Where to find some of the state’s best pizza

Pizza lovers, rejoice! Across Wisconsin, you’ll find tasty pizzerias serving up classics and offering new twists on old favorites. Hungry? Take a look at a few pizza places that we think are a cut—or a slice—above the competition.

Minocqua Pizza Company, Minocqua

This local favorite in Wisconsin’s Northwoods can be found south of downtown Minocqua along Highway 51. Start your meal off with a serving of Billy Bread, which is fresh-baked dough, specially blended garlic butter and mozzarella cheese with a side of pizza sauce. Then it’s on to the main course, where you can build your own pizza (12″ or 16″) or try one of their specialty pizzas like the BLT or the Fajita Chicken. If you’re feeling bold, try the Fire in the Hole!—it’s a base of barbeque sauce topped with cheese, ground pork sausage, onion, jalapenos and crushed red pepper.

Buckshot’s, Eagle River

This popular Vilas County restaurant actually has two locations in Eagle River: Buckshot’s Downtown Bar & Deli on East Wall Street and Buckshot’s Saloon & Eatery on U.S Highway 45 north of downtown Eagle River. But not matter which one you go to, you’re sure to find delicious homemade pizzas, as well as deli sandwiches, gourmet burgers, salads, wraps, and more. Pizzas are available in 12- or 16-inch sizes with thick or thin crust—build your own or try the Supreme, which comes with sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, green peppers, onions

Maricio’s in Barton, West Bend

This friendly restaurant, located across the Wisconsin River from the Lac Lawrann Conservancy  just north of downtown West Bend, serves up Italian-American favorites as well as delicious homemade pizzas. (It takes its name from the Barton Pond that’s part of the Wisconsin River just outside the front door). Try a thin crust (10″ to 16″), a deep-dish pan pizza (6″ to 14″) or the cauliflower and gluten-free crust (11″) and add your favorite toppings, or try one of their signature pies like the Margherita, the Deli Meat Alfredo, the Meatball, or the Lasagna, which features a whipped garlic sauce with mozzarella, sliced lasagna, onion and crumbled Italian sausage.

Aqualand Ale House, Boulder Junction

Beer aficionados and pizza fans shouldn’t miss this notable Northwoods restaurant—Aqualand Ale House has 20 rotating beers on tap, from local selections to imports, and serves up delicious brick oven pizzas. Try the Porketta (musky spit-braised pulled pork, bacon, giardiniera, mushrooms, and cheddar over white sauce), the Steak House (shaved prime rib, mushrooms, red onion, gorgonzola, and garlic horseradish oil), or the Mediterranean (pesto, artichokes, Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, chicken, and feta).

Grandpa’s Pizza and Grill, Ladysmith

Travelers can work up a big appetite in Rusk County—it’s home to four beautiful rivers and the Blue Hills, making it a popular destination for lovers of the outdoors. Ladysmith has the biggest concentration of dining options in the county, and Grandpa’s Pizza & Grill serves up classic pies with a few twists. If you’re hungry after a day on the water, we recommend the Cheeseburger Pizza, loaded with beef, onion, American and cheddar cheese and dill pickles.

Luigi’s Italian Restaurant, Manitowoc

This family-owned pizzeria and Italian restaurant has long been a favorite for locals and visitors alike, serving up traditional pies, pan pizzas and Chicago-style pizzas. Build your own or choose from classics like the Meat Lovers (sausage, pepperoni, sliced meatballs, and ham), the Chicken Alfredo (grilled chicken, spinach, and Alfredo sauce), or the Taco (seasoned ground sausage, black olives, onions, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and tortilla chips, served with sour cream and salsa). If you’re hosting a party or going out with a big group, Luigi’s even offers a massive 30-inch pizza!

Lucille, Madison

Located in the heart of Wisconsin’s capital city (don’t miss the views of the Capitol itself just steps away), Lucille is a hip place for pizza, craft cocktails, and shared platters. The menu features wood-fired thin-crust pizzas and 8″ by 12″ steel pan pizzas. You can build your own pie with everything from prosciutto to tempeh or try one of their specialty pizzas like the Nistisimo (hummus, caramelized onions, cauliflower, spinach, tomato, green olives, sesame dressing, pistachios and za’atar spices).

Birchwood Bar & Lounge, Rhinelander

Birchwood Bar & Lounge, located on the shores of Third Lake just east of Rhinelander, is a popular spot for drinks and classic fare like burgers and its Friday fish fry, but it offers homemade pizzas that’ll hit the spot, too. Try the meat lovers (pepperoni, sausage, ham and bacon) or the kitchen sink (a supreme-style pizza with “everything but the kitchen sink”) or build your own pizza when you stop here on your next visit to Hodag Country.