No doubt about it, we are all obsessed with a piping hot slice of pizza. There is just something irresistible about sky-high toppings and gooey Wisconsin cheese! For your next family pizza night, gather around the table and try one of these unique and tasty pies found in the Valley!
History of the Pizza Pie
Pizza has certainly evolved from its original form. What started as basic flatbread with toppings cooked over open fires in the late 18th century has morphed into the luscious, sauce-laden creations that we have all come to savor.
The name “pizza” pops up first in Gaeta, Italy, and it’s no secret that the Italians take credit for these fantastic bubbling pies. Word of this dish began to seep into other cultures following World War II when allied troops fell in love with Italian food, especially pizza.
During the 19th century, pizza made its debut in the United States with the arrival of Italian immigrants in New York and Chicago. It finally rolled into the Fox Cities, with the opening of Frank’s Pizza Palace, Appleton’s first pizzeria in 1955! Pizza and history buffs can rejoice, customers can visit the eatery, which has reopened in its original location this year as Pierri Pizza.
So, are you ready for deliciousness? These local mom and pop pizzerias will leave families quickly reaching for the last slice!
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The Historic Marvel – Pierri Pizza
Formerly Frank’s Pizza Palace in downtown Appleton, the grandson of Frank reopened in April 2020 under the new name Pierri Pizza and continues the pizza tradition. Relish the history and fill your belly with good eats! Dine downtown or call your order to enjoy at home. You cannot go wrong with a pie from Pierri’s!
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Pierri Special: Fresh ground pork sausage, mushrooms, two additional toppings of choice, and whole milk mozzarella cheese.
- Pierri Pizza, 815 W. College Avenue, Appleton
- 920-903-8110
- Dine-In / Carry Out
The Largest Pie – Luigi’s Pizza of Appleton
Whether you have a large family or are parents to growing teenagers – Luigi’s offers a massive 30” pizza that won’t leave anyone hungry!
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Green Bay Style Pizza: Philly cheesesteak, green pepper, onions, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, pepperoni, cheddar, and mozzarella cheese.
- Luigi’s Pizza of Appleton, 1835 E. Edgewood Drive #104, Appleton
- 920-997-0001
- Dine-In / Carry Out / Delivery
The Culturally Inspired – Gallagher’s Pizza
For a pie with high-quality ingredients and inspiration taken from around the world, families will enjoy Gallagher’s.
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Gyro Pizza: Tzatziki sauce, gyro meat, red onion, tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese.
- Gallagher’s Pizza, 2655 W. Mason Street, Green Bay
- 920-499-9918
- Dine-In / Carry Out / Delivery
The Deepest Dish – Stuc’s Pizza
You’ll need a fork to devour this award-winning pizza. Made from scratch, Stuc’s serves up thick deep-dish classics the whole family will love!
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The Baron: Sausage, pepperoni, Canadian bacon, onions, mushrooms, green peppers, and black olives.
- Stuc’s Pizza, 110 N Douglas Street, Appleton
- 920-735-9272
- Dine-In / Carry Out
- Stuc’s Pizza, 1350 W. American Drive #C, Neenah (new location)
- 920-725-2215
- Dine-In / Carry Out / Delivery Monday through Friday 11 am – 2 pm
The Gourmet Classic – Christianos in Oshkosh
Brick oven crispiness meets carefully sourced ingredients at Christianos! Build your own pizza or select from a deliciously planned menu of classics.
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Christiano Gourmet: Mozzarella cheese, Italian sausage, fresh mushrooms, red onions, Roma tomatoes, bell peppers, and fresh garlic.
- Christianos, 2400 S. Kensington Drive, Appleton
- 920-364-9108
- Dine-In / Carry Out / Delivery
- Other locations: Green Lake and Wautoman
The Cheesiest Bite – Jolly Roger’s Pizzeria
Craving a Chicago-style pie? Turn your favorite toppings into a “stuffed pizza” and dive into two layers made with a pound and a half of cheese!
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Bob’s Stuffed Mac & Cheese Pizza: Noodles, Cheddar, and Mozzarella cheese.
- Jolly Roger’s Pizzeria, 220 W. North Water Street, New London
- 920-982-2333
- Dine-In / Carry Out / Delivery
The Boldest Speciality – Parker John’s BBQ & Pizza
Pie enthusiasts who seek a little adventure with their meal will find Parker John’s is just the ticket! From traditional pizzas to slices made for devout carnivores, your plate will be wiped clean!
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The Carolina: Signature BBQ sauce with hickory-smoked pulled pork, drizzled with Carolina mustard sauce, and topped with coleslaw and haystack onion rings.
- Parker John’s BBQ & Pizza, 124 Main Street, Menasha
- 920-215-6568
- Dine-In / Carry Out / Delivery
- Other locations: Green Bay, Kiel, Sheboygan, and Oshkosh
The Healthy Treat – Wiseguys Pizzeria & Pub
For pizza connoisseurs looking for a treat with more veg and fewer carbs, sink your teeth into a delicious pizza with fresh ingredients and a healthier, veggie-based crust!
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The Hawaiian on Cauliflower or Broccoli Cheddar Crust: Zesty sauce, Canadian bacon, sweet pineapple, and mozzarella cheese.
- Wiseguys Pizzeria & Pub, 1440 S. Oneida Street, Appleton
- 920-830-8336
- Dine-In / Carry Out
The Crustless Option – Butch’s Pizza
Butch’s has been serving up delicious pizzas to families in the Fox Valley since 1968! While their recipes have not changed, they introduced an innovative pizza option to their menu for those who wish to ditch the crust!
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Crustless Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza: Red sauce, ground beef, onions, pc bacon, mozzarella, and cheddar cheese.
- Butch’s Pizza, 510 W. Kimberly Avenue, Kimberly
- 920-788-3592
- Carry Out / Delivery (Dining room temporarily closed)
The Simplest Slice – Sal’s Pizza
Dine on authentic, New York-style pizza, including those with a sauce-free base! Sal’s offers a variety of fresh pizzas by the pie or slice that are perfect for all, including those looking to pass on the sauce.
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Sauceless Pizza: Spinach, Ricotta, Mozzarella, and Feta on a crispy crust.
- Sal’s Pizza, 411 W. College Avenue, Appleton
- 920-666-6890
- Carry Out / Delivery
From pizzas of all sizes to unique flavors, families can celebrate togetherness over the popular, satisfying meal. Any way you slice it, pizza rocks! What is your family’s favorite?
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