13 Arkansas Pizza Joints So Good They’re Worth Every Mile
I’ve driven two hours for a pizza before, and the only thing I regretted was not buying an extra one for the ride home. Arkansas doesn’t get talked about much in pizza circles, which makes finding great slices here feel like being in on a secret.
I’ve crisscrossed the state chasing crispy crusts, bright sauces, and that ideal cheese stretch that makes you pause mid-bite. Some spots sit on lively main streets, others are set in quiet corners, but every one of them made the trip feel justified.
This list isn’t built on buzz, it’s built on places I’d gladly detour for again. If you plan your drives around what’s for lunch or dinner, you’ll want these on your map.
Here are Arkansas pizza joints so good they’re worth every mile.
1. Pizzeria Ruby
Even before stepping inside, a hint of wood-smoke drifting across the parking lot suggested the kind of night ahead. Pizzeria Ruby at 5115 W JB Hunt Dr Suite 400, Johnson, AR 72741, sits along a tidy stretch with easy parking and a steady crowd that knows what it loves.
Inside, the room moves at a calm rhythm, with counter staff greeting regulars by name and the oven casting a soft glow across the tables.
First bites strike a clean balance of char and chew that briefly pauses conversation. People come for pies like the pepperoni with hot honey, the margherita with bright basil, and seasonal specials that turn market produce into something comforting and crisp.
Fresh, lively salads round out the table, making a shared meal feel relaxed and complete without any pretense.
Crust here lands in that sweet spot between airy and sturdy, a base that holds up to creamy mozzarella and rich tomato without sogging out. You can watch the line move with quiet focus, cooks stretching dough, clipping basil, and sliding peels with quick confidence.
Service stays kind and attentive, refilling waters, checking in once, then letting the table ease into its own pace.
If you like clear flavors that still feel indulgent, this place shines. A drizzle of chili oil heightens edges of sweetness and smoke, and a squeeze of lemon on the arugula pie brightens everything on the plate.
When the bill lands, it feels fair for the quality, and walking out into the Arkansas evening, you might already be planning the next visit.
2. ZAZA Fine Salad & Wood Oven Pizza Co.
Lunch hours at this spot move briskly, yet the energy never turns rushed. ZAZA Fine Salad & Wood Oven Pizza Co. at 5600 Kavanaugh Blvd, Little Rock, AR 72207, anchors a lively corner where neighbors cross paths and families share long tables.
I found a rhythm here that made ordering effortless, drifting from the salad line to the oven counter with a clear view of pies crackling to life.
Most come to pair a custom salad with a crisp, wood-fired pizza that arrives blistered and lightly smoky. You can build greens with grains, roasted vegetables, and lively dressings, then split a margherita or soppressata pie that lands hot and fragrant.
The crust carries leopard spots and a tender middle, ideal for folding slices without losing structure.
What makes it easy to recommend is how balanced the meal feels. A punchy vinaigrette against milky mozzarella creates a satisfying contrast, and roasted peppers or olives add briny depth that keeps bites interesting.
The room stays bright with natural light, and service keeps refills and silverware moving without hovering.
On crowded days, the dining room moves at a steady pace, yet it still feels relaxed enough to unwind. Portion sizes fit sharing, which means trying more than one pie is practical, not just wishful thinking.
If you want something light that still counts as a treat, this combination of market-fresh salads and well-fired pizza hits the mark.
3. Heights Pizzeria
Evening strolls in the Heights naturally seem to end with a pie here. Heights Pizzeria at 4914 Kavanaugh Blvd, Little Rock, AR 72207, fits the block like an old friend, with a steady hum of conversation and the smell of baked dough in the air.
I liked how the tables felt close enough for a friendly nod, yet private enough to settle into a slow meal.
This spot is known for thin crust with a gentle crackle that still bends without breaking. A classic pepperoni lands with curled edges, and the white pizza layers garlic, ricotta, and herbs in a way that stays light.
If you want a salad, the house version brings crunch and acidity that match the pies rather than overshadow them.
The flow of service feels measured and calm, giving each table time to enjoy. Slices arrive promptly, cheese shimmering, and the sauce tastes bright with a tidy finish.
The kitchen has an easy confidence, and you sense it in the even bake and clean slice lines that keep toppings in place.
For a weeknight catch-up or a simple date, it works neatly without fuss. Sharing a pie and a salad here turns into a satisfying ritual, made better by the comfort of a room that swings between lively and laid back.
If your compass points to dependable thin crust and classic flavors, this address stays on target.
4. U.S. Pizza Co.
Some places define reliable, and this is one I return to when I want crowd-pleasing favorites. U.S.
Pizza Co. at 2710 Kavanaugh Blvd, Little Rock, AR 72205, sits along a familiar stretch where the servers know regulars and salads arrive nearly as fast as the pies. I liked the easygoing pace, the bright booths, and the way families settle in without any ceremony.
Known for cracker-thin crust, the pizzas snap cleanly and carry toppings without heaviness. The Hawaiian with jalapeno, the Supreme, and the chicken artichoke show up often on nearby tables, each slice cut to share without a mess.
