The Best Damn Pizza of Denver

Get ready for the best damn pizza porn of #Denver

Pizza is by far, my favorite dish. I will never be tired of it. It is my healthy and happy comfort food. I am embarrassed to admit how much I spent on this Best of Denver List, but let my obsession be your benefit. Am I addicted to pizza? Yes. Absolutely.

You should always ask a local, fellow pizza lover, and experimenter to share their favorite spots. I didn't even bother with an Honorable Mention list for this one... all pizza should not be discriminated. However, if you are entertaining guests or desire the best damn pizza in town, then you will appreciate this curated list. Yes, it begins with the #1 pizzeria and moves downward; but honestly, each one made it to this glorious compilation for a reason. I have included a map to help you find the closest finalist to you:

I didn't take this task lightly. I don't like making unvetted recommendations. I have tried the majority of this list and saving a few to explore for the rest of this month. I researched reviews, scoured publications, ruffled through online lists, compared my own experiences, and interviewed other pizza lovers. I want to present to you the Holy Grail of Pizza Destinations of Denver.

First Place: White Pie

1702 Humboldt St, Denver, CO 80218 (303) 862-5323 website

"My last night's dining experience at this charming pizza place was way more than my expectations so I must write about it. It had long been a suggestion of my 20-yr old daughter that this place was an awesome place for oak-fired pizzas supplemented by seasonal Italian dishes. The interior is rustic-chic. Near 5-star ratings/reviews by people who have dined there pretty much speak for its great food/ambience/service altogether. I let my daughter navigate through the menu; I only glanced at it to see what would catch my eye as a meal accompaniment beverage for the night. My daughter's familiarity with this establishment is because her best friend works there. Here are three things we ordered: Burrata: medley of cherry tomatoes, basil and olive oil. You must order vinegar/fig sauce on the side as this will change your whole burrata experience! Asbury Park Sour: this was probably the best bourbon based cocktail I've had in recent years. Despite its appearance, this drink only has a hint of sweetness. Perfect drink for a beautiful patio dining in mid July; so refreshing!! Cannoli: My daughter's best friend (who works there) said that the restaurant makes the Cannoli shells. The perfected right crunchiness of the shell amazed me as I bit into it. My daughter is not a huge fan of Cannolis in general but she loves theirs. I can see why!! "

- Rika M. from Denver, CO (Yelp)

2nd Place: Blue Pan Pizza

3509 E 12th Ave, Denver, CO 80206 (720) 519-0944 website

"I just moved here two weeks ago from Destin, Florida to finish college and I'm still trying to figure out the area. I came across this place not even a mile away from me and I am just blown away by how much flavor and crispiness this pizza has. It is really hard to find good pizza when there is so much competition in a city like this. Blue pan stands out big time and these other places don't even come close. Best pizza I've had in years and I now blame this place for making my wallet empty in the future because I will be frequently coming here on the regular haha. Can't wait to try everything on the menu! Good stuff!"

- Daniel K. from CO (Yelp)

3rd Place: Kaos Pizzeria

1439 S Pearl St, Denver, CO 80210 (303) 733-5267 website

"A great patio, solid pizza, and friendly service is what you get at Kaos (chaos, not cow's). While there is better pizza in Denver, there are few more laid back outdoor patios that are pretty much built for Summer. Instead of your perfectly laid out, commercial patios, Kao's patio kind of feels like your rich, granola, slightly eccentric friend's backyard in Cherry Creek or Santa Monica. We got the Smokestack and Wild Mushroom pizzas here (Smokestack was my preference), both of which were really good and had that wood oven char that you go to a place like this for. The pizzas here all come out a little differently, and that's part of the charm. This isn't a place with cookie cutter pizzas that are all in perfect circles. They have personality, pretty much just like Kaos does. If you're doing some day drinking (or night drinking), they have a ton of different beers (cans and bottles) and wines as well. Kaos is a great spot in general, but it's an awesome spot to take friends visiting Denver who want to just hang out, sit outside, and munch on some good pizza while catching up. "

- Dave C. from Denver (Yelp)

Marco's Coal Fired- Ballpark

2129 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205 (303) 296-7000 website

