In the world of pizza, thick-crusted rectangular pies have taken center stage recently. Yet, as a restaurant critic, I’ve started to observe a shifting tide: with the decline of Detroit-style pies, bar pizzas, or tavern pies, are making a notable comeback, showcasing thin, crunchy crusts. Even Pizza Hut is on board, introducing a tavern-style pizza as part of this rising trend.
My pizza journey began in South Connecticut, where Colony Grill has been dishing out their signature skinny pies since the 1930s. Throughout New England, these delightful thin-crusts are lovingly referred to as “South Shore bar pizza,” due to their prominence in the Boston area. Chicago has its own rendition, igniting debates among locals about whether tavern pies or deep-dish truly represent the city’s pizza heritage.
What if you crave good thin-crust pizza but live outside a major metropolitan area? To explore this, I tested the thin-crust pizzas from four of the most recognizable chains in the U.S. While these options don’t exactly replicate bar pizzas, they might be the nearest alternatives you can find without hopping on a plane.
How I Chose and Tested the Thin-Crust Pizzas
Identifying each pizza chain was simple; these four national names are easily accessible in various regions, including my home in North Virginia. However, figuring out the best way to assess their offerings was another story. I sampled the pizzas either straight from the car or dined in at Pizza Hut to ensure they were fresh.
When evaluating, I prioritized the crust’s characteristics above all else. Texture and flavor were pivotal, but I also considered the sauce, cheese, doneness, and overall price as important elements in my assessment.
The Best Pizza Chain Thin-Crust, Ranked
4th Place: Papa John’s
My experiment kicked off on a lackluster note when I picked up a 14-inch large pizza from Papa John’s. Priced at $17.49, the crust was crisp, but not in an enjoyable way. Instead, it felt more rigid than crunchy or chewy. The dry bites reminded me of low-quality frozen pizza, exacerbated by the overly sweet sauce and cheese that failed to stretch. On a positive note, the spicy peperoncino included in the box paired nicely with the cupping pepperoni I selected.
3rd Place: Domino’s
While some pizza varieties require sufficient sauce for ideal flavor and texture, I struggled to detect much of Domino’s famed “Robust Inspired Tomato Sauce” here. Although it carried a balanced profile of tart and sweet, this pie just didn’t deliver adequately on moisture.
The crust itself was the thinnest of the bunch—almost like crackers—offering an ultra-crispy texture with a slight hint of stretch. At $16.98, the large 14-inch pie seemed pricey, but a carry-out coupon eventually brought it down to $7.99, making it the most affordable option.
2nd Place: Pizza Hut
My experience improved significantly when I encountered the substantial 14-inch large pizza at Pizza Hut. Unsurprisingly, at $19.09 for a single topping, this option was also the priciest. However, I found value in this saucy, cheesy contender that brought nostalgia.
The buttery-tasting crust bubbled at the edges, resembling a mini pizza bowl—a delightful surprise. There’s nothing quite like the heavily seasoned marinara that evokes childhood memories, especially when paired with a thick layer of stretchy mozzarella.
1st Place: Little Caesars
Surprisingly, I found myself warming up to Little Caesars. Considering both price and flavor, I realized this was the pizza I’d most likely choose to order again. The tangy sauce beneath the perfectly browned cheese that extended to the edges caught my attention, but the standout feature was the crispy crust with a hint of chew.
At a mere $9.99 for a 14-inch pie, it’s genuinely a bargain, solidifying its status as my top pick. At home, I enjoyed drizzling the square slices, or the “party cut,” with hot honey for an added kick. Even on its own, this option is worthy of your next pizza night.
