r/NorthCarolina • u/Shamus_OKelly • 2d ago
Where is the best pizza in NC? Place or style. Recommend some can’t-miss places. discussion
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u/r_not_me 2d ago
No Name Pizza in Morehead City and Beaufort is pretty good. Not sure what it is but it’s just a little different but not fancy by any stretch.
However, I prefer Luigi’s Pizza in Morehead City for my NYC style pizza fix.
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u/ThrowawayMod1989 2d ago
Beaufort here, I live a block around the corner from no name. I mod mine to light sauce and extra pepperoni, it’s my go to. Luigi’s is damn good, the whole menu, I just hate driving all the way down Arendell lol. Atlantic Beach has Michelangelo’s and while I don’t find their pizza particularly outstanding, their calzone is the heat. They do not skimp on the cheese.
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u/r_not_me 2d ago
Thanks for the reminder on Michelangelo’s. I haven’t been there in years (like over a decade)
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u/tie-dyed_dolphin 2d ago
What is up with the Morehead City area and freaking great pizza?
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u/jrmiller9 2d ago
Pie On The Mountain in Lansing, Ashe County is one of my favorites.
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u/That-Purchase3082 2d ago
DUDE! my favorite place growing up!!
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u/jrmiller9 2d ago
Awesome. They are really really good, glad they have opened up for dining in again. Lansing has really turned into a cool spot.
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u/Rasmo420 2d ago
I'm a big fan of the Salty Caper in Salisbury.
Mercato in Chapel Hill is definitely in the running for best pizza in the state.
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u/uncgirlLSA 2d ago
Your post made me decide to try Mercato today, and just my luck... this:
*We will be closed for our Summer Break Monday July 1st -Wednesday July 10th\*
We will resume regular business hours on Thursday July 11th @ 11:00AM15
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u/WoolyGram 2d ago
Sal's in Charlotte get the grandma's vodka pie.
Hutchins Garage in Durham.
DiFara in Cary has unreal white and square pies.
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u/NeuseRvrRat 2d ago
Mission Pizza in Winston-Salem is phenomenal.
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u/Hot-Conversation-455 2d ago
Can’t believe this isn’t higher. They’re consistently rated one of the best in the country, went for the Pizzakase experience and was blown away.
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u/AnnieBannieFoFannie 2d ago
Say what you will about Fayetteville, but if you want some authentic Italian pizza, Gusto Napoletano is absolutely amazing. She's a certified pizzaiola (the guild of pizza makers from Naples says she's authentic) and she uses top quality ingredients and is affordable. Each pizza is big enough for one person and her desserts are divine.
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u/fryman36 Alexander County 2d ago
Here to represent Village Inn Pizza Parlor
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u/maxstrike 2d ago
I don't know whether to up vote for being funny or down vote for mentioning Village Inn.
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u/SpecialistProgress95 2d ago
Pizettas in Leland, outside of Wilmington. Their Nonna’s pie is pretty dang good. Two brother from Napoli.
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u/BlackBartRidesAgain 2d ago edited 2d ago
Dunno if it’s “can’t miss,” but Burke Street Pizza in Winston-Salem is a great and authentic NY style pizza. It’s also the go-to spot after a night of bar hopping since they open late.
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u/tblack1055 2d ago
I think they’re far from the best, but I love Burke St. My favorite pizza spot I thought of off the top of my head. They’re a local go-to spot, and nights ending with a slice there usually are great memories.
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u/Relative_Joke523 2d ago
There's nothing authentic about Burke st pizza. I've had plenty of NY pizza. Burke street is just cardboard with red dye water and the cheapest cheese possible. Brothers pizza on 4th is much more akin to NY pizza
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u/jstevens242 2d ago
My wife and I love Margaux’s Pizza. It’s St. Louis style pizza and just as good if not better than what you find in St. Louis. To be fair, we are from St. Louis originally, so it may not be for everyone. For regular old NYC style pizza, we go to Bisonte Pizza. They also have excellent wings.
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u/DrainedPatience 2d ago
The square beyond compare! There really is no middle ground with STL style. It's either love or hate. I think it's yum.
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u/FleshlightModel 2d ago
NO SHIT! Didn't know any legit STL style was in NC. It's better than Tavern to me.
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u/jstevens242 2d ago
Same guy owns the restaurant next door as well, and he has legit Toasted Ravioli on the menu too.
