Cream cheese on pizza. One Wichita shop has been putting it there since 1984, and I honestly love that kind of stubborn confidence.
The surprises keep stacking up. One Topeka spot opens at 6 AM as a bakery. A Junction City kitchen puts pickles on its pies, and somehow it works.
Kansas pizza does not need a fancy zip code or a big bill to impress. Thin crusts crackle, Chicago-style pies stand tall, and New York slices fold just right. I can’t think of a better reason for a road trip.
The best part is how little these pies ask of your wallet. A buffet here, a cheap slice there, and suddenly dinner feels like a small victory.
1. Pizza Shuttle
Cream cheese on a pizza sounds like a dare. Pizza Shuttle has been serving Kansas since 1984, and its Wichita location joined the tradition in 2026.
Pizza Shuttle is locally owned and keeps things simple in the best way. The dough is made daily, and the cheese is 100% real.
Specialty pies get a signature sauce made with California tomatoes. Expect a hint of spice in that sauce and plenty of cheese and toppings piled on top.
Now for the part your wallet will like. You can grab a small one-topping pizza and a drink for a price that feels like a typo.
Hungry at an odd hour? The shop stays open until midnight seven days a week, so late-night cravings have a safe landing spot.
You can dine in, pick up, or get it delivered. No-contact delivery and outdoor seating are also on the table, literally and otherwise.
Families will find high chairs and a changing table. Dogs can join you outside, which seems fair since they smell the pizza anyway.
Reservations aren’t taken, but parking is free and usually plentiful. For a quick solo dinner or a family pizza night, it’s an easy win in Kansas.
Address: 4521 E 21st St N Ste 102, Wichita, KS 67208
2. Knolla’s Pizza | East
Can’t decide between New York and Chicago? Good news, nobody in east Wichita is forcing you to pick a side.
Knolla’s Pizza serves both styles from a bright, counter-serve space. The Chicago-style crust earns serious praise, and the bottoms bake up perfectly crunchy.
The menu also wanders off the usual path. Look for picks like Buffalo Chicken, a Cheeseburger pie, and something called The Juan Special.
Not in a pizza mood? A Meatball Sub and Cheesy Bread are waiting, and the desserts get plenty of love too.
Plant-based eaters aren’t stuck nibbling crust. Vegetarian pizzas and vegetable toppings offer meat-free choices, while strictly vegan diners should check ingredients and available substitutions with the staff.
Fresh veggies and crisp crusts show up again and again in praise for this spot. For the price, that’s a pretty sweet deal.
Service members, take note. A military discount makes a good pie even easier to justify.
The space works for college groups, families, or a quiet lunch alone. There’s a kids’ menu, high chairs, and a gender-neutral restroom.
It opens at 11 AM most days and noon on Sunday. Parking is free, so save your coins for an extra slice.
Address: 7732 E Central Ave Suite 123, Wichita, KS 67206
3. Rudy’s Pizzeria
Massachusetts Street in Lawrence has plenty of places to eat. Few of them let you walk away this happy for this little money.
Rudy’s Pizzeria is a rustic quick-serve spot that sells gourmet pizza by the pie or by the slice. Cheap slices are a big part of its appeal.
Variety is the real headline here. Multiple pizza styles, lots of sauces, and a huge topping list mean you can build something truly yours.
The thin crust gets special credit for being crisp, buttery, and packed with garlic flavor. Pepperoni fans will feel right at home too.
Vegan and vegetarian options open the door even wider. The salads have a strong following, and the calzones deserve their own spotlight.
Service moves fast, which matters when hunger hits between classes or shopping. You can eat in, sit outside, or grab curbside pickup.
Delivery is also available if the couch is calling. Families can request high chairs for little pizza critics.
The room feels casual and relaxed, with a crowd that includes students, groups, and visitors. Weekend evenings get busy, so plan ahead.
Hours run until 8:30 PM on Friday and Saturday, with closing at 8 PM on other days. Made-to-order food orders stop 30 minutes before closing.
