Okay, pizza enthusiasts, take heed! There exists a universally accepted fact that speaks to all who have ever sought comfort in a saucy, cheesy pie: everybody loves pizza night. Perhaps that’s indulging in the pleasure of building one’s own homemade masterpiece, or rather, tossing a frozen marvel into the oven. But come on, a lot of times, the real magic occurs when you press that ‘order’ button for delivery or takeout, chasing down that ideal balance of convenience and yum. We’ve all stood there, gazing at the bottomless supply of fast-food pizzerias, trying to determine which one will actually check all the boxes.
At Thrillist, we’re not merely about saying what’s good; we’re about showing you the way to the best. And in our search for the ultimate takeout and delivery experience, we undertook an epic taste test, taking into account all the key variables. We took great care in assessing the crust, the sauce, and, naturally, the wonderful selection of pizza toppings. For this grand experiment, we played it simple: a medium (or equivalent) pizza, standard crust, and classic cheese or reliable pepperoni as the topping of choice.
Sbarro
Sbarro, often a beacon of cheesy goodness in the bustling landscape of mall food courts, might not be the first place that springs to mind for a takeout pizza night, but let us tell you, it’s an experience worth having. This New York-style pizza holds its own surprisingly well for takeout, capturing a taste of Brooklyn right in your own home. It really does deliver a piece of that old, by-the-slice nostalgia, but with the bonus of being able to order a whole pie.
What really distinguishes Sbarro is its devotion to that classic New York char on the crust. It’s that lovely, slightly darkened edge that promises true oven heat and a chewy bite. Aside from the crust, the sauce makes a strong impression as well; it has a great fresh-tomato flavor that avoids the overly processed or cloying notes that taint so many other chain versions.
The pepperoni rounds on Sbarro’s pizzas are great, possessing the perfect crispness fresh out of the oven that provides an enjoyable textural contrast. Our only small complaint, though, was that the crust slid a little too doughy to be completely authentic to an actual New York-style experience. That said, this is a tiny nitpick in the big picture. The good news? You can have a whole pizza to share among friends, and it tastes the same, even when reheated by the slice afterwards.
Toppers
When embarking on a quest for fast-food pizza perfection, the crust is often the holy grail, and Toppers comes remarkably close to achieving it. Their crust strikes a fantastic balance, offering a satisfying chew without ever crossing into that dreaded doughy territory. It provides the ideal foundation for all the deliciousness piled on top, holding up beautifully to every bite.
Though we truly enjoyed the taste of their pepperoni, our tongues yearned for a bit more of that satisfying char on the edges – a small thing, but one that might elevate it into genuine legend. In addition to their masterfully designed standard pies, Toppers has a large and adventurous menu, full of crazy and amazing pizza concoctions, as well as enticing desserts, wings, breadsticks, and a massive selection of dipping sauces. That alone is guarantee enough to offer unlimited opportunities for repeat visits.
Little Caesar’s
Little Caesar’s just blew us away. We dug into their appropriately named EXTRAMOSTBESTEST pepperoni pizza, and from the first bite, we were totally smitten. This is not only a value option; it’s a genuine pizza epiphany.
Every last bite of the EXTRAMOSTBESTEST pie was plentifully loaded with immaculately crunchy slices of pepperoni, bringing that welcome crunch and meaty punch we demand. The sauce was also a success, with wonderful tomato flavor that sported a pleasant but subtle kick. It’s obvious that care was taken with the basic components here.
Little Caesar’s really hit it out of the park on crust. It found that perfect balance, crispy on the outside, providing a delightful crumble, yet remaining beautifully fluffy on the inside. This integrity of structure allows it to hold all those tasty toppings without giving way. The cost simply cannot be beat for the quality you get.
Costco
Costco provides an experience that consistently ranks as tops for its bang-for-your-buck. For about $10, you can leave with a hot-out-of-the-oven 18-inch pizza, ready to feed a substantial crowd. That’s a huge plus, enabling you to easily switch from a warehouse grocery shopping spree to a cozy, fulfilling family pizza night hassle-free.
