Heartland Slices: Discovering the Unexpected Pizza Gems of Iowa

There’s certainly more to explore when it comes to Iowa’s pizza scene! Beyond the standout pizzerias mentioned, Iowa has a rich pizza culture that reflects its small-town charm, agricultural roots, and evolving food landscape. Here are additional insights that highlight the state’s diverse pizza offerings:

Quad Cities-Style Pizza: A Regional Classic

Iowa Wineries

One of Iowa’s most unique contributions to the pizza world is Quad Cities-style pizza, which originated in the Quad Cities area that includes Davenport, Bettendorf, and parts of Illinois. This pizza is distinctive for several reasons:

• Malt-Flavored Crust: The dough is infused with malt, giving the crust a slightly sweet, nutty flavor.
• Spicy Sauce: The sauce used in Quad Cities-style pizza has a peppery, spicy kick.
• Toppings Under the Cheese: Toppings like sausage and pepperoni are placed under the cheese, which helps meld the flavors.
• Strips Instead of Slices: Instead of the traditional triangular slices, the pizza is cut into long strips.

Harris Pizza, which claims to be the birthplace of this style, has been serving it since 1960 and remains a beloved staple in the region. Other pizzerias like Frank’s Pizzeria also offer great versions of this regional specialty.

Farm-to-Table Ingredients

Iowa’s reputation as an agricultural powerhouse plays a significant role in its pizza scene. Many pizzerias, particularly in smaller towns, take advantage of the state’s fresh, local produce, meats, and cheeses. This farm-to-table ethos ensures that ingredients are fresh, and it allows pizzerias to showcase the flavors of the heartland in their pizzas.

• Lincoln Winebar in Mount Vernon is an excellent example of this farm-to-table approach. Known for sourcing ingredients locally, Lincoln Winebar creates seasonal pizzas that reflect Iowa’s rich agricultural heritage. Their use of house-made sausage, local vegetables, and fresh herbs elevates the pizza experience, making it a favorite for both locals and visitors.

Iowa’s Pizza and Craft Beer Culture

Iowa’s thriving craft beer scene complements its pizza culture, with many pizzerias offering extensive craft beer selections to pair with their pies. In cities like Des Moines and Cedar Rapids, breweries often collaborate with local pizzerias to create unique pizza and beer pairings.

For example, Exile Brewing Co. in Des Moines frequently pairs its craft beers with pizza from Gusto Pizza Co., making for a perfect night out. The combination of pizza and craft beer has become a popular way to enjoy local flavors, especially during community events and festivals.

Pizza Trucks and Pop-Ups

The food truck trend is alive and well in Iowa, and pizza trucks have become a popular part of the scene. One example is Magoo’s Pizza, a mobile pizza truck in Des Moines that serves wood-fired pizzas with gourmet toppings. These pizza trucks often pop up at farmers’ markets, festivals, and events across the state, bringing high-quality pizza to various communities.

This trend has made gourmet pizza more accessible, particularly in smaller towns and rural areas where brick-and-mortar pizzerias might be fewer. The pizza trucks also showcase the state’s commitment to fresh, artisanal ingredients.

Pizza Festivals in Iowa

While Iowa may not have the massive pizza festivals that some other states boast, there are several food festivals and events where pizza plays a starring role. Many local events feature pizza trucks or vendors alongside other food options, giving visitors the chance to sample pizza while enjoying the community atmosphere. For example, during Des Moines’ annual 80/35 Music Festival, local pizza trucks like Malo and Magoo’s Pizza are popular vendors that provide fuel for festival-goers.

In addition, local pizzerias often participate in pizza-eating contests, charity events, and fundraisers, showing that Iowa’s pizza scene is deeply embedded in community culture.

Family-Owned Pizzerias: Iowa’s Pizza Traditions

Iowa Beers and Breweries

Iowa is home to numerous family-owned pizzerias that have been serving their communities for decades. These pizzerias are often beloved local institutions, and their traditions have been passed down through generations. They may not have the flash or novelty of trendy urban pizzerias, but their loyal following is a testament to their quality.

• Pagliai’s Pizza in Iowa City is one such example. Opened in 1957, Pagliai’s has been serving classic thin-crust pizza to the Iowa City community for more than 60 years. Known for its simple yet flavorful pizzas, Pagliai’s is a favorite for both locals and University of Iowa students.

Iowa’s Pizza Innovation

In addition to traditional pizza styles, Iowa is home to pizzerias that aren’t afraid to experiment with new flavors and toppings. For example, Fong’s Pizza in Des Moines has become famous for its quirky pizza toppings, blending Asian and Italian flavors in ways you won’t find anywhere else. Their “Crab Rangoon Pizza,” topped with cream cheese, crab, and wonton strips, is one of their signature offerings, showcasing how creative Iowa’s pizzerias can be.

