10 Pizza Places In Southern Illinois Locals Love Again And Again

Southern Illinois has a way of surprising people, especially when pizza gets involved. Some of the best slices in Illinois are hiding in small towns, college hangouts, and cozy family spots that do not need a lot of flash to win people over.

You might find cheesy deep-pan pie, a crisp thin crust, or something hot out of a brick oven that makes you wonder why more people are not talking about this region. Locals already know the deal, though.

These are the kinds of places people grow up loving, return to after moving away, and recommend without hesitation. So come hungry, keep an open mind, and get ready for ten Southern Illinois pizza stops that prove great pizza can show up in the most unexpected places.

1. Quatro’s Deep Pan Pizza, Carbondale

Few things in life are as satisfying as a pizza so deep you could practically swim in the toppings.

Quatro’s Deep Pan Pizza in Carbondale has been serving up its legendary deep-pan creations since 1975, making it one of the most beloved institutions in Southern Illinois. That kind of track record doesn’t happen by accident.

The crust is thick, buttery, and perfectly golden, acting more like a vessel for flavor than just a base. Regulars swear by the generous helpings of cheese and sauce that get layered in with care on every single pie.

It’s the kind of pizza that makes you want to loosen your belt and order a second slice anyway.

Located at 218 W Freeman St, Carbondale, IL 62901, Quatro’s is especially popular with Southern Illinois University students and long-time locals alike.

The casual, no-frills atmosphere makes it feel like everyone belongs here. If you have never tried a deep-pan pizza done right, this is the place to start your education.

2. Mimmo’s Pizza, Carterville

Carterville might be a small town, but Mimmo’s Pizza delivers big flavor that keeps the whole community coming back for more. Known for their perfectly balanced sauce and generous toppings, Mimmo’s has built a loyal fan base that treats every visit like a reunion with an old friend.

Consistency is their secret weapon.

The menu features classic combinations alongside some creative options that prove the kitchen isn’t afraid to have a little fun. Every pizza is made with fresh ingredients, and you can taste the difference in every single bite.

The cheese pull alone is basically worthy of its own fan club.

Mimmo’s Pizza is located at 114 W Plaza Dr, Carterville, IL 62918. The staff is famously friendly, and the welcoming atmosphere makes it easy to linger long after your last slice is gone.

Families, couples, and solo diners all feel right at home here.

If you’re in the Carterville area and your stomach starts making demands, Mimmo’s is the answer it’s been waiting for all along.

3. Newby’s Pizza, Energy

Energy, Illinois is a small town with a big pizza secret, and that secret is Newby’s Pizza. This charming spot has become a go-to destination for locals who know that great pizza doesn’t always come from a big city.

Sometimes the best slice you’ll ever have is hiding in a town you almost drove past.

Newby’s keeps things straightforward and delicious, focusing on quality ingredients and time-tested recipes that have satisfied generations of hungry diners.

The crust has just the right amount of chew, and the sauce carries a homemade flavor that no chain restaurant could ever replicate. Every pie feels like it was made with genuine care and a little bit of local pride.

You’ll find Newby’s Pizza at 406 S Pershing St, Energy, IL 62933. The cozy setting and familiar faces behind the counter make every visit feel personal.

Regulars often joke that Newby’s is the best reason to visit Energy, which says a lot about just how good the pizza really is. Bring your appetite and maybe a friend or two, because sharing is encouraged but not always easy.

4. Walt’s Pizza and Restaurant, Marion

Walt’s Pizza and Restaurant in Marion is the kind of place that feels like a warm hug the moment you walk through the door.

With a reputation built over many years of serving the Marion community, Walt’s has earned its status as a local legend through hard work and really, really good pizza. Some restaurants talk about tradition, but Walt’s actually lives it.

The menu goes beyond pizza, offering a full restaurant experience that keeps families and groups coming back for every occasion imaginable.

But make no mistake, the pizza is the star of the show. The toppings are generous, the cheese is melted to perfection, and the crust hits that magical sweet spot between crispy and chewy.

Walt’s Pizza and Restaurant is located at 213 S Court St, Marion, IL 62959. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, grabbing a weeknight dinner, or just treating yourself because it’s Tuesday, Walt’s is always a solid choice.

The staff genuinely seems happy to see you, and that kind of hospitality is almost as satisfying as the food itself. Almost, but not quite.

5. Rip’s Brick Oven Pizzeria, Carbondale

There is something almost magical about a pizza that comes out of a real brick oven, and Rip’s Brick Oven Pizzeria in Carbondale has mastered that magic completely.

The high heat of the brick oven creates a crust with a gorgeous char and a texture that is simply impossible to achieve any other way. One bite and you’ll understand why people get so passionate about oven type.

Rip’s takes a more artisan approach to pizza, using quality ingredients and thoughtful flavor combinations that feel elevated without being pretentious.

The menu balances familiar classics with more adventurous options, giving first-timers and regulars plenty to get excited about. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, making it perfect for a casual night out.

Rip’s Brick Oven Pizzeria is located at 817 S Illinois Ave, Carbondale, IL 62901. Locals love this spot for its consistent quality and the fact that no two visits ever feel exactly the same.