Address: 704 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044
4. Morningstar’s New York Pizza
Calling your pizza New York style is a bold promise. In west Lawrence, this family-owned shop backs it up with hand-tossed pies.
Morningstar’s serves pizzas with crust, cheese, and sauce that blend together nicely. There’s just the right amount of grease, the kind that makes a fold feel earned.
The menu covers plenty of ground. A Meat Pie, Combo Pie, White Pie, and a Margherita pizza are all in the lineup.
Want something handheld? The New Yorker Calzone and a Sausage and Peppers Hero bring extra Italian-American comfort.
A Caesar Salad helps balance things out, at least in theory. Dessert and coffee round out the meal.
Large pies make sense for groups, and leftovers are a happy bonus. Picture a college student carrying a pizza box back to the dorm like treasure.
The staff keeps things relaxed and easygoing. The dining room is clean, and both counter and table service are offered.
Plan your visit carefully, since the shop is closed Monday and Tuesday. It opens at 11 AM the rest of the week.
For parties of 10 or more, the restaurant asks customers to call ahead. A kids’ menu keeps younger diners happy too.
Address: 4931 W 6th St, Lawrence, KS 66049
5. LaRocca’s Topeka | Pizza
A pizza topped with spicy queso, chorizo, and jalapeños sounds like a deliciously bold combination. LaRocca’s in Topeka makes that happen.
The Spicy Queso Pizza is one of several creative options at this local neighborhood restaurant. Deluxe, Meat Lovers, and Veggie pies share the menu with customizable calzones.
House-made original crust is the standard here, with thin crust also available. The pizza sauce brings everything together in a nicely balanced bite.
Toppings come on generous, so you won’t be hunting for pepperoni. That kind of attention makes a modest bill feel even better.
The menu goes beyond pizza too. Fettuccine Alfredo with optional chicken, Cheesy Bread, and a Half Italian Salad give you plenty of options.
Save room for a cannoli, because skipping dessert seems rude. Mozzarella sticks are also available as an appetizer.
Vegetarian pizza choices and a non-dairy cheese option make group orders easier. A kids’ menu helps families keep the peace.
Attentive staff keep things moving in a clean, casual room. Free Wi-Fi is available if lunch doubles as a work break.
LaRocca’s is closed on Mondays. From Tuesday through Sunday, the doors open at 11 AM and close at 8 PM.
Address: 3100 SW Gage Blvd, Topeka, KS 66614
6. Pizagel’s Pizza & Bakery
Most pizza places are asleep at sunrise. Pizagel’s opens at 6 AM on weekdays, because it’s a bakery too.
That double life makes this Topeka spot a lot of fun. Breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner are all fair game here.
The pizza crust is chewy and baked to perfection. Toppings come in a good balance, and the sauce holds its own.
The Buffalo Chicken pizza gets strong praise. Gluten-free diners can also enjoy a crust that stands up well.
Fresh deli sandwiches give you another reason to stop by. Coffee, tea, and desserts also rank among the highlights.
Need a quick fix? A drive-through and curbside pickup make it easy to grab food without leaving the car.
Prefer to linger? Grab a seat inside or out, and use the Wi-Fi while you snack.
Dogs are welcome outside, and a vegetarian menu keeps meat-free eaters covered. High chairs help with younger guests.
Saturday mornings and afternoons get the busiest. Tuesday evenings tend to be calmer if you like elbow room.
Weekend hours start at 7 AM. Closing time is 8 PM every day of the week.
Address: 2830 SW Fairlawn Rd, Topeka, KS 66614
7. Coop’s Pizzeria
Gyros at a pizza place might seem random. At Coop’s in Salina, they’re one of the reasons people keep coming back.
This off-the-beaten-path spot serves Italian comfort food with a creative streak. Pizza leads the way, backed by sandwiches, pasta, and salads.
The gourmet pizzas bring inventive choices you won’t find everywhere. Fantastic breadsticks make a strong case for ordering an appetizer.