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u/FleshlightModel 2d ago
Didn't know any legit STL style was in NC. It's better than Tavern style to me.
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u/_mid_water 2d ago
What does STL style entail?
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u/jstevens242 2d ago
Very thin crust with little to no edge. Usually a slightly sweeter sauce. Provel cheese instead of mozzarella. I highly recommend trying it.
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u/sc0lm00 2d ago
Sticks and stones in Greensboro. Their Let it Ride is worth the drive.
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u/BeerWhiskers 2d ago
Brooklyn Pizzeria in Goldsboro. Damn good and greasy!
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u/Present-Loss-7499 2d ago
Always a good spot although I think recently Doughboys has passed them for NY style pizza in the Goldsboro area. Brick’s Wood Fired is my favorite in this area. Used to be strictly a food truck but have transitioned to a storefront.
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u/waywardson23 2d ago
Pizza Hut. No one out pizzas them
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u/ThrowawayMod1989 2d ago
People do sleep on the original pan crust. Pay the extra buck.
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u/BravoLimaDelta 2d ago
I like the personal pan for nostalgic reasons but if I'm being honest with myself the crust tastes like a crispy dish sponge.
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u/lePickles1point0 2d ago
They just tore the one down in town up here. Whamp waa. Probably not a bad thing though, the creek/ditch/swamp didn’t add any ambience worth dining in.
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u/MountainDewFountain 2d ago
Randy's Pizza in Durahm and Raliegh area is the best, most consistent NY pizza around.
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u/JMT97 Harrisburg 2d ago
Rosario's in Concord.
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u/qaz2390 2d ago
Haven’t enjoyed it since the new owners took over or whatever happened. Was my favorite before then
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u/doctorbusman 2d ago
Gusto Napoletano in Fayetteville. Legit Neapolitan pizza (and a few other things) from a head chef born and raised in Naples.
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u/07eamSam 2d ago
Frasketta Pizza Romana is a Roman style pizza food truck in Apex that makes stellar za.
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u/Distance_Runner 2d ago
Cujino Forno has locations in Greensboro, Winston Salem and Clemmons. Very good authentic Neapolitan style pizza. For me personally, it’s the best Neapolitan style pizza I’ve had outside of Italy.
The Winston Salem location in the Innovation Quarter is their best location imo. The atmosphere is really cool, and it shares a wall with a brewery. You can grab a pizza and a then a beer from the local brewery for your meal. It’s fantastic
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u/roadsaltlover 2d ago
I hard disagree. Cugino looks like it’ll be good. But overall it is a pizza that lacks. Dough has bad texture, overly chewy and no airiness or flavor whatsoever, as though it had been reheated in a microwave (I’m not suggesting that happened, but that’s what the dough is like). Sauce was flavorless and overly salty. I’ve been 3 times and I’m convinced it’s not simply a “hit or a miss” but in fact I’m certain it’s in general a “miss”.
You have not had much pizza outside of Italy if that’s the best you’ve had.
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u/cardamomgrrl 2d ago
Thank you. I was so disappointed in this highly rated pizza that o didn’t even take the leftovers home. Total garbage.
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u/roadsaltlover 2d ago
I do not get the hype. I must assume it requires a few beers from incendiary before it’s the “best Neapolitan style pizza outside of Italy” LMAO
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u/lonnieboy01 2d ago
Been in NC for 30 years and am still looking.
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u/Shamus_OKelly 2d ago
I have to agree. I prefer Chicago deep dish. There are a few places that do it but none even close to Chicago sadly.
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u/osdakoga 2d ago
I've never been to Chicago, but Piccolo's in Lenoir has great Chicago-style pizza and their only other locations are in Chicago.
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u/V8sOnly 2d ago
Try Acme Pizza in Holly Springs and Morrisville. It's not Giordano's but it's darn close.
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u/Shamus_OKelly 2d ago
I have eaten at Acme. Me and the ex used to have date nights there. But… it is 100% off limits for me. Too many good memories there sadly.
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u/scottbmaps 2d ago
That’s a casserole, not a pizza.
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u/serious_sarcasm West is Best 2d ago
Nope. The starch binder in a casserole is throughout the dish, and not a crust.