New specials and seasonal offerings keep the menu fresh and the anticipation high. If you consider yourself a pizza enthusiast, a visit to Rip’s is basically required homework that you will actually enjoy doing.

6. Pagliai’s of Carbondale

Pagliai’s of Carbondale is the kind of place that has stories baked right into the walls.

Open since 1968, this iconic pizzeria has been feeding generations of Southern Illinois University students, families, and locals who know a good thing when they taste it. Sixty-plus years in business is not luck, it is proof of pizza perfection.

The pizza here is thin-crust, slightly crispy, and loaded with flavor in a way that feels both simple and deeply satisfying.

The sauce has a tangy brightness that complements the toppings beautifully, and the cheese is applied with a generous hand that regulars have come to expect and adore. It is old-school in the best possible way.

Pagliai’s is located at 509 S Illinois Ave, Carbondale, IL 62901.

The retro vibe and the decades of history give the place a character that newer restaurants simply cannot manufacture.

Alumni who graduated decades ago still make a point to stop by when they return to town, which tells you everything you need to know. Some things get better with time, and Pagliai’s is living proof of that delicious truth.

7. Mackie’s Pizza, Harrisburg

Mackie’s Pizza in Harrisburg has that rare quality that separates truly great local spots from the rest: it tastes like someone actually cares about what lands on your plate.

Serving the Harrisburg community with dedication and flavor, Mackie’s has become a staple that residents count on the way they count on good weather for a picnic. Reliable, comforting, and always worth the trip.

The pizzas here are hearty and satisfying, with a crust that holds up to the mountain of toppings piled on top without ever giving up or getting soggy.

The sauce recipe feels like it has been perfected over time, striking a balance between sweet and savory that keeps your taste buds genuinely entertained. Every order feels like it was made just for you.

Mackie’s Pizza is located at 502 E Poplar St, Harrisburg, IL 62946. The friendly service and no-fuss approach to great food have made it a community favorite for years running.

Locals often say that Mackie’s is their go-to for Friday nights, which means the pizza is doing something very right. If Harrisburg is on your travel route, a stop at Mackie’s is a decision your stomach will thank you for later.

8. The Villa – Pizza Villa, Anna

Anna, Illinois may be a quiet little town, but The Villa – Pizza Villa makes enough noise in the flavor department to put it on the map.

This beloved spot has been a community gathering place for years, serving up pizzas that manage to be both comforting and genuinely exciting at the same time. That is a harder balance to strike than it sounds.

The Villa’s pizza has a distinctly homemade quality that sets it apart from anything you could order from a national chain.

The dough is made with care, the sauce is rich and flavorful, and the toppings are layered on with a level of generosity that makes each slice feel like a small celebration. Regulars have their orders memorized, but newcomers are always welcome to experiment.

The Villa – Pizza Villa is located at 169 E Vienna St, Anna, IL 62906. The warm, casual atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for family dinners, friendly catch-ups, or solo meals where you just want to feel at home.

Anna locals take genuine pride in having a pizza spot this good right in their backyard. Once you’ve had a slice, you’ll understand exactly why.

9. MadMad’s Pizza, West Frankfort

With a name like MadMad’s Pizza, you already know this place is not going to be boring. West Frankfort’s spirited pizza joint brings energy, creativity, and serious flavor to every pie that comes out of the kitchen.

The name hints at a fun personality, and the pizza absolutely delivers on that promise without missing a beat.

MadMad’s is known for bold flavor combinations and a menu that encourages you to think outside the standard pepperoni box.

The kitchen clearly enjoys experimenting, and the results are the kind of pizzas that make you text your friends immediately after the first bite. Creative toppings, solid crust, and sauces that hit differently, this is pizza with personality.

MadMad’s Pizza is located at 200 E Main St, West Frankfort, IL 62896. The casual, upbeat vibe makes it an inviting stop for locals who appreciate great food served without any unnecessary fuss.

Whether you go classic or adventurous with your order, MadMad’s delivers a satisfying experience every single time. It is the kind of pizza place that makes you glad small towns still do things their own wonderful way.

10. Cummare’s, Murphysboro

Cummare’s in Murphysboro brings an Italian warmth and authenticity to Southern Illinois that feels like a genuine culinary gift to the whole region.

The word cummare is an affectionate Italian term for a close female friend or neighbor, and that spirit of warmth and familiarity is woven into every corner of this wonderful restaurant. Eating here feels less like dining out and more like being invited over.

The pizza at Cummare’s is crafted with an eye for tradition and a love for quality ingredients that comes through in every single bite.

The sauce is rich and well-seasoned, the cheese is perfectly melted, and the crust achieves that ideal combination of crispiness on the outside and softness within. It is the kind of pizza that makes you close your eyes for a moment just to appreciate it properly.

Cummare’s is located at 1023 Chestnut St, Murphysboro, IL 62966. Beyond the pizza, the menu features Italian-inspired dishes that round out the experience beautifully.

The staff treats every guest like a regular, even on your very first visit. Murphysboro is lucky to have a spot like this, and anyone passing through would be doing themselves a serious disservice by skipping it.