Another creative pizza spot is Black Sheep Social Club in Cedar Rapids, which offers artisanal pizzas with inventive toppings like caramelized onions, locally sourced bacon, and balsamic glaze. Their pizzas are known for pushing boundaries while still celebrating Iowa’s culinary heritage.

Pizza for a Cause: Community and Charity Events

Iowa’s pizza scene is deeply connected to its sense of community. Many pizzerias participate in local charity events, supporting causes ranging from food insecurity to educational programs. For example, Gusto Pizza Co. has hosted fundraising nights where a portion of the sales goes toward local schools or nonprofit organizations. This connection between pizza and community shows how important local pizzerias are to the social fabric of Iowa.

Late-Night Pizza Culture

In college towns like Iowa City and Ames (home to Iowa State University), late-night pizza has become a staple for students. Pizzerias like The Pizza Pit in Iowa City are known for serving up slices to hungry students well into the night. This late-night pizza culture is essential for students and partygoers looking for a quick, satisfying bite after a night out.

Famous Pizza Stories in Iowa:

1. Fong’s Pizza’s Rise to Fame: Fong’s Pizza has made national headlines for its inventive menu and Asian-inspired pizza toppings. Its unique creations have been featured in food publications like Thrillist and The Food Network, bringing attention to Des Moines as a quirky food destination. Fong’s Pizza has become a tourist attraction in its own right, drawing visitors from across the state and beyond to try their adventurous takes on pizza.

2. Pagliai’s Pizza’s Enduring Legacy: As one of the oldest pizzerias in Iowa, Pagliai’s Pizza has a storied history in Iowa City. Opened in 1957 by Sam Pagliai, the pizzeria has remained a family-run business ever since. Its commitment to quality, tradition, and community has helped it thrive for more than six decades, making it a cornerstone of the Iowa City food scene.

3. Harris Pizza and Quad Cities-Style Pizza: Harris Pizza’s claim as the originator of Quad Cities-style pizza has made it a legendary spot in the region. The pizza’s distinctive characteristics have attracted both locals and food enthusiasts, cementing Harris Pizza as a must-visit destination for those curious about this unique style.

In conclusion, Iowa’s pizza scene is a delightful mix of tradition, innovation, and local pride. From the quirky pizzas of Des Moines to the beloved Quad Cities-style pies, the state offers a surprising variety of pizza experiences. Whether you’re a fan of classic Italian flavors or looking for something more adventurous, Iowa’s pizzerias showcase the creativity and culinary passion of the heartland.

Fong’s Pizza: Crab Rangoon Pizza and National Fame

One of the most famous and quirky pizza stories in Iowa centers around Fong’s Pizza in Des Moines. Fong’s Pizza has gained national fame for its fusion of Italian and Asian cuisines, particularly for its Crab Rangoon Pizza, which has become a cult favorite.

The story of Fong’s Pizza begins in 2009 when the owners, Gwen Page and her business partners, took over the location of a former Chinese restaurant called King-Ying-Low. Instead of wiping away the Chinese restaurant’s history, they decided to embrace it, creating a concept that blended Chinese and Italian cuisines. Thus, Fong’s Pizza was born.

Their signature Crab Rangoon Pizza is made with cream cheese, surimi (imitation crab), green onions, mozzarella, crispy wonton strips, and sweet chili sauce. This unconventional creation attracted attention from foodies and media outlets across the country. Fong’s has been featured on shows like Man vs. Food and listed in various publications as one of the most creative pizzerias in the U.S. Fong’s continues to expand with multiple locations in Iowa, but their Des Moines location remains a must-visit for tourists and locals alike.

Harris Pizza: The Birthplace of Quad Cities-Style Pizza

Iowa Weddings

Another iconic pizza story from Iowa involves Harris Pizza in Davenport, which is credited with creating Quad Cities-style pizza in the 1950s. This unique pizza style has a malt-infused crust, spicy tomato sauce, and toppings placed underneath the cheese. It is also known for its signature cutting style, where the pizza is sliced into long strips rather than triangles or squares.

Harris Pizza was founded by Leonard Harris in 1960, but the Quad Cities-style pizza had been developing in the region for several years before that. Harris Pizza perfected the style, making it a beloved local favorite and the flagship for Quad Cities pizza. The pizzeria’s sausage pizza, with its zesty sauce and bold flavors, is a regional classic.

Quad Cities-style pizza has attracted food enthusiasts to the area, eager to try this distinctive Midwestern pizza. It has been featured in food publications, and fans argue that it deserves recognition alongside other famous U.S. pizza styles like Chicago deep-dish and New York thin crust.