Marco's Coal-Fired specializes in true Neapolitan pizza, just the way they make it in Naples, Italy - pizza that has a crisp and chewy crust with a softer middle. From the ingredients, to the cooking techniques, and even the ovens, we are the closest thing you'll get to Italy in Colorado! Established in 2008, Mark Dym and Kristy Latorraca Dym opened their first pizzeria to celebrate the tradition of fine Neapolitan pizza. Instead of conforming to the American styles of pizza, Mark went directly to the source to master the art of true pizza-making from Naples, the birthplace of pizza. Voted Denver's best pizzeria by Westword and 5280 magazine, Marco's Coal-Fired started with the simple idea that passion makes great pizza. By training under the best Pizzaiuoli master craftsmen in the world, Mark and his team were awarded certification by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, and are to this day the only certified Neapolitan pizzeria in the state of Colorado.

"My boyfriend and I made this a stop on our most recent trip to Denver and I am SO glad we did! Cara (Kara?) was our waitress and she was so sweet and knowledgeable about the menu. We each had some of the rotating beers and they were delicious! We started with the burrata appetizer and then each had our own traditional style pizza. We were even able to have our dog come along with us and enjoy the sun on their outdoor patio (which has heaters for the colder months) When I say this place is to die for.... I mean it is TO DIE FOR! We will definitely be making this a must stop place in Denver and you should as well "

-Bailey A. from South Lake Tahoe, CA (Yelp)

Cart-Driver

2500 Larimer St #100, Denver, CO 80205 (303) 292-3553 website

" The only reason I haven't reviewed sooner is that I was hoping to be able to keep this gem a secret. There simply is no better pizza in Denver!! And there's definitely no fresher pizza either. Cart-Driver knows what it's good at and sticks to it - pizza and oysters and the star of the menu and damn they're delicious! You must get the clam pizza, best I've ever had I often wake up dreaming of a slice. Their seasonal palisade peach was top notch and I guarantee you'll love whatever you choose.

Drinks: They have my favorite beer from my time living in Chicago *teardrop* Half Acre's Daisy Cutter. Pretty close to a full bar and enough wine options too."

-Haley M. from Denver (Yelp)

Pizza Locale

3484 W 32nd Ave, Denver, CO 80211 (303) 302-2451 website

"Updating my review to reflect my latest visit. Still great pizza despite any lines. Things move fast and we were sitting and eating our pizzas in no time. There is just something about the vibe here that generated positive energy. Thanks everyone at Pizzeria Locale for doing what you do so well. We still love your pizza and it brings so much joy into the world!"

-Ruth C. from Littleton (Yelp)

Hops & Pie

3920 Tennyson St, Denver, CO 80212 (303) 477-7000 website

"Wow. Hops and Pie's addition of Detroit style pizza elevates them even further. I did a pesto sauce Detroit pie with roasted garlic cloves, ricotta, and sun dried tomatoes, and I'll be surprised if I ever find any pizza as good as it. More or less had to wipe pools of drool up it was so delicious. I haven't had a lot of Detroit style pies, but compared to the place a few minutes away from them that specializes in Detroit style, H&P shits on them. I know that Detroit style involved the sauce on the top, but I hope they'll be cool with me asking for it underneath the toppings so I don't have all the delicious (house-made, if I recall correctly) pesto in one spot. Yes, I've done three reviews of the same spot. Yes, I feel it's every bit worthy of the praise they've been given. Yes, it's definitely worth your time. Yes, it's probably crowded. But they knock it out of the park. Now please bring back the mac & cheese!"

-Chris C. from Denver (Yelp)

Ian's Pizza Denver

2210 Blake St #101b, Denver, CO 80205 (303) 296-9000 website

"This pizza is so good!!!! I love coming here every time I'm in denver! Literally their cheese pizza alone beats out anyone else! Wish they had one in Texas."

