Some Kentucky pizza places have been feeding the same families for close to 50 years. They started back when wood paneling was in style and delivery meant a phone call and a little patience.
Today, these small-town parlors are still busy, still making pies, and still holding on to the names that made them famous. If you love a slice with a side of local history, this list covers eight spots across the state that have earned their place at the table.
1. Apollo Pizza & Beer Emporium, Richmond, KY
Funny pizza names are part of the fun at Apollo, and the parlor has been serving Richmond since 1978. Its spot on South 2nd Street keeps it close to campus and close to the heart of town.
The menu leans playful. Look for pies like the Appalachian Mountain and Cities of the Plain, a vegetarian option, plus the Wagonwheel Monday Pizza for anyone planning their week around a slice.
Starters deserve attention too. Fried banana peppers with sweet sauce, fried pickles with ranch, cheesy garlic sticks, and a classic stromboli round things out.
Gluten-free crust is available, and there is a full vegetarian menu. TVs make it an easy pick on game nights.
Hours run 11 AM to 10 PM most days, with 11 PM closing on Friday and Saturday. Reservations are not taken, so Friday evenings can get busy.
Free lot and street parking help.
2. Apollo Pizza Old Town Taproom – Berea, Berea, KY
Exposed brick and wood beams set the scene at this Berea branch of the Apollo family. The name dates back to 1978, but this location feels fresh and modern.
It sits on Adams Street in Old Town, the walkable artisan district that draws craft lovers to Berea. That makes it a handy lunch stop between gallery visits.
Thin crust gets plenty of attention here, and toppings come in generous portions. The Southeastern BBQ Chicken and the Wagonwheel Monday Pizza both show up on the menu.
Sharing is easy. Loaded CBR fries, tots, or chips pair well with fried pickles, and the Zombie Salad is a vegan pick.
Parking is usually plentiful, with a free lot and street spaces. The vibe stays calmer than the Richmond shop, which I like for a slower meal.
3. Pasquale’s Restaurant, Maysville, KY
Calzones might steal the show in Maysville. Pasquale’s on U.S.
Highway 68 is known for pizza and calzones at friendly prices, and the meatball calzone is a standout.
Maysville is a historic Ohio River town of around 8,800 people. Many residents have eaten at Pasquale’s since childhood, which says plenty about its staying power.
Breadsticks, garlic bread, and salads fill out the table. A chocolate chip cookie makes an easy finish.
Families will find a kids’ menu and high chairs, and the restaurant works well for kids’ birthdays. Catering is offered for bigger crowds.
One thing to plan for: there is no delivery. Swing in for dine-in or takeout between 11 AM and 9 PM, or until 10 PM on weekends.
4. Snappy Tomato Pizza, Walton, KY
Northern Kentucky gave the world Snappy Tomato in 1978, and the Walton shop keeps that regional pride going right on North Main Street.
Walton has about 4,000 residents, so this is the kind of pizza place the whole town knows. The menu covers pizza, pasta, subs, and wings.
Fans often point to the Beast and the Snapperoni with mushrooms. Delivery drivers have a reputation for being quick and courteous.
Options are flexible: curbside pickup, no-contact delivery, dine-in, or takeout. A kids’ menu and high chairs make it simple for families.
The doors open at 10:30 AM Monday through Saturday, a little earlier than most pizza places. That early start is handy for a lunch order.
5. Sir Pizza of Kentucky, Winchester, KY
Night owls, take note. Sir Pizza in Winchester stays open until 1 AM most nights and until 2 AM Thursday through Saturday.
The brand has been part of central Kentucky for decades, and this Bluegrass town of about 19,000 keeps it busy. Some customers have known the staff for more than 20 years.
The menu covers pizzas, sandwiches, and appetizers in a low-key setting. Counter service keeps things moving.
A drive-through makes late cravings simple. Delivery and takeout are available too.
You will find it on Shoppers Drive with plenty of free parking. It is a no-fuss stop that has stayed loyal to its town.
6. Giovanni’s Pizza, Olive Hill, KY
Tom T. Hall Boulevard is the address, which already tells you Olive Hill takes its hometown pride seriously.
Giovanni’s sits right on that road in a town of about 1,600.
The chain grew across small-town Eastern Kentucky, and this location builds custom pies along with pastas, sandwiches, and sides. Fluffy crust and fresh ingredients are a big part of its appeal.
Prices stay reasonable, which helps explain why many call it the favorite pizza in the area.
Service options are wide. There is a drive-through, curbside pickup, delivery, and a private dining room.
Unlike most spots here, it accepts reservations. Free Wi-Fi and a kids’ menu are bonuses.
7. Bearno’s Pizza, Shepherdsville, KY
Poppy seed breadsticks are a small detail that makes Bearno’s easy to recognize. The Kentucky brand dates to 1977, and the Shepherdsville location sits on Highway 44.
Some regulars have been coming since the 1980s, including folks who first visited while stationed near Fort Knox.
The crust is light and crunchy, and toppings are generous. Try the Italian Link Sausage Pizza or the Mama Light, a vegetarian choice.
Baked chicken wings and a meatball sub broaden the menu. Salads and pasta are available too.
Hours are 11 AM to 9 PM Monday through Saturday and noon to 8 PM on Sunday. A drive-through and curbside pickup help on busy nights.
8. Pasquale’s Newport, Newport, KY
Three generations have kept Pasquale’s Newport running on historic Monmouth Street. The name is tied to one of the early pizza chains in the country.
The menu goes beyond pizza. Melted cheese sandwiches, pasta, seafood baskets, and even fried chicken all make appearances.
Stuffed shells with meatballs and sausage are a solid pick. Cheese fries are a fun side.
Late hours are a big plus. It stays open until midnight Tuesday through Sunday, and it is closed on Mondays.
Some people return after decades away just to taste it again. Street parking is usually easy to find.
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