Gainesville, Florida, a bustling college town and home of the University of Florida in the heart of the Sunshine State. Gainesville is known for many things, but among its most noteworthy offerings are the numerous pizza joints that have become favorites among the locals and visitors alike.
In this post, we’ll explore some of the best pizza places in Gainesville, each boasting unique qualities that set them apart from the rest.
Satchel’s Pizza
1800 NE 23rd Ave
Gainesville, FL 32609
(352) 335-7272
Satchel’s Pizza, a Gainesville institution opened on March 7, 2003, is renowned for its eclectic ambiance and unforgettable dining experience. This popular pizza joint allows patrons to eat inside a van or under a plane and to enjoy some top-notch pizza in a one-of-a-kind setting. It is a truly unique place with great food. This pizza joint specializes in crafting one-of-a-kind Chicago-style pizzas that are known for their thick crust. They’re also known for their live music, with some of Gainesville’s best local bands.
The menu at Satchel’s Pizza does not disappoint. Satch-pan, their signature deep-dish pizza pie, has a caramelized edge and buttery crust. Top it with up to 3 toppings of your choice. Choose from classic toppings like extra cheese, mushrooms, or onions. Or choose from their more unique offerings like ricotta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and even tempeh.
In addition to their specialty pies, they also offer calzones and homemade desserts. But even more than those, their salads have become so popular Satch says they’re more popular than his pizza! His wife crafted a special house dressing that is one of his biggest fan favorites. It’s so popular, in fact, he even sells it by the bottle now.
Leonardo’s Pizza of Millhopper
4131 NW 16th Blvd
Gainesville, FL 32605
(352) 376-2001
Leonardo’s Pizza of Millhopper, also known as Leonardo’s Pizza, has been a staple in the Gainesville community since 1976. This well-loved establishment has a casual atmosphere and serves up some great Chicago-style pies. You won’t be disappointed eating here for your next pizza craving.
The menu at Leonardo’s Pizza features a wide variety of options, including the Big Leo Pizza, one of its delicious specialty pizzas topped with green peppers, mushrooms, sausage, pepperoni, and onions. In addition to their whole pies, Leonardo’s also offers slices of pizza for those looking for a quick, tasty option on the go. They offer pizza delivery, too, so you can get it brought to you for your next movie night or game day.
Leonardo’s is a great place to go with friends or family, especially if you’re looking for a casual, low-key atmosphere. And be sure to pick up a tie-died Leonardo T-shirt on the way out!
Piesanos
(11 locations throughout Florida)
1250 W University Ave
Gainesville, FL 32601
(352) 375-2337
Piesanos offers Italian staples and a cozy atmosphere at its 11 different locations. With a focus on fresh ingredients and great service, Piesanos has become one of our favorite pizza places in Gainesville. But it’s more than just a pizza joint. It’s a full-scale Italian restaurant that has something for everyone.
The menu at Piesanos features a wide array of options, including an ultra-thin crust pizza called the Pizza Antico, a New York classic from 1905. In addition to pizza, they have stone-baked breads, soups and salads, and calzones, ensuring that there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Their pasta dishes include classics like fettucine alfredo, eggplant parmesan, and baked ziti. Be sure to finish that off with their Salted Caramel Cheesecake!
Humble Wood Fire
Humble Wood Fire is a pizzeria and also makes homemade bagels. They have both a pizzeria and a food truck, which can be found at Depot Park, that specializes in bagels. The truck’s convenient location makes it popular, so you might need to wait a bit, especially on the weekends, but it’s worth it. While the truck doesn’t have pizza, they do have a pizza bagel that is awesome!
Humble Wood Fire’s brick and mortar location features delicious pizza, with a focus on wood-fired, thin crust pies. One popular option is their Hawaiian pie, which is sure to delight your taste buds with its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Italian Gator
619 South Main Street #1B North
Gainesville, FL 32601
352-367-4600
Italian Gator Pizza, a Gainesville gem, specializes in pizza by the slice, making it an ideal choice for those looking to grab a quick, satisfying meal. It’s also located right next to the University of Florida, so it’s one of Gainesville’s favorite spots for college students. In fact, many locals say you can’t live in Gainesville unless you’ve eaten at Italian Gator.
You can get huge slices of classics like cheese pizza, but you can choose from a variety of specialty toppings like pineapple, pepperoni slices, and green peppers. If you’re hankering for more than just a slice (and who isn’t?), you can also build your own pizza. Finish that off with some of their garlic rolls and some sweet tea or soft drink!
Blaze Pizza
3617 SW Archer Rd
Gainesville, FL 32608
Blaze Pizza, located right on Archer Road, is a counter-serve pizzeria that offers a variety of tasty options to suit every taste bud. With its inviting atmosphere and friendly service, Blaze Pizza is one of the best places in the area to get some awesome pizza.
The menu at Blaze Pizza includes vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, ensuring that everyone can enjoy their delicious offerings. Toppings like arugula, artichokes, and even vegan cheese allow customers to create their ideal pizza, making Blaze Pizza a must-visit destination for pizza lovers, even those with dietary restrictions.
But don’t take that the wrong way – they’re great for meat lovers too. They have meat eater pie topped with pepperoni, meat balls, red onion, and mozzarella. People flock to Blaze for their Cheesy Bread too, finished with an olive oil drizzle.
Gainesville’s thriving pizza scene offers a diverse array of options to satisfy any pizza lover’s cravings. From the eclectic ambiance of Satchel’s Pizza to the convenience of Italian Gator Pizza’s by-the-slice offerings, there’s a pizza joint for everyone in this vibrant college town. Next time you’re in the Gainesville area, be sure to check out these fantastic establishments for a truly memorable pizza experience.
Note: Big Lou is closed
You may still see things on the internet about Big Lou. But unfortunately, they are closed. They are missed!
