How to Plan a Denver Pizza Tour

Denver, Colorado, is more than just a gateway to the Rocky Mountains and a hub for craft beer enthusiasts—it’s also a hidden gem for pizza lovers. With a thriving local food scene that blends traditional Italian techniques, innovative toppings, and farm-to-table ingredients, Denver offers one of the most dynamic pizza experiences in the American West. Planning a Denver pizza tour isn’t just about eating slices; it’s about immersing yourself in the culture, history, and craftsmanship behind each pie. Whether you’re a local looking to rediscover your city or a visitor seeking authentic culinary adventures, a well-planned pizza tour can transform a simple meal into a memorable journey.

Unlike city-wide food tours that cover everything from tacos to donuts, a focused pizza tour allows you to dive deep into what makes Denver’s pizza scene unique: the rise of Neapolitan wood-fired ovens, the influence of Colorado’s dairy and produce, and the entrepreneurial spirit of independent pizzerias that refuse to follow trends blindly. This guide will walk you through every step of planning your own Denver pizza tour—from selecting the right neighborhoods and pizzerias to pacing your meals and maximizing your experience. By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive, actionable plan that ensures you taste the best Denver has to offer, without the overwhelm.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Define Your Pizza Tour Goals

Before you start mapping out pizzerias, ask yourself: What kind of pizza experience are you seeking? Are you interested in classic New York-style slices? Artisanal Neapolitan pies? Deep-dish with Colorado twists? Or perhaps creative gourmet combinations using local ingredients like bison, ramps, or craft cheese? Your goals will shape every decision that follows.

For example, if your priority is authenticity, you’ll want to focus on pizzerias that use imported San Marzano tomatoes, 00 flour, and wood-fired ovens heated to 900°F. If you’re drawn to innovation, seek out spots experimenting with gluten-free crusts, plant-based cheeses, or house-made sausage infused with local herbs. Consider whether you want to include family-run institutions, award-winning newcomers, or even food trucks that have gained cult followings.

Write down your top three priorities: flavor profile, atmosphere, and accessibility. This will help you filter options later and prevent decision fatigue during the tour.

Step 2: Research Denver’s Pizza Landscape

Denver’s pizza scene is decentralized, meaning there’s no single “pizza district.” Instead, excellence is spread across neighborhoods, each with its own character. Start by compiling a list of pizzerias known for quality, consistency, and local reputation. Use trusted food blogs, local publications like 5280 Magazine and Eater Denver, and review platforms like Yelp and Google Maps—but don’t rely solely on star ratings. Look for patterns in reviews: phrases like “best crust in Denver” or “wood-fired perfection” are strong indicators.

Here are some neighborhoods to prioritize:

• LoHi (Lower Highlands): Home to upscale pizzerias with refined techniques and craft beverage pairings.
• Capitol Hill: A mix of old-school Italian joints and modern interpretations.
• Five Points: Historic African American neighborhood with soulful, community-focused pizzerias.
• Ballpark: Convenient for visitors, with a cluster of popular spots near Coors Field.
• North Park: Emerging area with a growing number of artisanal pizzerias.
• West Colfax: Known for late-night slices and no-frills, crowd-pleasing pies.

Use Google Maps to plot these areas and note which ones are geographically close. This will help you avoid excessive travel time between stops.

Step 3: Curate Your Pizzeria List (6–8 Stops Max)

A successful pizza tour isn’t about quantity—it’s about quality and variety. Aim for 6 to 8 stops. More than that risks palate fatigue and logistical strain. Each stop should offer something distinct:

• One traditional Neapolitan pizzeria (e.g., Pizzeria Locale)
• One coal-fired or wood-fired spot with a rustic vibe (e.g., Dom’s Pizza)
• One innovative gourmet pizzeria (e.g., La Bodega Pizza)
• One family-owned Italian-American joint (e.g., Barolo’s Pizzeria)
• One late-night or casual slice spot (e.g., Brother’s Pizza)
• One vegetarian or vegan-friendly option (e.g., Plant Based Pizzeria)

Include at least one spot that’s off the beaten path—this adds authenticity and surprises to your tour. Avoid chains unless they’ve earned local acclaim (like Pizzeria Locale, which started in Denver and remains locally owned).

Verify each pizzeria’s hours, reservation policies, and whether they accept walk-ins. Some popular spots have long wait times, especially on weekends. Note if they offer outdoor seating, takeout, or delivery—this can influence your pacing.

Step 4: Plan Your Route for Efficiency

Denver’s layout is grid-based and bike-friendly, but traffic and parking can be challenging. Use a mapping tool like Google Maps or Apple Maps to plot your stops in logical order. Group pizzerias by proximity to minimize backtracking.

