The Magic City is full of great pizza joints serving everything from artisanal pies to good ol’ pepperoni-topped classics — delighting everyone from the most discerning epicures to broods of hungry kids! From Hawaiian barbecue with chicken and pineapple to Southern “soul pies” featuring collards, black-eyed peas, and Conecuh sausage, the mouthwatering creations from Birmingham’s pizza scene keep us coming back for more! Here are 16 local pizza places worth their weight in cheese.
Slice Pizza & Brewhouse
Lakeview: 725 29th St S, Birmingham, AL 35233 • (205) 715-9300
Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Vestavia Hills: 3104 Timberlake Dr, Vestavia Hills, AL 35243 • (205) 557-5423
Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Slice takes a twist on the classic pizza, using local, seasonal ingredients and constantly exploring new combinations. Executive Chef Terrill Brazelton’s mouthwatering, made-from-scratch crust recipe ensures that diners won’t be able to pass it up. “We use techniques that enable us to get the most flavors out of our ingredients,” says Chef Terrill, “such as braising the chicken and slow roasting all of our tomatoes.”
While the pepperoni pizza is always a crowd-pleaser, Chef Terrill says the BBQ pizza with smoked brisket gives the classic pepperoni a run for its money. Additionally, he says, “The Soul Pie is one that doesn’t get ordered as often, but it has everything you love about the South — a white-sauce base topped with turnip greens, black-eyed peas, Conecuh sausage, grilled red onion, pepper Jack cheese, and cheddar cheese.” If pizza’s not your speed, try the fire-baked wings. “It takes two days to make them to perfection, but once you try them, you won’t forget them,” says the chef.
The Soul Pie at Slice includes turnip greens, black-eyed peas, Conecuh sausage, grilled red onion, bacon, pepper Jack, and cheddar cheese.
Slim’s Pizzeria
65 Church St, Mountain Brook, AL 35213 • (205) 848-2706
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday
Turn pizza night into a romantic date night at Slim’s Pizzeria. This elevated pizza joint opened in 2020 and has had a steady line out the door since. The black-and-white checkered floors, marble countertops, vintage-inspired decor, and moody lighting turn this neighborhood pizzeria into a sophisticated yet approachable dining experience.
Slim’s cocktail menu isn’t to be missed, with Aperol spritzes and martinis (especially espresso martinis) that rival the best of them. Be sure to share an appetizer like the Burrata, marinated olives, or baked gulf shrimp. The seasonal pies are ever-changing, but the Hot Honey is a crowd favorite. Pepperoni, mozzarella, chili, honey, and jalapeño combine on Slim’s thin crust for the ultimate sweet-and-spicy bite. Finish the meal with Slim’s selection of ice cream from Big Spoon Creamery or a slice of cheesecake.
Slim’s Pizzeria’s pies are made with the freshest ingredients. Image: Kenslie McGuire at Slim’s Pizzeria
The Filling Station Bham
5524 Crestwood Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35212 • (205) 592-3455
Hours: Open daily, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Lifelong Crestwood resident Bobby Lorino spent years looking at the vacant gas station along Crestwood Boulevard. When he eyed the spot, he envisioned a hopping gathering place, hip eatery, and familiar watering hole for the neighborhood locals. Eventually, Bobby and his business partner, Pat Sanford, made the dream a reality. With garage doors that open onto the sprawling patio during warmer months, a tap wall of 24 ever-rotating beers, a thoughtfully curated wine selection, and creative menu offerings (all made from scratch), The Filling Station is a neighborhood favorite.
The dough is made fresh up to four times daily, which is what makes their most popular pies, the House Special and the Sicilian Meats, so outstanding. In addition to the mouthwatering pizzas, The Filling Station serves calzones, hoagies, paninis, creative salads, and daily specials that feature different kinds of pasta, flatbreads, and a menu for the kiddos! If you’re not in the mood for pizza, try the wildly popular house burger or Mama Lorino’s lasagna.
