Best Pizza in the U.S.

By Jeanette Ponder

Even though there are regional rifts between pizza lovers, there are pies that most fans rank the best of the bunch. Judged on details such as crust color and density, cheese quality and ingredient freshness, top-tier pizzerias offer a unique and satisfying dining experience. Be patient when you get to one of leading establishments, because the lines can be very long.

Lombardi's Pizza, New York, N.Y.
Lombardi's is the first pizzeria in the United States. Opened in 1897, the restaurant has a simple family atmosphere with weathered benches and the original brick oven. Lombardi's makes New York-style pies with fresh tomatoes and mozzarella, as well as other toppings like vegetables and homemade meatballs. A popular weekend hangout and tourist attraction, the restaurant accepts reservations Monday through Thursday only, and doesn't accept charge cards. Lombardi's Pizza, 32 Spring St., New York, N.Y. 10012,(212) 941-7994; www.firstpizza.com

Great Lake, Chicago, Illinois
Great Lake pizza is rated the number one pie in America by GQ Magazine's Alan Richman. Co-owner Nick Lessins hand rolls the dough and creates every pie from scratch. The wait is often long; a 6:15 call to Great Lake yielded a pick-up time of 8 p.m. Daniel Zemans of Slice Pizza Blog says, "The perfectly charred crust is astounding; the bread has great flavor and a flawless hole structure that gives it a spectacular degree of chewiness." Ingredients are fresh each day. Great Lake, 1477 W. Balmoral Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60640, (773) 334-9270

Pizzeria Delfina, San Francisco, California
Craig and Ann Stoll's Neapolitan-inspired eatery boasts six thin-crust pizzas and two daily specials. Ingredients are local, with a seasonal emphasis, and might be slightly unusual. GQ Magazine's Alan Richman raved about a $10 pizza with tomato sauce, heavy creamin lieu of mozzarella, basil, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and olive oil. There is also a wide range of wines, antipasti and homemade desserts. Pizzeria Delfina, 3611 Eighteenth St., San Francisco, California 94110,(415) 437-6800; www.pizzeriadelfina.com

Pizzeria Bianco, Phoenix, AZ
Chris Bianco is legendary among pizza connoisseurs, since he makes every pizza that leaves the restaurant. Oprah Winfrey ambassador Gayle King traveled cross-country for his dine-in-only pie. The selection of six pies ranges from $10 to $14, and all ingredients are fresh. The restaurant is open from 5 to 10 p.m., with reservations for groups only. Pizzeria Bianco, 623 East Adams Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85004,(602) 258-8300; www.pizzeriabianco.com

The Best Pizza in the USA originally published on Travels.com

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