A tiny pizza shop in a small town near the Oklahoma line keeps old-school pinball machines next to the booths.
I love that detail. It tells you somebody there cares about fun as much as crust.
The rest of this list surprised me too. One spot trained its pizza skills under a master pizza maker in Naples.
Another lets you build a full meal from a buffet and salad bar.
Kansas has thin crusts that crackle, giant folding slices, and soft pies with charred edges.
Some of these kitchens make their dough and sauce from scratch. One even keeps a St. Louis tavern-style pie on the menu.
I can’t think of a better excuse for a road trip. So which crust style are you, crispy, chewy, or anything with extra cheese?
1. Piatto Neapolitan Pizzeria
Learning pizza in Naples is a pretty serious way to start a business.
The owners trained under master pizzaiolo Enzo Coccia, then brought that know-how home to Wichita.
The result is true Neapolitan pizza on East Douglas Avenue. The dough is hand-stretched and rests for about 24 hours before it ever meets the oven.
That long wait pays off. You get a crust that’s crisp outside yet soft, airy, and easy to fold.
Inside, the space mixes modern style with rustic touches. Bar seats circle the pizza oven, so you can watch your dinner bake up close.
Want a classic first bite? The Margherita keeps things simple, while the Trio De Carne piles on the meat.
Plant-based eaters get real choices here too. A Vegan Margherita sits on the menu, and the kitchen offers full vegan and vegetarian options.
Save a little room for dessert. The house-made cannoli makes a sweet ending after a smoky, chewy pie.
Timing matters, since doors open at 4 PM on weekdays. Weekends start at noon, which makes a lazy Saturday lunch very doable.
Friday and Saturday evenings tend to get busy. Reservations are accepted, so planning ahead is a smart move.
Address: 1706 E Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67214
2. Morningstar’s New York Pizza
Big, floppy, thin slices are the whole point at this west Lawrence favorite.
Morningstar’s carries the New York name, and the hand-tossed pies back it up.
The family-owned shop keeps things easygoing. You can grab counter service for a quick bite or settle at a table for a slower meal.
Slices here are famously huge. Plan on folding one in half, the classic New York way, so the toppings stay put.
Craving something sealed up and stuffed? The New Yorker Calzone is a menu highlight worth a look.
Pizza isn’t the only draw either. Familiar Italian-American entrees and generous salads round out the menu nicely.
Families will find a kids’ menu and high chairs ready to go. That makes a Sunday pizza night much less stressful for parents.
Keep the schedule in mind before you drive over. The restaurant closes Monday and Tuesday, then opens Wednesday through Sunday.
Friday evening is usually the busiest stretch. If you’d rather skip the rush, a Wednesday lunch tends to be calmer.
Staying home tonight? Delivery and takeout are both available, so those giant slices can come to your couch instead.
Address: 4931 W 6th St, Lawrence, KS 66049
3. LaRocca’s Topeka | Pizza
Barbecue and pizza make a very Kansas pairing, and LaRocca’s leans right into it.
The BBQ Smoke House Pizza stacks brisket, pulled pork, and Polish sausage over smoky barbecue sauce.
Vince LaRocca founded this Topeka spot in 2001. It’s still a locally owned neighborhood restaurant on SW Gage Boulevard.
The thin crust is the star for many fans. It holds generous toppings without turning soggy, and the sauce stays nicely balanced.
Not in a barbecue mood? Signature pies and calzones give you plenty of other directions to go.
The menu also stretches into appetizers, subs, pasta, and desserts. That helps when your group can’t agree on one dinner plan.
Families get a kids’ menu and high chairs. Free Wi-Fi is there too, in case a teenager needs convincing.
Mondays are off the table, since the restaurant closes that day. Tuesday through Sunday, it runs from 11 AM to 8 PM.
Evenings get busy through much of the week. Reservations aren’t taken, so an earlier lunch visit can be easier.
Hosting a party or work event? LaRocca’s offers catering, and delivery covers lazy nights at home.
Address: 3100 SW Gage Blvd, Topeka, KS 66614
4. Italian Delight
Meatballs on pizza sound like a dare, but here they’re a house specialty.
The rich red sauce shows up on meatball-topped pies, stromboli, and eggplant parmesan.
Italian Delight sits on State Avenue in Kansas City, Kansas. The space is basic and industrial, which keeps your attention on the food.
Ordering moves fast, cafeteria-line style. You walk up, point at what you want, and get your food quickly.
Slices are giant and thin. Both thin-crust and thick-crust pizzas are available, so crust debates can end peacefully.
Hungry for more than pizza? Sandwiches and pastas fill out the menu, and the stromboli is a popular pick.
Garlic knots make a smart side for sharing. Or skip ahead and grab a cannoli, because the desserts get plenty of love.
