These Regional Pizza Chains Are Delicious Enough to Deserve National Recognition

Pizza will forever be a favorite in American cuisine, with 93% of Americans enjoying it at least once per month and nearly half indulging more frequently than that. October is even designated National Pizza Month, though it's only fair to enjoy your deep-dish, thin-crust, or woodfired pizza all year long. This is especially true if you have a regional pizza place that you consider your ride-or-die.

While big players in the pizza business dominate the national market, thousands of smaller, regional pizzerias thrive on their loyal customer bases and signature recipes. Some of these local chains offer more than the national brands ever could, including inventive toppings, secret sauces, or authentic styles not easily found outside their home states. However, most of these regional faves have yet to break out nationally, which we think is such a shame.

247 Tempo consulted restaurant directories, industry growth reports, and culinary rankings from sources like QSR Magazine, Eater, and Food & Wine to bring you the regional pizza chains that should be found coast to coast. If you live near one of these local faves, consider yourself lucky to eat their delicious slices.

Established as early as 1925 in New Haven, Connecticut, Frank Pepe’s is widely recognized for its iconic white clam pizza. The chain has expanded across the Northeast and into Florida, Maryland, and Virginia, with other states clamoring for this brand to move in. Other popular offerings include the Original Tomato Pie and classic Margherita, as well as a bold gorgonzola pie. With its coal-fired ovens and decades-old recipes, Pepe’s delivers an authentic pizza experience that has been frequently recognized as one of the best in the nation.

Restaurateur Adam Fleischman launched 800 Degrees in 2012 with chef Anthony Carron. There is one location on the East Coast, in Charlotte, NC, two in Los Angeles, and one in the Midwest, in Cleveland, OH. The chain also has several international outposts in Tokyo and Singapore. Their specialty pizzas include the truffle-mushroom Tartufo and the Angry Bee, a Margherita upgraded with Calabrian chiles, garlic, and honey. More than 40 toppings are available for custom-made pies, making it easy to get the specific slice you're craving.

Artichoke Basille’s Pizza began in New York and is best known for its creamy, indulgent artichoke pizza, as its name implies. The menu also includes other unique offerings such as a crab pizza and the meatball-packed Staten Island. With nine New York area locations plus two in California and three in New Jersey, this limited menu pizzeria knows how to dish up a good slice.

Founded in 1959 in Homewood, Illinois, Aurelio’s Pizza actually became the first Chicago pizzeria to franchise in 1974. It offers both thick and thin-crust options, though its thin-crust style is its signature, despite its Chicago roots. The Taco Pizza, featuring beef, cheddar, lettuce, and salsa, remains a customer favorite across its 40 locations nationwide. Catch this chain primarily around the Great Lakes, or the rare restaurant in Las Vegas and Florida.

Buddy’s Pizza is a Detroit staple that helped define the city’s famous square-style deep-dish pizza, something customers can't help but rave about. The chain is even more unique in that it layers its pepperoni underneath Wisconsin brick cheese to create a crispy, caramelized, undeniably rich crust. With 16 locations throughout Michigan, Buddy’s remains a go-to for locals and tourists alike. Plus, it has rare and unusual toppings you can try, like turkey, beets, and fresh herbs.

Founded in 1987 in Virginia, Chanello’s has grown to over 30 locations across Virginia and North Carolina. The menu features generously topped pies like the Extreme Pepperoni and the E.B.A. (Everything But Anchovies). Customers often pair their pizza with the chain's iconic house buttermilk ranch dipping sauce, perfect for polishing off that crust. Known for its large portions and bold flavors, Chanello’s is a favorite in the Mid-Atlantic and deserves nationwide recognition.

Mary’s Pizza Shack opened in 1959 in Sonoma County, California, and now operates multiple locations in the greater Napa area. The menu features three crust types and toppings like whole baby clams, jalapenos, and pesto. Toto’s Combo is a meat lover’s dream with salami, linguica, and sausage, a perfect pairing to go with your glass of pinot noir or merlot.

Texas-based DoubleDave’s Pizzaworks operates 34 locations in the Lone Star State and an additional two in Oklahoma. The chain offers regional specialties like the Chili Pie Pizza, an undeniably Texas affair, and Dave’s Fave with garlic, meatballs, and oregano sauce. Gluten-free and cauliflower crusts provide even more options for modern diners, and their sustainability contributions have been recognized and lauded.

