One pizza parlor on this list has been serving thin-crust pies since 1921. That’s over a century of cutting pizza into little squares instead of wedges.
I love that detail. It means great-grandparents and great-grandkids could argue over the same corner pieces.
In Wisconsin, tavern-cut squares are a family tradition. The crust is cracker thin and crisp.
The squares are small enough for tiny hands and easy to share. Kids grab the edges, adults fight over the middle, and somehow there’s never a leftover piece.
The joints I picked range from a 1954 Milwaukee classic to a counter-serve spot that sells unbaked pies to finish at home. Several have high chairs and kids’ menus ready to go.
So which square do you reach for first, the crunchy corner or the cheesy center?
1. Wells Brothers Italian Restaurant
Wells Brothers opened in 1921, so its pizza is older than sliced bread in stores. That alone earns it a spot near the top.
The crust here is cracker thin and crisp. It’s cut into tavern squares, the way Wisconsin pizza fans expect.
You’ll find a menu that shares the history of the restaurant and its owners. It’s a fun read while you wait for your pie.
Start with garlic bread with cheese or an order of cheese curds. The Italian salad and homemade soups also round out a meal nicely.
Families get a solid setup here. High chairs and a kids’ menu make it easy to bring the whole crew.
The room has an old-school, historic feel that matches the century of pies. It’s casual, so nobody needs to dress up.
Plan around the hours, since the doors stay closed Sunday and Monday. Dinner reservations are recommended, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Save a little room for tiramisu. After a hundred years of practice, you’d hope they nailed dessert too.
Address: 2148 Mead St, Mt Pleasant, WI 53403
2. Cranky Pat’s Pizza
Despite the grumpy name, Cranky Pat’s is a lively neighborhood favorite in Neenah. Nobody seems cranky once the pizza lands.
Expect a super thin, crispy crust under generous toppings. The pie gets cut into classic tavern squares for easy grabbing.
Here’s a bonus most pizza joints skip. A salad bar lets you build your own greens before the main event.
The layout helps families too. There’s a bar side and a separate dining room, so you can pick your setting.
Kids are welcome, with high chairs and a kids’ menu on hand. Cheese curds and soup of the day make easy starters for picky eaters.
Some nights bring live music to the room. It adds a little fun to a regular pizza dinner.
Hours run late on Friday and Saturday, until midnight. Sundays are closed, so don’t plan a weekend craving around that day.
Can’t make it in? Delivery and takeout are both available.
Wednesday through Saturday evenings tend to be busy. Reservations are accepted, which can save you some standing around.
Address: 905 S Commercial St, Neenah, WI 54956
3. Sammy’s Pizza Restaurant & Pub
Some pizza sauces taste like candy, but Sammy’s goes savory. The sauce here is full-flavored and not sweet at all.
That sauce sits on a thin, crisp crust. Chewy cheese with real bite tops it off, and the pie comes cut into squares.
Sammy’s is part of a long-running regional pizza chain. The Eau Claire location on London Road keeps the classic style going strong.
Hungry families can check out the buffet. It has featured pizza, wings, pasta, and salad, which covers plenty of tastes at once.
Kids should try the macaroni and cheese. It’s a handy pick if a little one isn’t ready for toppings yet.
Planning a birthday? The spot is listed as good for kids’ birthdays, with a private dining room available.
High chairs and a kids’ menu are ready too. Free Wi-Fi helps if a teen needs something to do before food arrives.
Sammy’s is open seven days a week. Curbside pickup and delivery are options when the couch wins.
Address: 2812 London Rd, Eau Claire, WI 54701
4. Zaffiro’s Pizza The Original
Toppings to the very edge? Zaffiro’s has been doing pizza that way in Milwaukee since 1954.
The crust is cracker thin and crisp. Sausage and pepperoni make a classic combo here, and the pie is cut into tavern squares.
This is a casual, family-owned spot with an old-school Italian feel. There’s a dining room plus a bar area.
The Pepperoni Special is a menu highlight worth noticing. Mozzarella sticks make a good warm-up for the kids.
Like the dressing on your salad? You can buy a bottle of the house Italian dressing to take home.