-Shav T. from Plano, TX (Yelp)

"Ian's Pizza is conveniently located across the street from Coors Field. Unfortunately, that means parking may be impossible on game days, but there are lots of options for street, garage, and lot parking walking distance. When you walk in, you're greeted by a variety of pies with unique toppings and you can choose which ones you'd like a slice from. They reheat slices in the oven, so you get to enjoy it warm and crispy. This place is a popular spot for late night munchies, but I'm not sure how fresh the food is if you aren't ordering a whole pizza or it's incredibly busy and you're able to see the staff pull it out of the oven with your own eyes."

-Elise T. from Denver, CO (Yelp)

Pizzeria Lui

5380 W Mississippi Ave, Lakewood, CO 80226 (303) 922-3202 website

"We finally made it here, after lunch at Bonfire Burritos. BF had been talking about this place for months, but it seemed to be closed every time we planned to go! It's open Wednesday through Saturday, 3 pm to 9 pm, or until they run out of dough. We got our usual half pepperoni, half cheese. It came with a side of fresh basil and two hot sauces. Interesting. Worked very well with the pizza! We usually add garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, and sometimes Parmesan. BF got it to go, and we parked on a shady street. When he opened the box, he gasped. He said, "Babe, this is it. The search is over. We don't have to drive to Slice 420 (CO Springs) to find pizza heaven." The pizza was charred, the pepperoni cupped, the ratios of cheese and sauce perfection. The crust was crispy and chewy. This isn't NY pizza. It's a 14" Neapolitan pie. That's the only size. Which was actually perfect, since we'd already had lunch. Next time, we'll get two of their specialty pies. I only managed one slice of pepperoni with basil and hot sauce. I can't wait to try the sausage and onion with fresh mozzarella!"

- Jean T. from Lone Tree, CO (Yelp)

Fat Sully's

141 S Broadway, Denver, CO 80209 (303) 377-7900 website

"This place is always a go too location for a late bite. Their pizza is always delicious. But I gotta tell you on the garlic knots, I've had plenty and they've never been this soft and flavorful. A must try!

Also, never have I ever had melted Mozzarella cheese as a dip with pesto deeelicious!!"

-April V. from Denver, CO (Yelp

"Big AF slice of pizza here. Love that you can pick whatever toppings you want on your slice. They throw it on and bake it for you. Really nice guy that was working there too."

- Chelsea V. from Denver, CO (Yelp)

Famous Original J's Pizza

715 E 26th Ave, Denver, CO 80205 (720) 420-9102 website

Famous Original J’s Pizza specializes in authentic NYC-style pizza - available in a traditional crust or Grandma style - by the slice or as a whole pie. Gluten-free and vegan options available. Established in 2018, It's the team behind Rosenberg’s Bagels and Delicatessen, Famous Original J’s Pizza, an authentic, New York City-style slice shop, opened its windows on April 20, 2018. Located in Denver’s historic Five Points neighborhood, the 260-square-foot pizzeria resides on the patio of the 715 Club adjacent to the original Rosenberg’s Bagels, with a second walk-up window on the corner of Welton St. and 26th Ave. “What’s always attracted me to this neighborhood is that it reminds me of where I’m from. It feels like home,” said Joshua Pollack, owner of Famous Original J’s Pizza. “I’m excited to bring this nostalgic, happy place to the Five Points community. Nothing says ‘home’ to me more than grabbing a late-night slice at the neighborhood pizza shop.”

"Growing up in Connecticut/New York area I have been looking for good pizza spots here in Denver. This place does it best! I usually build my own large pizza, but you can always order this speciality pies or by the slice! The crust, sauce and cheese on their pizzas are the reason I come here every week. Hands down my favorite pizza spot in Colorado."

- Taavi K. from Denver, CO (Yelp)

Brava! Pizzeria

3200 N Pecos St #102, Denver, CO 80211 (303) 835-1611 website

Brava! specializes in gourmet, rustic, wood-fired pizza both on the street and in your back yard. The mobile wood-fired oven can be transported virtually anywhere, which brings a new dimension to "pizza delivery". By bringing the oven, ingredients and professionalism to you, they can transform your home, or any event space into a pizzeria. Brava! also teaches. They regularly schedule fun and informative private and public pizza classes. Grab a glass of wine and learn the history of pizza and the art of pizza making from the professionals.

