One Ohio pizza counter has been tossing dough since 1971, and it still closes by 7 PM on weekdays. Another one stays open until 3 AM on weekends.
That range alone tells you how seriously this state takes a single slice.
I love that the menus get a little wild. One spot sells a slice proudly named for plain pepperoni, with a few extra letters in the title.
Another bakes its pies in a brick oven and runs a drive-through.
The pull here is simple. A slice is cheap, fast, and honest.
You fold it, you eat it standing up if you have to, and you remember it for weeks.
So how far would you drive for one perfect triangle of crust, sauce, and cheese? After digging into these seven, I think the answer is farther than you’d expect.
1. Mikey’s Late Night Slice
Few menus in Ohio dare to name a slice the Plain-Ass Pepperoni, but this Columbus favorite owns it. The joke lands because the slice itself is serious business.
Mikey’s Late Night Slice serves New York-style pizza by the slice in a casual counter-service setup. You order, you grab a seat, and the food shows up fast.
The pepperoni slice is the headliner for a reason. Crispy pepperoni, a foldable thin crust, and a flavorful sauce make it the kind of slice you plan a trip around.
Want something different each visit? A rotating Slice Pizza of the Week keeps things fresh, and it comes in a vegetarian version.
Vegans aren’t stuck with a side salad either, since there’s a full vegan menu.
Extras matter here too. A side of garlic sauce turns your crust into a dipping game.
The Unicorn Bar handles dessert duty, and a 2 liter lemonade covers the whole table.
Then there are the hours, which explain the name. The doors stay open until 2:30 AM most nights and 3 AM on Fridays and Saturdays.
Friday night is the busiest stretch.
The space itself has personality, with interesting art filling the room. It feels trendy without being fussy.
Solo diners fit right in, and so do families and groups. High chairs and a kids’ menu make an early dinner easy.
Outdoor seating works when the weather plays nice.
Address: 268 S 4th St, Columbus, OH 43215
2. Flying Pizza
Since 1971, one family has kept the ovens hot on North Main Street in downtown Dayton. That’s more than five decades of slices, and the formula still works.
Flying Pizza keeps it simple on purpose. The space is no-frills, the service is counter-style, and the focus stays squarely on the pizza.
You get two styles to pick from. There’s classic New York-style, thin and foldable, plus thick Sicilian squares for anyone who likes more bite.
Ordering one of each is a smart move.
The dough is homemade, and the crust earns its reputation. Toppings run from pepperoni and onions to jalapeños and extra cheese.
A plain cheese slice is a fine test of any pizzeria, and this one passes.
Timing takes a little planning. The shop opens at 10 AM on weekdays and 11 AM on Saturdays, then closes at 7 PM.
Sundays are off the table entirely.
That schedule makes it a lunch legend more than a late-night stop. Friday afternoon tends to be the busiest window, so earlier in the week is calmer.
Downtown workers, college students, and day-trippers all land here. The room has a historic feel that fits its long run in the city.
Parking is easier than you might expect for a downtown spot. Free garages, lots, and street spaces are all nearby.
That makes a Dayton detour simple.
Address: 223 N Main St, Dayton, OH 45402
3. Goodfellas Pizzeria – OTR
Plates struggle to contain the slices at this Over-the-Rhine pizzeria. They’re massive, East Coast style, and sold right over the counter.
Goodfellas Pizzeria is a local chain, and the OTR location sits on Main Street in one of Cincinnati’s liveliest neighborhoods. The setting is relaxed but stylish, with a view of the city.
New York-style pies anchor the menu. The 22 Pie is the big order for a crowd.
For one person, a single giant slice usually does the job.
Don’t skip the Extra Large Breadstick, which lives up to its name and happens to be vegan. It’s a sidekick that nearly steals the show.
Calzones and subs round out the savory side. Craving something sweet afterward?
Cannoli and a chocolate chip cookie are waiting.
Lunch deserves a mention here. A lunch special pairs a slice, a breadstick, and a drink, which makes a midday stop easy on your wallet.
Hours stretch late. The doors stay open until midnight most nights and 3 AM on Fridays and Saturdays.
Weekend nights draw the biggest crowds.
The staff keep things friendly and quick, which helps when the line builds. Sports fans can catch a game, and dogs are welcome at the outdoor seating.
Street parking can be tricky in OTR. Building in a few extra minutes saves stress.
A short walk through the neighborhood is part of the fun anyway.
Address: 1211 Main St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
4. Good Pizza
Naming your shop Good Pizza takes confidence, and East 4th Street in Cleveland seems happy to let it slide. The name is short, but the menu has range.
This casual spot leans New York-style, with thin-crust artisan pies. Specialty slices let you sample without committing to a whole pizza.
