Where to Eat on National Pizza Day
National Pizza Day is a celebration that never gets old, and neither does discovering great pizza. At Buy Black Main Street, we’ve been spotlighting Black-owned pizza shops for this food holiday since our first National Pizza Day guide back in 2021.
Today, independent pizzerias and chef-led concepts are pushing boundaries with great flavor combinations, regional influences, and thoughtful approaches to food, community and hospitality. From mission-driven restaurants and pop-ups to neighborhood staples and rising national names, Black-owned pizza businesses are shaping how and where we enjoy one of America’s favorite foods. Check out our list of 16 of the best pizza shops we found from across the country and don’t forget that we love to highlight great black owned food businesses for this and all of the National Days that support America’s food landscape and traditions.
Slim and Husky’s is a small fast casual pizza chain with the majority of its locations in Tennessee. They also have two locations in Georgia as well as one on the campus of Jackson State University. Their artisan pizzas are known and loved for their flavor and unique shape. Each of their locations is a community culture spot where you can not only get great pizza and beer, but also wings and cinnamon rolls. Celebrate pizza with Slim and Husky’s today.
If you’re in the DMV, you may remember Uncaged Chefs from their restaurant and viral presence a few years ago. The creators are back, this time with Drako Pizza which is located inside Auntea Boba Tea in Clinton, MD. This new concept features square pizza in flavors that are true to their chef inspired tastes. Get your oxtail pizza, crab and old bay, or jerk chicken and macaroni and cheese pizza along with cheesesteaks and wings today.
Little Rock, Arkansas’ Certified Pies is the place to go for fresh high quality pizza and wings. They have the traditional selections but a lot of reviewers recommend the Boss Hog which is full of all of the meats with a zesty sauce. Stop in for dinner or grab some pies for your parties and events for a deliciously good time.
Pi Indy has been bringing great brick oven pizzas to the people in Indianapolis for years now. Their unique truck is available for events and regularly shows up all around the city with some of the freshest, best ingredients and pies you will ever find. Pizzas like the figgy piggy, featuring fig jam, bacon and prosciutto, and the corn Pi with toppings like corn, sausage, spinach, caramelized onions and jalapenos will change your mind about what a pizza can be forever.
Providence, Rhode Island is home to The District, a restaurant that features a custom built 800 degree wood fired oven to prepare their menu. Their artisan flavors include buffalo chicken, hot honey white, and fig and prosciutto pizzas. Enjoy the vibrant restaurant on your trips through the area, and if you’re a local make sure you’re stopping in to grab one to get started with their menu.
Bird Pizzeria is one of the newest icons in the Charlotte food scene. It is recognized as one of the best pizza places in the country according to the New York Times, but it’s not just the press, the people love Bird too. They are known to have super fresh pies and great, awesome ingredients that tease and tantalize your taste buds, but be prepared for a slight wait because they are always busy.
Cuts and Slice is a super famous pizza joint in New York City. They are known for their sweet oxtail chili pizza slices but that’s just the start of an eclectic menu. They have been visited by everyone from Keith lee to Jimmy Kimmel, becoming one of the hottest spots to visit for a bold spin on the New York pie.
Down North Pizza in philly is more than just the place for great pizza. It is a vehicle for reform, allowing formerly incarcerated persons a place to get a job and find some stability upon release. That is one reason to stop in, but they are also delivering fresh Detroit Style Pizza to hungry patrons. Grab some today and support their mission.
While there are a ton of vegetarian options, we haven’t stepped into the vegan realm until now. Meek’s Vegan Pizza in Houston is completely dedicated to serving up vegan pizza that will satisfy the most discerning customers. Meek’s Vegan Pizza is for the person that refuses to compromise on taste or health.
This LA based pop-up is one of the hottest bites in the city. Chef Brandon Gray used his years of experience as a chef to create a pizza that friends and critics alike love. Funny thing is, he didn’t start making pizza until April of 2020 during the pandemic and now he is known as one of the top pizza makers in the city. Keep your eyes out for your chance to order from one of the best pizza makers in LA.
If you’re looking for a New York style pie in Georgia, check out Hapeville Pizza Co. . You can get great regular pies but in addition, they have a Georgia classic, lemon pepper pizza for you too. You have to head down to get your hands on a pie or a few slices.
Grand Slam Pizza in Kennesaw, GA is another Black Owned Pizza shop that has gotten its share of virality. This is one of the first places in the country to drop an oxtail pizza. They also offer up GRIOT pizzas which are a take on the Haitian delicacies. So if you’re looking for some awesome caribbean flavors on your pizza, head over the Grand Slam Pizza of Kennesaw and get that unique flavor.
Matchbox restaurants in the DC area are known for their hand made, wood-fired pizzas. Their pizzas are made with care to inspire connection. Try their Fire and Smoke which features chipotle puree, smoked gouda, tomato sauce and more top notch ingredients. They also have signature pies like the truffle and wild mushroom for your enjoyment.
Pizza By Ruffin is doing the work of telling the story of the black diaspora through pizza in Seattle, Washington. They don’t really sell whole pies, but instead this pizzeria specializes in roman style pizza al taglio (pizza by the cut). There is a menu, but Chef Ruffin also can drop some new and exclusive items based on new ideas and local ingredients. Check them out when you’re in Seattle and get some great chef driven pizza.
Chef Douglass Williams and his team don’t just operate some of the best italian restaurants in Boston, but they also are selling some of the best pizza as well. Apizza sells New Haven and Roman Style pizza for take out. The New Haven style is 20 inch round pizzas inspired by the city in Connecticut, and the Roman style is thick and rectangular with plenty of toppings.
This Oklahoma City pizza restaurant is just re-opening in a brand new space after a hiatus. Their unique proposition is their black NY style crust. The pizza features great cheese and toppings, and yes, you can get a regular pie if you want, but why would you? Make sure you support them at their new food hall location.
