist, featuring smoky BBQ sauce or spicy Nashville hot chicken toppings.
14. Wisconsin
It may be the land of cheese, but Wisconsin also knows how to work it into some delicious pizza. Milwaukee’s pizza scene offers an exciting variety of pies, and you’ll also find mouthwatering pizzas in Madison, Green Bay, and smaller towns, all embracing that famous Wisconsin dairy.
15. Indiana
Indiana is quietly becoming a pizza destination, especially in places like Indianapolis and Bloomington. Whether you’re into wood-fired, thin crust, or deep dish, the Hoosier State offers a surprisingly diverse range of pizza styles that’ll leave you wanting another slice (or three).