The Hawaiian Bar-B-Que Chicken pizza at The Filling Station includes grilled, barbecued chicken breast, applewood smoked bacon, Bermuda onions, fresh pineapple, Virginia ham, and leaf cilantro.
Post Office Pies
Downtown: 209 41st St S, Birmingham, AL 35222 • (205) 599-9900
Hours: Open daily, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Mountain Brook: 270 Rele St, Mountain Brook, AL 35223 • (205) 848-2092
Hours: Open daily, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Post Office Pies owner and Head Chef John Hall cut his culinary teeth in New York City, training under world-renowned chefs at Gramercy Tavern, Thomas Keller’s Per Se, and Momofuku Ssäm Bar. Seemingly unable to get enough of the kitchen by day, he ran a bicycle pizza delivery service out of his apartment by night! When he returned to Birmingham, he returned to his hometown of Avondale, working at SAW’s Soul Kitchen, where he met co-owners Brandon Cain and Mike Wilson. In March 2014, Post Office Pies was founded in the old Avondale Post Office, and the atmosphere has been magnetic. The food’s great, too — most notably the Swine Pie, which includes a red base, pepperoni, housemade pork sausage, bacon, and mozzarella.
Post Office Pies not only makes dough from scratch but also many of its ingredients. Any ingredients not made in-house are locally sourced, making their seasonal salads (like brussels sprouts and kale in the winter and a Caprese salad in the summer) outstanding. If you’re not in the market for a hot slice, they also offer housemade meatballs, cheese bread, and Caesar salad.
Pepperoni pizza topped with fresh basil at Post Office Pies.
Troup’s Pizza
Heights Village, 3144, Vestavia Hills, AL 35243 • (205) 536-6860
Hours: Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m, to 9 p.m.; Sunday and Monday, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Chef Terrill Brazelton is dedicated to sourcing local foods and supporting local farmers. Troup’s Pizza serves up delicious, unpretentious pies, sandwiches, and salads, and they’ve been voted Best Pizza in Vestavia Hills for the past two years, which happen to be their first two years in business.
Don’t miss out on tasty appetizers including the giant meatball and smoke brisket chili, fresh salads, and creative pizzas including the The Hills pie which combines braised beef short rib, arugula, shaved red onions, smoked Roma tomatoes, shaved parmesan, horseradish aioli and marinara.
Go for The Hills pizza at Troup’s Pizza! Image: Troup’s Pizza
Lé Fresca
2218 2nd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203 • (205) 593-4241
Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday
Lé Fresca is a Downtown favorite for a reason. The robust wine selection is rivaled only by the stellar food, starting with antipasti like octopus and new potato salad, little neck clams, and beef carpaccio. Pastas and entrées also stand out, but you’d be remiss not to order a pizza for the table.
Classic options like a Margherita or Suprema pizza are sure to delight, as are the specialty pies, including the Diavola, which combines hot salami and chile flakes or the Capricciosa, featuring prosciutto cotto, mushrooms, artichokes, and black olives. Don’t grab the check before indulging in authentic Italian desserts, including olive oil cake or tiramisu.
Lé Fresca’s Porky pizza features spicy salami, house-made sausage, and bacon. Image: Lé Fresca
Trattoria Zaza
207A 20th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203 • (205) 202-6207
Hours: Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Trattoria Zaza’s Roman-style pizza al taglio has been a Birmingham favorite for years. Their staple selections include the Spicy Swineapple with bacon, ham, Calabrian chilies, pineapple, charred onion, tomato, and chili oil, and the Tbone, which includes prosciutto, potato, gorgonzola, and rosemary. Keep an eye out for the limited-run pie selections, which are available while supplies last.
If you’re looking for more than pizza, go for one of the daily specials, which range from handmade pasta to chicken scallopini, fried Brussels, or baked feta. Be sure to stop by for brunch and order a breakfast pizza (by the slice only) that includes bacon, sausage, hash browns, scallions, and fried egg.
