Arkansas might not be the first state that comes to mind when thinking about great pizza, but locals know better. Hidden throughout the Natural State are pizza joints serving up pies so good they’ll make you forget about New York or Chicago style debates. From small-town gems to city favorites, these 11 Arkansas pizza places focus on quality ingredients, perfect crust, and flavors that keep customers coming back for more.
1. DeLuca’s Pizzeria in Hot Springs
Family recipes passed down through generations make DeLuca’s a standout in Hot Springs’ food scene. The authentic Napoletana-style pizza features a perfectly charred, chewy crust that develops in their 725-degree wood-fired oven.
Owner Anthony DeLuca brings his New York roots to every pie, using imported Italian ingredients alongside local produce. The menu stays deliberately small to ensure quality.
The tiny restaurant often has a wait, but regulars swear it’s worth every minute. Their classic Margherita showcases the beauty of simplicity – San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil on that incredible crust.
2. Problem Child Pizza in Little Rock
Rebellious spirit meets pizza perfection at Problem Child. This Little Rock newcomer quickly earned a devoted following for their Detroit-style pies with crispy, caramelized cheese edges and fluffy interiors.
What started as a pandemic pop-up has evolved into a brick-and-mortar sensation. The limited menu changes regularly, keeping fans eagerly checking social media for weekly specials.
Their signature rectangular pans create that unmistakable crust – crispy on the outside, airy inside. The “O.G.” features a simple red sauce and Wisconsin brick cheese blend that lets the dough’s flavor shine, while creative seasonal toppings satisfy adventurous eaters.
3. Gusano’s Pizzeria in Rogers
Chicago deep-dish finds its Arkansas home at Gusano’s in Rogers. The restaurant brings Windy City flavor to the Ozarks with pies so hefty they require a knife and fork.
Founded by Chicago natives, Gusano’s stays true to tradition with buttery, cornmeal-dusted crusts that climb high along the edges of seasoned pans. Each pizza gets layered in reverse – cheese first, toppings next, then that signature chunky tomato sauce on top.
Beyond deep-dish, their thin crust options satisfy those wanting something lighter. The casual, family-friendly atmosphere makes it perfect for game days, with plenty of TVs showing sports and a solid beer selection to wash down those massive slices.
4. Pizzeria Ruby in Springdale
Wood-fired magic happens daily at Pizzeria Ruby. This Springdale gem creates Neapolitan-inspired pizzas with a distinctly Arkansas twist, sourcing ingredients from local farms whenever possible.
The cozy, rustic space centers around their imported Italian oven where pizzas cook in just 90 seconds at 900 degrees. This quick-fire approach results in crusts with the perfect balance of char, chew and tenderness.
Owner and chef Matt Thompson trained in Italy before bringing his passion back home. His commitment to quality shows in seasonal specials like summer pies topped with heirloom tomatoes and basil from nearby farms, or fall creations featuring local mushrooms and house-made sausage.
5. Oven & Tap in Bentonville
Artisanal pizza meets Southern hospitality at Oven & Tap. Located in downtown Bentonville, this upscale-casual spot balances sophisticated flavors with down-home comfort in their wood-fired creations.
The restaurant’s centerpiece copper oven produces pizzas with perfectly blistered crusts that provide both crunch and chew. Their dough ferments for 48 hours, developing complex flavors before ever meeting heat.
While the menu extends beyond pizza, regulars can’t resist signatures like the “Carnivore” with house-cured meats or the “Honey Bee” with spicy sopressata, fresh mozzarella and local honey drizzle. The thoughtfully curated tap wall features Arkansas craft beers that pair beautifully with their pies.
6. Wicked Wood Fired Pizza in Fayetteville
Pizza goes mobile at Wicked Wood Fired Pizza. This beloved Fayetteville food truck brings authentic wood-fired goodness to farmers markets, breweries, and events throughout Northwest Arkansas.
Owner Casey Copeland built his portable oven by hand, creating a unique setup that reaches the scorching temperatures needed for perfect pizza. The limited menu focuses on doing a few things exceptionally well – hand-stretched dough, simple toppings, and that unmistakable smoky flavor.
