The Ultimate Guide To Denver's Best Pizza: From Classic To Creative
Denver's pizza scene has exploded in recent years, transforming from a city known primarily for its New York-style slices to a diverse culinary landscape that celebrates pizza in all its glorious forms. Whether you're a deep-dish devotee, a thin-crust traditionalist, or an adventurous eater seeking innovative toppings, the Mile High City has something to satisfy every pizza craving.
From the historic neighborhoods of LoDo and RiNo to the trendy districts of Highlands and South Broadway, Denver boasts its fair share of great pizza restaurants that have earned national recognition. The city's high altitude actually presents unique challenges for pizza making, requiring chefs to adjust their techniques and recipes to achieve that perfect crust at 5,280 feet above sea level.
Where to Get the Best Pizza in Denver Right Now
When searching for the best pizza in Denver, Colorado, you'll find an impressive array of options that go far beyond the typical pepperoni pie. The city's culinary scene has embraced everything from authentic Neapolitan pizza cooked in wood-fired ovens to Detroit-style square pies with crispy, caramelized cheese edges.
Denver's pizza landscape is constantly evolving, with new spots opening regularly while established favorites continue to innovate and impress. Many of these establishments have earned glowing reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor, where travelers and locals alike share their experiences and rate pizza places by price, location, and overall quality.
New York Style Pizza in the Mile High City
Despite what some New Yorkers might claim, Denver has several outstanding spots that serve authentic New York-style pizza that can hold its own against anything from the Big Apple. At Blue Pan Pizza in the West Highland neighborhood, you'll find massive, foldable slices with that perfect balance of crispy crust and chewy center. Their "Detroit Red Top" is particularly noteworthy, featuring a thick, airy crust topped with Wisconsin brick cheese that caramelizes against the pan's edges.
For those seeking a more traditional New York experience, Fat Sully's (now operating as part of the Atomic Cowboy family) serves up enormous slices that require two hands and multiple napkins. Located at 3237 E Colfax Ave, this spot has become legendary among locals for its no-frills approach and late-night hours that cater to the post-bar crowd.
Neapolitan Pizza: Denver's Wood-Fired Revolution
Denver's pizza scene wouldn't be complete without its exceptional Neapolitan offerings. Cart-Driver, with locations in RiNo and LoHi, has revolutionized the city's pizza game with its compact, wood-fired operation. Their small but mighty pizzas feature blisteringly hot crusts and fresh, high-quality toppings that transport you straight to Naples.
Marco's Coal Fired in Ballpark/RiNo holds the distinction of being Denver's first certified authentic Neapolitan pizzeria. Their pizzas are cooked in a 1,000-degree wood-fired oven for just 90 seconds, creating that perfect leopard-spotted crust that Neapolitan pizza is famous for. The "Smoky" pizza, topped with smoked mozzarella, roasted garlic, and fresh basil, is a local favorite that showcases the simplicity and elegance of true Neapolitan style.
Detroit Style: The Square Pizza Sensation
Detroit-style pizza has taken Denver by storm, and for good reason. Blue Pan Pizza (mentioned earlier for their New York slices) also excels at this Midwestern specialty, offering a thick, airy crust with crispy, caramelized cheese edges that pizza enthusiasts can't get enough of. Their "Croque Monsieur" pizza, topped with smoked ham, béchamel, and Swiss cheese, demonstrates the versatility of the Detroit style.
Bluebird Pizza in Sunnyside specializes exclusively in Detroit-style pies, serving up square slices with that signature crispy cheese crown. Their commitment to quality ingredients and traditional preparation methods has earned them a devoted following among Denver's pizza aficionados.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
Beyond the well-known spots, Denver is home to numerous hidden gems that deserve recognition. Berkeley Pizza in the Tennyson Street arts district serves up New York-style slices with a Colorado twist, often featuring locally sourced toppings and creative seasonal specials.