You won’t find another slice like Trattoria Zaza’s in the city. Image: Trattoria Zaza
Bettola
2930 3rd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233 • (205) 731-6499
Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday
If you want to be transported to Italy, the cuisine at Bettola will do the trick. Award-winning Chef James Lewis’s signature Neapolitan pizzas are made from scratch using Caputo flour delivered directly from Italy. This authentic Italian dough is then hand-tossed and wood-fired in Bettola’s brick oven from Naples. The result is a beautifully thin crust with pillowy, crisp edges topped with locally sourced meats and vegetables.
Located in historic Pepper Place, this culinary mecca of authentic eats from Italy’s Campania region also serves gorgeous charcuterie plates, authentic handmade pasta, salads featuring farm-fresh produce, craft cocktails, and fabulous wines that perfectly complement these beautiful dishes. If you want an authentic slice of Italy, Bettola is the place!
Pies & Pints
125 20th St S, Birmingham, AL 35233 • (205) 716-1085
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Located in Downtown Birmingham, Pies & Pints (a franchise that opened its doors in Birmingham a few years back) is the ideal spot to grab a slice before (or after!) walking down the iconic Rotary Trail. The eatery is also known for its extensive beer list and plenty of TVs, making it the spot for a game-day hang. If you’re feeling adventurous, go for the featured Peppadew Pie, which includes red onion, bacon, goat cheese, and peppadews. It’s finished with parmesan, honey, and fresh herbs.
Creative combinations continue with specialty pies, including street corn, grape, gorgonzola, or Sriracha Shrimp. Of course, classic favorites and make-your-own options are also available, as are tasty starters like the Char-Grilled Hot Wings and Rosemary and Garlic Flatbread.
Split your pizza toppings in half at Pies & Pints! Image: U! Creative and Pies & Pints
Pizza GRACE
2212 Morris Ave Suite 105, Birmingham, AL 35203 • (205) 644-5221
Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 8 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday
Pizza GRACE is the newest addition to Birmingham’s pizza scene, and it’s already gaining national recognition thanks to a James Beard nomination for ‘Best New Restaurant’ in 2022. Located on historic Morris Avenue inside Mercantile on Morris, patrons walk up the city’s beloved cobblestone street to meet exposed brick, an open kitchen, industrial decor, and an already-iconic neon ‘Pizza Grace’ sign.
Neopolitan pizzas are available in a selection of seasonally driven and locally sourced flavors, including the Sweet and Smokey, featuring Benton’s bacon lardon, Spotted Trotter Southern Smash salami, pineapple, toasted sesame seeds, pickled hot peppers, chives, and a fig habañero glaze. Oh, and don’t skip the fresh, ever-changing salads and garlic bread.
Enjoy a slice along Morris Avenue at Pizza GRACE. Image: Ryan Westover, Chef and Owner of Pizza GRACE
Davenport’s Pizza Palace
Mountain Brook: 2837 Cahaba Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223 • (205) 879-8603
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Vestavia Hills: 700 Montgomery Hwy Unit 193, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 • (205) 407-4747
Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Davenport’s Pizza Palace is where tradition rules. Opening in 1964, the original owner, Rex Hollis, named the place Jim Davenport’s Pizza Palace after his friend who, as it happens, had just played for the San Fransisco Giants in the World Series. Over fifty years of history make this restaurant a delicious choice for a timeless meal.
Davenport’s Pizza Palace is a favorite hangout for locals and family dinners. The no-nonsense menu speaks for itself. There are two main options: pizza or salad. Order the beloved “Jim Special,” a pizza topped with house-made tomato sauce, cheese, beef, pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, and green peppers, and you won’t be disappointed.
Heavy on the cheese, please! Grab a “Jim Special” at Davenport’s Pizza Palace.
Pizzeria GM
600 Oak Grove Rd, Homewood, AL 35209 • (205) 905-3266
Hours: Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; closed
Everyone knows (and loves) GianMarco’s in Homewood. The iconic Italian restaurant was opened in 2003 by the familial trio Giovanni, Giani, and Marco Respinto. The restaurant is sophisticated, romantic, and arguably one of the most adored restaurants in Birmingham. More than a decade later, the Respinto family opened a second restaurant with a more casual, family-friendly feel.
