Kentucky's 8 Best Pizzas
Today is National Pizza Day, so we thought we'd celebrate with Kentucky's very best pizza.
OK, maybe Papa John's isn't the Commonwealth's best pizza, but it probably is our most famous.
Here are HerKentucky's favorite Bluegrass State pizzas by region.
Paducah
- Pizza by the Pound They don't deliver and they don't have to. It's that good. Pizza by the Pound, a local institution since 1964, is home of the eight pound pizza. If you can eat it in one hour and in one setting, they'll give you $100. I just prefer a few slices of pepperoni that will only make you feel like you've gained eight pounds.
- Pizza Inn Recently crowned the #1 Readers' Choice in the Paducah Sun, Pizza Inn is the best pizza buffet I've ever had. It was also our choice on Sunday nights growing up. They have the best thin crust pizza and the most amazing chocolate chip dessert pizza you've ever tasted.
- Michael's New York Style Pizza The runner-up for Readers Choice, Michael's is great for big, saucy slices just like they sell in the Big Apple. I love the spiciness of their sauce and their crust is delicious.
(Paducah picks compiled by HerKentucky's resident Paducah enthusiast, Sarah Stewart Holland of bluegrass redhead.)
Louisville
Impellizzeri's Pizza Impellizzeri's has the best true Sicilian-style pizza in town. A Louisville staple, the Highlands Imp's is an amazing place to dine al fresco with a chalice of Stella Artois. The Whiskey Row location is a fun spot to hang out before an event at the Yum Center.
Spinelli's Pizza Spinelli's offers big Brooklyn-style pizzas, and has distinguished itself by offering late-night delivery (until 4:30 a.m.) and even later dine-in options (until 5 a.m.). Everybody's ordered Spinelli's at some point, even if everyone hasn't been brave enough to try their signature fried Oreos.
Wick's Pizza Ask any true Louisvillian, and they'll tell you that Wick's is the place to go for huge, deep-dish pizza smothered in quality ingredients. Their pepperoni is so fresh and spicy that you'll wonder if you've ever eaten pepperoni before. A funky, laid-back atmosphere (there's often a live band). Five locations across the Louisville area, but the Highlands location is where you want to go.
Coal's Artisan Pizza Coal-fired artisan pizza with amazing ingredients, a very decent wine list, and an always-full dining room. Two Louisville locations, and pizzas named for the city's favorite neighborhoods. I recommend the St. Matthews, the Brownsboro, or the Waverly!
Eastern KY
Giovanni's Pizza Anybody who has spent any time in Eastern Kentucky has eaten plenty of Giovanni's pizza. It just seems like there's always been a Giovanni's location in every town along U.S. Route 23. Giovanni's is known for big ol' pizzas that feed a crowd, making them a favorite for birthday parties and sporting events. Their pizza buffet is a lunchtime staple in most everybody's hometown, offering all-you-can-eat breadsticks, pizza and pasta. Giovanni's sandwiches are a perennial favorite as well. The stromboli sandwich (a steak hoagie with pizza sauce and cheese) and the Big Red (steak hoagie with cheese and red French dressing) are classic menu items.
Lexington
Joe Bologna's Joe B's is a Lexington institution. Located just off UK's campus in a church-turned-synagogue-turned-pizzaria, Joe Bologna's offers hearty deep-dish pizza and famous breadsticks smothered in garlic butter.
