Tennessee is home to some seriously good pizza, and the locals know it. From Nashville to Knoxville to Memphis, certain spots keep their doors buzzing long after the dinner rush fades.
Whether you’re a late-night snacker or just someone who loves a great slice with a lively crowd, these places deliver the goods. Here are nine Tennessee pizza joints that never seem to slow down.
Five Points Pizza East – Nashville, Tennessee
Walk past Five Points Pizza East on any given night and you’ll notice something right away: it’s always full. This East Nashville staple has built a loyal following thanks to its New York-style pies with crispy, foldable slices that hit just right.
The atmosphere is casual and unpretentious, making it a go-to for everyone from college students to young families. Late-night crowds roll in regularly, keeping the energy high well after most kitchens close.
Slim & Husky’s Pizza Beeria (North Nashville) – Nashville, Tennessee
Slim and Husky’s isn’t just a pizza spot, it’s a cultural landmark in North Nashville. Founded with a mission to uplift the community, this pizza beeria serves up creative, build-your-own pies with bold toppings that keep people coming back.
The vibe is electric, with murals on the walls and music setting the mood. Even on weeknights, the line stretches out the door.
It’s the kind of place that feels like a celebration every single time you visit.
Mellow Mushroom – Nashville, Tennessee
Mellow Mushroom in Nashville has a personality all its own. The psychedelic decor, stone-baked crust, and creative topping combinations make it stand out from your average pizza chain experience.
Locals and tourists alike pack the place throughout the evening, drawn in by the fun atmosphere and consistently solid food. The menu goes beyond pizza too, but the pies are clearly the star.
Ordering the Holy Shiitake Pie at least once is practically a Nashville rite of passage.
Barley’s Taproom and Pizzeria – Knoxville, Tennessee
Barley’s Taproom and Pizzeria has been a Knoxville anchor since 1994, which tells you everything you need to know about its staying power. Thin-crust pizzas pair beautifully with a rotating selection of craft beers, making it a natural magnet for after-work crowds.
Situated in the Old City neighborhood, the brick-walled space has serious character. Weekend nights especially bring in a packed house, with live music sometimes adding to the already buzzing energy inside.
South Coast Pizza – Knoxville, Tennessee
South Coast Pizza keeps things refreshingly simple: big slices, good ingredients, and zero pretension. Knoxville pizza lovers have embraced this spot for its New York-inspired approach, where the crust is thin, the cheese is generous, and the flavors speak for themselves.
It’s the kind of place you end up at after a late movie or a long night out. The no-fuss setup and consistently tasty pies make it a reliable late-night favorite that regulars swear by.
Emmy Squared Pizza: The Gulch – Nashville, Tennessee
Emmy Squared brings Detroit-style pizza to Nashville’s trendiest neighborhood, and the city has responded with full enthusiasm. The square pies come out of the oven with crispy, caramelized cheese edges that make each bite genuinely memorable.
The Gulch location draws a stylish crowd that lingers well into the evening, sipping cocktails and sharing pies. Reservations fill up fast, especially on weekends.
If you haven’t tried the Colony Square pie yet, that’s a gap worth fixing soon.
Rock’n Dough Pizza & Brewery – Memphis, Tennessee
Rock’n Dough Pizza and Brewery brings together two of life’s great pleasures: handcrafted pizza and house-brewed beer. Memphis locals have made it a firm favorite, especially for groups looking to settle in for a long, satisfying evening.
The wood-fired pies have a satisfying char and chew that craft pizza fans appreciate. Pair one with a freshly brewed IPA and you’ve got a combination hard to beat.
The place stays lively well past dinner, fueled by good food and even better company.
Pyro’s Fire Fresh Pizza – Cordova, Tennessee
Pyro’s Fire Fresh Pizza has cracked the code on fast and fresh. Located in Cordova, this build-your-own pizza concept lets customers customize every inch of their pie before it gets fired at blazing-hot temperatures in under three minutes.
Families love it because kids can pick exactly what they want. Adults love it because the quality doesn’t take a backseat to the speed.
Even after the traditional dinner hour, the line at Pyro’s rarely seems to shrink by much.
NY Pie – Nashville, Tennessee
NY Pie does one thing and does it exceptionally well: New York-style pizza that actually tastes like it came from the city. Nashvillians who grew up eating real New York slices know this is the closest thing in town to the genuine article.
The slices are massive, the sauce has real depth, and the cheese pull is everything you’d hope for. Late-night hours make it a favorite for the post-concert and bar crowd, keeping the place humming until the city finally quiets down.