" There are few pizzas that excite me the way Brava does. The staff behind the counter are very good and the food is even better. The pizza is very thin with a perfectly light crunchy crust. Very balanced between cheese:sauce:crust ratio and the flavor is well-worth the price. I also ordered the meat and cheese board, which was a worth the price. You get a lot of good stuff for your money and it's a solid quick choice at Avanti."

-Kanger H. from Lakewood, CO (Yelp)

Grabowski's Pizzeria at The Source

3350 Brighton Blvd, Denver, CO 80216 (720) 207-9615 website

Grabowski’s specializes in true Chicago style tavern cut pizza. A buttery crispy cracker crust cut into squares with high quality ingredients makes its way to Denver. With a full arcade and ample patio seating they are great for date night and family alike. Dine in and take away, and delivery.

"Fantastic food all the way around. Burrata was great starter. The Grabowski Salad was fresh and loaded with ingredients (get the red wine and lemon garlic dressing!) The Star was the Pizza, get Fennel Pollen."

- Joe H. from Indianapolis, IN (Yelp)

Bar Dough

2227 W 32nd Ave, Denver, CO 80211 (720) 668-8506 website

Bar Dough offers an elevated take on traditional Italian cuisine and cocktails with pizzas, pastas, spritzes, and craft beers in the comfort of a neighborhood bar. Bar Dough, LoHi's newest addition, provides guests with an approachable dining experience through traditional yet elevated cuisine in a cozy neighborhood bar. Chef Max MacKissock offers a diverse menu of wood-fired pizzas, house-made pastas, and inventive small plates that pair perfectly with the Italian-inspired cocktails, craft beers, and Old World wines. Bar Dough Was estabished in 2015 by partner and Executive Chef Max Mackissock and restaurateurs Katie and Juan Padro the team behind Tap and Burger Concepts.

" Have come here on several occasions for date nights, and even to experience their "greenhouse" prix fixe during covid-times. All have been a hit! They have excellent pizzas, and do well with their mains as well. The desserts I've had have also been amazing. The photos here were for the prix fixe, which was well worth your time, but in my opinion not as good as the main menu. The most recent visit, we went for a double date with some friends. We split a salad, two pizzas, and a pasta. Everything was rich and delicious! The staff is knowledgeable about their menu & the wine list, friendly, and as speedy as they can be while short-staffed in the post-covid era."

-Anna B. from Denver, CO (Yelp)

Viale Pizza & Kitchen

1390 S Colorado Blvd Suite 190, Denver, CO 80222 (303) 495-3065 website

" Have to give them that extra star since dining in 4-5 times now! We have come on date night and taken our picky/varied diet family members here. The staff are incredibly friendly and the owner (female) is always bringing us some portion of our meal whether it's the appetizer or salad course and is so wonderful. We have never been disappointed by anything and like I said anyone's palette can be satisfied here. Overall everything is presented beautifully, and has depth of flavor making for many delicious bites without being too heavy like some Italian places that rely too much on cream. Some of our favorites are the burrata, Calamari, wedge and Spinach salads, the short rib, both rigatoni pastas and the chicken piccata. The drinks are also delicious although they sometimes take a bit to come out.

Check this place out next time you need an incredible meal in a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere!"

-Clarissa J. from Denver, CO (Yelp)

Brooklyn's Finest

5007 Lowell Blvd, Denver, CO 80221 (303) 477-0066 website

As a restaurant that serves authentic Brooklyn-style pizza, there's a lot of talk about how they able to capture the rich flavors of our favorite borough. Some say it's because they make their dough fresh every day, bake it in a brick oven, and use fine ingredients. Others say it's because of the passion they have toward the cuisine and the owner grew up with. After all, alongside the classic pies, they have a menu of pasta, strombolis, calzones, and signature slices rotating throughout the week. But if you ask what our secret is, they tell you they simply care about the customers and love cooking for them. If you're looking for the flavors of New York, prepare for a 1,800-mile journey with them beginning as soon as you take your first bite. With over 20 years of experience in the kitchen, the team at Brooklyn's Finest Pizza looks forward to many more years of bringing authentic New York flavors to Denver!

