Indiana does not have one official pizza style, and that is exactly why the arguments never end. Evansville swears by thin, tavern-style squares, Bloomington has a deep-dish loyalty all its own, and northern towns hold tight to their longtime family spots.
Before you take a side at the next cookout, it helps to know what the rest of the state is actually eating. This list covers seven pizza parlors from South Bend to Evansville, each with its own crust, its own personality, and its own reason for a road trip.
Some have been around for decades, while others brew their own sodas and craft beers alongside the pies. A few are college town staples, and a couple are the kind of family places where the menu barely needs to change.
Save this one for your next drive across the state, or send it to the friend who insists their hometown slice is the only one that counts.
1. Mother Bear’s Pizza Campus, Bloomington, IN
A building that looks like a rustic cabin is not where most people expect to find Bloomington’s most talked-about deep-dish. Yet that is the setting at Mother Bear’s on East 3rd Street, a local landmark near the Indiana University campus.
The crust here is thick but surprisingly light, crispy on the outside and soft in the middle. Toppings sit under a slow-simmered style sauce, and the specialty list leans creative.
The Paulie Pine Nuts Pesto Pie is a strong pick for anyone tired of plain pepperoni. The Divine Swine and The Cosmo round out the house favorites, and there is even a vegan Veggie Delight.
Starters deserve attention too. Breaded portabella mushrooms and pesto cheese bread make the wait easier on a busy night.
Speaking of busy, Friday and Saturday evenings fill up fast, and reservations are not accepted. Parking nearby can be tricky, so a weekday lunch is the easier play.
The doors open daily from 11 AM to 10 PM, and a kids’ menu and high chairs make it workable for families, not just college students.
2. Turoni’s Pizzery & Brewery – Forget Me Not, Evansville, IN
Evansville pizza runs thin, and Turoni’s is one of the reasons the city’s tavern-style reputation holds strong. The crust is cracker-light, the sauce leans sweet, and the cheese goes on generously.
The saloon-like dining room on North Weinbach Avenue is known for its huge booths, which makes it an easy pick for big families or a team dinner after a game.
For first-timers, the House Special is the logical start. Fans of spice can look at Vinnie’s Pepper Planet, and the Stromboli Pie is a fun twist for anyone who wants something different.
Do not skip the garlic cheese toast. The Greek salad also has a loyal following, with romaine, onion, banana peppers, green and black olives, and a lightly spiced house dressing.
Turoni’s brews its own beer on site, which adds to its local identity. Practical perks include plenty of free parking, a kids’ menu, a private dining room, and reservations.
Hours run 11 AM to 9 PM most days, with an extra hour on Friday and Saturday.
3. Bazbeaux Pizza, Indianapolis, IN
Can’t decide between thin and thick? Bazbeaux lets you choose, and that flexibility is a big part of why it has become an Indianapolis favorite.
The menu leans toward creative combinations rather than basic pies. The Mediterranean Pizza is a popular vegetarian option, while the Colossus is built for anyone who wants a loaded pizza.
The cheese bread has a serious fan base of its own, and plenty of out-of-town visitors make a point to stop when passing through the city. A stromboli is also on the menu for anyone in a rolled-up mood.
Salads are better than an afterthought here. Options include a house salad with creamy basil dressing and a balsamic version topped with fresh parmigiana slices.
The Westfield Boulevard spot has a patio for warm days, plus full vegan and vegetarian menus. Parking can take a little patience.
It is open every day from 11 AM to 9 PM.
4. Barnaby’s South Bend, South Bend, IN
Since 1969, Barnaby’s has been feeding South Bend from its spot on East Jefferson Boulevard. That kind of staying power says a lot in a college town where restaurants come and go.
The signature detail is the cornmeal crust, which gives each pie a little extra texture. Pizzas are made to order, and the classics carry the menu.
Sausage and pepperoni is the go-to combo. King George’s 3 Meat Za is the heavier option, and the Special 2 Large deal is handy for feeding a group.
The room itself is rustic and on the darker side, with wooden booths that fit the old-school mood. Ordering happens at the counter, so there is no table service to wait on.
Sandwich fans should look at the roast beef melt, and hot wings fill out the sides. Barnaby’s opens at 11 AM most days and 3 PM on Sunday, with plenty of parking nearby.
5. ZwanzigZ Pizza, Columbus, IN
Lasagna on a pizza sounds like a dare, but at ZwanzigZ it is one of the most-ordered pies. The Lasagna Pizza is the headline item at this Lafayette Avenue spot in Columbus.
The space stands out too, with cherry wood trim and stylish barn doors. It feels polished without being fussy.
What really sets ZwanzigZ apart is that it makes its own drinks. House-brewed craft sodas sit alongside house-brewed beer, so non-drinkers and kids get something special too.
Generous lunch slices make it a smart midday stop. Breadsticks, cheese bread, a veggie pizza, and salads cover the rest of the table.
Columbus is already known for its modern architecture, so pairing a walking tour with a pizza stop makes for an easy day trip. Ordering is at the counter, outdoor seating is available, and parking is usually simple.
Hours vary by day, with later evenings Thursday through Saturday.
6. Arni’s Lafayette Market Square, Lafayette, IN
Families with a mix of picky eaters tend to land at Arni’s, and the Market Square location in Lafayette is where many Hoosiers say the chain does it best.
The thin-crust pizza is the main draw, but the menu stretches well beyond it. Spaghetti and meatballs, Italian sandwiches, and even a tenderloin give everyone at the table an option.
Portions run large, so leftovers are common. Prices stay reasonable for a sit-down family meal.
Classic toys are part of the decor, which gives kids something to look at while they wait. Changing tables, high chairs, and a kids’ menu make it easy for parents with little ones.
This is also a practical pick for Purdue families visiting from out of town. Arni’s takes reservations, has a free parking lot, and offers a braille menu.
Weekday afternoons are usually calm, while Friday and Saturday evenings get busy.
7. Uncle Menny’s Original Greek’s Pizzeria, Valparaiso, IN
Old family photos line the walls at Uncle Menny’s, and they set the tone before the first slice arrives. This longtime Valparaiso pizzeria on Indiana Avenue keeps things personal and unhurried.
The menu sticks with classic and specialty pies, sandwiches, and garlic knots. The knots are a favorite side, so plan on an order for the table.
Service is quick and friendly, and prices stay reasonable. The dining room is small and quiet, which makes it a nice change from louder pizza joints.
Timing matters here more than anywhere else on this list. Uncle Menny’s is closed Tuesday, opens at 4 PM on Monday and Sunday, and runs 1 to 8 PM Wednesday through Saturday.
Reservations are accepted, and free parking is usually easy to find. I would save this one for a relaxed weeknight dinner in Northwest Indiana.
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