Ask almost anyone who grew up in Washington about their favorite childhood meal, and pizza night at the neighborhood parlor usually comes up fast. These were the places with picnic benches, salad bars, arcade games, and pepperoni pies big enough to feed a whole team after practice.
Some have been around since the 1950s, while others have kept the same recipes going for decades. Here are seven old-school pizza spots across the state where families still gather, from the Tri-Cities to a tiny mountain town in the Cascades.
1. Hubby’s Pizza, Kennewick, WA
Birthday parties in Kennewick have a habit of ending up at the same spot on West Columbia Drive. Hubby’s Pizza has long been a go-to for families, and the setup makes it clear why.
Seating is picnic-bench style, which keeps things relaxed and easy for big groups. There is a covered play area for little ones, plus a handful of arcade games for older kids who need something to do while the pies bake.
The pepperoni pizza is the headliner here, with a crust that has earned a loyal following. A salad bar rounds out the meal, and drink refills are free.
Parents will appreciate the practical touches, too. High chairs, a kids’ menu, and changing tables are all available, and parking is usually plentiful.
Hours run 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. most days, stretching to 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, when the place gets its biggest crowds.
2. Alfy’s Pizza, Monroe, WA
Some families have been ordering from Alfy’s since the 1980s, and the Monroe location along US-2 keeps that tradition rolling. It is the kind of parlor where the menu feels familiar in the best way.
You can stick with a classic, build your own pie, or grab a bake-at-home pizza for later. The chicken bacon ranch is a popular pick for anyone who wants something beyond pepperoni.
An all-you-can-eat salad bar is part of the draw. So is the retro touch of N64 gaming, which gives kids and nostalgic parents something to fight over.
The restaurant also has a private dining room, making it handy for team parties or family celebrations. It is open every day from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and weekend afternoons are the busiest stretch.
3. Old School Pizzeria, Olympia, WA
The name pretty much says it all. Walls covered in ’80s posters, retro decor, and pinball machines make this downtown Olympia spot a time capsule with a pizza oven.
The pies lean New York-style, sold by the slice or whole. A pepperoni slice with added onions is a favorite order, and the Sicilian pizza gives thick-crust fans a reason to visit.
Garlic knots and calzones fill out the menu. Vegetarian and vegan eaters have plenty of options here as well, which is handy for mixed groups.
Old School Pizzeria sits at 108 Franklin St NE and stays open later than most on this list, until 10 p.m. most nights and 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. It does not take reservations or deliver, so plan to drop in.
Counter service keeps things moving even when the college crowd shows up.
4. The Cloverleaf, Tacoma, WA
Around 1950, while much of Tacoma was still figuring out what pizza even was, The Cloverleaf was already serving it. That long history is a big part of why it lands on this list.
The style here is thin and crispy, a tavern-type pie that many Tacoma folks consider hard to find anywhere else. Specialty options include the Meat Pizza, the Monster Pizza, the Taco Pizza, and a Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza for the adventurous.
Wings and popcorn add to the snack lineup. Multiple TVs make it a natural pick on game nights.
Unlike many parlors, The Cloverleaf offers table service, and families will find high chairs and changing tables. It sits at 6430 6th Ave and does not take reservations, so Friday and Saturday evenings can get busy.
5. Pete’s Pizza, Spokane, WA
Calzone fans in Spokane tend to have strong opinions, and many of them point straight to Pete’s. The Sharp Avenue location sits near Gonzaga University and keeps a low-key neighborhood feel.
Calzones are the specialty, with a tender pastry-style crust and generous fillings. Even kids get their own version through the Kid’s Calzone.
Pizza lovers are covered too, with homemade crust and pies like the Meat City. Mondays bring a special on a large pepperoni pizza, which makes the start of the week a little easier on the wallet.
Dogs are allowed, and there is outdoor seating along with dine-in and delivery. Parking can be tricky near campus, so allow a few extra minutes.
Hours run 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
6. Leonardo’s Pizzeria, Vancouver, WA
Longtime fans remember when Leonardo’s was in Hazel Dell. The pizzeria has since moved to SE 1st St in east Vancouver, and the recipes came right along with it.
Toppings are the story here. The Combo Grande and Leonardo’s Supreme arrive loaded, with big chunks of sausage on a crisp crust.
Weekday all-you-can-eat deals and a salad bar make it easy to feed a hungry family. There is also a Gorgonzola-pear salad for anyone wanting something lighter.
Save room for dessert. The crispy bars come in flavors like chocolate-covered peanut butter, fruity, and birthday cake, which is a fun twist for kids.
A private dining room, a kids’ menu, and reservations make birthday planning simple.
7. Roslyn Village Pizza, Roslyn, WA
Honey on pizza crust might sound unusual, but in Roslyn it is practically a ritual. Roslyn Village Pizza keeps honey on hand so diners can drizzle it over their crust after the last bite of toppings.
The shop is family-operated and makes its pies from scratch. The Village combo is a popular order, and the cheese stix and Parmesan garlic wings make good sides for sharing.
Roslyn itself adds plenty of charm. The small former coal-mining town in the Cascades is known for its preserved historic main street, making this an easy pizza stop on a mountain day trip.
Plan ahead, since the restaurant is closed Mondays and Tuesdays. It opens Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 9 p.m., and dogs are welcome inside.
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