01
Best lake crowd hangout
Bootlegger's Pizza
Apple Valley / Howard • Lake-Town Bar And Pizzeria • Local Favorite For Hearty Pies
A laid-back lake-area spot turning out thick, cheesy pizzas that hit the comfort-food bullseye.
Just a short drive from Bladensburg, Bootlegger's draws the Apple Valley crowd with generous toppings and a crust that can stand up to them. The vibe is relaxed and a little rustic, making it an easy choice after a day on the water or a drive through the countryside. Expect hearty specialty pies, cold drinks, and a mix of locals who know each other by name.
02
Best for groups and game nights
Padrone's Pizza & Pub
Downtown Mount Vernon • Family-Friendly Sports Bar Pizzeria • Local Favorite
A lively pizza-and-pub combo with plenty of TVs, shareable pies, and an easygoing small-town feel.
Padrone's is the kind of place where a couple of big pies and a pitcher will easily feed a table of friends or family. The menu leans into classic and loaded specialty pizzas, with just enough variety to keep repeat visits interesting. If you’re coming in from Bladensburg for a game, this is a reliable spot to settle in, watch, and linger over a few slices.
03
Best thin-crust takeout
Donatos Pizza
East Side Mount Vernon • Ohio-Style Thin-Crust Chain • Reliable Weeknight Takeout
Crisp, edge-to-edge pepperoni and fast service make this a go-to for no-fuss pizza nights.
Donatos’ signature thin crust and wall-to-wall toppings are a big draw for Knox County families who want predictable, quick takeout. The Mount Vernon location is close enough for Bladensburg residents to swing by on the way home or opt for delivery if available. It’s not fancy, but when you want your order to be exactly what you expect every time, this is the move.
04
Best college-town vibe
The Village Inn
Gambier / Kenyon College • College-Town Pub With Pizza • Lively Student Favorite
A Kenyon mainstay where casual pub fare and pizza fuel long conversations and late evenings.
Tucked into Gambier, The Village Inn caters to both students and locals with a mix of pizzas, sandwiches, and pub staples. The pies are substantial, with plenty of gooey cheese and toppings, best enjoyed fresh out of the oven at a corner table. If you don’t mind a bit of campus energy, it’s a fun change of pace from the quieter options closer to Bladensburg.
05
Best nostalgic classic
Pizza Hut
Coshocton Avenue Corridor • Classic National Pizza Chain • Family-Friendly Classic
A familiar stop for pan pizzas, breadsticks, and easy family dinners after errands in Mount Vernon.
For many Knox County families, the Mount Vernon Pizza Hut is a default choice when nobody wants to cook and everyone wants something familiar. The menu leans into the brand’s greatest hits, from thick pan pies to stuffed crust and wings. Pair it with a quick shopping run along Coshocton Avenue and you’ve got a simple, kid-approved outing not far from Bladensburg.