A pizza shop in North Carolina hands out slices through a drive-up window. Yes, just like a burger joint, except the prize is a hot box of pizza instead of fries.
That detail made me grin, and it was only the first surprise. A few of the spots on this list keep their ovens going until 3 AM on weekends.
Several more sell lunch combos of two slices and a drink that cost less than a typical fast-food meal.
I love a fancy pie as much as anyone. Still, my favorite pizza is often the one that leaves a little cash in my pocket for tomorrow.
Big slices, honest prices, and no fuss is a combo I can’t resist.
The mountains, the coast, the college towns, and the big cities each earned a spot here.
1. Vic’s Pizza & Pasta Cafe
Night owls in Raleigh, take note: this pizza counter keeps serving until 3 AM on Fridays and Saturdays. That beats a sad gas station snack by a mile.
Vic’s Pizza & Pasta Cafe focuses on fresh, handcrafted New York-style pizza. The style leans on thin, wide slices that suit a quick lunch or a late bite.
Your wallet will like the slice special most of all. It pairs two slices with a drink at a price that feels downright friendly for the state capital.
Ordering happens at the counter, so things move along without much waiting around. You can grab a seat inside, carry your food home, or have it delivered right to your door.
Families fit right in, and the cafe welcomes the LGBTQ+ community too. Pasta and dessert round out the menu when one more slice sounds like too much.
Weekdays run from late morning until 10 PM, which covers both lunch and dinner. Sundays wrap up earlier at 9 PM, so plan your craving accordingly.
Hosting a crowd? Vic’s handles catering, and free parking makes a big pickup order a lot less stressful.
Address: 5434 Six Forks Rd, Raleigh, NC 27609
2. Benny Pennello’s
Jumbo is not a sales pitch here, it’s basically the job description. Charlotte’s slice lovers know this NoDa shop for pieces of pizza that look built for two people.
Benny Pennello’s serves casual New York-style pizza with a crispy crust. You can buy jumbo slices one at a time or go all in on an extra-large whole pie.
Single slices keep the cost low, which makes this a smart stop when your budget is tight. One slice can easily act as a full meal, and that’s real value.
Vegetarians get plenty of love too. The menu offers a full lineup of meat-free choices, so nobody at the table gets stuck picking off pepperoni.
The hours are wonderfully generous. The doors stay open until midnight most nights, 2 AM on Thursdays, and 3 AM on Fridays and Saturdays.
Ordering happens at the counter, and reservations aren’t part of the deal. Outdoor seating is available, and dogs are welcome to hang out with you outside.
Saturday nights get busy, so expect company if you show up then. Mornings tend to be quieter if you want a slice in peace.
Address: 2909 N Davidson St Ste 100, Charlotte, NC 28205
3. Slices Pizza by Tony
College students on a ramen budget have a secret weapon on Tate Street. Big slices at gentle prices make this Greensboro spot a lifesaver near campus.
Slices Pizza by Tony keeps things easygoing. The counter turns out classic and creative slices, whole pies, and Italian-American staples, plus rotating specials.
Lunch specials are where the savings really shine. Pair a slice with a fresh salad or a few garlic rolls, and you’ve got a filling meal without a painful receipt.
Variety is a big part of the fun. With so many slice options, you can try something new on each visit and never get bored.
Vegans and vegetarians won’t feel left out, since both get full menu options. That’s a welcome surprise at a slice shop, and it makes group orders much easier.
Parking near campus can be tricky, so give yourself a few extra minutes. Better yet, take advantage of delivery or takeout if the lot looks packed.
The shop opens at 11 AM and runs until 10 PM, Monday through Saturday. Sundays are closed, so get your fix before the weekend wraps up.
Address: 401 Tate St, Greensboro, NC 27403
4. Del Vecchios
Asheville is famous for pricey mountain getaways, yet a filling slice with heavy toppings can still cost just a few bucks here. Your vacation fund just got a little breathing room.
Del Vecchios is a family-run pizzeria on Merrimon Avenue. The menu stretches from deep-dish pies to panini, with plenty of Italian staples in between.
The crust bakes up crispy on the bottom and holds up under a generous pile of toppings. The red sauce is a big part of the appeal, so don’t skip a classic cheese slice.
Hungry for something lighter? Greek salads are a popular side, and gluten-free options give more people a way to join in.
Vegan and vegetarian diners get full menus of their own. Kids have a menu too, and high chairs are ready for the littlest pizza fans.
Indoor seating is limited, but outside tables help with the overflow. Dogs are welcome, which makes this a handy stop after a morning walk around town.
Weekend evenings get busy, so a weekday lunch might be your quietest bet. Free Wi-Fi is a bonus if you need to catch up on email between bites.
Address: 333 Merrimon Ave Ste B, Asheville, NC 28801
5. Pizzeria Don Luca
Pickles on pizza might sound like a dare, but in Wilmington it’s a real menu option. Brave eaters, this one’s calling your name.
Pizzeria Don Luca specializes in Italian-style pizza with a crispy thin crust. The dough is made from scratch, and fresh toppings keep each pie tasting lively.
The Hot Honey Pepperoni is a standout on the menu. Sweet heat and salty pepperoni make a combo that’s hard to stop eating.
Wings deserve attention too. The BBQ wings bring a sweet and savory flavor, which makes them a smart pick for sharing with friends.