For example, a logical route might be:

1. Start in LoHi at Pizzeria Locale (early afternoon)
2. Walk or ride 10 minutes to Capitol Hill for Dom’s Pizza
3. Take a short drive or use a rideshare to Five Points for Barolo’s
4. Head to Ballpark for Brother’s Pizza (late afternoon)
5. Finish in West Colfax at La Bodega Pizza (evening)

Factor in travel time between stops (15–30 minutes), and build in 10–15 minute buffers for ordering, seating, and digestion. Don’t rush. Pizza is meant to be savored.

If you’re using public transit, check RTD’s bus and light rail routes. Some pizzerias are near stations like the 16th Street Mall or the Alameda Station. If you’re biking, ensure your route includes bike lanes and secure parking.

Step 5: Schedule Your Tour with Intention

Timing matters. Pizza tastes best when it’s fresh, and pizzerias have peak hours. Avoid going during lunch rush (11:30 AM–1:30 PM) or dinner rush (6:00 PM–8:30 PM) unless you’re prepared to wait. Instead, aim for off-peak windows:

• First stop: 12:30 PM
• Second stop: 2:30 PM
• Third stop: 4:30 PM
• Fourth stop: 6:30 PM
• Fifth stop: 8:30 PM

This allows you to start with a lighter appetizer-style slice and gradually move toward heartier pies. It also gives you time to enjoy the ambiance, chat with staff, and take photos without crowds.

Consider the weather. Denver’s high altitude means sun exposure is intense. Plan for shaded seating or indoor dining during summer. In winter, choose spots with fireplaces or heated patios.

Step 6: Order Strategically at Each Stop

At each pizzeria, don’t just order the most popular item. Ask the staff: “What’s your favorite pizza here?” or “What’s something unique you’ve created that’s not on the menu?” Many pizzerias have secret or seasonal specials.

Order one full pizza per stop to share among your group. If you’re solo, ask for a half-pie or a personal-sized option. Avoid ordering multiple full pizzas—it’s excessive and defeats the purpose of sampling.

Pay attention to crust type: thin, thick, sourdough, or stuffed. Note the cheese blend—mozzarella, ricotta, fontina, or house-made. Look for toppings that reflect Colorado: trout, bison, huckleberries, or locally foraged mushrooms.

Pair your pizza with a local beverage if available: a Colorado IPA, a craft soda, or even a non-alcoholic sparkling lemonade. Some pizzerias have their own in-house brews or collaborate with nearby breweries.

Step 7: Document Your Experience

Keep a simple journal or use your phone to record notes after each stop. What did you taste? How was the crust? Was the cheese balanced? Did the sauce have a bright acidity or a smoky depth? Jot down the name of the pizzaiolo if you learn it—many Denver pizza makers are passionate artisans who take pride in their craft.

Take photos, but not just of the pizza. Capture the storefront, the oven, the chalkboard menu, the bar, the people. These visuals will help you remember the context of each experience.

Consider creating a digital scrapbook or blog post afterward. Sharing your tour not only preserves your memories but also helps others plan their own.

Step 8: Plan for Comfort and Logistics

Wear comfortable walking shoes. You’ll be on your feet for several hours. Bring a light jacket—Denver’s weather changes quickly, even in summer. Carry a reusable water bottle; hydration is key at high altitude.

Bring cash. While most places accept cards, some smaller pizzerias still prefer cash for small orders, and tipping in cash is often appreciated.

If you’re touring with others, assign roles: one person handles navigation, another takes photos, a third manages timing. This keeps the tour smooth and enjoyable.

Plan for a mid-tour snack break if needed. A local coffee shop or ice cream parlor (like St. Mark’s Ice Cream) can be a refreshing palate cleanser between pies.

Best Practices

Respect the Craft

Pizza is more than food in Denver—it’s a cultural expression. Many pizzerias have been open for decades, and their recipes are family heirlooms. Avoid making comparisons like “this is better than New York” or “this isn’t authentic.” Instead, appreciate each pizzeria for what it is: a reflection of its owners, community, and ingredients.

Ask questions. If the staff explains how they ferment their dough for 72 hours or source their mozzarella from a dairy in Greeley, listen. Their passion is part of the experience.

Balance Flavor and Fatigue

Pizza is rich. Eating too much too fast can lead to discomfort. Between stops, drink water, eat a small piece of fruit (like an apple or pear), or take a short walk. Avoid sugary sodas—they’ll make you feel sluggish. Opt for sparkling water or unsweetened iced tea.

Don’t feel obligated to finish every slice. It’s better to taste and leave than to overeat and miss the next stop.

Support Local

Choose independently owned pizzerias over franchises. Denver’s pizza scene thrives because of small business owners who reinvest in their neighborhoods. When you support them, you help preserve the city’s culinary diversity.

Leave a review online—not just a star rating, but a thoughtful note about what made your experience special. Many small pizzerias rely on word-of-mouth and don’t have marketing budgets.

