10 Indiana Pizzerias That Locals Say Deserve More Attention Than The Chains
Indiana might surprise you with how serious it is about pizza. Family-owned shops across the state are turning simple ingredients into pies full of character and bold flavor.
These pizzerias aren’t just feeding the neighborhood – they’re creating a pizza culture all their own. Here are the top ten to consider.
1. Mother Bear’s Pizza – Bloomington
Nestled near Indiana University’s campus, Mother Bear’s has been feeding hungry college students since 1973. Their deep-dish pizza features a buttery, cornmeal-dusted crust that locals rave about.
The cozy, wood-paneled interior covered with carved initials from generations of customers adds to the nostalgic charm.
Their signature ‘Divine Swine’ topped with pepperoni, sausage, and bacon keeps fans coming back for decades.
2. Bazbeaux Pizza – Indianapolis & Carmel
Housed in a historic building in Indianapolis’ Mass Ave district, Bazbeaux pioneered gourmet pizza in Indy back in 1986.
Their thin, crispy crusts support imaginative topping combinations that push beyond traditional pizza boundaries.
The Mediterranean with kalamata olives and feta remains a standout. Weekend evenings bring a lively atmosphere as locals gather to enjoy creative pies before exploring downtown’s nightlife.
3. Jockamo Upper Crust Pizza – Indianapolis & Greenwood
My first visit to Jockamo’s changed my understanding of what pizza could be. Their ‘Slaughterhouse Five’ with five different meats knocked my socks off!
This neighborhood favorite crafts pizzas with locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible. The Irvington location buzzes with families and friends sharing massive pies and craft beers.
Their hand-tossed crust achieves that perfect balance between chewy and crispy that pizza aficionados dream about.
4. King Dough – Indianapolis
Wood-fired perfection defines King Dough’s artisanal approach to pizza. Their Naples-inspired pies emerge from a 900-degree oven with perfectly blistered crusts and just the right amount of char.
The Holy Trinity with soppressata, basil, and hot honey creates a magnificent sweet-spicy-savory balance.
Located in the hip Holy Cross neighborhood, this pizzeria’s industrial-chic setting complements their modern approach to traditional pizza-making techniques.
5. Futuro Pizza – Indianapolis
Last summer, I waited 45 minutes for a Futuro pie and would gladly do it again! This Detroit-style pizza shop creates rectangular masterpieces with caramelized cheese edges that are worth every minute of anticipation.
Their sourdough crust ferments for 48 hours, developing complex flavors that make the foundation for their creative topping combinations.
The tiny takeout space on Cruse St near downtown generates massive lines on weekends as locals clamor for these perfectly crafted square slices.
6. The Original Bruno’s Pizza – West Lafayette
Purdue students have been fueling late-night study sessions with Bruno’s pizza since 1955. Their signature Bruno Dough breadsticks – hand-twisted, garlic-butter-drenched wonders – have achieved legendary status among alumni.
The pizza features a medium-thick crust with generous toppings and that distinctly midwestern cut into squares rather than triangles.
The walls covered with Boilermaker memorabilia create a nostalgic atmosphere that keeps generations of Purdue families returning year after year.
7. Barnaby’s Pizza – South Bend
Notre Dame football weekends create lines out the door at this South Bend institution. Barnaby’s unique cooking method uses stone-lined ovens to create a distinctive crust that’s neither thin nor thick, just perfectly substantial to hold their generous toppings.
The vintage 1970s decor remains largely unchanged, adding to the charm that spans generations. Their house special combines pepperoni, mushrooms, green peppers, and onions atop their signature spicy sauce that locals crave when away from home.
8. Turoni’s Pizzery & Brewery – Evansville & Newburgh
Combining house-brewed beer with thin-crust pizza since 1963, Turoni’s represents southern Indiana’s approach to pizza perfection. Their thin, crispy crust snaps when you fold it, yet somehow supports mountains of toppings without becoming soggy.
The signature Honey Blonde Ale pairs beautifully with their loaded works pizza. Walking into their original Main Street location feels like stepping into a time capsule where the pizza recipe and friendly service haven’t changed in nearly 60 years.
9. ZwanzigZ Pizza & Brewing – Columbus
When I brought my Chicago pizza-snob cousin to ZwanzigZ, even he had to admit their pies could compete with the best! This family-owned establishment has transformed from a small carryout into a full brewpub without losing their pizza magic.
Their hand-tossed crust achieves that elusive perfect chew. The Gladiator, loaded with Italian meats and a blend of four cheeses, showcases their commitment to quality ingredients.
Their award-winning craft beers make the perfect accompaniment to these outstanding pizzas.
10. Oley’s Pizza – Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne natives fiercely defend Oley’s as the city’s pizza champion. Operating since 1980, this family-owned spot creates distinctively Midwestern-style pizza with a buttery, medium-thick crust and cheese that stretches for days.
Their homemade Italian sausage, made from a closely guarded family recipe, provides a flavor you simply can’t find elsewhere.
The no-frills dining room fills with generations of families sharing massive pizzas that require two hands to hold a single slice.