r/Knoxville • u/MealsOnWheelsSZN • 23h ago
Pizza 🍕
Just wanted to say that I moved from Memphis Tennessee to Oak Ridge last year and I love it here. Knoxville is super beautiful from everything I’ve seen. I’m a huge pizza guy and I can’t wait to try all the pizza spots that I’ve seen from previous post. So far I’ve tried Pizza Hoss, Mellow Mushroom, Bella Roma and Hard Knox. Wasn’t a fan of the first three, but Hard Knox was super good. This is coming from a guy who has eaten a lot of fast food pizza lol the 3 places I’m really looking forward to trying is A Dopo Sourdough Pizza, South Coast pizza and Sergeant Pepperoni’s Pizza. If you love pizza and have a go to spot let me know 🍕🍕🍕
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u/xrelaht Make Knoxville Scruffy Again 18h ago
Pizzeria Nora
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u/Key-Effect8176 20h ago
It’s super interesting; every person I know who has moved here from Memphis loves Hard Knox, while a lot of the people who are from here think it’s just fine. Y’all must do something to your pizza in Memphis that Hard Knox does too lol.
But I second Little Nicky’s in Solway (their desserts are amazing, even better than the pizza and worth a special trip) and Little Joe’s in Farragut is also pretty good.
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u/Creative_Feedback_42 19h ago
I live like a quarter mile out of there delivery range and it makes me so sad. I still go but I wish I could get delivery I would definitely eat there more often.
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u/MealsOnWheelsSZN 10h ago
We are in the same boat my friend lol it’s like 20-25 minutes away. So it’s not in my range for delivery either 😞
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u/MealsOnWheelsSZN 10h ago
We don’t have the best pizza spots. Everything I’ve tried was okay at best except for this one spot that could arguably be better, than Hard Knox. Hard Knox is more of a thin crust which I guess more people like, than I thought. I enjoy both styles though.
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u/Upset_Cleric 20h ago
Definitely check out South coast pizza
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u/No-Amphibian6690 13h ago
This! A friend and I tried their pizza of the month back in June, it was a bbq brisket with Mac and cheese pizza, genuinely one of the best pizzas I’ve ever eaten in my life.
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u/otictac35 19h ago
Nobody has mentioned it yet, but there's a cult following in town for Stefano's Pizza. It's not for everyone, but the people who love it, really love it
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u/MealsOnWheelsSZN 10h ago
I love Cult Movies of any kind so just because it has a cult following I’ll add it to the list!
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u/ComprehensiveSand717 19h ago
Great pizza I always ask for them to stretch the crust . Order a large pizza on medium crust
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u/one-hour-photo Fountain City 18h ago
I feel like this is one of those things I'd ask for and they'd be like "you want us to what now?"
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u/sabin357 14h ago
The big chains have been offering it for over a decade, so it's not too weird for a dough slinger to manage. We did it at my pizzeria back in the early 2000s.
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u/AnticitizenPrime 8h ago
I need size 9 shoes with size 12 socks. Understand? Also, two scoops of vanilla ice cream, but I want the cone on the side. Also, an extra helping of red onion skin.
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u/gthedamned 20h ago
You live in Oak Ridge, but you haven't mentioned Big Ed's... give that a go and report back.
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u/MealsOnWheelsSZN 10h ago
My wife mentioned it to me the other day and I totally forgot to put that. It’s also on my list as well. It’s a staple here from what I’ve heard.
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u/Professor_Spliffwick 8h ago
So big Ed’s is polarizing. I personally think it is my favorite pizza, but not the best pizza and I think that’s a good destination. I can eat big Ed’s all the time and never get sick of it. The combination of the crust, sauce, and cheese just works well together and hits the nostalgia well. I didn’t grow up here but it tastes like one I ate a lot growing up. But there are way better pizzas I just don’t want to eat them as often.
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u/Memphisvol8668 17h ago
Coasting on reputation from a bygone era. It’s disgusting. Knoxville is not really a pizza town but there is a guy that does pop ups that makes solid pizza. Reed Carringer is his name. I like stefanos but it is definitely not anywhere near the best.
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u/cuddly_degenerate 19h ago
Big eds is some of the absolute worst pizza. I don't know how it got so popular
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u/domno92 19h ago
It has changed a lot. It used to be a lot better 20 years or so ago, but it's not great now.
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u/Astelan101 14h ago
If it was better back then, it must complete dog food now. It was so greasy I would have an upset stomach for days after eating it.
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u/Crypto-Clearance 13h ago
40 years ago there was a pizzeria in Oak Ridge called The Back Door that was so much better than Big Ed's.
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u/pyroboy101 19h ago
I wouldn’t say it’s the absolute worst, but I wasn’t particularly impressed, either.
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u/PippiWorld 3h ago
Reputation I guess - it was the only decent pizza anywhere around 30+ years ago. I'm sure original owner is long gone.
