Whether you’re looking for a quick slice on your way home from the bar, a wood-fired artisanal pie or something in between, there is a pizza for you.
You’re old-school: A & A Pagliai’s
302 E. Bloomington St., Iowa City | pagliaisic.com
There’s nothing on Pagliai’s menu except for pizza, but that’s never hurt their popularity. Italian-American pizza with a thin crust, sweet yet savory sauce and a variety of traditional toppings draws lots of families to this pizza parlor that could be mistaken for a set in The Godfather. Enjoy watching the paper-hatted men in the window tossing and topping the crust.
You’re feeling fancy: Lincoln Wine Bar
125 1st St. N.W., Mount Vernon | foodisimportant.com
The folks at Lincoln Wine Bar use quality Italian products — like double zero flour and San Marzano tomatoes — to create authentically Neapolitan, thin-crust, wood-fired pizzas that feature local, seasonal toppings whenever possible. The Wine Bar also offers excellent espresso, tinned fish delicacies from Spain and a gorgeously curated selection of interesting wine and boutique beers.
You’re drunk: Falbo’s
457 S. Gilbert St., Iowa City | falbobrosiowa.com
If you’re drunk and hungry at 2 a.m., with less than four bucks in your pocket, Falbo’s is the place to go. Falbo’s offers huge, hearty slices of pizza. They also have an easy-going staff, and it isn’t hard to get stuck watching them hypnotically throw pies across the room.
You’re not hungry for pizza: Mesa
114 E. Washington St., Iowa City | mesapizzaia.com
Mesa has a relaxed atmosphere and is smack dab in the middle of downtown, so you barely need to walk to get pizza. Mesa’s toppings set them apart; expect things like mac ‘n’ cheese, onion rings or Philly cheesesteak. Just imagine your favorite meal; now imagine it in pizza form — chances are they have it at Mesa.
You’re British: Wig and Pen
1220 Hwy. 6 W., Iowa City | wigandpenpizza.com
This spot could probably get by on reputation alone. Consistently voted the best pizza place in all of Iowa, Wig and Pen is a favorite among families, students and sports fans. Their signature pan pizza, the “Flying Tomato,” has a cult following, and the menu also features a traditional selection of pub fare, if pizza’s not your thing.
You’re staying in: The Wedge
517 S. Riverside Dr., Iowa City | thewedgepizza.com
Geared toward a slightly more mature palate than the average late-night delivery places, The Wedge uses high-quality ingredients in interesting combinations to craft their creative specialty pizzas. “The Nutcracker” is a local favorite: Toppings include a blend of melty gorgonzola, pistachios, roasted red peppers and garlicky pesto. There are other, more conventional topping choices, too, but why not live on the (w)edge?
RETURN TO
BREAD & BUTTER
