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Yes, pizza enthusiasts rejoice—National Pizza Day is upon us! Americans’ love affair with pizza is well-documented, with recent surveys indicating that the average person consumes this beloved dish three times a month, devouring about 8 slices per sitting. With Super Bowl weekend looming, pizza consumption is expected to soar to new heights.
As a self-proclaimed pizza aficionado, I have a penchant for artisanal pizza joints, shying away from mass-produced or fast-food style offerings. Having had the privilege of sampling some of the nation’s finest pizzerias, courtesy of The Hungry Black Man Media’s extensive culinary explorations—spanning over 3,000 Black-owned restaurants across 30 states in nearly 8 years—I’m excited to celebrate National Pizza Day and Black History Month by sharing our Top 10 Black-Owned Pizzerias in the United States.
Did your state and city make the cut? We invite you to join the conversation and share your thoughts on these exceptional establishments. Happy National Pizza Day and Black History Month!
#10 Pizza Jeans
675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE Suite140, Atlanta, GA 30308
(Inside Pounce City Market)
(404) 343-0188
A serendipitous surplus of dough from the esteemed Root Baking Co. led a James Beard award-winning pastry chef to fashion an impromptu pizza for their staff, birthing the concept of Pizza Jeans (pronounced Pizza John’s). While many pizzerias pledge allegiance to a specific style, Pizza Jeans defies easy categorization, instead focusing on its meticulously crafted crust—a nod, perhaps, to the iconic New York style.
The crux of Pizza Jeans’ allure lies in its commitment to artisanal craftsmanship. Our pie was delicious with each element, painstakingly handcrafted in-house, contributing to the choral of flavors that sets this place a part. Freshness reigns supreme here, with vibrant tomatoes and fragrant basil, mushrooms, Italian sausage, and pepperoni, adorning house-made marinara atop perfectly melted mozzarella—a winning combination that keeps patrons coming back for more. In a city teeming with pizza joints, Pizza Jeans stands as a testament to the transformative power of culinary creativity and dedication to quality.
#9 Pizza Brain
2313 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125
(215) 291-2965
This outpost offers delectable round pies—a delightful Neapolitan-New York fusion. Opting for a whole pie, we indulged in a half-and-half delight. The Henrietta Blanch Pizza boasted mozzarella, aged provolone, fennel sausage, banana pepper, roasted red pepper, grana padano, and fresh basil, each ingredient bursting with flavor. However, one side suffered from a slightly charred crust, detracting from the overall enjoyment. Thankfully, the other half was free from such issues, allowing us to savor it fully. Notably, Pizza Brain hosts a pizza museum, a captivating attraction for families seeking a unique outing. It’s particularly thrilling to uncover exceptional artisanal pizzerias, owned by Black entrepreneurs, crafting authentic and tantalizing Italian-inspired fare.
#8 Triple Jays Pizza Bar
1020 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
(678)712-8400
Triple Jays Pizza Bar, situated at 1020 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, specializes in both New York and Detroit style pies. Opting for a variety, we ordered two whole pies, each divided into halves. The New York pizza, featuring half pepperoni and half veggie, impressed with its fresh ingredients and perfect crust—a house-made dough with ideal foldability. Toppings melded seamlessly with a precisely balanced tomato sauce and cheese blend, earning it a star rating.
Though a few slices had minor char at the bottom, it didn’t detract from the overall excellence. However, I would steer clear from their Detroit style pizza, which fell short, with an overcooked, tough texture and disjointed flavors. Despite this, the allure of Triple Jays lies in its exceptional New York style offerings, invites for return visits.
#7 Potiwa Pizza
12485 NE 6th Ct, North Miami, FL 33161
(305) 456-5152
In 2017, I took at culinary journey through Haiti. I discovered the island’s vibrant and delectable cuisine, including Haitian pizza. Potiwa Pizza offers a fusion of traditional toppings with Haitian flair. Their menu boasts a range of options, including griot, conch, seafood, and lobster—key proteins in Haitian cooking. Opting for the Griot Pizza, I was delighted by its bold flavors and tender pork infused with tangy citrus notes from the sour orange marinade.
This unique Haitian twist on pizza features a tomato-based sauce infused with bold seasonings and veggies like bell peppers, parsley, onions, and garlic. The thin, freshly baked crust offers a crispy edge and chewy texture, while mozzarella cheese adds creamy richness. Blending Italian and Haitian flavors, POTIWA PIZZA delivers a culinary experience unlike any other, earning an exceptional rating from our team.
#6 Down North Pizza
2804 W Lehigh Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19132
(215) 377-9787
Down North Pizza in North Philly isn’t just your typical neighborhood slice joint—it’s a testament to one of my favorite cities in American, Detroit, MI. Each of our pies were unique with a doughy center, generous cheese, and a charred crust. Their 10 Detroit-style specialty pizzas, named after hip-hop songs, offer unique toppings like garlic honey drizzle, beef pepperoni, onions, and lamb sausage. Yet, it’s the simplicity of their Roc The Mic cheese pizza—featuring beef pepperoni, mozzarella, and Norf Sauce—that steals the show, with its flavorful sauce and razor-thin pepperoni.
Outside of crafting delicious pizza, the company is committed to empowering the community by exclusively hiring previously incarcerated individuals—an initiative boldly displayed through a mural advocating for an end to mass incarceration. Whether you’re seeking a quick bite or a reward for productivity, Down North Pizza delivers some of the city’s finest pies—perfect for any occasion.
