KCtoday City Guide Live

20+ pizza shops in Kansas City

Dig into Kansas City’s must-try pizza shops including local legends, fancier fare + cross-country crusts.

KCtoday_Pizza51

Thin crust for the win.

Photo via Pizza 51

Whenever we’re feeling saucy, we like to dig into a slice of local pizza. Kansas City’s pizza scene is bubbling with options — and we keep finding ways to top ourselves. If you’re on the quest for the perfect slice, we’ve pie-oneered a list of 15 places to grab pizza that are definitely worth the dough.

Local legends

Cupini’s, Westport
Summer in the city is simply better when you can nosh on traditional Italian slices + sip house-made limoncello while local bands light up its Sunflower Stage.

Glory Days Pizza, Multiple Locations
It may be a Topeka institution, but this decorated Northeast Kansas chain is moving further into the metro with another location in south Overland Park.

Leo’s Pizza, Northland
IYKYK. Family-owned for 50 years, it’s earned a cult following from provel-lovers for its St. Louis-style pies.

Minsky’s Pizza, Multiple locations
Close your eyes and walk 20 feet in any direction... you’ll more than likely end up at a Minsky’s. The pie shop has earned its place as KC’s most ubiquitous pizza connoisseurs, and for good reason.

Old Shawnee Pizza, JoCo
Since 1969, this family-owned business has served up slices of heaven with cracker-thin crusts to local pizza lovers.

Waldo Pizza, Multiple locations
Want a thin crust pizza that takes cheesy to the next level? Try “Kansas City’s Great Little Place” and its combination of mozzarella, provolone, Swiss, cheddar + muenster cheeses.

Lion's choice + Waldo Pizza collaboration Italian Beef pizza

Get a slice of this.

Photo via Waldo Pizza + Lion’s Choice

Fun combos

City Barrel, Multiple locations
While it may be better known for its brews, this local biz offers the world’s most perfect pairing (pizza + beer) with flavors like Krab Rangoon, Smash Burger Pie, and Rad Reuben. All served best on a swing seat at its Pizza + Patio location.

Grinders KC, Crossroads
Nosh + mosh at this live music venue known for it’s fantastic fare.

Orange By Devoured, Martini Corner
What started as a backyard pop-up known for experimental flavors is now a brick-and-mortar serving up high-quality pies and unique tapas for lunch time + late night crowds.

Pizza Bar, Power & Light
This pair as old as time shines in the Power & Light District where Thursday evenings means $15 pizzas with $5 craft beers all night long.

Up-Down KC, Crossroads
Mario Kart and Mac-n-Cheese pizza. Yes, you heard us right — this arcade bar specializes in crafting cheesy slices to fuel your evening of classic gaming.

KCtoday_Providence

No I’m not crying, my eyes are just sweating from the brick oven.

Photo via Providence Pizza

Cross-country crusts

Third Coast Pizza, Lenexa
Dig into some deep dish at this Chicago-inspired joint. Want more than just a pie, try its Chicago dogs or a slice of “Mommy’s Homemade Cheesecake,” made straight from the heart and going straight into your stomach.

Providence Pizza, Multiple locations
Step outside of the pizza box and try a rectangular slice. No, we’re not recommending St. Louis-style, but rather a classic from up north — a Detroit-style Motor City pie.

Pizza Tascio, Multiple locations
East Coast pizza made with only the finest ingredients (can anyone say “100% whole milk mozz” without drooling?) is what Pizza Tascio is all about.

Fancier fare

Clay and Fire, Westside
Crispy, cheesy, delicious — what more could you want from a brick-oven fired pizza? Exceptional spices and fresh produce from nearby farms? They’ve got that too.

Il Lazzarone, Rivermarket
Forgo greasy fare and step into a Neapolitan dream. This joint is more divine than dive, just be sure to try its Margherita made traditional with San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, extra-virgin olive oil + sea salt. Simple, just as the Italians intended.

Martin City Brewing Co., Multiple locations
This southside classic is not only available for sit-down, but will soon enough be available in the world’s first stadium built for women’s sports.

The Wise Guy, Crossroads
Pizza for date night has never been so romantic. Tucked inside the former Rieger Hotel, share a sausage and giardiniera pie with your sweetheart (and don’t forget the garlic knots).

KCtoday_Pizza51

Pizza + beer = a Kansas City food pyramid

Photo via Pizza 51

It’s delivery

Artègo Pizza, West 39th
Satisfy your late night cravings with delivery available until 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Pizza Shuttle, Multiple locations
K-State and KU grads may remember the good ol’ days of ordering 10 Fers like they were going out of style. Now you can relive the glory of a late night study sesh with delivery from one of its two KC locations.

Leone Original Pizza, Overland Park
Sick of traditional delivery options? Try this New York Style slice that’s fed the metro for over 30 years.

Pizza 51, South Plaza
Think a gas station turned college pizza joint sounds like the perfect place for a delicious slice + a cold beer? You’d be more than right — sweeten the deal by ordering delivery and never leaving your couch again.

The Combine, Beacon Hill
Feeling pizza but your friends aren’t? Stop by this spacious spot for a wide section of sandwiches, wings, salads, specialty pizzas, and drafts to dine inside or on the rooftop.

We know, this is just a piece of the pie. If your favorite place to get pizza wasn’t mentioned, let us know so we can show it some love in the future.

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