A Slice of the Dairy State: 8 Best Pizza Restaurants in Wisconsin
When you think of Wisconsin's culinary scene, cheese curds and bratwurst might come to mind first, but the state boasts an incredibly vibrant and diverse pizza culture that deserves the spotlight. From authentic Neapolitan pies and unique pizza farms to beloved neighborhood joints serving up creative slices, the Dairy State offers fantastic options for every pizza enthusiast. If you're looking for the perfect pie, here is a guide to eight of the best pizza spots across Wisconsin.
1. Transfer Pizzeria Café (Milwaukee, WI)
- Why Visit: Housed in a beautifully preserved former pharmacy building, Transfer Pizzeria Café offers an ambiance as delightful as its food. The original woodwork and stained glass create a warm, comfortable, and family-friendly atmosphere. Renowned for its creative pizza combinations and reliable classics, this spot has been a Milwaukee favorite since its opening in 2008. They also feature a great selection of draft beer, wine, and gluten-free options.
- Location: 101 W Mitchell St, Milwaukee, WI 53204
2. Pizza Brutta (Madison, WI)
- Why Visit: For pizza purists, Pizza Brutta in Madison is a must-visit. This acclaimed eatery is dedicated to the craft of authentic wood-fired Neapolitan pies. Their commitment to quality is evident in their use of house-made mozzarella, organic San Marzano tomatoes, and locally sourced ingredients. The resulting pizzas are crispy, light, and bursting with flavor.
- The Vibe: A perfect spot for a casual dining experience, run by a founder with deep roots in Wisconsin's local and organic food scene. They also offer delivery.
- Location: 1805 Monroe St, Madison, WI 53711
3. Wild Tomato Wood-Fired Pizza and Grille (Door County, WI)
- Why Visit: A true Door County institution, Wild Tomato is a family-friendly restaurant with locations in Sister Bay, Fish Creek, and Baileys Harbor. They are famous for their delicious wood-fired pizzas that emphasize local Door County ingredients, such as local cherries and cheeses.
- The Vibe: A modern rustic design with a fun, bustling atmosphere right on the waterfront in Sister Bay. They offer a great selection of draft beer, wine, and creative specialty pizzas, including excellent vegan and gluten-free options.
- Location (Flagship): 4023 State Hwy 42, Fish Creek, WI 54212
4. Ian’s Pizza (Milwaukee, WI)
- Why Visit: Famous for its creative and unconventional slices, Ian’s Pizza is a downtown Milwaukee hotspot, especially for a night out. While they serve traditional pies, they are best known for their specialty pizzas sold by the slice, allowing you to try multiple unique combinations.
- Must-Try: Their legendary Mac 'n' Cheese pizza is an absolute must. They also feature a rotating menu of other imaginative craft vegan and vegetarian specialty slices. The atmosphere is fun and vibrant, with classic arcade games to play while you eat.
- Location: 148 E Juneau Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202
5. Winghaven Pizza Farm (Galesville, WI)
- Why Visit: For a truly unique Midwestern experience, head to Winghaven Pizza Farm. These destination eateries are a weekend staple, and Winghaven delivers with delicious pizza in a stunning rural setting. Typically open on Friday and Saturday nights during the warmer months, it’s an event as much as a meal.
- The Vibe: Enjoy stone-fired pizza made with locally sourced ingredients while listening to live music. The beautiful valley setting, friendly staff, kids' activities, and lawn games create a memorable, rustic-chic outing for the whole family. Their cracker-thin crust is incredibly sturdy and delicious.
- Location: N18335 W Haven Ln, Galesville, WI 54630
6. Christianos Pizza (Green Lake, WI)
- Why Visit: Situated on the picturesque waterfront in Green Lake, Christianos Pizza focuses on making classic pizzas from the highest quality ingredients available. Whether you're a traditional pepperoni fan or crave new and exciting toppings, their menu caters to every discerning palate.
- The Vibe: A perfect spot to grab a delicious pizza and then take a scenic stroll along the waterfront. They also offer a convenient online ordering system.
- Location: 503 South St, Green Lake, WI 54941
7. Broken Tree Pizza (Neenah, WI)
- Why Visit: This wood-fired pizzeria in Neenah has long been a local standby and has grown into a popular hangout known for its undeniable quality. Broken Tree Pizza (BTP) boasts a slick interior, a pleasantly sized menu, and even makes its own beer and wine.
- The Vibe: An upscale yet comfortable spot that often serves as a venue for local bands and trivia nights. The friendly staff and fast, consistent service provide a top-tier customer experience.
- Location: 111 W Wisconsin Ave, Neenah, WI 54956
8. Polito’s Pizza (Wisconsin Rapids, WI)
- Why Visit: If you're looking for big, bold flavors and even bigger slices, Polito's is a must-try. This regional chain is known for serving enormous, foldable New York-style slices with a wide variety of classic and specialty toppings, such as spicy sausage, feta, and bacon.
- The Vibe: A casual, counter-service pizzeria that's perfect for a quick and satisfying bite. It's a go-to for pizza connoisseurs in the Wisconsin Rapids area.
- Location: 1711 8th St S, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494
Wisconsin's pizza scene is a delicious and diverse landscape waiting to be explored. From authentic Neapolitan pies in Madison and creative slices in Milwaukee to the unique experience of a pizza farm in Galesville, the Dairy State proves it knows how to craft a phenomenal pizza. So next time you're craving a slice, be sure to seek out one of these top-rated pizzerias!