I’ve eaten enough pizza in Knoxville to know that thin crust is a matter of personal geometry. A Dopo’s sourdough sets a high bar, but you’ll also find a glorious $5 slice of bar pizza at Barley’s Taproom.

This list runs from the wood-fired char of Gatlinburg Brewing to the build-your-own assembly line at Big Daddy’s, and I clocked the garlic knots at Dazzo’s on the west side while I was at it. Here’s where to get your crunch.

A Dopo Sourdough Pizza

Highlights
Best pizza I’ve had
Perfect sourdough crust
Homemade mozzarella shines
Warm, welcoming atmosphere
Book ahead to avoid waits

I’ve eaten a lot of pizza in Knoxville, and A Dopo is the best I’ve had. The sourdough crust is perfect—chewy, blistered, and light. The homemade mozzarella tastes like it was pulled that morning. The place feels warm and welcoming, and the staff treats you like a regular. But get there early or make a reservation. The wait can be long, and it’s worth it. I’d wait again.

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Dazzo's Pizzeria (West)

Highlights
Savory but still light
Hospitable owners, great service
Garlic knots perfectly cooked
Wings crispy, generous size
Cheezy Wheezy, excellent value

Dazzo’s on the west side is a solid stop. The pizza is savory but not heavy, and the crust holds up well. The owners are genuinely friendly, and the service is quick. I ordered the garlic knots on a whim—they were perfectly baked, soft inside, with just the right crunch. The wings are generous, crispy, and saucy. And the Cheezy Wheezy? That’s a bargain. I left full and happy.

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Barley's Taproom and Pizzeria

Highlights
Surprisingly low prices
Gluten-free pizza praised
Huge calzone portions
Great patio with TV
Attentive server Kelsey

Barley’s Taproom has a great patio, and the pizza is better than you’d expect from a bar. I was surprised by the low prices, especially for the size. I tried the gluten-free crust—it was actually good, not dry or crumbly. The calzone was huge; I took half home. Our server, Kelsey, was attentive and friendly. Great spot for a casual meal.

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Sergeant Pepperoni's Pizzeria - Bearden

Highlights
Perfect cheese-to-topping ratio
Outstanding service, family-friendly
Unbeatable prices for quality
Top five pizza, better than chains
Excellent draft beer selection

Sergeant Pepperoni’s in Bearden is a family-friendly place with outstanding service. The pizza has a perfect cheese-to-topping ratio—not greasy, not dry. The prices are unbeatable for the quality. I’d put this in my top five pizza spots in the city. They also have a good selection of draft beers. Worth the drive from downtown.

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Big Daddy's Pizzeria

Highlights
Fresh toppings, build-your-own options
Fast service, friendly staff
Worth the price for quality
Quiet atmosphere, quick seating

Big Daddy’s Pizzeria gets it right. The build-your-own option is fun, and the toppings are fresh. Service is fast, and the staff is friendly. The price is reasonable for what you get. It’s a quieter spot, so you can actually hold a conversation. I’d recommend it for a low-key dinner.

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Gatlinburg Brewing Company (Gatlinburg)

Highlights
Wood-fired quality toppings
Attentive service, worth wait
Welcoming vibe, top-tier food
Great beers, sweet server

Gatlinburg Brewing Company is a bit of a drive, but the pizza is wood-fired and excellent. The toppings are high quality, and the crust has that char you want. Service was attentive, and the beer is great. The vibe is welcoming, and the food is top-tier. Even with a wait, it’s worth it. I’d go again.

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Earl’s Knoxville

Highlights
Great cocktails and food
Comfortable patio seating
Attentive, caring staff
Loved the food
Great atmosphere and service

Earl’s Knoxville is more than a bar—the pizza is surprisingly good. I loved the food, and the patio seating is comfortable. The staff is caring and attentive. Cocktails are strong and well-made. The atmosphere feels relaxed, and the service was great. If you want a meal with a drink, this is a good choice.

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Hole In The Wall Pizza

Highlights
Thin crust with fresh toppings
Great with a cold brew
Dog-friendly brewery setting
Greek salad is surprisingly excellent
Check schedule before visiting

Hole In The Wall Pizza lives up to its name—it’s small and easy to miss. But the thin crust is excellent, with fresh toppings. I had it with a cold brew, and it was a perfect combo. It’s dog-friendly and has a brewery vibe. The Greek salad surprised me—it was really good. Check the hours before you go; they vary.

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Blaze Pizza

Highlights
Custom pizzas made fast
Friendly, efficient staff
Consistently terrific food
Fair prices, great value
Worth the long drive

Blaze Pizza is a quick stop that doesn’t disappoint. You can customize your pizza, and it’s done in minutes. The staff is friendly and efficient. The food is consistently good, and the price is fair for what you get. It’s a chain, but it’s a good one. I’d go back if I’m in a rush.

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Abridged Beer Company

Highlights
Top-tier staff and drinks
Southwest cheesesteak packs heat
Oak Room Salad standout
Pizza worth returning for
Excellent service every visit

Abridged Beer Company is a standout. The staff is top-tier, and the drinks are solid. Their Southwest cheesecake? No, wait—it’s a Southwest cheesesteak, and it packs heat. The Oak Room Salad is a hidden gem. The pizza is worth returning for. Every visit, the service is excellent. This place earned a regular.

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Big Daddy's Pizzeria

Highlights
Crispy crust, fresh toppings
Great service, attentive staff
Delicious pepperoni pizza
Homemade pretzels with cheese
Affordable and highly recommended

Big Daddy’s Pizzeria surprised me. The crust is crispy, and the toppings taste fresh. Service was great—attentive without hovering. I tried the pepperoni pizza, and honestly, it’s one of the better ones in town. The homemade pretzels with cheese are a must. Prices are fair, and the quality is solid. I’ll be back.

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Pizza Plus

Highlights
Cooked to order, extremely fast
Willing staff, helpful service

Pizza Plus is a no-frills spot that gets the job done. They cook to order, and it’s fast—I barely sat down before my pie arrived. The staff is willing to help and clearly knows the menu. Nothing fancy, but the pizza is reliable, hot, and well-made. If you’re in a hurry and want a decent slice, this is your place.

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