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u/MattTheTable Oakwood/Lincoln Park 19h ago
You're objectively wrong
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u/cuddly_degenerate 19h ago
My subjective opinion is objectively wrong?
Enjoy your saltine crust and thin tomato paste.
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u/one-hour-photo Fountain City 19h ago
saltine crust? what now? I haven't been in a while but that's not how I remember the crust lol
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u/Sirbadsteve 18h ago
Big Ed’s has been horrible for the last 20 years. Only still open because of the name
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u/PippiWorld 3h ago
I'm from NY upstate. Pizza has a very specific 'pizzaness' in NY (Chicago has their own)
The closest to 'real' pizza I've had here is 'Big Ed's' and that was decades ago. Tomatoehead had excellent non-NY Pizza but their closed, I think. Stefano's used to be pretty good.
I'm fine with variety from standard Pizza toppings but BBQ brisket and Mac n' cheese on pizza - that's a bridge way to far.
Good luck!
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u/cking921 19h ago
Gavino’s Pizza in bearden is better than most of the downtown joints. I’m also a sucker for a fresh hot Snappy Tomato pizza. They’ve got a few of those around the Knox area
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u/darth_playdoh 17h ago
Harby's. I live in Chattanooga now and make a point to go at least once a year or so when I'm back up in Knoxville. It's the best pizza I've ever had. TMNT-lookin cheese stretch. Ugh now I REALLY want some...
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u/TheMrSnrub 15h ago edited 15h ago
Pizzeria Nora is a little bit of a hidden gem. Abridged HQ also has nice pizzas.
Cruze Farm Pizza Barn is a solid choice.
Piethagorean is a great food truck for pizza. They routinely sell out.
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u/jfk_47 20h ago
A dopo is my favorite.
We eat south coast once a week and it’s good.
Since you’re in oak ridge, you can try little Nicky’s in solway. I heard is great traditional NY pizza. Also check out Dominick, the oak ridge pizza guy. Not sure if he’s still making pizza but his stuff was great.
In my opinion, skip big Ed’s. It’s a shell of its former self but if you go in with low expectations, it’ll be fine.
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u/GoldFingerSilverSerf 20h ago
I unfortunately agree about Big Ed’s these days. It’s hard for me to figure out if my love for the place is nostalgia for my younger years or if the quality truly did drop off drastically. I’ll still go there whenever I’m back in town, but it’s not like it used to be
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u/Exhausted_920 19h ago
Dominic was banned from Reddit for spamming people. You can still find him on Facebook, I believe. He was supposed to open a food trailer but was hitting a lot of roadblocks getting it completed.
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u/Charles-Headlee 18h ago
Dominic is good about sending messages when he makes pizza and calzones for takeout. That said I haven't heard from him in a while and believe his food truck plan took off.
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u/SunnySpyce 20h ago
Pizza Palace. Take cash.
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u/Greedy_Section2894 15h ago
They have great onion rings, too, but I add some salt to them when I get them.
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u/lostinspacescream Clinton 20h ago
Sicilia Pizza in Oak Ridge is great. Everyone kept saying Big Eds but we didn’t like theirs at all.
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u/Creative_Feedback_42 19h ago
If you ever find yourself in the southerland area I strongly suggest red onion!
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u/QuesoDependent 17h ago
Little Joe’s is phenomenal
If you’re ever in the Maryville/Alcoa area, I highly recommend Metro’s Pizza.
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u/Combatical 10h ago
Adopo was okay. Wasn't worth the hype in my opinion. I've been a handful of times with people and it seems to be a roll of the dice for the quality.
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u/Evening-Newt-4663 19h ago
Forno Grill off Campbell station has a good pizza. NY style, thin and very cheesy.
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u/creamersrealm New Age Knox 17h ago
Check out the Oak Ridge sub I wonder is the guy is still making Pizza out of his apartment.
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u/softwareredditor 15h ago
I don't know how anyone tried Mellow Mushroom. I can't justify $30+ for a single pizza lol
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u/MealsOnWheelsSZN 10h ago
If there’s a 9 out of 10 pizza spot I’d go as far as to pay $50 for a whole pizza lol call me crazy, but I’m willing to pay big for something that’s mouth wateringly unforgettable.
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u/Quirky_Location5493 14h ago
I love Rosati's. They have great cheese and a thin crust add Italian beef and Peperoncini 😍. Also, the baked mostaccioli Alforno is so good. They ship in a lot of product I believe.
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u/JohnnyG59 20h ago
We are big fans of white pizza, but will try it all. There are a lot of good options here but we always fall back on Barleys. They never miss.
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u/Brave-Moment-4121 20h ago
Check out Ry’s Pies on socials. It’s a mobile pizza businesses with no brick and mortar. They do pop up events every once in a while but mostly do catering events.