Salads are a big draw, especially the house with creamy dressing that coats crisp lettuce and chopped vegetables.
There is comfort in the way an order lands exactly as expected. Slices stay tidy, cheese melts evenly, and the sauce offers steady sweetness with a mild herbal edge.
Service keeps refills moving and checks in just enough to make you feel looked after without interrupting conversation.
Game days and group dinners fit this room well. If you want a straightforward meal that lets the talk carry the evening, the thin crust and simple combinations deliver.
It is the kind of place you keep in your back pocket, ready for a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner that never complicates the plan.
5. Gusano’s Chicago-Style Pizzeria
The first slice here arrives with that satisfying lift that signals plenty of cheese and a sturdy crust. Gusano’s Chicago-Style Pizzeria at 200 N 13th St, Fort Smith, AR 72901, anchors a friendly corner downtown with steady foot traffic and an inviting front door.
I settled into a booth and watched deep pans shuttled between tables with practiced ease.
Deep dish is the headliner, layered with mellow sauce on top and a crisp, buttery base. The sausage pie is popular, and the Spinach Classic stays balanced and rich without overwhelming the palate.
If you prefer thin crust, their tavern-style version cuts into squares with crunchy edges that crack just right.
The staff keeps the table paced with salads and warm appetizers. The Caesar hits creamy notes without heaviness, and garlic bread arrives golden with a soft middle.
When the main event lands, the slice holds shape, and the tomato layer brightens the richness underneath.
Families and groups settle in easily, sharing slices and passing plates around without stress. Leftovers travel well, which makes ordering larger pies feel smart, not just optimistic.
If you crave a hearty pie that eats like a full meal, this address answers the call with consistent bakes and friendly service.
6. DeLuca’s Pizza
Anticipation builds as soon as the door swings open and the heat of the oven greets you. DeLuca’s Pizza at 732 Park Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901, sits in a modest space where attention to detail runs the show.
I watched dough portions weighed and stretched with care, the kind of ritual that hints at a memorable pie.
Large, shareable pizzas arrive thin in the middle with a firm perimeter that snaps lightly. The Bee Sting style with pepperoni and a ribbon of honey lands sweet then savory, and the margherita stays clean with bright tomatoes and soft basil.
Meatballs and simple salads round out the table, letting the pie stay center stage.
Timing matters here, and it is worth settling in for the full rhythm of the bake. The char spots are intentional, adding smoke and contrast without bitterness.
Slices fold neatly, giving each bite a balance of sauce, cheese, and crisp edges that keep pace to the last bite.
Conversation tends to slow as the first pie disappears because the texture demands attention. Service stays present and thoughtful, guiding ordering sizes and pacing refills so the table never feels hurried.
If you are up for a destination meal in Hot Springs, this counts as one to plan a drive around.
7. Fratelli’s Wood-Fired Pizzeria
The dome oven glows like a hearth, and it sets the mood for everything that follows. Fratelli’s Wood-Fired Pizzeria at 2000 US-412 Suite 30B, Siloam Springs, AR 72761, serves pies with a gentle char and light crumb that feel carefully tuned.
I watched the peel slide in and out of the flames, and it was clear the crew knows their timing.
People here gravitate to margherita, prosciutto with arugula, and a spicy sausage number that carries a little heat. The dough is soft inside with crisp edges that shatter lightly, a texture that invites slow bites.
Salads with citrus dressings and plates of roasted vegetables make easy companions for the pies.
What struck me most was the steadiness of the bake. No soggy centers, no droopy slices, just balanced pies that invite another round of slices without feeling heavy.
Service flows smoothly, water glasses stay full, and the room keeps a mellow warmth that encourages one more conversation.
It is the kind of stop that turns into a tradition for road trips across northwest Arkansas. If you like wood-fired nuance and clean flavors, this checks all the boxes without getting fussy.
Leave a little room for dessert, then take a calm walk back to the car with that content, quiet satisfaction.
8. Guido’s Pizza
A glass case of slices near the counter sets the tone for a quick yet satisfying stop. Guido’s Pizza at 1900 W Sunset Ave Suite A, Springdale, AR 72762, brings New York style pies to a steady stream of regulars and hungry travelers.
I liked how the staff moved with brisk confidence, sliding pies onto screens and cutting clean triangles.
People order classics here, like pepperoni, sausage and mushroom, or a plain cheese that lets the sauce speak up. The fold is right, the tip steady, and the cheese stretch lands in that friendly middle ground.
Garlic knots and a crisp side salad round out a meal without weighing it down.
There is a comfortable predictability in how each slice eats. The sauce leans bright, the crust carries a light crackle, and the finish stays clean with just enough salt.
Service stays friendly and efficient, and the counter team keeps pies rotating so slices stay fresh.
For a fast lunch or a simple dinner, it hits the mark with zero stress. Seating is casual, making it easy to swing by between errands or after a drive.
If your map points to a straightforward New York style experience, this address earns the detour.
9. Damgoode Pies
Menu boards full of combinations make the first decision the hardest one. Damgoode Pies at 6706 Cantrell Rd, Little Rock, AR 72207, turns out hearty rounds with sturdy crust and plenty of topping choices.
