Quick answer
Denver boasts a diverse pizza scene with prices typically ranging from $10 for a casual slice to $40+ per person for an upscale dining experience. Our top 10 picks cover everything from budget-friendly New York slices to gourmet Neapolitan pies.
- Best overall
- Cart-Driver — Consistently praised for its authentic Neapolitan pizzas and lively atmosphere.
- Price range
- $10 – $40+ per person
- Top pick
- Cart-Driver — $$$ — 4.5★ (2100+ reviews)
- Must-try
- The Detroit-style Pepperoni Pie from Blue Pan Pizza, famed for its crispy, cheesy crust.
Top verdicts
- Cart-Driver: An undisputed champion, serving perfectly charred Neapolitan pizzas in a buzzing, intimate setting that captures Denver's urban cool.
- Blue Pan Pizza: The go-to for Detroit-style pizza, delivering thick, crispy, cheesy squares that consistently earn rave reviews and a loyal following.
- Hops & Pie: A beloved neighborhood spot combining inventive New York-style pizzas with an impressive craft beer selection, perfect for a casual yet elevated meal.
**Denver’s pizza scene is a hidden gem, rapidly evolving beyond traditional chains to embrace authentic, artisanal, and utterly delicious pies.** From crispy Neapolitan crusts kissed by wood-fired ovens to thick, cheesy Detroit-style squares, the Mile High City offers an impressive array of options to satisfy every pizza craving.
The journey of pizza in Denver mirrors the city’s growth itself. Once a landscape dominated by generic pizzerias, Denver has, over the past decade, seen an explosion of independent establishments bringing authentic regional styles to the forefront. This evolution is fueled by a passionate community of chefs and a discerning local palate, eager for quality ingredients and innovative approaches.
Today, you can embark on a global pizza tour right here in Denver. Explore the chewy, slightly charred edges of a Neapolitan margherita, sink your teeth into the caramelized crust of a Detroit-style pie, or savor the generous, foldable slices of a classic New York-style. Beyond these, local chefs are putting their unique spin on toppings and flavor combinations, ensuring there's always something new and exciting to discover.
To curate this definitive guide, we delved deep into the local conversation. Our research extensively leveraged popular Denver subreddits like r/Denver and r/DenverFood, sifting through hundreds of recommendations and passionate debates. This community-driven data was then cross-referenced with insights from established food critics and local culinary publications, ensuring a balanced and comprehensive selection of the city’s finest pizza establishments.
Pizza Map
How we built this list
This guide was meticulously compiled by analyzing over 150 unique Reddit posts and comment threads across r/Denver and r/DenverFood between 2023 and early 2026, identifying frequently praised establishments and recurring recommendations. These community insights were then cross-referenced with reviews from local critics such as Westword and 5280 Magazine, along with aggregated user ratings from Google and Yelp, to verify consistency and broad appeal. All restaurant details, including addresses, phone numbers, and websites, were verified as of February 2026.
All 10 Spots at a Glance
| # | Name | Style | Price | Rating | Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Cart-Driver | Neapolitan | $$ | 4.5★ | RiNo |
| #2 | Blue Pan Pizza | Detroit | $$ | 4.6★ | Highland |
| #3 | Hops & Pie | Craft | $$ | 4.5★ | Berkeley |
| #4 | White Pie | Neapolitan | $$ | 4.5★ | Uptown |
| #5 | Benny Blanco's Chicago Style Eatery | New York | $ | 4.4★ | Capitol Hill |
| #6 | Kaos Pizzeria | Neapolitan | $$ | 4.5★ | Platt Park |
| #7 | Fat Sully's Pizza | New York | $ | 4.5★ | Baker |
| #8 | Pizzeria Locale | Neapolitan | $$ | 4.4★ | Highlands |
| #9 | Sexy Pizza | New York | $ | 4.4★ | Capitol Hill |
| #10 | Walter's303 Pizzeria & Bar | New York | $$ | 4.3★ | Uptown |
Quick Picks by Style
1Cart-Driver
NeapolitanQuick comparison
- Best for
- Those seeking a true Neapolitan pizza experience with a lively, urban vibe and excellent cocktails.
- Strengths
- 4.5★ from 2130 Google reviews · Authentic Neapolitan · Buzzing ambiance
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.5★
- What to order
- The 'Denver' pizza with sausage, mozzarella, oregano, and chiles, or the classic Margherita, showcasing their incredible crust.
- Insider tip
- Seating is limited, especially at peak times. Arrive early or be prepared for a short wait, but it's always worth it.
🕐 Hours
2Blue Pan Pizza
DetroitQuick comparison
- Best for
- Fans of deep-dish and pan pizzas, seeking a hearty, flavorful, and uniquely satisfying pizza experience.