" Visiting Regis campus and decided to try it. Great by slices!! Great crunch thin crust, sauce dynamite and my new obsession "jalapeño cream cheese". Seriously jalapeño frikin cream cheese". Coming back ASAP. That is all!!"

- Scott N. from Parker, CO (Yelp)

Denver Pizza Company

309 W 11th Ave, Denver, CO 80204 (720) 475-1471 website

"It's worth the wait... I have followed on Instagram for many years.... and at last ... it is worth the wait!! traveling alone ... they went out of their way to make me feel welcome and included ... I sat at the bench seat & felt completely comfortable. The food and wine did not disappoint... I will be back. Thank you for the great selections ... next time I will bring a crowd so we select many items to share !! Great service."

-Rosalie from Denver, CO (Yelp)

Basta

3601 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, CO 80303 (303) 997-8775 website

"We just ate here for dinner. We had the Daisy Pizza and their Mussels- smoked. Smoking them gives it that added taste of that carcinogen that I love! ‍Both are delicious! Adam assumed that their pizza was of the Personal Size. It's not! Lol! But it's the thin crust style so it's easy to finish. I've always said that the pizza crust is the vehicle that carries the toppings and if the crust is bad as in floppy or soggy then it ruins the whole 'Zal! Happy that the crust here is excellent. Service is attending but real and not too fussy. This location is right smack in the midst of apartments? Or something. Parking is abundant at least tonight. It's a warm atmosphere and delicious food so far!"

- Janet D. from Denver, CO (Yelp)

Black Shirt Brewing Company

3719 Walnut St, Denver, CO 80205 (303) 993-2799 website

Beer. Pizza. Music. Community. We are a brewpub in the RiNo Arts District of Denver, CO specializing in delicious beer, cocktails, and exquisite pizza, wings, and appetizers. Open daily at 11am.

"Yay for LGBT friendly places :) Anyways, excellent beers and the pizza was pretty dang good as well! I didn't totally know what to expect from this place since it's fairly new but I'm really happy we checked it out. Service was semi-slow that would be my only minor issue but I was with friends and we didn't mind hanging out so yeh, still service was very nice so that matters to me more. Finally, the inside was clean and cute. It's definitely in an area that is in transition to development so parking is easy to find....for now! ;) "

- Doc F. from Denver, CO (Yelp

)

Crush Pizza & Tap

1200 W 38th Ave, Denver, CO 80211 (720) 619-3337 website

"After a recent experience, Crush may be one of my new favorite pizza spots in Denver! It seems like a lot of people get the hand-tossed pizza and specifically the 420 - which is a super cool concept - but don't sleep on the Sicilian! My husband and I were able to order the Sicilian 1/2 toppings on each side. So I was able to make my half everything I wanted (cream cheese, pesto) and he was able to make his what he wanted (Italian sausage, banana peppers, cream cheese) and it was all so amazing. The sauce and the crispy-yet-soft crust was delicious with all of our toppings - we'll definitely be back for more!"

- Claire B. from Denver, CO (Yelp)

Ester's Neighborhood Pub

1950 S Holly St, Denver, CO 80222 (303) 955-4904 website

Started by long standing craft beer employees, Esters is a labor of love for community, family and good times.

" The pizza is so tasty! The atmosphere is lively and trendy, but very family friendly! I highly recommend the BBQ nachos and pizza! The cocktail menu is to die for!"

-Kathryn from CO (Yelp)

"Great service & cool environment. We've gone to Sunday brunch and watch a football game. Bottomless mimosas and Bloody Mary's and creative brunch options. Also, gone for lunch with family in town. We all split a couple pizzas, really delish! Would recommend!"

-Joselyn B, from Emporia, KS (Yelp)

Pizza Republica

890 14th St, Denver, CO 80202 (303) 623-2811 website

Pizza Republica is a charming Italian Trattoria in the Denver Tech Center (DTC) and downtown Denver featuring Authentic Wood-Fired Neapolitan Pizza. Established in 2009, Pizza Republica was designed to bring real Neapolitan pizza and authentic Italian offerings to Denver. With recipes from Grandma Nona herself (straight from Sicily) and wines catering to any palate, we hope you'll enjoy our rustic and home-style offerings.

