01
Best overall pick
Papi's Family Pizza
Hamden Village Center • Family-Run Pizzeria With Classic Toppings • Go-To Slice In Hamden
The small-town pizza shop locals count on for dependable pies, wings, and subs right in the heart of Hamden.
Papi's Family Pizza is the place Hamden residents think of first when they want an easy pizza night without leaving the village. The menu leans into familiar favorites—pepperoni, deluxe, and meat lover’s pies, plus subs and wings—done in a straightforward, satisfying way. Call ahead for carryout on busy evenings, when boxes are stacked high behind the counter.
02
Best small-town hangout
Mama Renie's Pizza & Pub
Downtown Mcarthur • Lively Pizza Pub With A Hometown Feel • Best For Groups And Game Nights
A McArthur staple where you can grab a hand-tossed pie, a cold drink, and a seat among locals catching up over dinner.
Just up the road in McArthur, Mama Renie's delivers the classic small-town pizza pub experience. The crust is sturdy with a nice chew, built to hold generous toppings, and there are plenty of shareable appetizers if you’re lingering over a game on TV. It’s an easy choice when you want more of an evening out than a quick carryout run.
03
Classic regional chain pick
Giovanni's Pizza
Wellston • Casual Regional Chain Pizzeria • Best For Big, Budget-Friendly Orders
A reliable Southern Ohio chain spot turning out crowd-pleasing pizzas that work well for families and teams heading through Wellston.
Giovanni's in Wellston is popular for its value-focused specials and consistently crisp, edge-to-edge toppings. The menu runs beyond pizza, but it’s the loaded specialty pies and thick-cut square slices that keep regulars coming back. It’s ideal when you’ve got a car full of hungry people and need plenty of food without overthinking the order.
04
Comfort-food favorite
Cardo's Pizza & Pasta
Jackson • Family-Friendly Pizza And Pasta Joint • Best For Families
A homey spot in Jackson serving pan and traditional pizzas alongside hearty pasta and salad options.
Cardo's Pizza & Pasta gives you the kind of red-sauce comfort meal that appeals to kids and adults alike. The pizzas come with a slightly thicker, softer crust that pairs well with their sweeter sauce, and you can round out the table with spaghetti, garlic bread, and salads. It’s a dependable pick for sit-down family dinners after a day on the road or at local events.
05
Best post-hike pie
Rocco's Pizza House
Logan, Near Hocking Hills • Old-School Pizza House With Dine-In And Carryout • Best For Hocking Hills Day-Trippers
A long-running Logan favorite where hikers and locals refuel with substantial, toppings-heavy pizzas.
If your Hamden trip includes a detour to Hocking Hills, Rocco's Pizza House in Logan is a smart way to end the day. The pies are generously topped and cut into hearty squares, with a sauce-and-cheese balance that feels old-school in the best way. Expect a steady flow of both locals and outdoor travelers, especially on weekends when cabins empty out in search of dinner.