Families will find high chairs available. The room also has a historic, lively mood that fits a weeknight treat.
Hours are generous, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day. Sunday, Friday, and Saturday evenings draw the biggest crowds.
A quick tip for drivers on Farwell Avenue. Street parking can be tough to find, so give yourself a few extra minutes.
Finish with tiramisu if anyone still has room.
Address: 1724 N Farwell Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202
5. Balistreri’s Italian-American Ristorante
Paper-thin and crispy is the name of the game in Wauwatosa. Balistreri’s serves its pies in square tavern cuts with a flavorful sauce.
Toppings come on generously. Toasted garlic bread makes a fine sidekick on the table.
Pizza isn’t the only draw here. Large meatballs with spaghetti and creamy Alfredo give pasta fans something to cheer about.
The space is small and casual with a historic touch. It feels like a classic Italian-American neighborhood spot.
Kids get high chairs and their own menu. That makes a family dinner much easier to pull off.
Watch the schedule before heading out. Balistreri’s is closed Tuesdays and opens at 2 p.m. on Sundays.
Friday and Saturday hours stretch until 10 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday evenings tend to be the busiest stretch.
Reservations are accepted, which is smart for a bigger group. There’s also a free parking lot on site.
Delivery isn’t offered, but takeout is. Your squares can still make it home warm.
Address: 812 N 68th St, Wauwatosa, WI 53213
6. Bill’s Pizza Shop
Stevens Point has a Main Street pizza parlor with old-school charm. Bill’s Pizza Shop serves a very thin, crispy crust cut into party squares.
Toppings come in a wide array. You can keep it simple or load it up.
Cheese here is thick and stringy. That makes for the satisfying pull kids love.
Need a gluten-free pie? A medium gluten-free pizza is available, which is great news for mixed families.
The menu goes beyond pizza too. Italian roast beef sandwiches and onion rings round things out.
Big gathering coming up? The shop has an upstairs meeting area, and calling ahead is a good idea.
The mood is casual, quiet, and historic. College students and families both find their way here.
High chairs and a kids’ menu are ready for younger guests. Reservations are accepted if you want to lock in a table.
Bill’s is open every day. Sunday starts at noon, while Friday and Saturday run until 10 p.m.
Address: 1101 Main St, Stevens Point, WI 54481
7. Butch’s Pizza, Inc. Kimberly
Root beer on tap is a pretty great reason to visit a pizza place. Butch’s in Kimberly has it, and the kids will notice.
The pizza is thin crust and build-your-own. Pies get cut into classic tavern squares, perfect for passing around.
A gluten-free crust is offered too. That’s handy when one family member needs it.
Watch for the Tuesday night pizza special. Just double-check the current schedule, since hours shift through the week.
Subs and sandwiches share the spotlight here. Broccoli cheese soup is another menu favorite.
Picky eaters have backup options. Fries, onion rings, fried mushrooms, and mac n cheese bites are on the menu.
This is a counter-service spot with a laid-back feel. You order up front, so it moves along easily with little ones.
High chairs and a kids’ menu make family nights simple. Free Wi-Fi is available while you wait.
Reservations aren’t accepted, so plan on first come, first served. Friday and Saturday evenings get the busiest.
Address: 510 W Kimberly Ave, Kimberly, WI 54136
8. Pizza King | La Crosse
Want to bake your pizza at home? Pizza King in La Crosse sells both baked and unbaked pies.
That’s a clever trick for busy families. Pop it in the oven when everyone’s finally ready to eat.
The thin crust gets a heap of toppings. Real Wisconsin cheese and a flavorful sauce finish the job.
Pies come cut into tavern squares. Some fans also love the buttery, pretzel-like crust option.
This storied spot runs as a counter-serve shop. You order at the counter, and there’s no table service.
Pizza isn’t the whole story here. Gyros and other sandwiches fill out the menu, including a bacon double cheeseburger.
The atmosphere is casual and quiet. It’s listed as good for kids, so bring the whole gang.
Doors open at 10 a.m. every day. Friday afternoon into the evening is the busiest time.
Reservations aren’t taken, but delivery and takeout are both available. Either way, those squares are headed your way.
Address: 2915 East Ave S, La Crosse, WI 54601