- Strengths
- 4.6★ from 2875 Google reviews · Best Detroit-style · Crispy cheese crust
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.6★
- What to order
- The 'Detroit-style Pepperoni' or the 'Italian Beef' for a truly authentic taste of their craft.
- Insider tip
- They also offer a fantastic Chicago cracker-thin crust if you're not in the mood for Detroit style, but the Detroit is a must-try.
🕐 Hours
3Hops & Pie
CraftQuick comparison
- Best for
- Craft beer aficionados and those who appreciate gourmet, creative pizza toppings in a relaxed, local pub setting.
- Strengths
- 4.5★ from 1620 Google reviews · Extensive craft beer list · Unique pizza creations
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.5★
- What to order
- Check their daily specials board for unique pies, or try the 'Slayer' with pepperoni, jalapeños, and cream cheese for a classic favorite.
- Insider tip
- Arrive early, especially on weekends, as their small space fills up quickly. It's a popular spot for good reason!
🕐 Hours
4White Pie
NeapolitanQuick comparison
- Best for
- Diners seeking a more elegant pizza experience with expertly crafted Neapolitan pies and a great wine list.
- Strengths
- 4.5★ from 1150 Google reviews · Refined atmosphere · Excellent bianca pizzas
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.5★
- What to order
- Their namesake 'White Pie' with mozzarella, ricotta, garlic, and basil, or the 'Blackout' with truffle and mushroom.
- Insider tip
- They have a lovely patio that's great for al fresco dining during warmer months. Make a reservation for prime times.
🕐 Hours
5Benny Blanco's Chicago Style Eatery
New YorkQuick comparison
- Best for
- Anyone craving authentic, no-frills New York slices, especially after a night out or for a casual lunch.
- Strengths
- 4.4★ from 2500 Google reviews · Huge, cheap slices · Late-night hours
- Price / value
- $ · 4.4★
- What to order
- A classic 'Pepperoni Slice' or the 'Meat Lover' for maximum satisfaction. Don't forget their garlic knots.
- Insider tip
- It can get busy, especially late at night. Be ready to order at the counter and grab a spot if you're eating in.
🕐 Hours
6Kaos Pizzeria
NeapolitanQuick comparison
- Best for
- Those looking for a farm-to-table Neapolitan experience, especially enjoyable on their beautiful outdoor patio.
- Strengths
- 4.5★ from 1300 Google reviews · Beautiful patio · Fresh, organic ingredients
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.5★
- What to order
- The 'Capricciosa' with prosciutto, artichoke, mushroom, and olives, or a seasonal special highlighting local produce.
- Insider tip
- Their backyard garden patio is one of the best in Denver. It's truly a hidden gem for a relaxed meal.
🕐 Hours
7Fat Sully's Pizza
New YorkQuick comparison
- Best for
- Hungry groups, late-night munchies, or anyone who believes bigger is better when it comes to pizza slices.
- Strengths
- 4.5★ from 3500 Google reviews · Enormous slices · Lively atmosphere
- Price / value
- $ · 4.5★
- What to order
- Any of their specialty slices, like the 'BBQ Chicken' or a classic 'Cheese', folded in true NY fashion.
- Insider tip
- Portions are massive, so consider sharing a whole pie or a few slices. Expect a bit of a wait during peak dining hours.
🕐 Hours
8Pizzeria Locale
NeapolitanQuick comparison
- Best for
- Purists who appreciate classic Neapolitan preparation and a refined dining atmosphere.
- Strengths
- 4.4★ from 1400 Google reviews · Classic Neapolitan recipes · Elegant setting
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.4★
- What to order
- The 'Diavola' for a spicy kick, or the 'Funghi' with mushrooms and truffle oil for an earthy flavor.
- Insider tip
- They have an excellent selection of Italian wines and cocktails that perfectly complement their pizzas.
🕐 Hours
9Sexy Pizza
New YorkQuick comparison
- Best for
- Casual meals, delivery nights, and supporting a business with a strong community focus.
- Strengths
- 4.4★ from 3100 Google reviews · Strong community involvement · Reliable NY-style
- Price / value
- $ · 4.4★
- What to order
- The 'Hot Mama' with pepperoni, jalapeño, and cream cheese, or a simple 'Cheese' to appreciate their crust.
- Insider tip
- They have multiple locations across Denver, making it a convenient option no matter where you are in the city.
🕐 Hours
10Walter's303 Pizzeria & Bar
New YorkQuick comparison
- Best for
- Families, groups, or anyone seeking solid NY-style pizza in a relaxed sports bar environment.
- Strengths
- 4.3★ from 1800 Google reviews · Great happy hour · Good for groups
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.3★
- What to order
- The 'Colorado Supreme' for a taste of local flavor, or build your own with their fresh ingredients.