Hours run Monday through Saturday, 11 AM to 8 PM. Sunday is a day off, so plan your craving around it.
Friday afternoons into the evening tend to be the busiest stretch. Weekday mornings right after opening are usually quieter.
Lots of free parking makes this an easy lunch stop. Delivery and catering also help when you’re feeding a crowd.
Address: 8145 State Ave, Kansas City, KS 66112
5. Old Shawnee Pizza-Shawnee
Since 1969, this family-owned pizzeria has been cranking out pies with a retro feel.
That’s more than five decades of crispy crust in Shawnee. Old Shawnee Pizza has also been named one of the Top 50 Independent Pizzerias in America.
Not bad for an unfussy neighborhood spot.
The crust leans thin and cracker-style. Toppings land heavy, and you can even pick lightly done, regular, or extra crispy.
Start with the OSP Dip if you like a cheesy opener. It layers cream cheese, marinara, pepperoni, onions, olives, jalapeño, and three cheeses.
The dip comes with toasted pizza crust for scooping. Yes, it’s basically pizza you eat with more pizza.
Pasta lovers can choose spaghetti, fettuccine, manicotti, or seafood ravioli. Mini lunch specials and sandwiches cover quick midday stops.
Thursdays bring a deal on specialty pizzas. That makes the middle of the week feel a lot more exciting.
Planning a kid’s birthday? This spot works well for one, with a kids’ menu and a private dining room option.
A fireplace and plenty of sports on TV add to the easy mood. Saturday evenings are the busiest time.
Address: 6000 Roger Rd, Shawnee, KS 66203
6. Dewey’s Pizza, Overland Park
Ever tried whole roasted garlic on a pizza? At Dewey’s, it’s a real menu highlight, and garlic fans should take notice.
This casual Midwestern chain is known for inventive specialty pizzas. The Overland Park location sits on West 95th Street.
The crust runs very thin, yet it stays light and airy. Toppings are generous, so each bite carries plenty of flavor.
You can watch the kitchen work while you wait. Seeing dough tossed and pies built makes the wait feel shorter.
Salads are fresh and worth pairing with your pizza. A custom calzone with pepperoni is another solid pick for a heartier meal.
Eaters with special diets have options here. Dewey’s offers vegetarian-friendly pizzas, dairy-free cheese, and gluten-free crust options.
You can customize your order to suit different preferences.
Sunday hours start late, at 4 PM. On other days, lunch begins at 11 AM.
Friday and Saturday evenings get packed. If you’re visiting with a large group, call ahead to ask about seating arrangements.
Outdoor seating offers a breezy option on nice Kansas evenings. Curbside pickup and delivery handle the busy nights when going out feels like too much.
Address: 3615 W 95th St, Overland Park, KS 66206
7. AJ’s NY Pizzeria
Manhattan, New York, and Manhattan, Kansas, finally share something tasty.
AJ’s brings a wide, thin, foldable East Coast pie to Poyntz Avenue.
The pizzeria has a casual, New York theme. It sits right on the main stretch of downtown Manhattan, near the Flint Hills.
Crusts come out thin and crispy from the brick oven. Fresh tomato sauce and good cheese finish the job.
Feeling adventurous? Creative pies include Mac and Cheese, Grilled Cheese, and Jalapeno Popper pizzas.
Classic fans have choices too. The White Pie and the Meatball Parm Pie are popular, and a BBQ Chicken Pie is on the menu.
Don’t skip the garlic knots, which come loaded with fresh garlic. Pepperoni Bricks and Cheese Bricks are fun snacks to share.
Wings, ravioli, and salads cover the rest of the table. That helps if a friend somehow doesn’t want pizza.
Late-night food is part of the appeal. The doors stay open until 10 PM most nights, and 10:30 on Friday and Saturday.
Takeout is available, while delivery availability should be checked directly with the restaurant. Dogs are welcome at the outdoor seating, which is a nice bonus.
Address: 301 Poyntz Ave, Manhattan, KS 66502
8. Coop’s Pizzeria
Gyros at a pizza joint? Coop’s makes that combo work, and the gourmet pies are pretty creative too.
This Salina pizzeria sits a bit off the beaten path on West Crawford Street. Finding it is part of the fun.
The menu focuses on Italian comfort food. Pizza leads the way, with sandwiches, pasta, and salads backing it up.
Pies arrive hot with flavorful sauce. The dough, sauces, and dressings are made in-house, and the crust gets plenty of love.
Breadsticks deserve a spot on your order. They’re a strong side when you want something to share before the main event.
Here’s a fun surprise for a local pizza shop. Coop’s has been known to host live music.
Families will find high chairs and a kids’ menu. Vegetarians can look for meat-free pizza options, including the Vegetarian Pizza.