Be Mindful of Dietary Needs

If you or someone in your group has dietary restrictions, plan ahead. Many Denver pizzerias offer gluten-free crusts, vegan cheese, or nut-free kitchens. Call ahead to confirm cross-contamination policies if allergies are a concern.

Even if you’re not restricted, try a vegan or gluten-free option—it might surprise you. Plant Based Pizzeria, for example, makes a jackfruit “pepperoni” pizza that rivals its meat counterparts.

Engage with the Community

Visit pizzerias during local events. Many host live music, trivia nights, or pizza-making classes. These events add depth to your tour and connect you with Denver’s broader food culture.

Check community calendars on websites like Denver Post Events or Visit Denver to align your tour with festivals like the Denver Pizza Festival (held annually in September) or the Five Points Jazz Festival.

Timing and Seasonality

Some pizzerias change their menus seasonally. In spring, expect ramps and morels. In fall, squash and wild mushrooms. Plan your tour around seasonal ingredients for the freshest experience.

Winter can be ideal for cozy, slow-cooked pies with hearty toppings. Summer is perfect for outdoor seating and lighter, herb-forward pizzas.

Leave Room for Serendipity

Even the best-laid plans can be upended by a closed oven, a long line, or a spontaneous recommendation from a local. Stay flexible. If a pizzeria is closed, ask a nearby shopkeeper for a suggestion. Often, the best finds come from unplanned detours.

Tools and Resources

Mapping and Planning Tools

• Google Maps: Create a custom map with all your pizzeria stops, add notes, and share it with your group.
• Apple Maps: Offers real-time traffic and transit options, useful if you’re using public transportation.
• Yelp: Filter by “Pizza” and sort by “Highest Rated” or “Most Reviewed.” Read recent reviews for up-to-date info.
• Resy or OpenTable: Reserve tables at sit-down pizzerias to avoid waits.
• Google Calendar: Schedule your tour with exact times, travel buffers, and reminders.

Local Food Resources

• 5280 Magazine: Annual “Best of Denver” issue includes top pizzerias.
• Eater Denver: Regularly updates its “Essential Denver Pizza Guide.”
• Denver Foodies on Facebook: Active community sharing hidden gems and new openings.
• Denver Pizza Festival: Annual event showcasing 30+ local pizzerias—perfect for a one-day tour.
• Visit Denver: Official tourism site with curated food itineraries.

Books and Documentaries

• “Pizza: A Slice of Heaven” by Tony Gemignani: A deep dive into pizza techniques and history.
• “The Pizza Bible” by Tony Gemignani: For those interested in the science behind crusts and fermentation.
• Documentary: “Pizza: A Love Story” (Netflix): A global look at pizza culture—great prep before your tour.

Mobile Apps for Pizza Lovers

• PizzaFinder: Crowdsourced app that maps pizzerias by crust type, topping, and rating.
• Yelp: Filter by “Open Now,” “Wheelchair Accessible,” or “Outdoor Seating.”
• Google Lens: Snap a photo of a menu to translate or identify unfamiliar ingredients.
• Splitwise: If you’re splitting costs with a group, use this to track who owes what.

Local Ingredients to Look For

Denver’s high-altitude climate and rich agricultural land produce unique ingredients that find their way onto pizza:

• Colorado lamb: Often used in gourmet pies with rosemary and garlic.
• Huckleberries: A wild berry used in sweet-savory combinations.
• Rocky Mountain oysters: Rare, but occasionally featured as a novelty topping.
• Local honey: Drizzled on fig and goat cheese pizzas.
• Colorado chiles: Roasted green chiles in a creamy sauce base.
• Handmade goat cheese from Fort Collins: Creamy, tangy, and perfect on veggie pies.

Ask your server: “What local ingredients are you using this season?” This question often leads to fascinating conversations and exclusive menu items.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Neapolitan Purist Tour

Emma, a food blogger from Chicago, planned a 5-stop tour focused solely on authentic Neapolitan pizza. Her stops:

1. Pizzeria Locale (LoHi): Classic Margherita with San Marzano tomatoes and fior di latte.
2. Da Marco Pizzeria (Ballpark): Wood-fired with imported buffalo mozzarella.
3. Alfredo’s Pizzeria (North Park): 72-hour fermented dough, cooked in a 950°F oven.
4. La Cucina (Capitol Hill): Hand-stretched crust with basil oil drizzle.
5. Il Pizzico (West Colfax): Topped with local wild mushrooms and truffle oil.

Emma documented each crust’s texture, the char on the edges, and the balance of acidity in the sauce. She ended her tour with a glass of Italian sparkling water and wrote a detailed blog post that attracted over 15,000 readers. Her guide became one of the most referenced pizza itineraries in Denver.