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u/FDRsPolioKnees 2d ago
Vito's Pizza in Pinehurst. The Southern Pines one is the "original" but the pizza is always better from the Pinehurst location. Best pizza in the Sandhills hands down and as good as anywhere else I've tried in NC.
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u/yourdoglikesmebetter 2d ago
RIP pie works
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u/grahamcracka88 2d ago
My favorite growing up! I have never found anywhere that makes breadsticks like theirs.
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u/Separate_Bear8909 2d ago
Portifinos charlotte
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u/supatim101 2d ago
Man. That brings back some memories. I had completely forgotten about that place. Yes, you can definitely get a good slice at Portifinos.
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u/Trouble_in_Taradise 2d ago
Mission Pizza in Winston Salem. Several different classic Italian styles. Amazing!!
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u/EzzDex2018 2d ago
Brooklyn Boys in Mooresville is the closest to NY/NJ pizza I’ve found down here. Burke St Pizza in Winston-Salem is great too.
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u/wapdeebam 2d ago
Strong Arm Baking in Oxford has absolutely killer pizza during dinner service. At lunchtime, their focaccia pizza is pretty special as well.
It's already been mentioned, but I love Oakwood Pizza Box in Raleigh as well. Their square pie rips.
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u/RoyalWulff81 2d ago
Pie-zza in Asheville. They sell by the slice or by the pie - one size: enormous. Literally watched a guy struggle to get the box through the door of his Civic
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u/SafetyNo6700 1d ago
Mo's Wood Fired Kitchen in Southport. Homemade dough, spices and sauce and wood fired.
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u/BagOnuts 2d ago
Di Fara in Cary.
There are only two other locations: one in Manhattan and one in Brooklyn.
By far the best NY style pizza in NC.
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u/hostilecarrot 2d ago
Sugar Hill Pizzeria - Kinston, NC
Pies On - Wilmington, NC
Ruckus Pizza (NC State Location) - Raleigh, NC
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u/waiflife 2d ago
Peppers pizza in chapel hill like 20 years ago, after that I’d say Alfredo’s in chapel hill.
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u/bythog 2d ago
If you're near I-95 then Pino's Pizza in Wilson is the best in the area, although Marcos is decent and cheaper. Nothing else in Wilson is really very good, or if it's decent it's incredibly overpriced (looking at you I <3 NY Pizza).
That's why I bought a pizza oven and just make it at home.
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u/piratekingtim 2d ago
Or it can be expensive and not very good, like The Hub.
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u/bythog 2d ago
Truth. The Hub isn't great. I last went before they increased prices and it wasn't very good when it was cheaper, so it being more expensive now doesn't help.
Like I said, I usually just make pizza since it's pretty easy for me, but if my wife just wants to order one we go to Marcos. If we order pizza for guests we do Pino's. If we just want to be cheap we get a few Totino's party pizzas.
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u/piratekingtim 2d ago
Marco's has been our go to lately too. We used to use Italian Pizza and Subs and it was serviceable.
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u/bythog 2d ago
I've gone there once. The pizza was okay, like you said, but the staff and owners were all incredibly rude, dismissive, and slow. My wife and I were one of five people in there at lunch so it's not like it was slammed or we were holding up closing.
The food just didn't justify endorsing their behavior.
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u/duhslim252 2d ago
I <3 NY Pizza is Sals in the trailer at the gas station? Or the Armando's that use to be NY Pizza on Airport?
I like both, but Armando's has gone thru like 3 name changes over the last year.
Italian Pizza and Subs has really nose dived from 20 yrs ago
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u/rcore97 2d ago edited 2d ago
I won't claim "best" but here are a few of my favorites in the Charlotte area:
Luisa's Brick Oven Pizzeria - crispy thin crust brick oven pizza
Aliños in Mooresville - tender chewy Neapolitan style. Their Diavola pizza from pre-pandemic was probably my #1 pizza in the region. Free calabrian chiles
Intermezzo - my favorite pizza with "fancy" toppings. Their chicken pesto pizza is my SO's favorite ever. Great Serbian food too
Portofinos (Eastway location) - my go to for a good plain NY style pizza. It gets the job done
House of Pizza - their Greek pizza is my guilty pleasure pizza. A very out-of-fashion pizza but it's a cheap calorie bomb and it's delicious. They have been around a long time. Order this pizza to scare your new friends who moved down from NY. Their subs are good too
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u/birdstheword44 2d ago
Blue Rock Pizza in High Point gives Mellow Mushroom vibes. Any Elizabeth’s pizza in Greensboro for New York style pizza.