Pagliai’s Pizza: A Family Legacy in Iowa City

Founded in 1957, Pagliai’s Pizza in Iowa City is one of the oldest and most beloved pizzerias in the state. What makes Pagliai’s story special is its deep connection to the local community and its status as a family-owned institution for more than 60 years.

Sam Pagliai opened the pizzeria with a focus on making traditional Italian thin-crust pizzas. Over the years, Pagliai’s became a favorite among University of Iowa students and Iowa City locals. The pizzeria has maintained its original recipes, commitment to quality ingredients, and a loyal customer base that spans generations.

The Pagliai family continues to run the pizzeria, which has become an institution in Iowa City. The combination of a classic, no-frills pizza experience and a deep sense of community loyalty has allowed Pagliai’s to thrive, even as new pizza trends have emerged.

Magoo’s Pizza: A Tragic Story with a Strong Legacy

Magoo’s Pizza in Des Moines has an emotional story behind its rise. Founded by Brett “Magoo” Erickson in the early 2000s, Magoo’s quickly became known for its delicious wood-fired pizzas. Brett was a beloved figure in the Des Moines restaurant scene and was dedicated to creating high-quality pizzas with fresh ingredients.

Unfortunately, in 2017, Brett Erickson was tragically killed in a car accident. His death shocked the local community and left many wondering about the future of Magoo’s Pizza. In the wake of his death, friends, family, and loyal customers came together to ensure that Magoo’s legacy would live on.

In the years following his passing, Magoo’s Pizza has continued to operate, thanks to the dedication of Brett’s family and supporters. His story serves as a reminder of the strong community ties that often form around local pizzerias, and how a beloved restaurant can become a lasting legacy in the face of tragedy.

The 2004 Iowa City Pizza Feud:

Iowa Foods

In 2004, Iowa City was home to a fierce and unusual pizza feud between two local institutions: Pagliai’s Pizza and Pizza Pit. It all began when Pizza Pit opened a new location just down the street from Pagliai’s, sparking competition for the University of Iowa’s pizza-eating crowd.

What made this pizza feud famous was the publicity it generated. Both pizzerias began launching promotions, discounts, and special events to attract customers, with local media even getting involved to report on the rivalry. The “Pizza Wars,” as some referred to them, ended up benefiting both businesses, as the friendly competition raised the profile of both pizzerias.

The feud eventually fizzled out, but it became a local legend in Iowa City, with residents still reminiscing about the time when the town’s pizza scene became a battleground of delicious proportions.

The Pizza King of the Midwest: Tom Romano

Tom Romano, known as the “Pizza King of the Midwest,” has left a significant mark on Iowa’s pizza scene. Romano started his pizza career in Cedar Rapids and later went on to own several successful pizza businesses throughout Iowa and surrounding states. His innovative approach to pizza-making, such as introducing conveyor-belt ovens and other pizza innovations, helped streamline the pizza industry in the region.

Romano was also known for mentoring aspiring pizzeria owners and helping them set up successful businesses throughout Iowa. His contributions helped establish Iowa as a key player in the Midwest pizza scene, earning him the affectionate title of “Pizza King.”

Fong’s Pizza’s Pop Culture Fame

As Fong’s Pizza grew in popularity, it gained pop culture fame after being featured on shows like Man vs. Food and Food Paradise. These appearances showcased their Crab Rangoon Pizza and other fusion creations, bringing even more attention to Des Moines’ quirky food scene.

Fong’s popularity skyrocketed, with tourists and locals alike flocking to try its unconventional pizzas. The restaurant’s kitschy, Tiki-themed atmosphere, combined with its bold flavors, made it an essential stop on Iowa’s food map. Fong’s Pizza has since expanded to multiple locations, including in Cedar Rapids and Ankeny, solidifying its place as an Iowa culinary icon.

Lincoln Winebar: A Slice of Artisanal Excellence

While pizza is often considered comfort food, Lincoln Winebar in Mount Vernon has elevated it to an artisanal experience. Using a wood-fired oven and focusing on farm-to-table ingredients, Lincoln Winebar is known for its exceptional, handcrafted pizzas.

The pizzeria is located in a historic building in the charming town of Mount Vernon, and its wood-fired pizzas have drawn attention from food critics and pizza aficionados. Their “Sausage & Arugula” pizza, made with local ingredients and cooked to perfection in a wood-fired oven, has become legendary among Iowa’s foodies.

Lincoln Winebar’s dedication to fresh, seasonal ingredients and the traditional art of pizza-making has earned it a place on numerous “best pizza” lists, adding to Iowa’s growing reputation as a destination for great food.