Example 2: The Family-Friendly Slice Crawl

The Martinez family, visiting from Texas, wanted a casual, budget-friendly pizza tour for their two kids. They chose:

1. Brother’s Pizza (Ballpark): Classic pepperoni slices, kids’ size available.
2. Dom’s Pizza (Capitol Hill): Thick crust with cheese stuffed into the edge—kids loved it.
3. Mr. Pizza (West Colfax): Open until 2 AM, with a playground across the street.
4. Plant Based Pizzeria (LoHi): Vegan cheese and veggie toppings that even the picky 8-year-old enjoyed.

They used a stroller for the youngest and took breaks at parks between stops. They spent under $100 total and left with full bellies and photos of their kids grinning with cheese on their cheeks.

Example 3: The Craft Beer + Pizza Pairing Tour

James, a beer enthusiast from Boulder, teamed up with a local brewery guide to create a pizza and IPA pairing tour:

1. Pizzeria Locale: Margherita + Denver Beer Co.’s Hazy IPA (citrusy notes complement tomato acidity).
2. La Bodega Pizza: Bison and blue cheese + Odell Brewing’s 90 Shilling (malty sweetness balances gamey meat).
3. Dom’s Pizza: Roasted garlic and mushrooms + Left Hand Brewing’s Nitro Milk Stout (rich, creamy contrast to savory crust).

James took notes on flavor pairings and later published a guide on “How to Pair Colorado Beer with Local Pizza.” His article was featured on the Colorado Brewers Guild website.

Example 4: The Off-the-Beaten-Path Discovery

While visiting a friend in Five Points, Maya asked her host, “Where’s your favorite pizza?” The answer: El Jefe’s Pizza, a tiny, unmarked spot above a laundromat. No website. No online reviews. Just a handwritten menu and a 70-year-old owner who makes pizza the way his abuela taught him.

Maya’s tour included this hidden gem, and the experience became the highlight of her trip. She returned the next year with friends, and now El Jefe’s is on her annual pilgrimage list.

FAQs

How many pizzerias should I visit on a Denver pizza tour?

For a full-day tour, aim for 6–8 stops. More than that can lead to palate fatigue. For a half-day tour, 3–4 stops with generous time between each is ideal.

Do I need to make reservations?

It depends. Popular spots like Pizzeria Locale and Da Marco often have wait times. Reservations are recommended for dinner. For lunch or casual slice joints, walk-ins are usually fine.

Can I do a pizza tour on public transit?

Yes. Many top pizzerias are near RTD light rail and bus lines. Use the RTD Journey Planner to map your route. The 16th Street Mall shuttle connects several key areas.

Is there a best time of year to do a Denver pizza tour?

Spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) offer the best weather and seasonal ingredients. Summer is busy but great for outdoor dining. Winter can be cozy, with many pizzerias offering hearty, warming pies.

What’s the average cost per pizza in Denver?

Prices range from $12–$22 for a full pizza. High-end Neapolitan pies may cost $25–$35. Slice shops offer individual slices for $4–$7.

Are there vegan or gluten-free options?

Absolutely. Denver has one of the highest concentrations of plant-based pizzerias in the U.S. Look for Plant Based Pizzeria, Pizzeria Locale (gluten-free crust), and La Bodega (vegan cheese options).

How long should I spend at each stop?

Plan 30–45 minutes per stop: 10–15 minutes to order and be seated, 20–25 minutes to eat, and 5–10 minutes to chat or take photos.

Can I do a pizza tour solo?

Yes. Many locals and visitors tour alone. It’s a great way to meet people—pizza is a social food. Sit at the counter and strike up a conversation with the staff.

What should I wear?

Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and layers. Denver’s temperature can swing 30 degrees in one day. A light jacket and a reusable water bottle are essential.

Is tipping expected?

Yes. Tip 15–20% if you receive table service. For counter service or takeout, $1–$2 per person is appreciated.

Conclusion

Planning a Denver pizza tour is more than a culinary adventure—it’s a way to connect with the city’s soul. From the crackle of a wood-fired crust to the aroma of locally sourced herbs, each bite tells a story. Whether you’re drawn to tradition, innovation, or the quiet charm of a neighborhood joint, Denver’s pizza scene offers something for every palate and purpose.

By following this guide—defining your goals, researching thoughtfully, pacing your stops, and engaging with the community—you’ll move beyond eating pizza to understanding it. You’ll leave not just full, but enriched. You’ll remember not just the flavors, but the faces behind them: the pizzaiolo who kneads dough at dawn, the server who remembers your name, the local farmer who grows the tomatoes.

Denver doesn’t just serve pizza. It celebrates it. And when you plan your tour with intention, respect, and curiosity, you become part of that celebration. So grab your map, lace up your shoes, and head out. The perfect slice is waiting.