Craving pizza worth a detour across Kansas You are in the right place. These classic shops mix heritage, craft, and serious crave factor, from blistered Neapolitan crusts to hearty hometown slices. Use this list to plan the meal around your road trip, not the other way around. By the end, you will have a short list of pies you can almost taste.
Limestone Pizza • Kitchen • Bar — Lawrence
Step into a warm, polished industrial space where the wood-fired oven anchors the room and the smell of toasted dough leads the way. The menu leans local, highlighting Kansas produce on seasonal pies and shareable small plates. Craft beer flows from taps that showcase nearby breweries, making dinner feel like a neighborhood event.
Order a wood-fired pie with limestone blistering and a tender center, then add a salad or small plate to round things out. A house favorite features local mushrooms and herb oil, a simple combo that lets the ingredients sing. You can watch pizzas wheel from the hearth in minutes, still crackling as they land.
Old Shawnee Pizza & Italian Kitchen — Shawnee
Since 1969, this family-run spot has turned out crowd-pleasing pies that feel like hometown comfort. The dining room carries decades of stories, from regulars gathering after games to families marking milestones. Recipes pass through generations, and the vibe says settle in and stay awhile.
Plan your stop around the specialty pies, especially the much-talked-about Crab Rangoon pizza that locals insist you try. The menu also covers red-sauce classics, pastas, and thick, cheesy pies that hold up for a group. It is easy to see why people keep returning across decades.
Piatto Neapolitan Pizzeria — Wichita
If you crave true Neapolitan style, this is a high-heat, quick-bake master class. Pies hit a roaring wood oven and return in about 90 seconds with leopard spots and a tender, airy rim. You can watch the rhythm from the counter as dough stretches and the fire flares.
Expect bright tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and restrained toppings that let the crust shine. The oven is the star, and the blistered edges prove it with every bite. Come for the show, stay for the balance of chew and char that defines the style.
Knolla’s Pizza Oldtown — Wichita
Knolla’s is the dependable Wichita classic you can bring a whole crew to. With multiple locations and deep roots, it delivers exactly what a group wants without fuss. The Oldtown shop keeps things friendly and fast, perfect before a concert or after a game.
Choose between thin New York style slices or hearty Chicago pan, then add salads and wings to cover the bases. Portions are generous, prices fair, and service quick enough for hungry teams and families. It is easy to plan around when you need a sure win.
Ziggy’s Pizza — Wichita
Ziggy’s brings a relaxed neighborhood feel that works for quick slices or a sit-down pie with friends. Late hours and multiple locations make it a go-to after shows or when cravings strike. The staff keeps the pace friendly, and the patio buzzes on warm nights.
They show up in local best-of lists year after year, thanks to consistent crust and balanced toppings. Grab a slice if you are on the move, or settle into a full pie and a cold drink. Either way, it is easy and reliably tasty.
Maple Street Pizza Company — Wichita
Artisan technique leads the way here, starting with slow-fermented dough that bakes up light and full of flavor. The wood-fired oven adds a spotted char and gentle smoke that frames bright toppings. Plates look as good as they taste, so the camera usually eats first.
Expect seasonal combinations, high-quality cheeses, and crisp edges you can hear when you slice. Food-minded travelers will appreciate the attention to texture and fermentation. It is a thoughtful, modern take that still feels comforting and shareable.
AJ’s NY Pizzeria — Manhattan
AJ’s is the downtown stop for giant, foldable New York slices that hit fast between classes or meetings. The counter hums with students and locals grabbing a quick bite or settling into a booth. You get the classic thin crust snap with just enough chew to fold cleanly.
Go for a big cheese or a loaded combo, then add garlic knots if you are hungry. It is easy to eat on the move, but the dine-in option makes lingering simple. Schedule a meal here when you need speed without sacrificing flavor.
LaRocca’s Pizza — Topeka
LaRocca’s is a longtime Topeka favorite for simple, dependable pies and family dinners. The menu sticks to classics, which is exactly what makes it comforting. You can count on a friendly hello and pizzas that arrive hot and evenly topped.
Planning for a group is easy with gluten-free crusts and catering options that cover mixed needs. It plays a steady role in the local dining scene, from weeknights to team parties. When you want no-drama pizza night, this is the move.
Big Cheese Pizza — Salina
Big Cheese feels like the local classic where the name says it all. Expect hearty, ultra-cheesy pies with a nostalgic bent and a steady neighborhood following. Travelers hop off the highway for quick service and a filling slice that keeps the trip rolling.
Order their signature super-cheesy pie or a loaded Perfect 10 style build that covers every craving. Portions are generous, and leftovers make great road snacks. It is the kind of stop that anchors a route with satisfaction.