The Best Slice Around
Nothing ruins a fun night out with friends like a soggy slice of pizza, a burnt crust, or even bland toppings. You would think it would be easy to get this simple recipe right, but some fast food stores really underdeliver. To help you order the best pie for your next night in, here are 20 stores ranked from best to worst.
1. Blaze Pizza
Originally founded in Pasadena, California, in 2011, Blaze Pizza has quickly skyrocketed in popularity with doors open at over 340 locations across North America. What makes them unique is the ability to build your own pizza and get it fast and fresh from the stove. In terms of sheer quality and taste, many people consider this the best place around.
2. Domino’s
If you don’t mind the grease-fest that most pizza chains offer, then Domino’s is king. With over 19,000 locations around the world, they are top dog with their efficient delivery system and the billions of dollars they make annually in sales. While the value is good and consistent, it certainly tastes mass-produced.
3. Pizza Hut
Coming right behind Domino’s for that title is Pizza Hut, with over 18,000 locations across the world. Their best innovation is the stuffed crust, which makes them hard to resist. Plus, there’s nothing more nostalgic than Pizza Hut—just be ready for that heavy and greasy feeling afterward.
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4. Pizza Nova
Pizza Nova, on the other hand, got its start in Ontario, Canada, and has been raising the stakes. With over 140 locations, they emphasize high-quality ingredients, and while a bit pricier than other slices, you can’t beat their authentic flavors.
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5. California Pizza Kitchen
Obviously, this pizza chain got its start in Beverly Hills, California, and has since opened 200 sets of doors around the world. Best known for their BBQ Chicken Pizza, this brand adds a Californian twist to all of their innovations. Either way, you can expect gourmet-style options, just for a bigger buck.
Janine from Mililani, Hawaii, United States on Wikimedia
6. Pangao Pizza
Panago is another unsuspecting pizza chain that makes big waves with its delicious flavors and localized recipes. There’s plenty to customize, but in terms of quality and consistency, they offer the best pizza out there if you’re tired of the traditional greasy chains.
7. Marco’s Pizza
When you approach Marco’s Pizza, you might feel like you’re entering a mom-and-pop shop, which, to be honest, means you’re in for a treat. With humble beginnings, Marco’s stays true to Italian-style recipes. Plus, you can’t beat the fact that they make their dough in-house daily.
8. Papa John's
For some people, Papa John’s is the undefeated king, and it’s hard to blame them when you consider that familiar cheese taste and generous slice portions. They are, in fact, the fourth-largest pizza delivery chain in the United States, further proving their popularity and consistency.
9. Little Caesar’s
For some people, Little Caesar’s is only good for one thing, and that’s budget! With some of the cheapest options around, it’s no surprise that the flavors and quality are a bit off. But if all you want to do is get some cheesy, bready goodness into your mouth as fast as possible for the lowest price, then this is the pick.
10. Lou Malnati’s
Lou Malnati’s was founded in Chicago, Illinois, and has quickly risen to popularity for their deep-dish Chicago-style pizza. Compared to other stores, they definitely bring deep-dish quality, but if you prefer a thin crust, you might want to pick somewhere else.
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11. Mod
Mod was founded in Seattle, Washington, and now has over 500 locations around the world. Like other pizza places, they play off the build-your-own thing, and their pizzas truly taste artisanal. Plus, the fact that it’s one price for unlimited toppings makes it all the better.
12. Giordano’s
Giordano’s is another Chicago-based pizza chain that has popularized the deep-dish. However, they add a twist by introducing the stuffed version. This pizza is certainly on the indulgent side, and the price may be more than you’re used to.
13. Sbarro
Sbarro is another staple pizza stop that was established in Brooklyn, New York. Staying true to its roots, Sbarro offers the New York slice, aiming for quick-serve convenience over taste.
14. Mellow Mushroom
You might not have heard of Mellow Mushroom, but it’s definitely worth a try if stone-baked crusts appeal to you. It’s a fun twist on the usual pizza places, but it can get a bit pricey. Still, if you find yourself near one, give their Holy Shiitake Pie a try.
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15. Toppers
Toppers was established in Champaign, Illinois, and only has a humble 65 locations across the United States. Despite this localized reach, they have some bangers on offer, like the Mac N’ Cheese pizza.
16. Costco Pizza
Most people probably don’t go to Costco for the pizza, but in terms of sheer value, you can get something that tastes pretty similar to Domino’s for a fraction of the price. Plus, the huge slices they offer are even more affordable, making it an easy pick-up.
17. Dave & Buster
Dave & Buster’s is another chain that focuses on arcades and entertainment. But of course, what good is all that fun without food? Their pizzas may be a hit or miss, but they’re certainly a choice.
18. Pizza Pizza
Pizza Pizza has a bit of a reputation for being a less-than-ideal chain. Still, there are over 750 locations in Canada, making it a convenient choice for those who want a no-nonsense pizza at a reasonable price.
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19. Jet’s
Jet’s got its start in Sterling Heights, Michigan, and has popularized the Detroit-style 8-corner pizza. It’s crisp, often on the thicker side, and definitely high in calories. But it’s also indulgent and delicious, as long as you’re into the Detroit style.
20. Chuck E. Cheese
Chuck E. Cheese is quite known for its pizza, but that’s definitely not the main attraction. For many people, the thought of their pizza brings up nostalgia. But in terms of flavor, the pizza is geared towards kids and is hence rather bland and boring.
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