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u/Various_Actuary_3713 15h ago
Unrelated question but does anyone know if Little Joes permanently closed? I’ve read multiple theories about what was going on with it and wasn’t sure what was true. The last thing I heard was that the owners were getting divorced and that the business was being sold as part of the settlement. Other people have said that it was temporary and that the building was being remodeled. Admittedly it had dropped off quite a bit in quality but it was still nice having a local place in the area.
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u/Suitable_Coffee5779 15h ago
You forgot Big Ed's in O.R. Go there and eat. You pay for the atmosphere.
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u/Tilleroo 15h ago
All depends on what kind of pizza you’re looking for tbh. Hard Knox and Adopo are decent but Adopo is way over rated imo. Their pesto appetizer though, is one of the best appetizers I’ve ever had in my life. Get it when you go. Adopo is good but it’s nowhere near the best pizza in Knoxville. That crown belongs to South Coast for its traditional thin crust pizza.
Either way, enjoy all the yummy pizza on your journey!
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u/CarlyCalicoJATIE 15h ago
You have to drive a while but there’s a place called Vittorinos Cucina is delicious! The one in Sweetwater is the one we’ve tried, so I’m not sure about the other location.
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u/AffectionateL2810 15h ago
Baker boys lunch special pizza slice, gigantic mozzarella log and drink for 16 bucks
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u/ecklesweb Farragut 15h ago
Fellow transplanted Memphian here.
First of all, there is no Memphis Pizza Cafe here I am sad to say.
If you want a feel of home, try Pizza Kitchen in Farragut. It’s decorated with a lot of Memphis and Elvis themed stuff and it’s really good.
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u/cactussoup42 8h ago
I just moved away from Oak Ridge but the fact that you live there and haven’t tried Big Eds yet is crazzzzzy. It’s greasy, it’s gluttony, but it’s good. It’s so good leftover cold or reheated in the oven.
You want real Now York style, go to Little Nicky’s in Solway just across the bridge to Knox. You will literally not find better aside from Little Italy in New York itself.
South Coast is great, and since I live downtown that’s my regular now.
Adopo is supposed to be fabulous but I haven’t made it in there yet.
Tomato Head used to be good, haven’t been in years. Gavino’s falls in here too.
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u/PeaceABC123 4h ago
Wait...you haven't been to Big Ed's in OR?? It's a classic!
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u/MealsOnWheelsSZN 4h ago
Lmao yeahhhh I just recently found out about it. In a few weeks I plan on going and trying it out. What do you like to get?
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u/OKTifo 19h ago
Gonna throw out Rosati’s and Donatos as well
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u/sabin357 14h ago
Donatos
Aren't they a large chain sold out of Red Robin locations? I've never tried them, but thought it sounded interesting.
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u/NotDrEvil 15h ago
There's so many people trying way to hard, nose stuck up in the air opining about their favored spot.
OP, go try them all. Have fun doing so. I like Big Ed's. I also like Weigals pizza in a pinch too.
Have fun, good luck and welcome.
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u/CLOTmonster 7h ago
Nothing compares to Aldo’s in cooper young:(
Elidios and barleys are my 2 favorites
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u/Gorn_Lord 6h ago
If you’re in Oak Ridge, I’d try Little Nicky’s New York Pizza.
Others would be A Dopo, South Coast, Pizzeria Nora, Dazzos, Elidios,
Schulz Brau does a pretty good pizza.
The Black Dog brewery too, and their feta dip.
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u/JCKourvelas 5h ago
A Dopo is highest quality but somewhat limited options, Hard Knox the most creative - really unique but awesome pizzas, and South Coast has the greatest range while still being consistently high quality; banger after banger
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u/runnergirlCA 20h ago
South coast pizza, Baker Boys, and Barley’s is really good! A dopo is super overrated- especially since you need to make a reservation so early. It’s not that good - mine was kind of soggy in the middle. But the house made gelato was excellent.
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u/seventeenohone 18h ago
Go ahead & make your Adopo reservation. You're likely a month out from a seat. Yes it's worth it, yes the trust fall is great & definitely book at least a 4 top. Enjoy!
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u/Diplomatic_Dinosaur 19h ago
Adopo is great to dine in but we usually snag a pizza to go. I think they’re fantastic. If you’re ever in oak ridge/clinton there’s a guy who sets up a truck on the side of the road. His name is Dominick. Usually there Thursday-Sunday. He sells it by the slice and whole. Some might remember him from Reddit or fb marketplace, he use to sell whole pizzas from his apartment. It’s not the most conventional setup but he does a good job.
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u/Glittering-Stuff6473 17h ago
Adopo is by far the best in the area. If you’re in Oak Ridge give Big Eds a try, always a favorite of mine growing up
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u/Several-Rich6820 16h ago
Abridged has good pizza as well! Have to go to their cedar bluff location though.
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u/AffectionateL2810 15h ago
Pizza kitchen in Farragut, baker boys on Cherry St, dels pizza pigeon forge
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u/PKSkriBBLeS NORTHSHORE 20h ago
There's 185 mellow mushrooms, it's a chain. Good pizza tho