01
Closest neighborhood classic
Italianette Pizza
North College Hill • Old-School Cincinnati Pizzeria • Local Favorite
Old-school North College Hill pizza counter turning out hefty, cheese-forward pies just a few minutes from Northbrook.[2]
Italianette sits on West Galbraith Road and feels like the kind of no-nonsense neighborhood joint that’s been around forever.[2] Locals swear by the thick, edge-to-edge toppings and crispy crust, whether you’re grabbing a quick carryout on the way home or feeding a crowd after a game.[2] It’s the closest spot on this list to Northbrook, so it’s an easy default when nobody wants to drive far.
02
Best game-day slices
Queen City Pizza
Westwood • Classic Carryout Slice Shop • Best For Big Groups
Classic Westwood shop known for big, foldable slices and a straightforward, no-frills vibe.[2]
Down on Queen City Avenue in Westwood, this place leans into everything people love about a traditional Cincinnati slice shop: generous cheese, plenty of pepperoni, and a crust sturdy enough to fold.[2] The menu is built for feeding a crew, with party-cut pies, thick garlic bread, and wings that travel well.[2] From Northbrook, it’s a manageable drive for game days when you need a couple of big boxes to drop on the coffee table.
03
Campus-area favorite
Adriatico's Pizza
Clifton Heights • Thick-Crust College-Town Spot • Late-Night Pick
Beloved Clifton Heights institution piling thick, bready crusts with serious toppings steps from the UC campus.[2]
Adriatico’s is the classic UC-area pizza joint, famous for its hefty crust, caramelized cheese at the edges, and boxes that feel like they weigh a ton.[2] The vibe is casual and student-heavy, which makes it ideal when you want a buzzy atmosphere and don’t mind a little noise with your pie.[2] It’s a solid late-night option if you’re coming into the city from Northbrook and want to grab something satisfying near campus before heading home.
04
Best for thin-crust fans
Brooklyn Pizza & Pasta
Montgomery • New York–Leaning Neighborhood Pizzeria • Sit-Down Pick
Montgomery mainstay where New York–leaning pies share the menu with hearty pasta and garlic knots.[2]
Set along Montgomery Road, Brooklyn Pizza & Pasta gives the north side a reliable spot for foldable, New York–style slices without having to head downtown.[2] The menu reads like a greatest hits list—classic cheese, pepperoni, white pies, plus red-sauce pasta and subs if someone at the table isn’t in a pizza mood.[2] From Northbrook, it’s a comfortable cross-town drive when you want a full sit-down dinner rather than just a quick pickup order.
05
Worth-the-drive family spot
Fratelli's Pizzeria
West Chester • Family-Run Suburban Pizzeria • Best For Families
West Chester spot turning out crisp-edged, nicely balanced pies that draw regulars from across the northern suburbs.[2]
Up in West Chester on Tylersville Road, Fratelli’s has the feel of a true family operation, with friendly service and a dining room full of regulars.[2] The pizzas hit a sweet spot between crispy and chewy, with thoughtfully balanced toppings that stay put when you pick up a slice.[2] It’s a bit of a drive from Northbrook, but the relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere makes it a strong choice when you’re already out running errands along I‑75.