7 Tennessee Pizza Spots Where Deep Dish, Crispy Thin Crust, And Regional Favorites Steal The Show
Pizza loyalties can get surprisingly serious once crust enters the conversation. Some people want a thick, cheesy slice that needs a fork, while others swear by a thin, crisp base they can pick up with one hand.
Tennessee has room for both, along with regional styles that bring their own twists to the table. Square-cut tavern pies, Detroit-style slices with browned edges, and familiar neighborhood favorites all have something different to offer.
The fun is that no two stops have to taste alike. You might head out expecting classic deep dish and end up talking about a completely different crust on the drive home.
Seven pizza spots make a strong case for taking that drive, one slice at a time.
1. 312 Pizza Company
Any restaurant named after Chicago’s area code is making a bold promise. This Nashville pub backs it up with a menu built around Windy City favorites.
The star here is Chicago-style deep dish. Expect a thick crust with a crisp bottom, plenty of cheese, and a hearty layer of sauce.
Not in the mood for a knife-and-fork pie? You can order thin crust tavern-style pizza instead, the square-cut kind Chicago loves.
The menu goes beyond pizza too. Italian beef and Italian sausage show up, which feels right for a place this loyal to Chicago.
Vegetarians get plenty of love here. There’s a Deep Slice option and even a Veggie Chicago Dog with fries.
In fact, the kitchen offers a full vegetarian menu and a full vegan menu. That makes group orders much easier when everyone eats differently.
The range of choices means you don’t have to settle for the same order every time. A return visit could be all about the sandwiches, even if the deep dish brought you through the door.
The space itself is big and airy, with a rustic wood bar. It’s a casual spot that works for families, friends, and solo lunches.
Got a game to catch? The room is popular for watching sports, and there’s outdoor seating if the weather cooperates.
Plan around Tuesday, because the doors stay closed that day. Saturday afternoons and evenings tend to be the busiest stretch.
Reservations are accepted, which is handy for bigger groups. Dogs are welcome outside, so your four-legged friend can tag along too.
Address: 371 Monroe St, Nashville, TN 37208
2. Rotolo’s Craft & Crust
Memphis may be famous for barbecue, but Rotolo’s makes a strong case for pan pizza. Chicago-style deep dish sits right at the heart of this East Memphis menu.
The crust gets credit for being crispy, with toppings in good balance. Nobody likes a pie where one ingredient takes over.
Variety is another perk. Along with Chicago deep dish, you’ll find Detroit-style and thin crust options.
Hungry crowds can go big, since giant pizzas are part of the lineup. That’s a smart move for team dinners or birthday nights.
Choosing between all those pizza styles might be the hardest part of ordering. Bringing a few friends along makes it easier to sample more than one without taking home several boxes.
Save room for starters if you can. The cheese sticks are a house favorite, and calamari also earns praise.
Chicken Parmesan and wings show up for anyone who wants something beyond pizza. A full vegetarian menu helps too.
The patio is a nice bonus on mild Tennessee evenings. Inside, the setting is casual and works well for watching sports.
Live music is part of the mix here. That gives dinner a little extra energy without much effort on your part.
Families will find high chairs and a kids’ menu. Reservations are accepted, and the free lot usually has plenty of room.
Weekend evenings get busy, as you might guess. Lunch tends to be a calmer time to slide into a booth.
Address: 681 S White Station Rd, Memphis, TN 38117
3. Rosati’s Pizza
Corner pieces fans, this one’s for you. Rosati’s in Knoxville serves thin crust the Chicago way, sliced into squares instead of triangles.
That tavern-style thin crust is flaky and crisp. Square cuts mean more edge pieces to go around, which can save a few family arguments.
Deep dish is a big draw too. The Chicago Deep Dish comes thick-crusted, and a 10-inch size makes a solid meal for one or two.
Can’t decide between thin and thick? Rosati’s also offers a double dough crust, landing somewhere in the middle.
Toppings get high marks for quality. The sauce is a highlight, and hot wings round out the menu for anyone who wants a side.
There’s something satisfying about a pizza menu that gives you several ways to enjoy the same classic dish. Trying a different crust on your next visit is an easy excuse to return.
Pasta and sandwiches are on the board as well. That helps when someone in your crew isn’t craving pizza, somehow.
This Rosati’s location sits in Brookview Centre, and parking is usually easy. The restaurant advertises carryout and delivery, making it convenient to enjoy your pizza at home.
The mood leans casual and quiet. It’s family-friendly, with a kids’ menu for younger eaters.
Late hunger strikes? Weekend hours run until 11 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
Reservations aren’t taken, so just show up. Delivery and takeout are options when the couch is calling your name.
Address: 234 Brookview Centre Way #109, Knoxville, TN 37919
4. Broadway Pizza
Elvis memorabilia and crispy pizza make a very Memphis combination. Broadway Pizza delivers both in a humble spot on Broad Avenue.
