01
Best overall pick
Jimmy Neno's Pizzeria & Taproom
Brookfield Area • Taproom Pizzeria • Local Favorite
A short hop from Yankee Lake, Jimmy Neno’s pairs crispy pies with a laid-back taproom vibe and plenty of local color.
This is the closest thing to a hometown pizza bar for the Yankee Lake crowd, with roomy tables, TVs tuned to the game, and a friendly staff that remembers regulars. The dough has just enough chew to stand up to hefty toppings, and the tap list makes lingering over another slice an easy decision. It’s the kind of spot where you can show up in lake clothes and still feel right at home.
02
Classic Youngstown style
Belleria Pizza & Italian Restaurant
Niles • Old-School Pan-Pizza Joint • Best For Sharing
Thick, saucy pan pizza and big trays of Italian comfort food make Belleria a go-to when you’re feeding a crowd.
Belleria leans into the Mahoning Valley’s love of hearty, square-cut pizza with a slightly sweet red sauce and plenty of cheese. The menu is stacked with local staples—think fried greens, pasta dinners, and house-made sausage—so everyone at the table finds something. Call ahead for full or half sheets if you’re bringing pizza back to a cabin or campsite near the lake.
03
Destination pie
Wedgewood Fernando's Pizza
Boardman • Thick-Crust Square-Slice Shop • Worth The Drive
Famed in the Youngstown area, Wedgewood’s hefty squares and bold toppings are the kind of pizza people happily drive for.
If you ask locals to name their favorite pie, Wedgewood comes up fast, even if it means a longer drive from Yankee Lake. The crust is substantial but never doughy, built to handle everything from classic pepperoni to hot peppers and sausage. Grab a tray of red or white pizza and you’ll understand why it’s become a regional pizza pilgrimage spot.
04
Best for a night out
Avalon Downtown Pizzeria
Downtown Youngstown • Urban Bar-Style Pizzeria • Best For Date Night
Brick-oven pies, a lively bar, and a downtown setting make Avalon ideal when you want pizza plus a night out.
Avalon brings a city feel within reach of Yankee Lake, with exposed brick, a busy bar, and pizzas that lean more New York than pan. The crust comes out blistered and foldable, with toppings that range from straightforward cheese to more cheffy combinations. It’s a smart pick if you’re pairing dinner with a show, a Phantoms game, or just a stroll through downtown Youngstown.
05
Most family-friendly
Pizza Joe's
Sharon, Pa • Casual Family Chain • Best For Families
Square-cut pies, kid-approved toppings, and budget-friendly specials make Pizza Joe’s an easy family stop over the state line.
Just across into Pennsylvania, Pizza Joe’s is a familiar name for locals who grew up on its tray pizzas and party-cut slices. The menu is straightforward—pizza, subs, wings, and salads—which keeps ordering simple when you’ve got a car full of hungry kids. It’s also a reliable choice for quick takeout on the way back to Yankee Lake after errands or a day in town.