Aside from the indisputable worth, the pizza itself is good. The crust is happily chewy and good to eat, although it does tip slightly on the doughy side. The sauce is tasty but nothing to write home about.
They don’t cut corners on the toppings, providing a full and filling allocation throughout the pie as a whole. Although the options are limited to basic cheese or pepperoni, the constraints serve to keep the prices down. Costco’s pizza is a clear winner that does its part in providing value and satisfaction with every delivery.
Dave & Buster’s
Dave & Buster’s showed up as a big surprise winner in our taste test. Described as a flatbread, this pizza comes in a signature long rectangle and is carefully cut into rustic-style wedges. That quirky presentation is a good predictor of the tasty surprises inside.
The flatbread was topped with a sauce that was nothing less than beautiful, providing an extremely well-balanced taste that perfectly complemented the other ingredients. The crust was fulfilling, with a flavorful base that was not too thick or too thin.
The pepperoni toppings were the real winner. Dave & Buster’s employs two varieties of pepperoni in two different sizes. This considerate layering provided a distinct texture and flavor nuance that we quite frankly hadn’t previously experienced. This pizza isn’t merely good; it’s an experience.
Giordano’s
Giordano’s served up a tasty experience with its thin crust variety. We were impressed with the crust, which was perfectly balanced between crispness and flavor, giving the entire pie a strong foundation. Its golden-brown edges suggested careful baking.
The sauce elevated the experience, boasting a delightfully herbaceous quality that hinted at fresh ingredients. While the cheese was generous and gooey, it sometimes overshadowed the more delicate flavors. Even so, the pizza’s overall quality shone brightly.
Despite the cheese-heavy profile, this was a pie that promised and delivered a memorable meal. Giordano’s stands out for more than just deep-dish. It’s definitely one to seek out.
Mod
Mod Pizza has a build-your-own offering with a whopping, seemingly endless selection of options. For our review, we tried a simple combination – old-fashioned cheese and pepperoni – spread across their signature thin crust. The crust was grease-free and provided a pleasant chew.
The unlimited options for customization turn Mod into more than an afterthought pizza stop – it’s a taste adventure. Although the pie we tried was a delicious personal pizza, it’s best suited to solo consumption rather than serving a group.
The convenience angle also won high praise. Their website ordering site was simple, and pickup was slick. Mod is a highest recommendation for a high-quality, customizable pizza experience.
Lou Malnati’s
Lou Malnati’s wowed us with its exceptional thin crust pizza. The crust here was an absolute standout, proving that their mastery extends beyond the deep dish. It had a wonderfully developed flavor profile and nuanced taste.
The crust’s thoughtful balance allowed the other ingredients to shine. Lou Malnati’s also cuts its thin crust pizzas into squares, making them perfect for sharing.
The tomato sauce exploded with deep, herb-heavy flavors. Each bite was a victory of quality and masterful seasoning. Lou Malnati’s thin crust pizza was an elite contender deserving of reorder.
Papa Murphy’s
Papa Murphy’s excels with its standout “take and bake” business model. You take home an unbaked pizza and bake it in your own oven. It’s easy and seamless.
All pizzas come on a solid tray, ready to top and bake. An explicit instruction card ensures golden brown perfection. The outcome? A pie that tastes surprisingly fresher than ordinary takeout.
The crust was excellent – crispy and chewy in all the correct areas. Cheese and toppings were well-proportioned and juicy. Papa Murphy’s ran above and beyond and was deliciously fresh.
Domino’s
Domino’s was among the top performers. Its online ordering is top-notch, with features such as scheduled delivery and a full Pizza Tracker. Quality and convenience come together here.
But the crust took center stage. The best-tasting one we had, the crust was stunningly crisp with a brush of an herb mix that added a burst of more flavor. Domino’s showed it is possible for convenience and quality to go together.
And there you have it, pizza fans, our ultimate list of the chains that really rise above the rest. From mall staples to take-and-bake conveniences, these choices highlight the tasty variety waiting on your next order. Whether you’re looking for a traditional slice or a custom work of art, this list is your ticket to improved pizza nights. Life’s too short for subpar pizza!