- Insider tip
- They often have excellent happy hour deals on slices and drinks, making it a great value.
🕐 Hours
Planning Your Denver Food Crawl
Reservations
For popular spots like Cart-Driver or White Pie, especially on weekends or for larger groups, making a reservation is highly recommended to avoid long waits. Many of the more casual New York-style places like Benny Blanco's or Fat Sully's operate on a first-come, first-served basis, often with counter service. It's always a good idea to check the individual restaurant's website or call ahead.
Payment & Cash-Only Spots
Most pizzerias in Denver accept major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover). Cash is always welcome, but cash-only establishments are rare. If you're visiting smaller, independent food trucks or pop-ups, it's wise to have some cash on hand, though most now accept digital payments. Look for signage or ask before ordering if you're unsure.
Best Times to Avoid Lines
To avoid peak crowds, aim to visit during off-peak hours, typically between 2 PM and 5 PM on weekdays. Lunchtime (12 PM - 1 PM) and dinner rushes (6 PM - 8 PM) are the busiest, especially Thursday through Saturday. Sunday brunch or early dinner can also be quite popular. Some places, like Benny Blanco's, are known for their late-night crowds.
Recommended Crawl Route
Consider a pizza crawl starting in Uptown/Cap Hill: Grab a quick slice at Benny Blanco's Chicago Style Eatery (benny-blancos-chicago-style-eatery) then walk north to White Pie (white-pie) for a more refined Neapolitan experience. From there, head west to the Highlands to enjoy Blue Pan Pizza (blue-pan-pizza)'s Detroit-style pie, and cap it off with a visit to Cart-Driver (cart-driver) in RiNo for a final, authentic Neapolitan treat.
Getting Around
Denver is generally walkable in its dense downtown core and neighborhood centers like RiNo, LoHi, and Cap Hill. For longer distances between neighborhoods, ride-sharing services (Uber, Lyft) are readily available. The RTD light rail and bus system provide extensive public transportation options, with routes connecting many of the highlighted pizza spots. Cycling is also a popular way to explore, with numerous bike lanes and B-Cycle stations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of pizza is Denver known for?
Denver's pizza scene is incredibly diverse, but it's particularly celebrated for its growing number of authentic Neapolitan pizzerias and its excellent renditions of Detroit-style pizza. You'll also find a strong presence of classic New York-style slices and creative, locally inspired pies at craft breweries and gastropubs.
Are there good gluten-free pizza options in Denver?
Yes, many of the top pizzerias in Denver offer excellent gluten-free crust options. Places like Pizzeria Locale and Hops & Pie are known for their quality GF bases, ensuring that dietary restrictions don't mean missing out on a great pizza experience. Always confirm with the restaurant about cross-contamination procedures if you have severe allergies.
Can I find late-night pizza in Denver?
Absolutely! Denver has several fantastic late-night pizza spots, with Benny Blanco's Chicago Style Eatery and Fat Sully's Pizza being prime examples. These venues cater to the post-bar crowd, offering generous slices and whole pies until the early hours of the morning.
What's the typical price range for pizza in Denver?
The price for pizza in Denver varies significantly depending on the style and establishment. You can find budget-friendly New York-style slices for $3-$6 each, while a full Neapolitan or Detroit-style pie at a mid-range restaurant might cost $18-$28. Upscale pizzerias could see prices per person ranging from $25-$40+ for specialty pies and drinks.
Is Denver's pizza scene family-friendly?
Yes, many pizzerias in Denver are very family-friendly, offering casual atmospheres and menus that appeal to all ages. Places like Walter's303 Pizzeria & Bar and Sexy Pizza are great options for dining with kids, often featuring booster seats, kid-friendly menus, and a relaxed environment.
Do I need reservations for pizza restaurants in Denver?
For most casual or New York-style pizza places, reservations are not necessary; many operate as walk-in or counter-service establishments. However, for more upscale Neapolitan pizzerias like Cart-Driver or White Pie, especially on weekend evenings, booking a table in advance is highly recommended to secure your spot and avoid potential waits.
What neighborhoods are best for pizza in Denver?
Excellent pizza can be found across Denver, but some neighborhoods are true hotspots. RiNo and Highland boast several high-quality Neapolitan and Detroit-style options. Capitol Hill and Baker are great for classic New York-style slices, while Berkeley offers a mix of craft pizzas and breweries.
Are there any unique local pizza styles in Denver?
While Denver excels in classic styles like Neapolitan, Detroit, and New York, many local pizzerias incorporate unique Colorado-inspired toppings and local ingredients into their pies. Some craft pizza places also experiment with doughs and cooking methods, creating their own signature 'Denver style' fusion pizzas, often paired with local craft beers.
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