Gionino’s Pizzeria has around 50 locations throughout northeastern Ohio, which is quite a large number given the size of the state. Its creative pizzas include the G-Mac-N-Cheese (complete with provolone cheese) and the Popeye Pizza with fresh spinach. Known for its affordability and flavor-packed pies, Gionino’s has earned a loyal regional following, offering both classic and inventive options to satisfy all of Ohio's pizza fanatics.

Anchorage’s Great Alaskan Pizza Company was formed by franchisees who actually broke away from Little Caesars to form their own pies. It now has 11 locations across Alaska and features options like reindeer sausage, grilled chicken, and ranch dressing as a base. Customers can choose from regular, deep-dish, and stuffed-crust options, as all are designed to satisfy in Alaska’s cold climate.

Home Run Inn began in Chicago and is now known for its frozen pizza line as well as multiple dine-in locations. Its buttery, flaky crust and rich toppings make it a local favorite, with specialty pies like the Garlic Fireball and Sweet Caliente offering bold and spicy flavors. The chain also allows you to build your own pie, as every topping shines against Home Run Inn's unique crust.

Cincinnati’s LaRosa’s Pizzeria has been serving Ohio and surrounding states since 1954, and now has over 50 locations. It’s known for signature pies like the Original Deluxe, a great take on a classic supreme with LaRosa's house-made sauce. Customers can also enjoy focaccia and flatbread variations of their fave pies, ensuring this pizza chain remains a Midwest favorite.

Portland’s Sizzle Pie is known for its punk rock vibe and inclusive menu, complete with vegan and vegetarian options, including flavored soy curls and house-made cashew spread. Meaty options still exist, too, catering to PNW carnivores. With locations throughout Oregon and Reno, it brings edgy energy to the pizza scene, and makes for the perfect late-night slice in Portland.

Pat’s Pizza started as a simple farmstand cafe in little-known Orono, Maine, and has since expanded to numerous locations across the state. Its signature Big Pat’s Pizza is a unique burger-pizza hybrid with Thousand Island dressing, making it a play on the Big Mac. The Pastrami Pizza offers a tangy mustard base and plenty of other deli flavors, appealing to a variety of college towns and small communities in Maine.

Boston’s iconic Regina Pizzeria has been serving thin-crust pies since 1926. It now operates locations across the Boston metro area, Cape Cod, and Connecticut, known primarily for its robust sauce and crisp crust. Regina has become a New England institution, with the original North End location a local landmark. You can't beat a New England slice, that's for sure.

Sal’s Pizza originated in Salem, New Hampshire in 1990 and now has 15 locations across the state as well as other New England locations. Specialty pies include a zesty chicken bacon ranch and BBQ pulled pork option. A variety of 24 toppings allows for creative customizations, and it's considered the official pizza of the Boston Red Sox, lending this brand strong regional credibility.

Founded in 1954 in Hibbing, Minnesota, Sammy’s has grown to over a dozen locations in the Upper Midwest. Signature pies like the Iron Ranger and Chicken Alfredo highlight bold, cheesy flavors, and The Magnificent Seven lets customers pick any seven toppings for a decent price. Sammy’s is rooted in family tradition and local pride, earning its beginnings in Bob Dylan's hometown.

Two Boots, named after the shapes of Louisiana and Italy, respectively, combines Italian and Cajun influences in its colorful pizzas. The Bayou Beast features shrimp, andouille, and jalapeños on a spicy base, making it one of the most unique pizzas on this list. While it was founded in NYC’s East Village in 1987, it now has locations from New York to Nashville.

Located in Massachusetts, Flying Saucer Pizza is uniquely themed around sci-fi and pop culture. It’s known for creative pies like the Green Monster and Space Cowboy, and vegetarian and vegan options abound, all made with fresh, local ingredients. The funky vibe and bold flavors keep it packed with loyal customers, though this brand may be expanding beyond Massachusetts in time.

Pizza Schmizza is another quirky, Oregon-based chain with multiple locations across the state. Its eclectic menu includes options like Alligator Pizza (complete with alligator sausage) and Thai Chicken, a delicious take on a classic noodle dish, set atop peanut sauce. The chain embraces irreverent humor and bold ingredients, making it a local favorite among PNW foodies.