These famous Iowa pizza stories show that the state’s pizza scene is as diverse and dynamic as any other. From the quirky fusion pies of Fong’s Pizza to the regional pride of Quad Cities-style pizza, Iowa’s pizzerias have a rich history and a strong connection to their communities. Whether it’s family-owned pizzerias with decades of tradition or creative spots pushing culinary boundaries, Iowa’s pizza culture is full of fascinating stories that highlight the heartland’s love for this iconic dish.

Iowa City Pizza Fest (Part of FryFest)

• Location: Iowa City, IA

• Overview: Held as part of the larger FryFest, which celebrates all things Iowa Hawkeyes, Iowa City Pizza Fest is an annual celebration where local pizzerias showcase their best pies. FryFest typically happens during the first week of college football season and draws thousands of Hawkeye fans to celebrate Iowa culture, food, and sports.

  Iowa City Pizza Fest features a pizza-eating competition, pizza vendors, and local restaurants competing for the title of “Best Pizza in Iowa City.” Participating pizzerias, such as Pagliai’s Pizza and The Wedge, offer sample slices and full pizzas to attendees, creating a festive atmosphere.

• Highlights: Pizza-eating contests, pizza sampling, live music, and plenty of opportunities to celebrate local food culture.

• Website: Announcements and ticket information are typically available through the FryFest website.

Des Moines Food Truck Fest (Featuring Pizza Trucks)

• Location: Des Moines, IA

• Overview: Though not solely dedicated to pizza, Des Moines Food Truck Fest offers a great opportunity to try some of Iowa’s best pizza from local food trucks, including favorites like Magoo’s Pizza and The Outside Scoop. Held annually, the event brings together a variety of food trucks offering everything from pizza to tacos and desserts, making it a perfect spot for foodies.

  Magoo’s Pizza, known for its wood-fired mobile pizzas, is a regular participant and a crowd favorite, offering creative toppings and fresh ingredients. The festival features live music, family-friendly activities, and food truck competitions.

• Highlights: Sampling pizzas from mobile pizzerias, enjoying local brews, and trying other food truck specialties in a fun, outdoor setting.

• Website: Follow the Des Moines Food Truck Fest website for updates.

Davenport’s Riverfront Festival (Featuring Harris Pizza)

• Location: Davenport, IA (Quad Cities)

• Overview: Davenport’s annual Riverfront Festival is a large community event that features local food, live music, and craft vendors along the Mississippi River. While not a pizza-exclusive festival, it prominently features local favorites like Harris Pizza, which serves up their signature Quad Cities-style pies.

  Harris Pizza, credited as the originator of Quad Cities-style pizza, serves slices at the festival, giving attendees the chance to try their malt-flavored crust and spicy sauce. This event is a great opportunity to sample the best of Quad Cities pizza while enjoying the scenic riverfront and festival atmosphere.

• Highlights: Harris Pizza, local food and drink, live music, and fireworks along the Mississippi River.

• Website: Information is available through the city of Davenport’s events page or local festival listings.

Iowa Craft Brew Festival (Featuring Pizza Pairings)

• Location: Des Moines, IA

• Overview: The Iowa Craft Brew Festival is one of the state’s most popular annual events, celebrating local craft breweries and offering food pairings from local vendors. While beer is the main attraction, pizza trucks like Magoo’s Pizza and Fong’s Pizza frequently attend the festival, offering wood-fired pizzas that pair perfectly with the craft brews.

  The festival offers a relaxed atmosphere where pizza and beer enthusiasts can come together to enjoy fresh, locally made products. It’s a great way to explore Iowa’s pizza scene alongside the state’s burgeoning craft beer movement.

• Highlights: Pizza from popular vendors, beer and pizza pairings, live music, and beer tastings from dozens of Iowa breweries.

• Website: More details can be found at the Iowa Craft Brew Festival website.

Iowa State Fair Pizza

• Location: Des Moines, IA

• Overview: While the Iowa State Fair is best known for its fried foods and giant turkey legs, several local pizzerias and pizza stands make appearances every year, serving creative pizza options that take center stage alongside traditional fair food. Some pizza options feature Iowa-specific toppings, such as locally sourced pork or farm-fresh vegetables.

  Vendors like Dough Crazy Pizza offer fun and quirky takes on pizza, including dessert pizzas and savory options perfect for fairgoers. The state fair atmosphere adds an extra layer of excitement to enjoying pizza in a festival setting.

• Highlights: Classic Iowa State Fair fun with creative pizza options, unique toppings, and family-friendly entertainment.

• Website: Find updates and vendor information on the Iowa State Fair website.

While Iowa doesn’t have a dedicated, massive pizza festival, these events feature pizza prominently alongside other local foods. Whether you’re sampling slices from pizza trucks or enjoying classic Quad Cities-style pizza, Iowa’s festivals offer plenty of opportunities for pizza lovers to explore and indulge.