Experience Downtown Blog

A Pizza My Heart: Downtown Milwaukee's Pizza Guide

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If there’s one food that brings people together, it’s pizza. Whether you love thin crust, deep dish, or wood-fired perfection, Downtown Milwaukee has a slice for all taste buds. With National Pizza Day fast approaching on Sunday, Feb. 9, what better way to celebrate the honorary day and Super Bowl LIX than by indulging in the best slices Downtown Milwaukee has to offer? From iconic institutions to hidden gems, we’ve rounded up the top spots to grab a slice (or a whole pie) in honor of the cheesiest holiday of the year.

Brick 3 - The Late-Night Favorite 
1107 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
Must Try: Buffalo Mac N Cheese 
Sometimes, the best pizza is the one you eat at 1am. Brick3 stays open late on weekends, serving hot slices to night owls and bar-hoppers alike. Their massive New York slices and unique flavor combos make this place a must visit when hunger strikes after dark.

Calderone Club - The Classic 
842 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
Must Try: Calderone Special 
The classic old-school touches really make Calderone Club a staple restaurant in Milwaukee. The recipe for Calderone’s pies comes from the Caradaro Club, a pioneer of the Milwaukee thin-crust style dating back to 1945, making it one of the oldest – and one of the best – pizza recipes in Wisconsin.

Flourchild - The Modern & Trendy
722 N. Milwaukee Street
Must Try: Truffle Shuffle 
If you’re into creative flavors and Instagram worthy pies, Flourchild is the place for you. Their menu features fun and unique pizza toppings like maplewood bacon, cheese curds, and even cream cheese, giving pizza lovers a fresh take on a classic dish!

Ian’s Pizza - The Staple Spot 
145 E. Juneau Avenue 
Must Try: Mac N Cheese Pizza 
A staple in MKE’s pizza scene, Ian’s has been serving up slices since 2001! Their exciting recipes incorporate local ingredients and strive to make the perfect New York-style pizza to wow your taste buds. With multiple locations in Milwaukee and Madison, their iconic pizza makes it a go-to for both locals and tourists.

Pizza Shuttle Slice Shop - The Quick and Tasty 
3rd Street Market Hall – 275 W. Wisconsin Avenue
Must Try: The Mona Lisa
The Pizza Shuttle Slice Shop has been serving up glorious pizza since 1985, and a new location just opened at the 3rd Street Market Hall in June 2024. On your lunch break, or stopping by with friends, this Pizza Shuttle location is the perfect way to spend your lunch hour.

Proof Pizza at Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel - The Fast and Casual 
139 E. Kilbourn Avenue
Must Try: Margherita 
Looking for a small neighborhood pizza joint? Proof Pizza is a delicious and casual pizzeria that balances old world-character with a modern twist. Located in the heart of downtown, it’s the perfect place to enjoy classic pizza options whenever your cravings hit.

San Giorgio - The Best Neapolitan Style 
838 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
Must Try: Maria Carmella
For an authentic taste of Italy in Milwaukee San Giorgio is a must try! Fresh and naturally fermented pizza dough is a non-negotiable for head chef Gino Fazzari, who follows the strict standards of the authentic Vera Pizza Napoletana. Who knew you could get wood-fired pizza from the origins of Naples, Italy right here in Wisconsin?

State Street Pizza Pub - Pies & Plays
322 W. State Street
Must Try: “Shut Your Mouth” BBQ Pizza 
More than just a great pizza spot, State Street Pizza Pub is a sports pub. They bring their passion for service and community into every slice! Known for their delicious thin crust pizza and their 17 TVs, this spot is a must-visit for those who want to catch the big game while enjoying top-tier pizza.

Header image courtesy of Flourchild Pizza