I settled into a table and watched insulated bags fly out the door, a sign that takeout demand stays high.
The Red Sauce Supreme is a frequent favorite, along with creamy white pies and build-your-own orders that stack ingredients without losing structure. Crust options run thin to thicker, with a chewy interior that holds up to generous cheese and meats.
Salads and garlic cheese bread provide a satisfying warm up before the main attraction arrives.
What keeps people returning is how the pies travel well and still taste lively at the table. The sauce sits balanced, not too sweet, and the cheese melts into a smooth layer that keeps slices unified.
Service stays upbeat, with quick check-ins and steady pacing that fits both dine-in and carryout crowds.
Group dinners work well here, since large pies slice clean and hold heat. If you like reliable flavors with the option to customize, this spot makes it easy to get exactly what the table wants.
By the time the last slice disappears, you feel like you got a full, satisfying meal without complication.
10. Hideaway Pizza
Colorful artwork on the walls and a lively hum make this place feel inviting right away. Hideaway Pizza at 95 S Amity Rd, Conway, AR 72032, draws families and students who settle into big booths and order across the menu.
I enjoyed the relaxed pace that still kept pies moving steadily to the tables.
Signature combinations like the Sooner, the ATW, and a pepperoni-heavy build land thick with toppings but stay tidy when sliced. The crust walks a line between soft and crispy, giving each bite structure and comfort.
Sides like salads and cheesy bread keep sharing simple, and kids usually find something they love quickly.
Service here keeps a friendly beat, offering suggestions and checking back at the right moments. The cheese pull on a fresh pie draws attention, and the balance of sauce and toppings keeps flavors layered rather than heavy.
Takeout boxes stack up near the host stand during peak times, yet the room never feels chaotic.
For gatherings and casual dinners, it is a dependable choice with a fun atmosphere. If you want a place where conversation keeps up with the food, this setup works beautifully.
The last slice often sparks talk about what to try next time, which is a nice way to end the meal.
11. Mellow Mushroom
Playful murals and a cheerful dining room make it easy to relax here. Mellow Mushroom at 16103 Chenal Pkwy, Little Rock, AR 72223, serves stone-baked pies with a sturdy, slightly chewy crust that fans know well.
I found the staff helpful with menu tips, steering toward balanced combos that land right every time.
Popular picks include the Funky Q, the Kosmic Karma, and classic pepperoni or supreme builds that keep the table happy. The dough brings a hint of sweetness and a reliable crust edge that carries heavier toppings.
Spinach salads and pretzel bites show up often as starters, making it simple to round out the meal.
Consistency stands out, with even bakes and tidy slices that handle sharing duties gracefully. Sauces taste bright and herby, and the cheese settles into a cohesive layer that stays warm through the conversation.
Service tends to be attentive without lingering, which keeps the pace comfortable on busy nights.
Families, groups, and casual date nights all fit this space without friction. If you want a familiar pie done well, the menu covers both classic and playful territory.
Leaving with a couple slices in a box feels normal here, and they reheat predictably for a low-stress next-day bite.
12. Pizza D’Action
There is an easygoing charm to a place that serves slices to students and locals late into the evening. Pizza D’Action at 2919 N College Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72703, stands as a low-key hangout with big pies and a welcoming staff.
I liked how the room felt relaxed, giving space for friends to linger over a couple of hot slices.
Classic New York style pies rule here, with thin crust that folds neatly and a sauce that keeps the bite bright. Pepperoni, sausage and peppers, and a veggie pie with mushrooms and onions seem to circulate on most tables.
Breadsticks and salads make simple sides that let the pizza do the talking.
The kitchen moves fast, keeping the experience smooth even at peak times. Slices hold together without droop, and the cheese carries a steady stretch that is easy to share.
Friendly service adds to the comfort, keeping refills and napkins coming with an easy smile.
For casual gatherings or a quick stop between commitments, this spot works without overthinking it. If you are after straightforward slices and a mellow vibe, the address fits the bill.
It is the kind of place that becomes part of a routine, and routines around good pizza are worth keeping.
13. Larry’s Pizza
Rotating pies on a buffet can feel like a throwback in the best way. Larry’s Pizza at 1122 S Bowman Rd, Little Rock, AR 72211, brings families together with a steady parade of hot pizzas and a comfortable dining room.
I noticed people scanning for favorites as pans landed, then circling back for dessert slices that disappear quickly.
Popular choices include meat lovers, chicken bacon ranch, pepperoni, and veggie rounds that stay crisp around the edges. The crust carries a light chew, and the cheese lands even across each slice.
Kids tend to lock onto cheese or pepperoni, while adults mix a plate with salads, savory pies, and a sweet finish.
Service keeps things moving, clearing plates and checking in while the kitchen refreshes the line. Dessert pizzas play a star role, especially cinnamon and chocolate options that make the last plate feel festive.
Refills come quickly, and seating fits large groups without stress.
For nights when variety sounds better than decisions, this setup shines. You can try a bite of everything, settle on a favorite, then circle back without missing a beat.
It is easy, friendly, and perfect for feeding a crew that does not all want the same thing.