01
Best overall pick
Avalanche Pizza
East Side Of Athens Off East State Street • Creative Artisan Pizzeria And Bakery • Destination For Inventive Pies
A wildly creative Athens shop known for its chewy crusts, bold toppings, and generous portions.
Avalanche is the place locals mention first when you ask about memorable pizza around Athens. Expect inventive topping combos, high-quality ingredients, and crust that manages to be both airy and substantial. It is a bit of a drive from Jacksonville, but the pies are hearty enough to make the trip feel well worth it.
02
Worth-the-drive classic
Pizza Crossing
Near The Square In Nelsonville • Small-Town Pizza Parlor And Carryout • Best For Big-Group Carryout
A long-running Nelsonville favorite that turns out thick, cheese-heavy pies ideal for sharing.
Pizza Crossing feels like the classic southeastern Ohio pizza joint, with generous toppings and a crust that holds up under the weight. It is an easy hop from Jacksonville and a go-to when you are feeding a crowd after a game or family get-together. Call ahead on busy evenings, because locals know this is one of the area’s most reliable options.
03
Game-day staple
Courtside Pizza
Near The Ohio University Campus In Athens • Casual College-Town Pizzeria • Best For Hanging Out With Friends
A laid-back Athens spot where crispy pies and a college-town buzz make it easy to linger over a few slices.
Courtside leans into its campus-side personality, with plenty of TVs and a relaxed atmosphere that works well for groups. The crust hits a nice middle ground between thin and bready, and the toppings skew classic but well-executed. If you are coming from Jacksonville with friends or older kids, this is a fun place to settle in on a weeknight or game day.
04
Late-night slice spot
Goodfella's Pizza
Court Street In Uptown Athens • Walk-Up Slice Counter • Best For Late-Night Slices
A no-frills Court Street institution serving oversized, foldable slices to go.
Goodfella's is all about convenience and that unmistakable college-town slice-shop energy. You order at the counter, grab a hot, oversized slice, and you are back out the door in minutes. It is especially handy if you are already in Athens for a show, OU event, or errands and want a quick, satisfying bite before the drive back to Jacksonville.
05
Family-friendly chain option
Donatos Pizza
Commercial Strip On East State Street In Athens • Ohio-Based Thin-Crust Chain • Reliable Family Choice
A familiar name that delivers thin-crust, edge-to-edge toppings with plenty of seating and easy parking.
Donatos is a solid pick when you want something predictable, quick, and friendly to mixed tastes. The thin crust and edge-to-edge toppings make it easy to order several styles and let everyone claim a favorite. Its location on East State Street is convenient when you are combining a pizza run with shopping or other errands in Athens before heading back toward Jacksonville.