There is a spot in a historic Ohio river town where people who moved away years ago come back and light up the moment they walk through the door. A brick-fired oven runs steady, homemade soups and salads share the menu with slices you can grab on the go, and a familiar crust keeps drawing folks in from across state lines.
Word travels fast when a beloved name opens a new location, and this one had regulars celebrating before they even tasted it. What makes people cross a bridge just to pick up a box?
Why do former locals call it the best in the valley? Keep reading, because this little restaurant has earned every bit of the buzz, and the story behind those slices is worth the trip.
A River-Town Address Worth Remembering
Right at 231 2nd St in Marietta, Ohio, The Original Pizza Place holds down a corner of one of the oldest towns in the state. Marietta sits where the Muskingum meets the Ohio River, and the downtown streets carry plenty of character.
The restaurant fits that setting well. The location is presentable and tidy, the kind of place that feels put together the moment you arrive.
What sets it apart from a quick-stop counter is the range. You can pop in for a slice, sit down for a full plate, or call ahead for delivery to a nearby hotel.
Folks who grew up in the Ohio Valley recognize the name instantly. For many, seeing it open in Marietta felt like a small homecoming after years away.
The Name That Traveled Across the Valley
Long before the Marietta location existed, families in the region already knew this pizza. Some remember picking it up near Parkersburg High School and carrying it home for gatherings that turned into cherished traditions.
One story that circulates involves a brother from Columbus who never found a pizza he loved more, and who slowly turned his whole family into devoted fans on every visit back.
That kind of loyalty is rare. People who left the area for two decades still talk about how the taste held up, better than they remembered it.
When the Marietta spot opened, longtime followers were thrilled. The name carried real weight, and the reopening felt like reconnecting with an old friend rather than trying something new.
Brick-Fired Ovens Doing the Heavy Lifting
Part of the appeal here comes down to how the pizza gets made. The kitchen runs brick-fired ovens, and that method shows up in the finished crust.
Regulars often single out the crust as the star. Descriptions land on that sweet spot of chewy yet crisp, the sort of texture that makes a slice satisfying without feeling heavy.
There is genuine passion in the operation. The team clearly cares about the food, and that pride comes through in the homemade touches scattered across the menu.
A brick oven is not just for show. It gives the pizza a foundation that many other shops in the area simply cannot match, and it keeps people coming back for more.
Slices, Styles, and a Menu With Range
Choice is a big draw at this Marietta stop. The menu covers thin crust, New York style, deep dish, and Sicilian, so there is a shape and thickness for just about everyone.
The Sicilian earns steady praise, with the Wise Guy version getting called flavorful and crunchy without turning greasy. Thick crust pepperoni also has a strong following among returning fans.
Pizza by the slice makes this an easy lunch stop. You can grab a couple of slices and be on your way, which regulars appreciate on a busy afternoon.
The interesting menu extends beyond the usual, giving you room to explore. It is the kind of lineup that rewards a second visit so you can try something new.
Gluten-Free and Cauliflower Crust Options
Not everyone eats the same way, and this spot leaves room for that. Gluten-free options come up often among the things people mention most.
Cauliflower crust makes the list too, giving diners with dietary needs a real seat at the table. That kind of flexibility is not always easy to find in a small-town pizza shop.
It means a mixed group can order together without anyone feeling left out. One person can go for classic thin crust while another picks a lighter base.
Offering these alternatives shows the kitchen is paying attention. It widens the door so more folks can enjoy a slice on their own terms.
Homemade Soups, Salads, and Sides
Pizza may headline the show, but the supporting cast pulls its weight. Homemade soups and fresh salads round out the menu and earn genuine affection.
The tomato cucumber salad comes up as a simple standout, described as clean and excellent. Paired with a pizza, it turns a quick bite into a proper meal.
Then there are the garlic rolls and knots, soft and buttery and made for dipping in bright marinara. Cheesy bread and bread knots also get shout-outs from happy diners.
These extras give the place depth. You can build a full plate here rather than living on crust alone, and the sides hold their own.
Sweet Endings With Gelato and Cannolis
Save room, because dessert is part of the fun here. Gelato gets mentioned frequently, making it one of the more popular ways to finish a visit.
The cannolis draw high marks too, called spectacular by folks who know their sweets. Carrot cake also makes an appearance for those who lean toward something rich.
Having real desserts on hand changes the whole experience. A slice and a scoop can turn a routine lunch into a small treat.
It is a thoughtful touch for a pizza restaurant. The dessert case gives you a reason to linger a little longer before heading out the door.
A Happening Spot With Friendly Faces
The energy inside tends to run high. With people coming and going, this is a lively restaurant that stays busy through the day.
The seating area is spacious and very clean, which makes it comfortable whether you sit down or wait for a takeout order. It reads as a good place to eat quick.
Staff friendliness comes up again and again. Team members are described as warm, attentive, and efficient, and one server in particular has left folks feeling genuinely welcomed.
That personal touch matters. When the people behind the counter take pride in their work, an ordinary meal feels a little more special.
Quick Service and Reliable Delivery
Speed is part of the reputation here. Some fans have picked up a thick crust pepperoni after only a ten minute wait, which surprised even loyal customers.
Delivery gets high marks as well. When a storm washed out a Friday evening at the Sternwheel Festival, a hotel clerk pointed guests straight here, and the food arrived about thirty minutes later.
Phone orders tend to run smooth too. Staff taking orders have been described as thorough and kind, walking through the details with care.
Busy stretches can stretch the wait, and the kitchen has owned up when things run behind. Still, the overall rhythm keeps most folks happy with how fast their food shows up.
Hours, Prices, and Getting There
Planning a stop is simple. The kitchen opens at 11 AM Monday through Saturday, with Sunday starting at noon.
Closing time is 8:30 PM most days, though Friday and Saturday stretch later to 10 PM. That gives you a solid window for lunch, dinner, or a late slice on the weekend.
Pricing runs from about $1 to $20, so a single slice stays budget-friendly while larger custom pies climb higher. Some regulars note that one or two slices can fill you up, which helps stretch the value.
You will find it in downtown Marietta at 231 2nd St, easy to reach and close to the riverfront. It sits within a short drive for folks crossing over from the Parkersburg area too.
Why the Slices Keep Winning People Over
Add it all up and the picture is clear. With a 4.6 rating from more than 765 reviews, this Marietta pizzeria has built a loyal following that spans generations.
The crust remains the reason many call it their favorite in the valley, while the sauce, cheese, and pepperoni blend together to seal the deal. Homemade sides, sweet desserts, and gluten-free options round out an appealing menu.
Yes, prices sit above the average, and busy stretches can slow things down. Even so, plenty of folks say it costs more because it simply is more.
For a slice with real history behind it and friendly faces at the counter, The Original Pizza Place makes a strong case. Cross that bridge, grab a box, and you may find yourself planning a second visit before you finish the first.
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