Hops & Pie in the Highlands neighborhood combines craft beer with artisanal pizza, creating a perfect pairing for those who appreciate both. Their "Sunday Sauce" pizza, topped with Sunday gravy, meatballs, and ricotta, exemplifies their approach to comfort food elevated to new heights.
The Slice and Whole Pie Window Experience
One of Denver's most unique pizza experiences can be found at the slice and whole pie window attached to the 715 Club in Capitol Hill. This no-frills operation serves up some of the city's best pizza without any of the pretension. Whether you're grabbing a quick slice on your way home from work or ordering a whole pie for a gathering, this spot delivers consistently excellent pizza that silences even the most skeptical New York pizza snobs.
Innovative and Delicious Pizza Places Through the Mile High City
We've rounded up 10 of the most innovative and delicious pizza places through the Mile High City, each offering something unique to the Denver pizza landscape. From traditional styles executed with precision to boundary-pushing creations that challenge our notions of what pizza can be, these establishments represent the best of what Denver has to offer.
Blue Pan Pizza - With locations in West Highland and Congress Park, Blue Pan excels at both Detroit and Chicago-style pizzas, offering a diverse menu that caters to various preferences.
Cart-Driver - This tiny, shipping-container-turned-pizzeria in RiNo serves some of the city's best Neapolitan-style pies, proving that great things come in small packages.
Marco's Coal Fired - As Denver's first certified authentic Neapolitan pizzeria, Marco's continues to set the standard for wood-fired pizza in the city.
Fat Sully's - Now operating as part of the Atomic Cowboy family, Fat Sully's serves enormous New York-style slices that have achieved legendary status among locals.
Bluebird Pizza - Specializing exclusively in Detroit-style pizza, Bluebird has carved out a niche in the Sunnyside neighborhood with its square pies and crispy cheese edges.
Hops & Pie - This Highlands favorite combines craft beer with artisanal pizza, creating a perfect pairing for those who appreciate both.
Berkeley Pizza - Located on Tennyson Street, Berkeley Pizza serves up New York-style slices with a Colorado twist, often featuring locally sourced toppings.
Denver Biscuit Company - While primarily known for their biscuits, this establishment (part of the Atomic Cowboy family) also serves excellent New York-style pizza.
Pizzeria Lui - Located in Littleton (just south of Denver), this wood-fired pizzeria has earned a reputation for some of the best Neapolitan-style pizza in the metro area.
White Pie - This Uptown pizzeria brings a taste of New Haven, Connecticut to Denver with their thin-crust, coal-fired pizzas.
Finding Your Perfect Pizza Place
When searching for the perfect pizza spot in Denver, consider what type of pizza experience you're looking for. Are you in the mood for a quick slice on the go, or are you planning a leisurely dinner with friends? Do you prefer classic toppings or are you feeling adventurous and ready to try something new?
Many of Denver's best pizza places offer online ordering and delivery through various apps, making it easier than ever to enjoy great pizza from the comfort of your home. However, some spots, particularly those with wood-fired ovens, may be worth the trip for the full experience.
Conclusion
Denver's pizza scene has matured into something truly special, offering a diverse array of styles and experiences that can satisfy any pizza lover. From authentic Neapolitan pies cooked in 1,000-degree wood-fired ovens to hearty Detroit-style squares with caramelized cheese edges, the Mile High City has embraced pizza in all its glorious forms.
Whether you're a longtime resident or just visiting, exploring Denver's pizza landscape is a delicious adventure that reveals the city's culinary creativity and commitment to quality. So the next time you find yourself in Denver with a pizza craving, remember that you're in one of the country's most exciting pizza cities, where tradition meets innovation and every slice tells a story of the city's evolving food culture.
The next time someone tells you that Denver can't do pizza, you'll know better. With establishments like Blue Pan, Cart-Driver, Marco's Coal Fired, and countless others pushing the boundaries of what pizza can be, Denver has firmly established itself as a must-visit destination for pizza enthusiasts from around the world.
