This Tiny Arizona Eatery Has A Garlic Pizza So Good People Are Driving Hours For It
There’s something magical about a place so small it could fit on a postcard, yet it draws crowds willing to drive for hours just to taste its signature garlic pizza.
I arrived skeptical, thinking perhaps the hype was just another desert legend, but the moment I lifted a steaming slice, the aromatic punch of roasted garlic hit me like a friendly wave from an old friend.
The dough, airy yet sturdy, cradled a sauce that balanced sweet and tangy, while a generous sprinkle of cheese melted into a golden veil. I left the kitchen with a grin and a half‑eaten slice in a paper bag, already planning my next trip, because when a pizza can make the Arizona desert feel like home, you can’t help but become its most loyal fan.
A Hidden Gem Worth The Journey
People often discover this place through word of mouth or social media, but once they visit, they become instant ambassadors. The drive itself becomes part of the adventure, with scenic views that make you forget you are traveling specifically for pizza.
What makes the trek worthwhile goes beyond just the food. The whole experience wraps you in mountain hospitality from the moment you arrive.
Families pull up in SUVs, couples on motorcycles park out front, and everyone seems to share the same excited energy about what awaits inside.
The restaurant operates Wednesday through Sunday, staying closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, so planning your visit requires a bit of forethought. But trust me, showing up to find it closed would be heartbreaking after that beautiful drive through the mountains.
Getting to Old County Inn means winding your way up Arizona Highway 87, watching the desert landscape transform into towering ponderosa pines. Located at 3502 AZ-87 in Pine, this spot sits about two hours north of Phoenix, making it the perfect excuse for a mountain getaway.
The Wood-Fired Magic Behind Every Pie
Walking into Old County Inn, your eyes immediately lock onto the massive wood-fired oven that serves as the heart of the operation. Flames dance behind the opening while skilled hands slide pizzas in and out with practiced precision.
The heat radiating from that oven creates an energy that fills the entire space.
Watching the team work around this centerpiece feels almost hypnotic. They move with swift efficiency, transforming dough into perfectly charred masterpieces in minutes.
The wood fire gives each pizza a distinctive flavor that gas ovens simply cannot replicate, adding subtle smoky notes that complement every topping combination.
I remember sitting at the bar during my first visit, completely mesmerized by how smoothly everything flowed despite the obvious rush. Each pizza emerged with those signature leopard spots on the crust, bubbling cheese, and edges that promised the perfect crunch.
The oven runs hot and fast, which means your food arrives quickly even when the place is packed.
This cooking method has become central to their identity, setting them apart from typical pizza chains and giving every bite an authentic, artisanal quality.
That Famous Garlic Pizza Everyone Talks About
Now let me tell you about the star of the show. While Old County Inn offers plenty of creative pies, their garlic pizza has achieved near-mythical status among regulars.
This is not your standard garlic bread pretending to be pizza. We are talking about a carefully crafted combination that balances roasted garlic, quality cheese, and that perfect wood-fired crust.
The garlic gets roasted until it turns sweet and mellow, losing any harsh bite while gaining a buttery richness. Spread across the dough with herbs and cheese, it creates flavor layers that keep you reaching for another slice even when you are completely full.
People drive hours specifically for this pizza, and after one bite, you completely understand why. The crust provides the ideal foundation with its crispy exterior and chewy interior, while the garlic topping delivers comfort and satisfaction in equal measure.
Some regulars order it every single visit without even glancing at the menu. Pair it with their other offerings or make it your entire meal.
Either way, this garlic pizza lives up to every bit of hype surrounding it.
The Tap Room Secret For Beating The Wait
Here comes a pro tip that locals know well. When you arrive to find a lengthy wait for a table in the main dining room, do not despair.
Old County Inn features a separate Tap Room that offers open seating and the full menu, providing the perfect alternative to standing around checking your phone.
This space has its own distinct vibe, feeling more intimate and casual than the main restaurant. You can slide onto a bar stool, order your food directly, and enjoy the same incredible pizzas without the wait time.
The bartenders bring fantastic energy, making conversation and recommendations while mixing up beverages and putting in orders.
During one particularly busy Saturday afternoon, I watched families get quoted an hour wait, only to discover the Tap Room had immediate seating. Their disappointment turned to relief as they settled into the cozy space and realized they had stumbled onto something special.
The atmosphere feels more relaxed, perfect for couples or small groups who want great food without the formality.
Whether you plan to use it as your dining spot or a holding area while waiting for your text notification, the Tap Room deserves recognition as one of the smartest features this place offers.
Beyond Pizza: Wings And Appetizers That Steal The Show
While pizza rightfully claims the spotlight, sleeping on the appetizers and wings would be a serious mistake. Old County Inn serves whole wings, not the separated drums and flats you find everywhere else, giving you more meat and a more satisfying eating experience overall.
The buffalo cauliflower has become legendary in its own right, offering a vegetarian option that carnivores happily devour. Coated in tangy sauce and cooked until the edges get crispy, this appetizer converts skeptics with every order.
Then there is the green chili cheese with breadsticks, a combination so addictive that tables often order a second round before their main course arrives.
These starters provide the perfect way to tide yourself over while your pizza cooks, though honestly, they deserve to be ordered regardless of hunger level. The portions come generous enough to share, and the flavors complement the wood-fired pizzas beautifully.
Some customers admit to making entire meals out of appetizers alone.
Even the salads earn praise, with the harvest salad and Caesar both getting mentioned repeatedly by happy diners. Fresh ingredients and thoughtful preparation make every menu item worth trying, not just the pizzas.
Family-Friendly Atmosphere With Mountain Charm
Step outside and you will find an outdoor area that captures everything great about mountain dining. Pine trees provide natural shade, picnic tables offer plenty of seating, and the fresh air makes every bite taste even better.
Kids can play lawn games while parents relax, creating a laid-back environment where everyone feels comfortable.
Dogs are welcome too, making this a perfect stop for travelers exploring Arizona with their furry companions. You will spot pups lounging under tables, tails wagging as their owners enjoy pizza and mountain breezes.
The whole setup encourages you to slow down and savor the experience rather than rushing through your meal.
Families particularly appreciate how the space accommodates different needs. Restless children can burn energy outside while food cooks, couples can claim quieter corners for romantic dinners, and large groups can push tables together without feeling cramped.
The rustic decor and mountain setting create an atmosphere that feels authentically Arizona.
Whether you visit on a sunny afternoon or a cool evening when the temperature drops, the outdoor area provides the kind of dining experience that makes you want to linger long after your plates are empty.
Planning Your Visit To Old County Inn
Smart planning makes all the difference when visiting Old County Inn. The restaurant opens at 11 AM most days, and arriving right when they unlock the doors gives you the best chance of getting seated quickly.
Weekends and summer months bring the biggest crowds, with wait times sometimes stretching past an hour during peak periods.
If you cannot arrive early, consider the takeout window option. You can order ahead, then pick up your pizzas piping hot without dealing with the dining room wait.
The food travels well for short distances, though eating it fresh from the oven obviously provides the ultimate experience.
Remember that Old County Inn closes on Mondays and Tuesdays, so plan your mountain adventure accordingly. Operating hours run until 9 PM on weekdays and Sunday, extending to 10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
The website at oldcountyinn.com provides current information, though calling ahead never hurts, especially during busy seasons.
Pricing sits at a moderate level marked by two dollar signs, meaning you will pay a bit more than chain restaurants but far less than upscale dining. Given the quality and portion sizes, most customers consider it an excellent value for what you receive.