It’s no secret that our campus is crawling with pizza joints, and with seven different places on one street, the biggest debate is where to go for the best slice.
But seriously….like, why are there so many????
To help you figure out where you stand on this hot topic, I’ve outlined the pros and cons of each establishment according to personal experience and thoughts from friends. I’m channeling my inner Guy Fieri for this, and it’s honestly my dream come true.
And for reference, here was my Halloween costume from last year….
The main criteria I will consider for my reviews, and for the debate, are greasiness of the slice and overall taste. Shoutouts will be given for atmosphere and price.
Benny’s
Arguably one of the best places for food after a good night out. Their extra large slices are literally the most delicious things ever. The best night I ever had at Benny’s was after we won the National Championship my first-year…the atmosphere alone was enough to make this place one of my Tar Heel favorites.
10/10 for greasy slice, 10/10 for overall taste.
Lotsa
Like the subway for pizza, you can build your own thin crust pizza and enjoy every last bite by yourself! The Alfredo base is bomb. You get it in 150 seconds. There are yummy vegan cheese options. And it’s open late. This one got the biggest and best reviews from my group-chats if that does anything for you.
4/10 for greasy slice and 10/10 overall flavor.
Mellow Mushroom
A major chain for the area, and a place that can pretty much accommodate every crowd. Plus they have “fancy flavors,” as my friend, Caroline, says. A little pricey for me and my budget, if we’re going to be honest, so this is also a place where I would make my parents pay.
6/10 greasy slice, 9/10 overall flavor.
IP3
Going to be honest, I’ve only ever had this at like a club meeting or free at an event, but people go crazy over this stuff. They’re definitely an institution in Chapel Hill. My friend’s TA is from Italy and says it’s the bomb.com, super authentic.
6/10 greasy slice, 10/10 overall flavor.
Pizza Press
It’s been described as a classier version of Lotsa. I’ve known a lot of people that have REALLY loved it, and their toppings choices are top-notch. And for reference, it’s near the new Target on Franklin St. I have not personally experienced pizza from The Press, but I would assume it has a low grease level and a high flavor level.
I <3 New York
I Heart NY will always be there for you, and there are too many great words for this glorious establishment. A greasy gem with a location right next to He’s Not and Yo Po.
7/10 grease and 9/10 flavor.
Medici
The newest kid on the block, and the place you want your parents to take you because it doesn’t really comply with a college student’s budget. However, I have a friend that’s on a strict gluten-free diet, and she said this place is the absolute best. I’m not able to personally vouch for this place either, but I would again imagine it being a low grease level with big flavors. But I’ve heard their pasta is DELISH, so honestly, that’s the real winner for me.
The biggest honorable mentions go out to our fallen soldiers, only the real ones will remember… Shout-out to APK and Toppers for leaving Franklin in like the last two years, and to Peppers and Rathskeller that will always be remembered as true Tar Heel favorites.