Hours run 11 AM to 8 PM, Monday through Saturday. Sunday is closed, so don’t plan your post-church pizza here.
Thursday evening is usually the busiest time. If you’re bringing a large group to Salina, call ahead to ask about seating arrangements.
Catering, curbside pickup, and delivery are also available. That covers office lunches and lazy Friday nights alike.
Address: 1219A W Crawford St, Salina, KS 67401
9. Lomato’s Pizza
Taco night and pizza night don’t have to fight in Hays. Lomato’s taco pizza settles the argument nicely.
This laid-back pizzeria is known for pies with varied toppings. Its approach is simple: good ingredients and steady cooking.
The crust comes out light and airy. Pizzas are hearty and generous, so you probably won’t leave hungry.
Watching your pie get made is part of the show here. It’s fun for kids and grown-ups who like seeing dough in action.
Calzones are another popular order. Sandwiches, wings, and salads round out the menu for mixed groups.
Lomato’s has been a Hays institution for years. Western Kansas college students and families both make it a regular stop.
Hours are easy to remember. The doors open at 11 AM and stay open until 10 PM daily.
That late close helps after evening games or long drives on I-70. Late-night food is part of the deal.
Thursday through Saturday evenings bring the biggest crowds. Reservations aren’t accepted, so arrive a little early.
Staying in? Delivery, including no-contact delivery, is available, and it has a reputation for being quick.
Address: 130 W 9th St, Hays, KS 67601
10. Dave’s Pizza Oven
Pinball and pizza belong together, and Coldwater figured that out.
Dave’s Pizza Oven keeps old-school pinball machines ready for play.
This family-run shop sits on North Central Avenue in a small south-central Kansas town. It’s worth planning a road trip around.
Pies come with a crisp crust and fresh toppings. Melty cheese is a big part of the appeal.
Can’t decide what to order? The Everything Pizza is a menu highlight for people who want a little of it all.
Specialty pizzas come in a wide variety. Pasta and BLTs are on the menu for anyone needing a break from pies.
Sweet tooth? Cinnasticks make a fun dessert, while cheesy breadsticks handle the savory side.
A salad bar adds a fresh option. Kids get their own menu, and birthday parties are a good fit.
Hours are limited, so check the calendar first. Published listings commonly show Thursday through Sunday, from 11 AM to 8 PM, although schedules vary between directories.
Sunday afternoon tends to be the busiest time. If you’re bringing a bigger group, call ahead to ask about seating.
There’s no delivery, but takeout works. Still, eating in means more pinball, and that seems like the better plan.
Address: 100 N Central Ave, Coldwater, KS 67029
11. Ken’s Pizza
A pizza buffet is a beautiful thing for indecisive eaters.
Ken’s lets you try several slices without committing to one whole pie.
This Hutchinson restaurant is known for an affordable buffet and salad bar. It’s a casual spot on East 30th Avenue.
The thin-crust pizza on the buffet is the main reason to stop. Go back for another slice, since it’s all you can eat.
The salad bar gets plenty of praise too. Load up on greens first, then feel free to return for more pizza.
Lunch is an especially popular time for the buffet. It’s an easy, budget-friendly way to feed a hungry crew.
Families will find a kids’ menu and high chairs. Birthday parties are a good fit as well.
Here’s a rare perk for a pizza place. Ken’s has a drive-through, which is handy on busy days.
There’s no delivery, though. You’ll need to stop in or use the drive-through.
Hours run 11 AM to 9 PM every day. Sunday afternoon into the evening brings the biggest crowds.
Reservations aren’t accepted. Plan on arriving early if you’re bringing a big group after church or a game.
Address: 901 E 30th Ave, Hutchinson, KS 67502
12. Abe’s Place Pizza and Subs
Scratch-made dough and sauce set the tone at Abe’s Place. That homemade start shows up in pies across the menu.
This Leavenworth pizzeria serves pizzas, calzones, and sandwiches. Subs share top billing with the pies, right in the name.
The sauce leans both robust and a little sweet. It’s a nice match for a hot, fresh crust.
Here’s a fun twist for Kansas pizza fans. Abe’s offers a St. Louis tavern-style pizza with a very crispy crust.
Tavern-style pies are usually cut into small squares. They’re great for sharing and easy to snack on while chatting.
Planning a game night? Abe’s is a good place for watching sports, and outdoor seating adds another option.
Doors open early, at 10 AM daily. That’s handy if you want an early lunch before running errands.
Thursday through Saturday, the kitchen stays open until 10 PM. Other nights close at 9 PM.
Friday and Saturday evenings are the busiest times. Reservations are accepted, which helps with bigger groups.
Families get high chairs and a kids’ menu. Catering and delivery round things out, so your next party in Kansas can taste like Abe’s.
Address: 5101 10th Ave, Leavenworth, KS 66048