Located in West Homewood near Patriot Park since 2018, Pizzeria GM has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The restaurant serves New York-style pizzas, pasta, salads, sandwiches, and small plates — most for under $15. The big meatball with Sunday sauce, melted mozzarella, and fresh basil is a small-plate favorite. The unique pimento cheese pizza is unbelievable, topped with Conecuh sausage, bacon, onions, and fresh jalapeño. To top it all off, indulge in the Nutella and hazelnut-filled bomboloni for dessert. It’s not possible to leave Pizzeria GM hungry!
Iron City Pizza Company
2005 11th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205 • (205) 847-4396
Hours: Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; closed Monday and Tuesday
All of Iron City Pizza Company’s pies are made from scratch daily. Partnering with local farms to source the highest quality, freshest ingredients, everything the eatery serves — from the dough to bread to sauces and dressings — is made in-house daily by Chef Dustin Allin. Creative cocktails, five different margaritas, and an ever-evolving draft beer selection are also available to complement the eats.
Start your meal with fresh Cheesy Garlic Foccacia, meatballs, or a charcuterie plate before moving on to any one of the Birmingham-inspired pizzas, including the Magic City Margherita, Vulcan Veggie, Cahaba Caprese, or Southside Supreme. Don’t miss out on the selection of salads, and save room for the cannolis or seasonal bread pudding for dessert.
Celebrate Five Points with Iron City Pizza Company’s Five Meats pie. Image: Iron City Pizza Company
Tortugas Pizza
1304 2nd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233 • (205) 730-9249
Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 8 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday
If you’re looking for a Chicago-style pie, Tortugas is the place to be. The menu includes cheese-stuffed Chicago pizza and a selection of tasty combinations like vegetarian, Hawaiian, BBQ, or traditional Italian sausage with green bell peppers, mushrooms, onion, and fresh garlic.
The thin-crust pizza comes in a selection of sizes, and pizza by the slice is also available. Don’t forget to snag some garlic bread and a salad, and don’t miss out on the homemade lasagna (meat and vegetarian options) and pizza subs. Try the classic cheese sub, or go big with a meatball sub filled with marinara, mozzarella, and a house blend of spices.
DeVinci’s
2707 18th St S, Birmingham, AL 35209 • (205) 879-1455
Hours: Open daily, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
DeVinci’s Pizza is a Birmingham dining staple located in the heart of Homewood. Opened in 1965, the pizzeria has earned its keep as an iconic location for the perfect slice in a warm, friendly atmosphere. With a choice of four different sizes, order a “MasterPizza” from the menu or create your own work of art. The fittingly titled Mona Lisa pizza is a fan favorite, topped with pepperoni, sausage, ground beef, ham, mushrooms, onions, black olives, green peppers, and double cheese. The stuffed mushroom caps are a must-try on the starter menu, and the pasta is perfect for a classic Italian meal. Cheese tortellini and baked ziti are just a few of the delicious choices.
The Rene is a pizza with pesto sauce, scallops, shrimp, red and yellow peppers, tomatoes, and double cheese at DeVinci’s! Image: DeVinci’s
Dave’s Pizza
1819 29th Ave S, Homewood, AL 35209 • (205) 871-3283
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.; closed Monday
Dave’s Pizza is a Homewood staple, and the atmosphere and staff will have you feeling right at home. Can’t-miss appetizers, including the Bruschetta, stuffed mushrooms, and buffalo wings, are the only way to start the meal, followed by favorite pizzas, including the SuperDave, featuring pepperoni, Canadian bacon, Italian and pork sausages, chopped bacon, mushrooms, red and green bell peppers, red onion, and green and black olives.
If you want to try something different, go for the Thai Pie, which features coconut curry sauce, grilled chicken, pineapple, zucchini, and goat cheese. Alternatively, stray from pizza and try one of their famous sandwiches served on a white roll that’s baked fresh daily. Build-your-own pies, plenty of beer and wine options, a kid’s menu, calzones, salads, and desserts are also available.
Dig in, BHAM!
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