7 Kansas Pizza Spots That Locals Say Prove Homemade Always Wins
Kansas might not be the first place that pops into your head when you think about amazing pizza, but trust me, the Sunflower State has some seriously delicious surprises hiding in plain sight.
I remember biting into my first slice at a local joint and thinking, “Why doesn’t everyone know about this?”
These homemade pizza spots prove that the best pies come from passionate owners who roll dough fresh every day and top it with love (and lots of cheese, obviously).
1. Pizza West – Shawnee, KS
Walking into Pizza West feels like stepping into your favorite uncle’s kitchen—if your uncle happened to be a pizza genius. The smell of freshly baked crust hits you the moment you open the door, and suddenly you’re starving even if you just ate lunch.
What sets this place apart is their commitment to making everything from scratch, including their signature sauce that’s been perfected over years. The cheese stretches for miles, and the toppings are piled high without making the pizza soggy. I once ordered their specialty combo and couldn’t stop raving about it for weeks.
Locals swear by their consistency—every visit delivers the same mouthwatering experience. The family-owned vibe makes you feel welcome, like you’re part of their pizza-loving crew.
2. Old Shawnee Pizza & Italian Kitchen – Shawnee/Lenexa, KS
Old Shawnee Pizza brings authentic Italian flavors to the heart of Kansas, and boy, do they nail it. Their handcrafted pizzas taste like something you’d find in a tiny village outside Naples, except you don’t need a passport to get there.
The dough recipe has been passed down through generations, giving each pie that perfect chewy-yet-crispy texture that pizza dreams are made of. Their Italian Kitchen menu extends beyond pizza too, but honestly, once you try their Margherita with fresh basil, you might never order anything else. The tomato sauce is tangy perfection, and the mozzarella melts into gooey heaven.
Families gather here on weekends, filling the cozy space with laughter and the occasional cheese-string photo op. It’s comfort food at its absolute finest.
3. Glory Days Pizza – Topeka/Northeast KS
Glory Days Pizza earned its name by bringing back the glory of old-school pizza making, when shortcuts didn’t exist and every ingredient mattered. Their commitment to homemade quality shines through in every single bite, making you wonder why anyone settles for chain pizza.
The crust has that satisfying crunch on the outside while staying fluffy inside—a balance that many places chase but few achieve. Their topping combinations get creative without going overboard, respecting the classics while offering fun twists. I’m particularly fond of their BBQ chicken creation, which somehow manages to be both tangy and savory without overwhelming your taste buds.
The staff treats regulars like family, remembering orders and asking about your week. It’s the kind of place that makes a town feel like home.
4. Piatto Neapolitan Pizzeria – Wichita, KS
Piatto takes Neapolitan pizza seriously, importing techniques straight from Italy and refusing to compromise on authenticity. Their wood-fired oven creates those signature charred spots on the crust that pizza purists go absolutely wild for.
Each pizza is cooked at scorching temperatures for just 90 seconds, resulting in a leopard-spotted crust that’s simultaneously crispy and tender. The simplicity of their ingredients—San Marzano tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, fresh basil—proves that quality beats quantity every time. My first experience here completely changed how I think about pizza, elevating it from casual food to culinary art.
The open kitchen lets you watch the magic happen, with skilled pizzaiolos stretching dough and sliding pies into the roaring flames. Watching them work is almost as satisfying as eating the final product.
5. Coop’s Pizzeria – Salina, KS
Coop’s Pizzeria proves that small-town Kansas knows how to throw down when it comes to pizza perfection. This unassuming spot has built a loyal following by doing one thing exceptionally well—making honest, delicious, homemade pizza that never disappoints.
Their dough is made fresh daily, and you can taste the difference in every slice. The sauce strikes that magical balance between sweet and savory, complementing rather than competing with the toppings. I’ve converted several chain-pizza friends by dragging them to Coop’s, and they all admit defeat after one bite.
The portions are generous without being ridiculous, and the prices won’t make your wallet weep. It’s the kind of reliable neighborhood spot every community needs but not every community is lucky enough to have.
6. Third Coast Pizza – Lenexa, KS
Third Coast Pizza brings coastal pizza vibes to landlocked Kansas, and somehow it works brilliantly. Their approach combines traditional techniques with creative flavor profiles that surprise and delight without veering into weird-for-weird’s-sake territory.
The crust achieves that elusive perfect chew, sturdy enough to hold generous toppings but never cardboard-stiff. Their rotating seasonal pizzas keep the menu exciting, while classics remain available for those who know what they want. I’m particularly impressed by how they balance innovation with respect for pizza fundamentals—it’s clear the folks here understand what makes a great pie tick.
The atmosphere strikes a nice balance between casual and upscale, making it perfect for both family dinners and date nights. Plus, their craft drink selection pairs wonderfully with whatever pizza adventure you choose.
7. Papa Keno’s Pizzeria – Lawrence, KS
Papa Keno’s has been a Lawrence institution for decades, fueling hungry college students and locals with massive slices of homemade goodness. This place understands that sometimes you need pizza by the slice, and those slices better be enormous and delicious.
Their New York-style pies feature thin, foldable crusts that hold up beautifully even when loaded with toppings. The late-night hours make it a lifesaver for anyone who’s ever experienced a pizza craving at midnight. I’ve witnessed countless friendships formed in line here, bonding over shared anticipation of that first cheesy bite.
The no-frills atmosphere keeps the focus where it belongs—on the pizza itself. When you’re doing something this well, fancy decorations would just be a distraction from the main event.