By Linda Thieman
It's easy to find pizza in Iowa City.
One of the many benefits of living in a thriving college town like Iowa City, Iowa (home to the University of Iowa) is the unique, locally-owned pizza joints. Sure, you can find the national chains there, too, but why would you want to when you can hang out at Pagliai's?
Pagliai's Pizza
Pronounced "polly-eyes," Pagliai's Pizza has a reputation that is remembered long after students graduate. Located near the UI campus, Pagliai's serves nothing but pizza -- that is, a delicious thin crust pizza, light on the sauce, loaded with a special blend of cheese, and tossed right in front of soon-to-be-satisfied customers. This locally owned landmark is always packed and is a definite "don't miss!" Serves beer.
Pagliai's Pizza
302 E. Bloomington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52245
319-351-5073
pagliais.com
The Wedge Pizzeria
The Wedge Pizzeria is locally owned with two Iowa City locations and one in nearby Coralville. The Wedge offers gourmet pizza, including whole wheat crust, by the slice, and deliver within 30 minutes. Unusual toppings, such as roasted peppers, chicken breast and even pesto define the cuisine.
The Wedge Pizzeria
517 S. Riverside Drive
Iowa City, Iowa 52246
319-337-6677
thewedgepizza.com
The Mill
Another locally owned find, The Mill serves pizza, salads, sandwiches, pasta and drinks and features live entertainment. The classic pizza comes with a unique sauce and can be ordered with their spicy specialty sausage.
The Mill Restaurant
120 E. Burlington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
319-351-9529
icmill.com
Monica's Italian Bistro and Pizzeria
Monica's Italian Bistro offers up traditional, high-end Italian food. Formerly the Westside location of Bob's Your Uncle Pizza Café, an interesting atmosphere enhances the fresh ingredients used in Monica's pizzas. The hand-tossed crusts are cooked in an open hearth setting, the menu boasts a wide variety of other dishes, and Monica's offers free delivery if you live within a 10-minute drive.
Monica's Italian Bistro and Pizzeria
49 Mormon Trek Bvld.
Walden Square Plaza
Iowa City, Iowa 42246
319-338-7400
monicasitalianbistro.com
Pizza Pit
Pizza Pit is a locally owned family restaurant known not only for the great taste of its pizza but for their tasty chicken strips, too. They also offer soft drinks and bottled water, which is a plus since the tap water in Iowa City is undrinkable. Reasonably priced with delivery to anywhere in town.
Pizza Pit
214 E. Market Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52245
319-354-1111
pizzapit.net
Resources
About the Author:
Linda Thieman has 15 years' experience as a freelance writer and editor. She's the author of the children's book series "Katie & Kimble: A Ghost Story." A former English teacher, Thieman has traveled extensively and lived in Europe, Asia and The Middle East. She holds a master's degree in French and TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) from the University of Northern Iowa.
Photo Credits:
pizza image by Christian De Grandmaison from
Fotolia.com
