7 Underrated Regional Pizzas Beyond NY & Chicago

7 Underrated Regional Pizzas Beyond NY & Chicago

When most people think of American pizza styles, they imagine the thin, foldable New York slice or the deep, indulgent Chicago pie. But the U.S. is brimming with regional pizza treasures that rarely get the spotlight. Each style tells a story, rooted in local traditions, immigrant influence, and a dash of culinary rebellion. If you’ve been wondering what are the different types of pizza beyond the big two, this is your passport to lesser-known, yet mouthwatering, slices.

Rocky Mountain Royalty: Colorado-Style Pizza

Here’s a twist: bake the crust and sauce first, then add cheese and toppings after it comes out of the oven. The result? Cheese that gently warms but never melts completely.

Origin story: This quirky regional pizza style emerged in Steubenville, Ohio, in the mid-20th century, inspired by local tastes and quicker preparation methods.

Why try it: The contrast between warm crust and fresh, cool toppings offers a one-of-a-kind texture and flavor that challenges what you think pizza should be.

The Cool-Then-Hot Wonder: Ohio Valley-Style Pizza

Imagine a pizza that hits the gym before dinner, thick, hearty, and ready for the altitude. Colorado-style pizza, often called the “mountain pie,” boasts a dense, chewy crust made with honey in the dough for a subtle sweetness.

Origin story: Born in the mountain towns catering to skiers and adventurers, this style was created to be filling enough to fuel an entire day outdoors.

Why try it: The rich crust, generous toppings, and sweet-savory balance make this unique pizza flavor unforgettable, especially if you like your pizza with personality.

Slices With a Secret: Quad Cities-Style Pizza

This pizza doesn’t just cut into triangles; it’s sliced into strips, and every bite holds a surprise. The crust is malt-flavored, the sauce is spiced with chili flakes, and the toppings are tucked under the cheese.

Origin story: Developed along the Mississippi River in the Quad Cities region (Iowa and Illinois), it’s been a local legend since the 1950s.

Why try it: The malty crust and layered flavors make this a specialty pizza worth a road trip.

Crispy Meets Creamy: St. Louis-Style Pizza

Paper-thin crust meets Provel cheese, a processed blend of cheddar, Swiss, and provolone that melts into creamy bliss.

Origin story: Created in St. Louis, Missouri, this style became a local favorite for its cracker-like crust and unique cheese blend.

Why try it: If you like crunch with a cheesy punch, this region pizza delivers in every square-cut slice.

The Self-Proclaimed “Pizza Capital of the World”: Old Forge-Style Pizza

Served in rectangular “trays” and cut into “cuts,” Old Forge-style pizza is light, airy, and topped with a blend of cheeses whose exact recipe is closely guarded.

Origin story: From Old Forge, Pennsylvania, a town with more pizzerias per capita than almost anywhere else in America.

Why try it: It’s communal, it’s comforting, and it’s unlike any other American pizza style you’ve ever tasted.

From Auto Town to Pizza Crown: Detroit-Style Pizza

This square beauty is baked in deep pans once used in auto factories, giving it a thick, airy crust with crispy, caramelized cheese edges. The sauce is ladled on top after baking.

Origin story: Created in Detroit in the 1940s, inspired by Sicilian-style pizzas but adapted to local preferences and available equipment.

Why try it: The crispy edges, pillowy interior, and reverse layering of toppings make it an irresistible specialty pizza.

Simplicity Perfected: Tomato Pie (Philadelphia/Trenton)

Don’t expect gooey cheese; this is all about thick crust topped with tangy tomato sauce, sometimes finished with a dusting of Parmesan.

Origin story: Italian-American bakeries in Philadelphia and Trenton popularized this hearty, room-temperature treat as a lunch staple.

Why try it: Its minimalist approach lets the sauce shine, making it a refreshing alternative in the world of regional pizza styles.

Where to Start Your Pizza Adventure

Exploring regional pizza is like taking a flavorful road trip; each stop reveals a local twist on a timeless favorite. And while you can’t always hop on a plane to taste them all, you can find creative interpretations closer to home.

At Pizzawala’s, we love celebrating unique pizza flavors from around the world. Our menu brings together global inspiration and local flair, so your next slice might just become your new favorite, no passport required.