10 Hole-In-The-Wall Kentucky Pizza Joints That Locals Swear Taste Like Home
Growing up, I thought every family had their secret pizza place where the owner knew your name and your usual order by heart.
Those little spots tucked away on side streets or in strip malls always served up more than just melted cheese and pepperoni—they delivered memories on a paper plate.
Kentucky is packed with these hidden gems, where locals gather for slices that remind them why home cooking matters, even when someone else is doing the cooking.
If you’re tired of the same chain restaurants and want to taste what real community flavor is all about, these ten pizza joints are calling your name.
1. Miguel’s Pizza – Slade, KY
Nestled near the Red River Gorge, this legendary spot has been feeding hungry rock climbers and hikers since the 1980s. My first visit there left me covered in chalk dust and craving another slice before I’d even finished the first one. The crust strikes that perfect balance between chewy and crispy, and the toppings pile high enough to make you wonder how they keep the price so reasonable.
What makes Miguel’s truly special is the community bulletin board covered in notes from visitors who’ve returned year after year. You’ll find climbers swapping gear, locals sharing trail tips, and everyone bonding over pizza that tastes like adventure itself. The atmosphere feels like a mountain lodge where strangers become friends over shared pepperoni.
2. Newport Pizza Company – Newport, KY
Walking into Newport Pizza Company feels like stepping into your best friend’s kitchen, if your best friend happened to make incredible New York style pies. The owner greets regulars with genuine warmth, and newcomers get treated like they’ve been coming for years. I once watched him recommend toppings to a picky eight year old with the patience of a saint, and that kid ended up devouring three slices.
Their secret weapon is the sauce, which has just enough tang to make your taste buds do a happy dance without overwhelming the cheese. The slices are massive, so even big eaters might struggle to finish two. This place proves that great pizza doesn’t need fancy ingredients or Instagram worthy presentation.
3. Camporosso – Fort Mitchell, KY
Authentic Italian flavors meet Kentucky hospitality at this family run treasure that’s been perfecting recipes for generations. My grandmother, who grew up in Naples, actually approved of their margherita pizza, which is basically the equivalent of a Michelin star in my family. The dough gets made fresh daily, and you can taste the difference in every single bite.
Camporosso doesn’t rush anything, which means your pizza arrives at the table when it’s absolutely perfect, not a second sooner. The wood fired oven gives the crust those beautiful leopard spots that pizza purists dream about. Locals know to call ahead on weekends because this little spot fills up faster than you can say mozzarella.
4. Bonnie & Clyde’s Pizza Parlor – Louisville, KY
This outlaw themed joint serves up pizzas bold enough to match its namesake duo, and trust me, one bite will steal your heart. The walls display vintage photographs and playful nods to the famous bank robbers, creating an atmosphere that’s equal parts history lesson and pizza party. I brought my nephew here for his birthday, and he still talks about the “getaway special” combo we ordered.
Their signature pies come loaded with creative topping combinations you won’t find at boring chain places. The staff jokes around while taking orders, making everyone feel like part of the gang. What really sets them apart is the commitment to using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, supporting Kentucky farms while delivering knockout flavor.
5. Old School N.Y. Pizza – Louisville, KY
Transplanted New Yorkers weep with joy when they discover this authentic slice of the Big Apple right here in Louisville. The owner actually trained in Brooklyn before bringing his skills south, and it shows in every perfectly foldable slice. My cousin from Manhattan visited last year and declared it better than half the places in her neighborhood, which is high praise coming from someone who considers pizza a food group.
They serve pizza by the slice or whole pie, and both options deliver that ideal ratio of crispy bottom to fluffy interior crust. The cheese pulls away in long, satisfying strings that make for terrible table manners but excellent eating. No frills, no fuss, just honest pizza done exactly right.
6. Spinelli’s Highlands – Louisville, KY
Located in one of Louisville’s most vibrant neighborhoods, Spinelli’s has been the unofficial headquarters for locals who value quality over quantity since day one. The first time I ordered their white pizza, I understood why people drive across town just to eat here. Garlic, ricotta, and mozzarella come together in a symphony that would make Italian grandmothers nod in approval.
The patio seating lets you people watch while enjoying your meal, turning dinner into entertainment. Their seasonal specials showcase whatever’s fresh and delicious, proving these folks care about more than just slapping cheese on dough. The neighborhood vibe means you’ll probably strike up a conversation with the table next to you before your pizza even arrives.
7. Strong’s Brick Oven Pizzeria – Newport, KY
Watching pizzas emerge from Strong’s massive brick oven is like witnessing edible magic happen right before your eyes. The intense heat creates a crust that’s simultaneously crispy, chewy, and slightly charred in all the right spots. I’ve tried explaining the texture to friends, but words fail me every time, so I just drag them there instead.
The menu offers traditional options alongside adventurous combinations that somehow just work together beautifully. Their commitment to craft shows in details most places overlook, like hand torn basil and house made sausage. Strong’s proves that brick oven pizza isn’t just a cooking method but an art form that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary that keeps people coming back week after week.
8. Craft House Pizza – Crestwood, KY
Craft House takes pizza seriously without taking itself too seriously, which is exactly the energy we all need in our lives. Their dough ferments for days, developing complex flavors that make each bite more interesting than the last. My friend who claims to hate crust ate every last crumb here, which basically counts as a miracle in my book.
The menu reads like a greatest hits album of flavor combinations, from classic margherita to wild creations featuring local produce. They rotate specials based on what’s in season, so repeat visits always bring something new to discover. The casual atmosphere welcomes families, date nights, and solo diners equally, proving that great pizza brings everyone together regardless of the occasion or company.
9. Bourbon House Pizza – Florence, KY
Only in Kentucky would someone think to combine the state’s most famous export with its most beloved food, and somehow make it work brilliantly. Bourbon House doesn’t actually put bourbon in every pizza, but the Kentucky pride shows through in their locally focused ingredient sourcing and warm hospitality. The first time I visited, the server spent ten minutes explaining which farms supplied their vegetables, and I loved every second of that conversation.
Their specialty pies feature creative names and even more creative topping combinations that honor regional flavors. The space itself feels cozy and welcoming, like eating in a friend’s finished basement but with way better food. This spot represents everything great about Kentucky dining culture rolled into one delicious package.
10. Impellizzeri’s Pizza – Louisville, KY
Generations of Louisville families have celebrated birthdays, graduations, and random Tuesdays at Impellizzeri’s, where consistency meets comfort in every slice. My parents had their first date here in the 1980s, and the recipe hasn’t changed one bit since then, which is exactly how it should be. Some things are too good to mess with, and their signature sauce definitely falls into that category.
The portions are generous enough to ensure leftovers, though good luck making pizza survive the car ride home. Their commitment to traditional preparation methods means no shortcuts, no microwaves, just patient cooking that respects the craft. Walking through the door feels like coming home, especially when the smell of baking pizza wraps around you like a warm hug.