#5 Plant Based Pizzeria
730 Barnett St NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
Phone: (404) 835-9834
Atlanta’s first entirely plant-based pizza joint rolled out with incredible fanfare and did not disappoint. The pizzeria offers a healthy twist on pizza, with options like nut-free, soy-free, and yeast-free dough, made from spelt flour renowned for its heart-healthy benefits. Gluten-sensitive patrons can indulge in a cauliflower crust, boasting an earthy flavor and satisfying crispness. Their in-house made cashew cheese shatters stereotypes about vegan pizza once you sink your teeth in, not realizing your missing the dairy until you look up at their menu and see VEGAN!
Patrons have the liberty to customize their pies, with options like the Philly Pizza, a deconstructed take on the classic cheesesteak, and the tantalizing Georgia Peach, featuring spicy Beyond sausage and roasted peaches. With two locations and a food truck, Plant Based Pizzeria offers quick and delectable dining experiences. Dine-in at their Sandy Springs location or opt for pick-up at the location above, which is the easier option.
#4 Bird Pizzeria
510 E 15th St, Charlotte, NC 28206
www.birdpizzeria.com
This no frills pizzeria offers a delightful fusion of New York and Neapolitan styles, resulting in an exceptional dining experience. Their crust is a standout feature, blending the best of both worlds. I sampled two pizzas: a classic pepperoni and a custom pie with red onions, Italian sausage, mushrooms, and green peppers. The pepperoni pizza boasted a perfect New York-style thin crust, generous toppings, and harmonious flavors.
The second pizza showcased Neapolitan influence with a blistered crust and a symphony of fresh ingredients. Each bite offered a burst of flavor, showcasing the attention to detail and quality of ingredients. Bird Pizzeria’s fusion technique seamlessly marries the best elements of both pizza styles. With friendly service and a diverse menu, it’s a must-visit for pizza enthusiasts in Charlotte. To place an order, visit their website at https://www.birdpizzeria.com or physically drive to their location. Bird Pizzeria has secured its spot on my list of top pizzerias in the city.
#3 Williams Inn Pizza & Sports Bar
2210 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
Phone: (312) 753-3108
Amidst vibrant vibes and a lively atmosphere, we ordered Williams Inn’s iconic Chicago Deep Dish pizza, eagerly anticipating its arrival. Opting for a combination of sausage, mushrooms, green peppers, onions, fresh garlic, pepperoni, and Italian beef, we were treated to a flavor-packed delight. The thick, buttery crust, crisped to perfection with a hint of fried texture, stole the show. Layered generously with cheese, meat, and veggies, each component contributed to a harmonious balance of flavors. The star of the show was undeniably the decadent crust, elevating the entire dining experience. For those seeking an emblematic taste of Chicago’s food scene, Williams Inn Pizza & Sports is a must-visit destination. Side note, the pizza takes about an hour to create, so make sure you are not in a rush.
#2 Cuts & Slices
93 Howard Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11233
(718) 552-2652
In the annals of New York’s pizza lore, Lombardi’s holds a hallowed place as America’s first pizzeria, dating back to 1905. Yet, the city’s pizza scene continues to evolve, with newcomers like Cuts and Slices making waves in Brooklyn. While not featured on prominent “best of” lists, Cuts and Slices impresses with its innovative and delicious pies, challenging perceptions of what constitutes great pizza. With a dough that shines and flavors that honor Italian roots while pushing boundaries, Cuts and Slices is a standout in the borough.
Their Sweet Chili Oxtail Pizza steals the spotlight, offering tender meat and a perfect balance of heat and sweetness. The Jerk Chicken pizza follows suit, marrying fiery seasoning with cheese and sauce in celestial harmony. Though some selections like the garlic parmesan shrimp may fall short of expectations, Cuts and Slices’ commitment to quality and innovation shines through. Their vegan options further expand their appeal.
As part of a broader exploration of Black-owned eateries in New York, Cuts and Slices emerges as a standout destination, deserving of recognition among the city’s best pizzerias. For those seeking a culinary adventure, Cuts and Slices beckons with its memorable and crave-worthy offerings.
#1 Can A Brotha Get A Slice
1614 S Decatur St, Montgomery, AL 36104
(334) 316-5646
The Montgomery River Boat Brawl inspired us to explore the city’s Black-owned culinary scene, and Can a Brotha Get a Slice quickly emerged as a standout. This pizzeria has garnered acclaim for its unique approach to crafting doughy delights. The inviting aroma upon entry sets the stage for a culinary journey marked by carefully sourced ingredients and expertly crafted dough. The crust, a masterpiece of softness and chewiness, showcases the pizzaiolos’ dedication to perfecting their craft.
Toppings, ranging from classic to inventive, burst with flavor and cater to diverse palates. The harmonious blend of mozzarella and carefully selected ingredients ensures each slice offers a satisfyingly gooey experience. Beyond the exceptional food, Can a Brotha Get a Slice embodies community empowerment and celebrates diversity. Its commitment to providing exceptional service underscores its role as a culinary destination and symbol of inspiration.
While currently a no-frills take-out spot, plans for a hip dine-in space are underway, promising an elevated experience for patrons. If you find yourself in Montgomery, a visit to this hidden gem is a must for a truly extraordinary culinary experience.
