6 Memphis Pizza Places Celebrate National Cheese Pizza Day

In a city known for its world-famous barbecue, Memphis may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of pizza. But the city has a long history with the savory pie. With National Cheese Pizza Day on September 5th each year, it’s time to celebrate the humble slice that unites us all.

The exact origins of pizza have been a subject of debate for years, but Americans’ obsession with this baked, cheesy goodness is undeniable. That’s probably why there are nearly a dozen “holidays” dedicated to pizza, like National Pizza Day (Feb. 9) and World Pizza Makers Day (Oct. 25).

From thin, crispy crusts served at chic cafes to gooey, cheesy pastries baked fresh out of ovens in cozy corners of town, Memphis boasts a diverse range of pizzerias that rival even the most iconic establishments in New York, Chicago and Detroit.

Whether you’re a purist who believes in the simplicity of a classic cheese pizza or someone who likes toppings and a modern twist, Memphis has the place and the pie for you. This guide highlights the best pizza places in the city where you can indulge in the perfect slice of cheesy goodness.

Here are some of the most popular pizzerias in the city where you can grab a slice of pizza.

Coletta Italian Restaurants

1063 S. Parkway East and 2850 Appling Road

Coletta’s has been serving authentic Italian cuisine in Memphis for over 100 years, including delicious pizza. If cheese is too plain for your Southern tastes, consider trying the Round the World pizza or The Original Barbecue.

Memphis Pizza Cafe

2087 Madison Ave and 5061 Park Ave. in Memphis; 7604 W. Farmington in Germantown and 797 W. Poplar in Collierville

This local favorite has been serving up deliciously thin and crispy slices since Richard Attenborough’s John Hammond first greeted us in Jurassic Park in 1993. Drop by one of their four locations to try everything from pizza and calzones to salads and sandwiches.

Pizza Broadway

2581 Broad Avenue and 629 S. Mendenhall

Broadway Pizza has been in business since 1977. The iconic spot was named after its original location on Broad Avenue. A second location on Mendenhall opened more than 40 years ago, in 1983, near Mt. Moriah (hello, Memphis millennials!) before moving to its current location on Poplar.

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Aldo Pizzerias

100 S. Main St., Suite 101 and 752 S. Cooper

Aldo’s Pizza Pies is one of the newer spots on the Memphis pizza scene, opening in 2012. Their flavorful dough and fresh toppings make it a must-try any day, National Pizza Day or not.

Rock’n Dough Pizza + Brewery

704 Madison Ave. in Memphis, 1769 North Germantown Parkway in Cordova and 7850 Poplar Ave., #6 in Germantown. There is also a location at FedExForum in Downtown Memphis.

Our neighbors to the east are no strangers to amazing pizza. When Rock’n Dough decided to venture out of Jackson, Tennessee and open a location in Memphis, they were met with receptive appetites.

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Pizza Beeria Slim & Husky

Address: 634 Union Ave.

Founded a few miles down I-40 in Nashville, Slim & Husky’s serves up hearty hand-stretched-crust pizzas with unapologetically black-ish names like the “California Love” with pesto, artichokes, red onions and tomato slices, and the “Got 5 On It,” featuring five different cheeses, including a signature S+H House Cheese blend.

Let us know where you’d like to grab a slice of the best pizza in Memphis in our Facebook group. Happy National Cheese Pizza Day, Memphis!

Ellen Chamberlain is a food and restaurant reporter for The Commercial Appeal. Send your tips and compliments to [email protected].