Fair prices for the quality make this a strong choice for a budget night out. Gluten-free crust is available, and vegans and vegetarians get full menus.
Plan around the hours, since weekdays start at 4 PM. Saturdays and Sundays open at noon, which works well for a lazy afternoon lunch.
Delivery is fast, and outdoor seating is an option on nice coastal evenings. Dogs are welcome outside, so your four-legged buddy can tag along.
Free street parking nearby keeps the trip simple. Friday and Saturday evenings draw the biggest crowds, so a weeknight visit is usually calmer.
Address: 1215 N 4th St, Wilmington, NC 28401
6. Brothers Pizzeria
When downtown Winston-Salem winds down, a family-owned pizza counter on West 4th Street is just getting its second wind. On Fridays and Saturdays, slices keep coming until 3 AM.
Brothers Pizzeria specializes in New York-style slices, and they run bigger than normal. One or two can easily handle a serious appetite.
The lunch special is a real bargain. You get two slices with one topping and a drink, which beats most drive-thru meals for value.
Craving something salty on the side? The bacon cheese fries pair perfectly with a hot slice, especially after a long night out.
The schedule takes a little planning. Lunch runs from 11 AM to 2 PM, then the doors reopen at 4 PM for dinner and late-night eats.
Mondays are closed, and Sundays only run from 4 to 10 PM. Friday nights are the busiest time, so expect a line if you show up then.
Outdoor seating offers a nice spot to people-watch downtown. You can also order takeout or delivery if the couch is calling.
Address: 214 W 4th St, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
7. Sofia’s Pizza
Two big slices plus a generous side salad for under ten bucks? In East Durham, that lunch special is very real.
Sofia’s Pizza is a casual neighborhood spot serving NYC-style thin-crust slices. The crust bakes up crispy, and the toppings come diced, so each bite gets a fair share.
The salads are more than an afterthought. A homemade dressing gives them extra flavor, which makes the combo feel like a complete meal.
Garlic cheese bread is another must-try for the table. It’s the kind of side that disappears before the pizza even lands.
Subs and wings round out the menu if your group wants options. Vegetarians get a full menu too, and high chairs are on hand for little ones.
Unlike many slice shops, Sofia’s accepts reservations. That’s handy if you’re planning a birthday lunch or a team outing.
Weekdays open at 11 AM, while Sundays start later at 3 PM. Free parking and outdoor seating make a quick stop easy.
Address: 2201 Angier Ave, Durham, NC 27703
8. Capri Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria
A whole large cheese pizza for less than many single entrees elsewhere? Fayetteville families have figured out why Capri stays on their speed dial.
This Italian eatery on Bragg Boulevard serves New York-style pizza with huge slices. Cheese by the slice is a menu highlight, perfect for a fast solo lunch.
Pizza isn’t the only reason to stop by. Stromboli and classic pasta dishes give you hearty choices when the whole crew wants something different.
Service gets plenty of praise, and orders come out quickly. You can order at the counter or sit down for table service, depending on your mood.
Kids have their own menu, and high chairs are ready to go. That makes Capri an easy pick for a budget-friendly family dinner.
The schedule couldn’t be simpler. Capri opens at 11 AM and closes at 9 PM, seven days a week.
Free parking is usually easy to find in the lot or on the street. Delivery and takeout are options when you’d rather eat at home in your pajamas.
Address: 2734 Bragg Blvd, Fayetteville, NC 28303
9. Marabella Old World Pizza
Pizza through a drive-up window might be the most Greenville thing ever. You don’t even have to unbuckle your seatbelt to grab dinner.
Marabella Old World Pizza keeps things simple and satisfying. The kitchen turns out thin-crust and pan pies, along with calzones and other pizzeria favorites.
Deals are the main draw for budget eaters. The two slices and a drink combo makes lunch cheap, and happy hour food specials add even more savings.
Strombolis come highly recommended, so consider one for the table. Cheesesteak subs and wings, including buffalo chicken, give you more ways to fill up.
Families get a kids’ menu and high chairs. College students from nearby campus also find this a handy, wallet-friendly stop between classes.
The hours are generous, starting at 10 AM daily. Most nights run until 10 PM, while Sundays close a little earlier at 9:30 PM.
Thursday afternoons and Friday evenings are the busiest times. Free parking helps if you’d rather eat inside than use the window.
Address: 1898 Greenville Blvd SE, Greenville, NC 27858
10. Bella’s of Boone Italian Restaurant
Mountain air makes everyone hungry, and Boone has a lunch deal ready for it. Two slices and a drink cost about as much as a fancy coffee in some places.
Bella’s of Boone serves pizza, sandwiches, and Italian entrees in a casual dining room lined with booths. Grab a booth, slide in, and settle down for a relaxed meal.
That lunch special is the star for budget travelers and students alike. It’s quick, filling, and leaves room in your wallet for a day of hiking.
Dietary needs get plenty of attention here. Gluten-free choices, vegan pizza options, and a full vegetarian menu help nearly everyone find a fit.
Kids have their own menu, and high chairs are available. Free Wi-Fi is handy if you need to check trail maps between slices.
Timing matters, since lunch is only served Thursday through Sunday. Monday through Wednesday, the doors open at 4 PM for dinner.
Reservations are accepted, which helps with bigger groups in this busy North Carolina mountain town. Outdoor seating offers a nice option on a cool afternoon.
Address: 190 Boone Heights Dr, Boone, NC 28607