The crust is the main event. Expect a thinner, crisp base that many compare to Chicago-style thin crust.
Sausage lovers, take note. The well-seasoned meat is a big reason this place stands out.
Toppings come in thick layers here. Pair that with a slightly sweet sauce, and you get a pie with plenty of personality.
Broadway Pizza specializes in old-fashioned Memphis-style pies with generous toppings and plenty of cheese. You can choose from several topping combinations, depending on your mood.
There’s something appealing about a pizza place that sticks to familiar favorites while giving you different ways to enjoy them. Ordering a couple of different pies for the table is a good way to see which crust wins everyone over.
Not feeling pizza? Burgers, sandwiches, and wings fill out the menu, while vegetarian pizza options offer another choice.
The room has a historic, casual feel that fits the neighborhood. It draws college students, groups, and tourists alike.
Expect a wait at busy times, especially Friday evenings and Saturdays. A little patience goes a long way here.
Night owls have options. Doors stay open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
A private dining room can host bigger gatherings. Families get high chairs and a kids’ menu, and free parking is usually easy to find.
Address: 2581 Broad Ave, Memphis, TN 38112
5. Little Chicago Pizzeria And Grill
Bold-colored walls and a 2 AM weekend closing time? This little Nashville pizzeria clearly isn’t shy.
Chicago-style deep dish is the headliner. The crust is rich and buttery, topped with plenty of cheese and flavorful toppings.
Pepperoni deep dish is a smart first order. It shows off a well-cooked crust with a satisfying crunch.
Prefer something lighter? The thin crust gets its own fans, thanks to great toppings and a tasty bite.
Customers who need gluten-free options should check with the restaurant before ordering. Checking ahead can help customers determine whether the menu meets their dietary needs.
Having several crust choices makes it easier to keep everyone at the table happy. You could even switch things up on a return visit and find yourself with a completely different favorite.
The menu stretches past pizza into global comfort food. Vegetarian choices such as the Garden Fresh and Margherita pizzas add more variety.
Ordering happens at the counter, with no table service. It keeps things casual and quick.
Timing matters here, so check the clock. The shop opens in the afternoon and stays closed on Mondays.
Friday and Saturday nights run until 2 AM. That makes it a handy stop after a late concert or study session near Midtown.
Delivery, curbside pickup, and takeout are all options. Free on-site parking helps if you decide to eat in.
Address: 614 18th Avenue N, Nashville, TN 37203
6. Slice House by Tony Gemignani
Commitment issues with pizza styles? Slice House on Franklin’s Main Street lets you sample by the slice.
The concept comes from Tony Gemignani, a well-known name in the pizza world. Here, his menu covers several styles under one roof.
Detroit-style pizza is on the list. So are thin and hand-tossed options, plus unique prebuilt topping combos.
Thin crust fans should look for the New York-style slices. They come extra thin and crispy, with no floppy fold required.
Ordering by the slice is a real advantage. You can try a Detroit-style slice and a crispy New York-style slice in one sitting.
It’s also a convenient way to settle a debate over which pizza style tastes better. Everyone can pick their own favorite without committing to an entire pie.
The service is fast-casual, so you order at the counter. It’s quick enough for a lunch break between downtown shops.
Vegetarian and vegan eaters get full menus of their own. That keeps mixed groups happy without any extra planning.
Outdoor seating is available, which suits a stroll through historic downtown Franklin. Inside, the vibe stays casual and trendy.
Hours run from 11 AM daily, closing at 8 PM most nights. Fridays and Saturdays stretch to 9 PM.
Wednesday evenings tend to be the busiest. Delivery and catering are also offered for parties or office lunches.
Address: 98 E Main St, Franklin, TN 37064
7. Stefanos Pizza
A cast-iron skillet does some serious work at this Hardin Valley favorite. Stefanos bakes its Chicago-style deep dish in one, and the crust shows it.
Expect a thick, buttery crust with a soft inside. The edges come out well-done and crispy.
Toppings arrive in generous amounts. The tomato sauce leans mild, letting the crust and cheese shine.
Looking for a signature order? The Windy City Special is a standout pick on the menu.
Thin crust is also available for build-your-own pies. Italian sausage and pepperoni make a classic pairing.
Sharing a deep dish with the table is a good excuse to slow down and enjoy dinner. That thick crust makes each slice feel like a meal of its own, especially once you add your favorite toppings.
The appetizers bring some Southern fun. Fried pickles and deep-fried banana peppers show up next to the wings.
Sandwich fans can grab a Philly cheesesteak. It’s a solid backup plan for anyone sitting out the pizza.
The atmosphere is lively and casual. It’s good for watching sports, and outdoor seating gives you another option.
Thursday and Friday evenings are the busiest times. Reservations aren’t accepted, so arriving early can help.
Families will find high chairs and a kids’ menu. It’s a fitting final stop for a Tennessee pizza road trip, buttery crust and all.
Address: 10573 Hardin Valley Rd, Knoxville, TN 37932