There are so many things to consider when you’re planning to eat pizza with friends or family. What toppings will please the most people? Pepperoni or sausage? Bell peppers or olives? Does somebody dare suggest pineapple?
When you’re already facing those tough decisions, you shouldn’t have to worry about finding a good pizza place. Thankfully, Denver’s pizza scene extends far beyond the chains. Check out these suggestions. One could be your new favorite pie parlor.
Denver Pizza Company
Address: 309 W. 11th Ave.
Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday
Contact: 720-475-1471,
The scoop: Denver Pizza Co. serves huge slices. You’ll probably have to fold your slice in half to fit it in your mouth, but who’s complaining about that? Try the “5280.” It comes with fresh mozzarella, pepperoni, mushrooms and spices that will satisfy your pizza cravings.
What the owner says: “I think one of the biggest things (about Denver Pizza Co.) is our proprietary spice blend. I should also mention that we’re Colorado’s first 100 percent wind-powered pizza” company. – Andrew Dunlop, owner
Ian’s Pizza
Address: 2210 Blake St.
Hours: 11-2:30 a.m. Sunday-Thursday, 11-3 a.m. Friday-Saturday
Contact: 303-296-9000,
The scoop: Although your doctor might disagree, the best time to eat pizza is late at night. Thankfully, Denver has places like Ian’s Pizza that are with you into the wee hours. Ian’s specializes in using foods that aren’t traditional pizza toppings to make masterpieces. One such pie is the macaroni-and-cheese pizza — and you need it in your life.
What the owner says: “It is all about food, but service as well. We work hard to create a culture for employees where they like coming to work and have fun, and we like to think that when they’re serving pizza that comes through. It adds a little something besides having the best pizza in town.” – Elliot Flax, owner
Marco’s Coal-Fired Pizzeria
Address: 2129 Larimer St.
Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday
Contact: 303-296-7000,
The scoop: If you haven’t been to Marco’s Coal-Fired Pizzeria, then you are missing out. It is a great spot for a casual lunch or dinner, a celebration, a date or, most importantly, an astonishing pie. Order the “Hell’s Kitchen,” with fresh mozzarella, San Marzano tomato sauce, Pecorino Romano, spicy salami and other ingredients.
What the general manager says: “We’re the only Associazione Pizzaiuoli Napolitani in the state of Colorado. We have ovens imported from Italy. All around, we do our best to be the best pizzeria in Denver.” – EJ Psilas, general manager