01
Best overall pick
Mama Renie's Pizza
Nelsonville Public Square • Classic Small-Town Pizzeria • Local Favorite
A cozy spot right on the square serving generous, crowd-pleasing pies that feel made for small-town Friday nights.
Mama Renie’s is the place people mention first when you ask where to get pizza around Buchtel. The crust is sturdy enough to hold plenty of toppings, the cheese is plentiful, and the menu covers everything from basic pepperoni to loaded specialty pies. It’s the kind of sit-down pizzeria where you can linger over a pitcher of pop after a Nelsonville game or a Hocking Hills hike.
02
Best value slice
Little Italy Pizza
West Nelsonville • No-Frills Carryout Pizza Shop • Best For Takeout
Straightforward, well-priced pizzas that are easy to grab on the way home through Nelsonville.
Little Italy leans into classic, comforting pizza rather than trends, which is exactly why locals keep it in their regular rotation. The pies are hearty, the prices are friendly, and the menu offers familiar toppings that work for picky eaters and bigger families. Call ahead, swing by, and you’ll be back in Buchtel with hot boxes in the backseat in no time.
03
Best for delivery night
Pizza Stop
North Nelsonville • Neighborhood Pizza And Sub Shop • Go-To Delivery Option
A reliable choice when you want classic pizza, wings, and subs brought straight to your door.
Pizza Stop is built for those nights when cooking is absolutely not in the cards. The crust runs on the thicker side with a soft chew, and the toppings and sauce are balanced in a way that works well for both cheese-only and loaded pies. Pair a couple pizzas with their wings or a sub and you’ve got an easy group meal without leaving the house.
04
Most creative pies
Avalanche Pizza
East Athens • Artisan Pizza Bakery • Best For Foodies
An Athens favorite known for imaginative topping combos and crust that tastes like a baker made it, not a factory.
Avalanche is worth the extra drive from Buchtel if you care about dough and like trying new flavor combinations. The menu is packed with inventive specialty pies that play with ingredients like roasted veggies, unique cheeses, and house-made sauces, alongside a solid build-your-own option. It’s a good pick when you want something beyond the usual pepperoni but still firmly in pizza territory.
05
Game-day favorite
Courtside Pizza
Near Ohio University Campus • Lively College-Town Slice Joint • Best For Groups
Thin, foldable slices in a busy, social setting that feels tailor-made for sharing big pies with a crew.
Courtside leans into the classic college-town pizza vibe, which makes it a fun change of pace for Buchtel folks heading into Athens. The slices are big, the crust is on the thinner, crisp-chewy side, and the energy stays high on weekends and game days. It’s the place to bring a group when you want plenty of pizza, cold drinks, and a bit of campus atmosphere.