The White Pizza is a strong pick for anyone tired of red sauce. It’s vegetarian too, so it works for mixed groups.
Like a little heat? The spicy specialty pie brings a creamy, peppery kick.
It’s one of the standout items and a fun break from basic cheese.
East 4th itself adds to the appeal. The pedestrian street sits in the heart of downtown Cleveland, close to the city’s sports venues and theaters.
That location makes Good Pizza a handy pregame stop. It’s also good for watching a game if you’d rather skip the stadium crowd.
Counter service keeps the pace quick. Seating is available inside, and outdoor seating opens up the street view when the weather cooperates.
Hours run 11 AM to 8 PM Monday through Thursday. Friday and Saturday stretch to 10 PM, and Sunday is closed.
Families will find high chairs, and free Wi-Fi helps if you’re squeezing in a working lunch. Delivery is an option for nights when the couch wins.
Paid street parking is the main choice downtown. Plan ahead on event nights.
Address: 2057 E 4th St, Cleveland, OH 44115
5. Courtside Pizza
Court Street in Athens is the heartbeat of a classic Ohio college town. Right in the middle of it, a pizza place took the street’s name and made it its own.
Courtside Pizza serves pizza by the slice in a casual, sports-friendly room. Booths line the space, and TVs make it easy to follow a game.
Fast service is a big part of the deal. A slice comes out quickly, which suits a town full of students with somewhere to be.
The hours fit that crowd perfectly. Weekdays start at 4 PM, while Friday through Sunday open at 11:30 AM.
Closing time is 2:30 AM every night.
Expect the biggest rush on Friday and Saturday evenings. If you’re driving in from out of town, a weekend lunch is a calmer bet.
The outdoor patio is a real perk. Sitting outside with a hot slice on Court Street feels like a slice of Athens life.
Small plates add options beyond pizza. Delivery and takeout cover nights when you’d rather eat at home or in a dorm.
Visiting Ohio University for a campus tour or a game? This makes an easy stop between plans.
Groups fit in without a fuss.
Parking can be tricky uptown. A free lot helps, though street spaces fill up fast.
Walking from elsewhere uptown is often the simplest move.
Address: 85 N Court St, Athens, OH 45701
6. Angello’s 2 Go
A brick oven and a drive-through window aren’t usually found under the same roof. In Canton, Angello’s 2 Go pulls off that combo with ease.
The shop is an Italian pizza takeaway focused on artisan brick-oven pies. Homemade bread and lasagna share the spotlight, so it’s more than a pizza counter.
The crust is the star here. It bakes up crispy and chewy at once, with dough that tastes made with care.
Pepperoni fans get a generous layer of gooey cheese and a flavorful sauce. The Classic Combo Pizza piles on more for bigger appetites.
Need just one? A Cheese Pizza Slice is on the menu, which fits the whole point of this list.
It’s a quick lunch that doesn’t cut corners.
Beyond pizza, you’ll find a Chicken Parmesan Sandwich and a 12 inch stromboli. Pasta Marinara is there for anyone who wants a fork meal.
Convenience runs deep. Curbside pickup, delivery, and the drive-through all make grab-and-go easy, though seating is available too.
The owner and staff keep things friendly. That small-shop touch makes a quick stop feel personal.
Hours run Tuesday through Saturday from 11 AM to 9 PM. Sunday closes at 8 PM, and Monday is closed.
Friday evening is the busiest time.
Free parking is plentiful, and dogs can hang out with you at the outdoor tables.
Address: 5081 Fulton Dr NW, Canton, OH 44718
7. City Slice Pizzeria
Saving the biggest for last feels fair, and the slices on St. Clair Avenue are huge. Wallets get a break too, since this is one of the lower-priced stops on the list.
City Slice Pizzeria is a casual neighborhood spot on Cleveland’s east side. The focus is New York-style pizza, served in oversized slices.
How big are we talking? Big enough that one might be lunch, and two might be a dare.
The slices are the main reason people make the drive.
Sandwiches hold their own here as well. They’re a solid pick if someone in your car isn’t in a pizza mood, which seems unlikely.
Wings round out the menu highlights. Pair them with a slice and you’ve got a full game-day spread.
Speaking of games, the room is good for watching sports. It’s family-friendly and handles groups without trouble.
The staff keep things friendly at the counter. Ordering is quick, and seating is available if you want to eat on the spot.
Hours lean toward daytime. The shop runs 11 AM to 6 PM Monday through Saturday and closes Sundays.
Afternoons on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday are the busiest.
Free street parking is usually easy to find. That makes it a stress-free stop for anyone crossing Ohio for one more slice.
Delivery and catering are options too. A tray of these slices could win any office party.
Address: 6217 St Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44103
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