7 Wisconsin Pizza Stops to Try Something New

If you’re in search of the perfect pizza, look no further than Wisconsin. From authentic Neapolitan pies to new Wisconsin classics and one tavern that’s been using the same traditional recipe for over 100 years, visiting any of these pizza places will make you glad you tried something new. Read on to discover your next favorite slice.

Classic Slice – Milwaukee

Build your own Bay View neighborhood pizza by the pie or slice at Classic Slice in Milwaukee. Or, choose from specialty pies like the “Forbidden Zone” with bacon, jalapeno and cheese curds. With tons of both vegetarian and vegan options such as Vegan Pesto Pie with house-made soy cheese, everyone in your group will find something to love here. Come for the tasty pizza and stay for the vintage arcade games.

Greenbush Bar – Madison

How many pizza places do you know that also teach Italian? Greenbush Bar in Madison serves their signature pies out of the basement of the Italian Workman’s Club, whose mission is to preserve and promote the history, culture, language and traditions of Italians and Italian Americans. With toppings that mix authentic Italian flavors with close-to-home organics, every pie here is build-your-own. Be sure to save room for cannoli!

Il Ritrovo – Sheboygan

Pizza purists know that a restaurant with Verace Pizza Napoletana certification makes authentic Neapolitan pies, just like masters of the art in Naples. Il Ritrovo and its wood-fired oven were the first in Wisconsin to achieve this elite status and the fifth in the entire U.S. Using slow-fermented dough, Wisconsin mozzarella made fresh daily and San Marzano tomatoes imported from Italy, these pies are almost impossible to beat. If your group is still hungry, stroll across the street to Trattoria Stefano, owned by the same chef-owner as Il Ritrovo and offering upscale Italian fare.

Oakfire Restaurant & Pizzeria - Lake Geneva

Once you see the sparkling wood-fired ovens imported from Italy at Oakfire, you know you’re in for a tasty pie. The Neapolitan-style crust complements specialty toppings like thick-cut pepperoni with honey drizzle and the classic Bianca with both fresh Wisconsin and Bufala mozzarella. For dessert, you can’t beat the out-of-this-world Nutella calzone with bananas, strawberries and fresh basil.

Rustique Pizza & Lounge – Suamico

At Rustique Pizza & Lounge, you and your crew can watch dough-tossing while seated in a converted, century-old chapel and sipping an Old Fashioned Manzana–a novel adaptation of the classic cocktail using apples, cinnamon and maple syrup. The brick-oven pizzas here range from classic to one-of-a-kind, like the sauteed shrimp and asparagus as well as grilled chicken with smoked gouda and barbeque sauce. Be sure to try the pan dulce for dessert: deep-fried dough rolled in cinnamon and sugar, drizzled with dulce de leche and chocolate and served with vanilla ice cream.

Wells Brothers Pizza – Racine

First opened in 1921, Wells Brothers Pizza has been a Racine staple for over a century. Now in its third generation of family ownership, the restaurant uses the same original recipes including a thin-rolled cornmeal crust. Try a specialty pizza like the Calabrese with Olive oil, ricotta cheese, soppressata, figs and topped with a balsamic drizzle or the Brat with “stadium sauce,” mozzarella, sauerkraut, pickles and raw onion for an unforgettable pie.

Wild Tomato – Fish Creek, Sister Bay

Sustainability is a priority at Wild Tomato, which sources local ingredients from area farmers and foragers. Popular wood-fired pizzas here include the Veggie with Wisconsin goat cheese and the Green & Gold with grilled broccoli and real Wisconsin cheese curds. Stop in year-round to share a pizza with friends before exploring more of Door County.

Still hungry? Find even more fresh-made pizza at Wisconsin’s pizza farms.