Some Indiana pizza places have been making the same pies for more than 50 years. Grandparents brought their kids, and now those kids bring their own families to the same booths.
These six parlors opened in the 1960s, and each one still serves a style that regulars would know anywhere. Grab a napkin, because this list covers a lot of cheese and a lot of history.
1. Barnaby’s South Bend, South Bend, IN
Old hardwood booths and low lights set the scene at this South Bend favorite, which has been serving pizza and subs on East Jefferson Boulevard since 1969. The room has the look of a classic family-run pizza place from decades past, and that is a big part of the appeal.
The crust is the star here. Barnaby’s is known for a crispy, cornmeal-dusted crust that holds up to a pile of toppings without going soft.
King George’s 3 Meat Za is a popular pick for meat fans, while the sausage and pepperoni pizza keeps things classic. Garlic cheese bread, hot wings, and a roast beef melt round out the menu, and there is a full vegetarian menu too.
Families will find high chairs and a kids’ menu. Ordering is done at the counter, and reservations are not taken, so plan around the busy Friday and Saturday evening rush.
Hours run 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, until 10 p.m.
Thursday through Saturday, and 3 to 9 p.m. on Sunday.
2. Arni’s Lafayette Market Square, Lafayette, IN
Back in 1965, Arni Cohen opened his pizza place at Market Square in Lafayette. His family still runs Arni’s today, and the original location remains a classic stop for Greater Lafayette diners and Purdue families alike.
The menu goes well beyond pizza. Pasta, Italian sandwiches, a tenderloin, and spaghetti and meatballs all share space with the pies.
Classic toys add a playful touch to the dining room, which makes it an easy pick for kids. High chairs, changing tables, and a kids’ menu are on hand, and the spot works well for birthday meals.
Unlike some older parlors, Arni’s offers table service and accepts reservations. That is handy for big groups heading in on a Friday or Saturday night.
The restaurant opens at 11 a.m. daily and stays open until 9 p.m., or 9:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. You will find it at 2200 Elmwood Avenue with a free parking lot.
3. Turoni’s Pizzery & Brewery – Forget Me Not, Evansville, IN
Evansville pizza fans have been lining up for Turoni’s thin crust since Jerry Turoni opened the doors in 1963. The Forget Me Not location on Weinbach Avenue still has a saloon-style look with huge booths and an eclectic, historic feel.
The pizza is thin and crispy, topped with a sweet sauce, plenty of cheese, and fresh toppings. The house specialty is known for its big slices of tomato.
Stromboli fans should look at the Stromboli Pie or the stromboli sandwiches. Vinnie’s Pepper Planet is a vegetarian option, and starters include garlic cheese toast and bruschetta.
The tavern setting might make some parents pause, but there is a separate family room. High chairs and a kids’ menu make it simple to bring the whole crew.
Turoni’s accepts reservations and even offers a drive-through. It is open daily from 11 a.m., with later hours until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
4. Uncle Menny’s Original Greek’s Pizzeria, Valparaiso, IN
Old family photos line the walls at Uncle Menny’s, and they tell the story better than any sign could. Athanasios Chris Karamesines, known as Uncle Menny, started this Valparaiso pizzeria in 1969.
The place has the quaint, quiet charm of an old-time pizza shop. Classic and specialty pies lead the menu, along with garlic knots and sandwiches.
Prices stay reasonable, and the staff are known for quick, friendly service. A full vegetarian menu means everyone at the table has options.
Timing matters here. The pizzeria is closed on Tuesdays, opens at 4 p.m. on Mondays and Sundays, and runs 1 to 8 p.m.
Wednesday through Saturday.
Friday evenings get busy, so a reservation can help. Look for it at 59 Indiana Avenue, a short trip from downtown Valpo.
5. Clara’s Pizza King, Richmond, IN
Want a side of history with your slice? At Clara’s Pizza King in Richmond, servers are happy to share the story of Clara’s and of Pizza King in general.
Clara Miller opened this spot in the mid-1960s. The dining room has a quaint, antique look that fits its long run in the community.
The pepperoni feast arrives with generous toppings, and the Meat Feast is a hearty choice for bigger appetites. Bread Stix and the Stromboli Wrap-Up are favorites too, and you can build your own pizza.
For many families, Clara’s has become a holiday habit, including Christmas Eve dinners. High chairs, a kids’ menu, and space for birthday groups help with that.
Late hours are a bonus. It stays open until 11 p.m. most nights and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, with curbside pickup available.
6. Bronko’s Pizza Schererville, Schererville, IN
Bronko’s traces its pizza roots back to 1964, and the family recipe has stayed the same for more than 50 years. In Northwest Indiana, that distinct flavor is easy to recognize.
Signature pies come loaded with savory ingredients, enough to feed a whole family. Breadsticks are the go-to side.
The Schererville location sits on Wicker Avenue with a free parking lot. It keeps things casual, with dine-in seating, outdoor seating, curbside pickup, and delivery.
Night owls will like the schedule. Bronko’s stays open until 11 p.m. most nights and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
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