" We tried a different pizza tonight, in addition to the double pepperoni. The arugula and pear salad is wonderful! The pistachios, goat cheese, pears, and arugula all work beautifully with the citrus vinaigrette. The gelato is as good as it is at Gelato & Co. Very generous bowl with three scoops. Rich, creamy, and full of flavor."

-Jean T. from Lone Tree, CO (Yelp)

Mellow Mushroom

1201 16th St Mall Suite 108, Denver, CO 80202 (720) 328-9114 website

Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers has been serving up fresh, stone-baked pizzas to order in an eclectic, art-filled, and family-friendly environment. Each Mellow is locally owned and operated and provides a unique feel focused around great customer service and high-quality food. Mellow is a state of mind, a culture, a way of being. The mission is to provide delicious food in a fun and creative environment. We are the originators of hand tossed, stone baked classic southern pizza. The spring water crust is unique and flavorful, and all our pies are made with high quality, fresh ingredients. Their philosophy is to elevate the dining experience with a higher order of pizza. Mellow out... Established in 1974. Mellow Mushroom's mission is to provide delicious food in a fun and creative environment, but it's much more than that. Mellow is a state of mind, a culture, a way of being. Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers was founded in 1974 in Atlanta, Georgia. For over 40 years, Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers has been serving up fresh, stone-baked pizzas to order in an eclectic, art-filled, and family-friendly environment. Each Mellow is locally owned and operated and provides a unique feel focused around great customer service and high-quality food.

"Mellow Mushroom was always that pizza place that I wanted to check out in college but never had a chance to!! Even though Mellow Mushroom was close to my campus, I was always busy with mid terms and crammed schedules + classes. Now, years later, I treated Nick and I @ Mellow Mushroom for unforgettable pizza pies!! I don't know where or who mentioned that they had a bowling alley, but I fairly disappointed that they didn't! However, their menu made up for that disappointment and I enjoyed their two hosts who provided the best customer service. We walked in, walked down the stairs to the hidden diner area and were greeted by a wonderful hostess!! She informed me of the "Veg Out," pizza that had traditional mozzarella cheese, but could be substituted by vegan cheese. (At no additional cost, how cool is that?)"

-Alice Q. from Denver, CO (Yelp)

Angelo's Taverna

6885 S Santa Fe Dr, Littleton, CO 80120 (720) 532-1389 website

Mark Dym opened Colorado’s first pizzeria certified by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, the organization that ensures pizzas are being prepared using proper Neapolitan methods, on the then-fringes of the Ballpark neighborhood back in 2007. It’s been churning out perfectly charred pies ever since. The menu is divided into New York pies, which come with more standard American pizza toppings like sausage and pepperoni, and Italian Neapolitan pizzas. Among the options on the latter section is the Abruzzo, which is topped with four types of Italian cheeses and olive oil. There is also a location in Inverness.

" I am kicking myself for not finding this little gem out sooner. But since finding Angelo's 2 weeks ago, I have been here 3 times for happy hour. And all 3 times I have walked out of the place only to question whether I should go back in. What gets me questioning whether I should go home to my wife and kids or start a new life with Angelo's Taverna are the oysters and crab cake sliders. Eating them gets me giddy like I have found my true love. Sure, this feeling goes away when I see my wife's face. But when I lay back in bed and my wife's asleep, I can't help but wonder what it would be like if I was at Angelo's Taverna at that moment. Yes... I was joking (Or was I?) But you can't help but walk away smiling knowing the experience was that good. I would suggest going to HH and getting the raw and chargrilled oysters. Then get a little naughty with it and eat some crab cake sliders. You won't regret it. It is also helpful that the staff are an awesome bunch. They never let me feel guilty for my indulgence."

-Brian J. from Commerce City, CO (Yelp)

Did your favorite pizza joint make the ultimate List of Denver Pizza?

Which one will you try out first or maybe you will try them all?

Do you have one to suggest?

Let me know!

If you liked this list then you would enjoy my choices for The Best Cocktail Destinations of Denver, The Best Damn Coffee, and the Best Damn Tea.