Finding Wicked adds to the fun, with loyal followers tracking the truck’s schedule on social media. The “Wicked Classic” pepperoni with fresh basil and hot honey drizzle represents everything wonderful about their straightforward approach – quality ingredients enhanced by fire.
7. Shotgun Dan’s Pizza in Little Rock
Nostalgia comes by the slice at Shotgun Dan’s. This Little Rock institution has satisfied pizza cravings since 1977 with their distinctive pan-style pies featuring a golden, buttery crust that rises high around the edges.
The family-friendly atmosphere keeps generations coming back – kids who grew up eating Shotgun Dan’s now bring their own children. Their signature “Shotgun Supreme” piles on pepperoni, sausage, beef, mushrooms, onions, green peppers, and black olives atop their famous thick crust.
Beyond pizza, locals rave about their cheese dip and breadsticks. Multiple locations throughout central Arkansas maintain consistent quality that’s earned them decades of loyalty in a competitive restaurant landscape.
8. Leo’s Pizza in Little Rock
Old-school charm defines Leo’s Pizza. This Little Rock landmark has operated since 1956, making it one of Arkansas’ oldest continuously running pizzerias.
The no-frills interior hasn’t changed much over decades – worn booths, wood paneling, and vintage decor transport diners back in time. Their thin-crust pies feature a distinctive cracker-like base that somehow supports generous toppings without sagging.
Family recipes passed through generations create their signature slightly sweet sauce and perfectly seasoned Italian sausage. Current owner Steve Chiemlowski learned the craft directly from founder Leo Orsi’s family, preserving authentic techniques. Cash-only policies and limited hours (Tuesday-Saturday) haven’t deterred loyal customers who appreciate pizza made the same way for over 65 years.
9. Sam’s Pizza Pub in Hot Springs
Hometown pride fills every bite at Sam’s Pizza Pub. This Hot Springs favorite combines the casual comfort of a neighborhood bar with seriously good pizza in a formula that’s worked since 1992.
The family-owned spot specializes in hand-tossed crusts with the perfect balance of chew and crispness. Their dough rises slowly overnight, developing flavor that forms the foundation for both traditional and creative pies.
While tourists flock to more famous Hot Springs attractions, locals know Sam’s delivers consistent quality without pretension. The “Sam’s Special” features pepperoni, Canadian bacon, beef, sausage and veggies on their signature crust. The welcoming atmosphere makes everyone feel like a regular, with friendly staff who remember your usual order.
10. Beano’s Pizza in Hot Springs
Racing fans and pizza lovers unite at Beano’s. Located near Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, this Hot Springs pizza joint has served hungry gamblers and locals alike for over 30 years.
Their New York-style pies feature thin, foldable crusts with that distinctive chew that’s hard to find outside the Big Apple. The dough gets hand-tossed to order, creating those characteristic bubbles and charred spots that pizza enthusiasts crave.
During racing season, expect a packed house as track visitors discover what locals already know – Beano’s delivers consistent quality at reasonable prices. The simple, unfussy atmosphere keeps the focus where it belongs – on excellent pizza made with decades of experience and a commitment to doing the basics right.
11. Flashback Pizza & Milkshakes in Rogers
Retro vibes and modern flavors collide at Flashback Pizza & Milkshakes. This Rogers newcomer transports diners to a 1950s diner complete with checkerboard floors, vintage booths, and classic rock playing on the jukebox.
Their hand-tossed, medium-thick crust provides the perfect canvas for both traditional toppings and creative specialty pies. The “Time Warp” combines pepperoni, bacon, and pineapple with a sriracha drizzle that bridges nostalgic and contemporary tastes.
As the name suggests, house-made milkshakes complete the experience – many customers order a pizza-shake combo for the ultimate comfort food pairing. Weekend nights often feature local musicians playing oldies, enhancing the throwback atmosphere that makes Flashback a unique entry in Arkansas’ pizza scene.
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