01
Closest neighborhood classic
Joe's Pizzeria
West Third Street Corridor • No-Frills Dayton-Style Pizzeria • Local Favorite For Carryout
A longtime west-side staple serving crisp, square-cut pies that feel tailor-made for Drexel weeknights.
Joe’s is one of the closest true pizzerias to Drexel, and it leans into everything people love about Dayton-style pizza: thin crust, edge-to-edge toppings, and plenty of cheese. The shop has a straightforward, old-school feel, so it’s ideal when you just want to phone in an order and be back home before the pizza cools. If you’re trying it for the first time, go heavy on the pepperoni or sausage and let the crunchy crust do the rest.
02
Classic Dayton icon
Marion's Piazza (North Dixie)
North Dayton • Large, Family-Friendly Thin-Crust Piazza • Old-School Institution
A benchmark for wafer-thin, square-cut Dayton pizza in a big, social dining room that still feels frozen in the best kind of time warp.
Marion’s is the name most Dayton locals bring up first when you ask about pizza, and the North Dixie location is an easy drive from Drexel for dine-in or a big takeout order. The crust is cracker-thin, the toppings are finely chopped and spread all the way to the edge, and the pies arrive cut into small squares that are perfect for sharing. It’s especially good for youth teams, extended families, or anyone wanting to experience a true Dayton pizza tradition under one roof.
03
Retro Dayton chain pick
Cassano's Pizza King (West Dayton)
West Dayton • Retro Chain With Tavern-Style Pies • Best For Nostalgic Flavor
A regional chain with a loyal following, known for its salty, bubbly crust and a flavor that screams Dayton comfort food.
Cassano’s has been woven into Dayton pizza lore for decades, and the west-side locations put it within easy reach of Drexel. The crust has a distinct texture—light, a bit chewy, and often speckled with those blistered bubbles that regulars swear by. It’s the kind of place where a large pepperoni and a side of classic extras can instantly transport former locals back to childhood Friday nights.
04
Modern sit-down experience
Dewey's Pizza (UD District)
University Of Dayton District • Craft-Pie Pizzeria With Open Kitchen • Best For Dine-In And Creative Toppings
A polished, lively spot where you can watch the pies get tossed while you wait for combinations you won’t see at the old-school joints.
A short drive from Drexel, Dewey’s near the University of Dayton is where to go when you want something beyond the classic pepperoni-and-cheese playbook. The menu leans into specialty pizzas with combinations like roasted vegetables, goat cheese, or spicy sauces, and there’s always the option to build your own. With a comfortable dining room and a solid beer list, it makes a good pre-game stop, date night choice, or relaxed dinner with friends who like to share a couple different pies.
05
Big-group and party favorite
Dayton's Original Pizza Factory
Wayne Avenue Corridor • Gourmet And Traditional Pizza Shop • Go-To For Large Orders And Variety
A Dayton fixture offering everything from straightforward pepperoni to loaded specialty pies, plus salads and party trays for a crowd.
Dayton’s Original Pizza Factory sits a bit farther from Drexel than the west-side spots, but it earns the drive when you need to feed a lot of people well. The menu is broad, covering classic cheese and pepperoni, white pizzas, and more fully loaded combinations, along with salads and sides that make ordering for a group simple. It’s a smart pick for office lunches, birthday gatherings, or game-day spreads when you want local flavor without sacrificing convenience.