You want a slice that hits the spot and a drink that's worth sipping. In Grand Rapids, the line between pizza joint and cocktail bar is blurring, and that's a good thing. We've scoured the city to find five places
Grand Rapids Pizza Scene Heats Up
Grand Rapids has quietly become a pizza powerhouse, with over 75 pizza joints scattered across the city. The competition is fierce, and locals are passionate about their favorites. What sets the current scene apart is the crossover between pizza and craft cocktails. Places like Big O Pizza and Booze and Fratelli's are proving that you don't have to choose between a great slice and a well-made drink. Whether you're a late-night snacker or a cocktail connoisseur, there's a spot in Grand Rapids that's got your name on it.
How We Picked the Top 5
We ranked these spots based on three factors: pizza quality, drink program, and overall atmosphere. Pizza quality looked at crust, toppings, and variety, including vegan and specialty options. Drink program considered the creativity and execution of cocktails, beer, and wine. Atmosphere factored in vibe, service, and whether the spot works for a quick bite or a full evening out. We also weighed local buzz and customer reviews to ensure these are places people actually love.
Here's a quick look at how the five spots stack up against each other.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| The Mitten Brewing Company | Pizza flights and craft beer pairings |
| Fratelli's Italian Kitchen | Upscale Italian dining with craft cocktails |
| Peppino's Sports Grille | Sports fans and event hosting |
| Big O Pizza and Booze | Wood-fired pizza and hidden speakeasy access |
| Vito's Pizza | Late-night delivery and classic subs |
Deep Dive: The Top 5 Pizza and Cocktail Spots
#1 The Mitten Brewing Company
A screenshot of The Mitten Brewing Company website.
The Mitten Brewing Company took the top spot in a local poll of favorite pizza places, and it's easy to see why. They offer all the usual options you'd expect, but their original creations like Hog Heaven and Curse of the Goat are what keep people coming back. You can even try a pizza flight to sample multiple pies in one visit. The brewery setting adds a casual, social vibe that pairs perfectly with their craft beers. It's a place where the pizza is just as celebrated as the brews. If you want a true Grand Rapids pizza experience, start here.
#2 Fratelli's Italian Kitchen
Fratelli's brings authentic Italian dining to Grand Rapids with a menu that goes beyond pizza. Their craft cocktails, Italian spritzes, and sommelier-selected wines are just as bold as their food, making it a great spot for Happy Hour or a full dinner. Open for lunch starting at 11 AM, they offer sandwiches, handcrafted pastas, and crisp salads alongside their pizza options. The upscale setting and full-service bar create a vibrant atmosphere that works for both quick bites and relaxed meals. If you're craving Italian vibes with your slice, this is your place.
#3 Peppino's Sports Grille
A screenshot of Peppino's Sports Grille website.
Peppino's in downtown Grand Rapids is a sports grille that knows how to do pizza right. Open late most nights, with kitchen and takeout closing just 30 minutes before the bar, it's a solid choice for a game-day gathering or a late dinner. They offer dine-in, carryout, and delivery, plus a private Upper Deck with its own full-service bar for events. Off-site catering is also available if you want to bring the pizza to your party. It's a versatile spot that balances food, drinks, and entertainment.
#4 Big O Pizza and Booze
A screenshot of Big O Pizza and Booze website.
Big O Pizza and Booze is a downtown Grand Rapids pizza bar that brings NY-style wood-fired pizza, vegan options, and craft cocktails together under one roof. The menu features everything from a classic 12" Pepperoni to a 16" Meat Lover's, plus sides like Cheese Breadsticks and Calabrian Honey. Customer reviews rave about the friendly staff and late-night hours, making it a go-to for a casual slice or a full night out. Owner Bernie Kersten also runs the hidden speakeasy Sidebar next door, so you can grab a pizza and then slip into a noir-style cocktail lounge. It's a two-for-one experience that's hard to beat.
#5 Vito's Pizza
A screenshot of Vito's Pizza website.
Vito's Pizza has been a Grand Rapids staple for over 30 years, serving up pizzas, subs, dinners, salads, and desserts from its location on West Fulton. They offer delivery, takeout, dine-in, and late-night service seven days a week, making them a reliable option for any craving. The family-owned business started as Steve's Pizza in 1973 and has built a loyal following through consistency and quality. Monthly specials and exclusive coupons make it easy to keep coming back. If you want a tried-and-true slice with a side of history, Vito's delivers.
How to Choose Your Grand Rapids Pizza Spot
Start by asking what kind of night you want. If you're after a quick, no-fuss slice, Vito's or Peppino's will get you in and out. For a date night or special occasion, Fratelli's upscale setting and craft cocktails set the mood. If you want to sample a variety of pies, The Mitten Brewing Company's pizza flights are a fun choice. And if you're looking for a hidden gem that combines wood-fired pizza with a speakeasy cocktail bar, Big O Pizza and Booze is your best bet. Think about timing too: some spots close earlier, while others cater to the late-night crowd.
Automate Your Pizza Night Planning
You can streamline your pizza outings by setting up a simple workflow. Use a tool like Zapier to connect your calendar to a notes app. When you add a "Pizza Night" event, it can automatically pull up the menu and hours for your chosen spot from this list. You can also set a reminder to check for monthly specials at Vito's or Happy Hour deals at Fratelli's. This way, you spend less time planning and more time enjoying your slice and cocktail.
The Final Slice
Grand Rapids is a city that takes its pizza seriously, and these five spots prove that you don't have to sacrifice quality for convenience or atmosphere. Whether you're a local or just passing through, each of these places offers a unique take on what a pizza bar can be. From the hidden speakeasy at Big O to the pizza flights at The Mitten, there's something here for every craving. So go ahead, pick your spot, and enjoy the best of what Grand Rapids has to offer.