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u/BlayneCoC 2d ago
Oo yeah, any ENC suggestions?
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u/Rare-Cook4464 2d ago
Mirabella in Greenville and Washington are solid.
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u/piratekingtim 2d ago
Marabella. The Washington location is awesome. They also own Ninos in Greenville if you are looking for some upscale Italian.
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u/Present-Loss-7499 2d ago
What area? If it’s the Goldsboro area it’s 1. Brick’s 2. Doughboys 3. Brooklyn (if you like the greasy NY style this will be your #1 here)
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u/seadubs81 2d ago
Item9 food truck in Wilson. Their truck was totaled recently so they are only doing take and bakes until it’s back up - but when they are back up check them out.
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u/GilreanEstel 2d ago
Big Guys Pizza in Mint Hill. If you want something different get a Salad Pizza. It’s a real nice Italian salad on a cheese less pizza. Sounds strange but is delicious if a little messy.
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u/supatim101 2d ago
Cristo's pizza in Raleigh. Authentic NY style. Good Sicilian as well.
Randy's Pizza in the triangle is usually pretty solid.
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u/tarquinb 2d ago
Ponysaurus in Durham. Don't sleep on the maragrita pies! https://order.toasttab.com/online/ponysaurus
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u/Affectionate_Mud8911 2d ago
Hot Box in the Morgan Street Food Hall here in Raleigh is pretty good 👍🏾
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u/BusGo_Screech26 2d ago
Marabella in Winterville and Farmville hold a special place in my heart. Haven't had them in a while, but they were my go to when I lived in Greenville. Their pizza is my personal favorite.
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u/oceanwaves101 2d ago
Sticks and Stone in Greensboro. Best pizza I've ever had. Their tomato sauce for the pizza and their marinara are to die for.
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u/saggyboomerfucker 2d ago
Easy. In Lansing NC north of Boone. Amazing fucking delicious! Pie on the Mountain
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u/Bulky_Spring_7165 2d ago
If you’re near the OBX, head to the mainland and try Wise Guys Pizza in Grandy.
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u/dnrmedaddy 2d ago
If you like Chicago style there is a place in Lenoir right before heading up to Boone called Piccolo’s. People RAVE about it! Chicago style isn’t my fave but it’s worth mentioning
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u/PaleRiderHD 2d ago
If you ever find yourself in the little town of Sylva, stop into a place called Meatballs. Been so many years I don't even know if it's still there.
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u/superarmadillo12 2d ago
We recently had sir pizza in high point for the first time, and it was great.
But Acme pizza in Apex is the best all over.
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u/Delicious_Lawyer 2d ago
Corner crust in Kannapolis. Mozzarellas in Granite Quarry (basically Salisbury) are also great!
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u/nc-retiree 2d ago
DiFara in downtown Cary. NYC style, they have a water filtration system to get the chemical balance found in NYC water.
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u/Heftyhefty22 2d ago
Charlotte- Due Amicis; Asheville- Asheville Brewing company; Mooresville - Alino Pizzeria; Boone - famous brick oven pizzeria;
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u/oneblackashley 2d ago
Dough Boys in Waynesville is a can’t miss; the specials are out of this world! I follow their insta just to make sure I don’t miss a new pie that’s up my alley. There are some foodie gems out in the hills if you venture beyond Asheville!
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u/dondon3rd 2d ago
Slab Town Pizza in Cashiers! Best pie I’ve had since Moose’s Tooth in Anchorage Alaska.
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u/Sororita 2d ago
The Hub Pizza in Wilson is pretty damn good. They have one called "Meat Sweats" and it lives up to its name.
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u/moraviancookiemonstr 2d ago
If you can get back to 1990, Peppers Pizza in Chapel Hill 😍
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u/Shamus_OKelly 1d ago
I wish I could get back to 1990. I would try that place and make 100 other different decisions in my life. Hahah
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u/BeeHarasser 1d ago
J&S Pizza in Fuquay. The dad, who passed a couple years ago, was from Brooklyn and it is legit NY style pizza. His kids are still running it and the pizza is still fab.
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u/_mid_water 2d ago
Raleigh I’m fond of Oakwood Pizzabox and Benchwarmers
Durham has Toro