5 Best Pizza Places in Iowa City, Iowa to Try

Iowa City combines University of Iowa energy, literary heritage, and progressive Midwest character.

Here’s where locals find their favorite pizza in 2025.

1. Airliner Bar & Pizza

This Iowa City institution since 1944 serves distinctive thin-crust pies that generations of Hawkeyes consider essential to the university experience.

Their slightly sweet sauce and perfect crust with just the right chew create that nostalgic flavor that’s fueled countless study sessions and game day celebrations for nearly a century.

2. Wig & Pen Pizza Pub

This beloved local favorite delivers authentic Chicago-style deep dish with buttery crusts, layers of cheese, and chunky tomato sauce on top that rivals anything found in the Windy City.

Their massive “Flying Tomato” loaded with multiple toppings requires a knife and fork and serious appetite, while the English pub atmosphere creates a distinctive environment unlike typical pizzerias.

3. Prairie Lights Pizza & Books

This innovative concept combines quality pizza with independent bookselling in a space that perfectly captures Iowa City’s intellectual character.

Their naturally leavened sourdough crust develops complex flavor through extended fermentation, while seasonal ingredients from nearby farms create distinctive combinations that change regularly.

4. Mesa Pizza

This campus-adjacent favorite delivers creative slice shop pizza with outrageous topping combinations that have developed cult status among students.

Their massive, foldable slices available until 3am have rescued countless late-night study sessions and post-bar hunger emergencies.

Signature combinations like the “Mac & Cheese” and “Steak & Fries” pizza push boundaries beyond traditional toppings, while constant innovation keeps the menu fresh and exciting.

5. Big Grove Brewery & Pizza Works

This spacious brewpub combines craft beer innovation with wood-fired pizza excellence in a concept that perfectly captures Iowa City’s sophisticated yet accessible food culture.

Their thin, crispy crusts with perfect char provide the foundation for both traditional combinations and creative offerings featuring seasonal Iowa ingredients.

The “Writers’ Workshop” featuring honey and prosciutto has subtle complexity worthy of its literary namesake, while their house-brewed beers create perfect pairings for every pie.