Prices stay fair, which helps when you want to try more than one pie. Reasonably priced food and friendly, prompt service make this a strong value pick.
The dining room feels cool, clean, and relaxed. Table service means you can sit back and let the food come to you.
Live music adds a fun bonus to the mix. Pizza and a show is a pretty great combo for a weeknight.
Families will find a kids’ menu and high chairs. A vegetarian menu covers diners who skip meat.
Reservations are accepted, and curbside pickup works if you’re in a hurry. Delivery is available too.
Coop’s opens at 11 AM Monday through Saturday and closes at 8 PM. It’s closed on Sundays, so plan your craving around that.
Address: 1219A W Crawford St, Salina, KS 67401
8. Ken’s Pizza
All-you-can-eat pizza is a beautiful phrase. In Hutchinson, Ken’s Pizza turns it into a lunch plan.
The buffet is the main event at this casual restaurant. Fresh pizzas keep rolling out, and the line stays well kept.
Thin crust is the specialty, baked perfectly crispy with good toppings. Some fans claim it’s the best you’ll find between Hutch and New York.
A salad bar sits alongside the pizza. That lets you pretend a plate of greens cancels out slice number four.
The buffet price sits low enough to feel like a friendly secret. It’s an easy way to feed a hungry crew without stressing.
Families have plenty of reasons to visit too. Kids’ birthday parties are a good fit, and a kids’ menu is available.
In a rush? A drive-through and takeout make quick work of pizza cravings, though delivery isn’t offered.
Service moves fast, and the staff earns praise for being friendly. Both counter and table service are offered.
Ken’s is open daily from 11 AM to 9 PM. Sunday afternoons and Saturday evenings draw the biggest crowds, so arrive early.
Address: 901 E 30th Ave, Hutchinson, KS 67502
9. Lomato’s Pizza
Taco pizza is the kind of idea that sounds wild until you try it. At Lomato’s in Hays, it’s a fan favorite.
This laid-back pizzeria has been a local institution for years. Watching your pizza being made is part of the fun.
The crust comes out light and airy, with great toppings on top. The calzone also deserves a spot on your order.
Veggie lovers can reach for a 16-inch Garden Pizza. Its crust, cheese, and fresh ingredients make a strong impression.
Pizza isn’t the only thing on the menu. Sandwiches, wings, salads, and a Bacon Double Cheeseburger cover other cravings.
Road-trippers across western Kansas, this one’s worth a stop. Fast service means you can eat well and get back on the highway.
Night owls get a break here too. Lomato’s stays open until 10 PM every day of the week.
Delivery is quick, and no-contact delivery is also offered. You can dine in with table service or grab takeout.
Friday evenings get the busiest. Monday nights tend to be the quietest if you want a calmer meal.
Parking is free and usually plentiful. That leaves more money for dessert.
Address: 130 9th St, Hays, KS 67601
10. BY YURII’S PIZZA (New York Style)
Pickles on pizza might start a debate at your dinner table. In Junction City, that debate tastes pretty delicious.
BY YURII’S PIZZA is a New York-style takeaway shop near Fort Riley. Fresh pies and cannolis are the main attractions.
The crust is amazingly chewy, with a taste that reminds people of wood-fired pizza. Sauce and crust work together in perfect balance.
The Pickle Pizza is the conversation starter. A BBQ chicken pickle pizza pushes the idea even further, and fans love it.
A classic New York Style Pizza is there for anyone who prefers to play it safe. No judgment, just good folding.
Finish things off with a cannoli. Crispy shell and sweet filling make a great ending to pizza night.
The cook earns big praise for making food with care. Staff respond quickly and keep things polite and easy.
You can choose curbside pickup, takeout, or delivery. Catering is offered too, making the shop an option for larger gatherings.
Check the hours before you go, since they vary by day. Current delivery listings show the shop closed Sunday and Monday, with Friday delivery hours ending at 8 PM.
Confirm in-person pickup hours directly. For a Kansas pizza with personality, this little shop delivers a lot.
Address: 901 N Washington St, Junction City, KS 66441