7 Tennessee Pizza Places That Aren’t in the Usual Tourist Towns
Tennessee is famous for hot chicken, barbecue, and music cities like Nashville and Memphis. But some of the best pizza in the state hides in smaller towns where tourists rarely venture.
These local spots serve up wood-fired pies, New York–style slices, and crispy crusts that rival anything you’ll find in the big cities—without the crowds or the hype.
1. Tennessee Pizza Company — Seymour, TN
Just outside the tourist rush of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge sits Seymour, a quiet gateway town with a pizza spot that locals guard like a secret. Tennessee Pizza Company bakes up pies with perfectly crispy crusts that crack when you bite into them, topped with fresh ingredients that actually taste like real food.
Families pack the dining room on weekends, and regulars know to order the specialty pizzas that rotate with the seasons. The vibe is casual and welcoming, the kind of place where the staff remembers your name after a couple of visits.
If you’re heading to the Smokies and want something better than chain pizza, pull off the highway and grab a booth here. You’ll leave wishing every town had a spot this good.
2. Small city pizza & subs — Ashland City, TN
Ashland City sits along the Cumberland River, a quiet county seat where Small city pizza & subs has earned a loyal following among locals who crave straightforward, satisfying food. This is the kind of neighborhood joint where the menu is simple, the portions are generous, and nobody’s trying to impress you with fancy ingredients.
The pizza comes out hot and cheesy, with a crust that’s neither too thick nor too thin—just right for folding in half if you’re in a hurry. Subs are stuffed to the brim, and the staff treats everyone like a regular, even if it’s your first time walking through the door.
Stop by after a day on the water or a drive through Cheatham County. It’s honest food made by people who care, and sometimes that’s exactly what you need.
3. Patriot Wood Fired Pizza — Jefferson City, TN
Wood-fired ovens make all the difference, and Patriot Wood Fired Pizza in Jefferson City proves it with every pie that comes out blistered and smoky. Located east of Knoxville in a town most travelers zoom past, this spot has built a reputation on quality ingredients and a laid-back atmosphere that feels more like a backyard cookout than a restaurant.
Locals rave about the crust—charred in all the right places, chewy but not doughy, with a flavor you just can’t get from a regular oven. Toppings are fresh and flavorful, and the staff takes pride in what they serve.
Whether you’re passing through on your way to the mountains or exploring East Tennessee’s small towns, this is the kind of place that reminds you why pizza is comfort food.
4. Begonias — McMinnville, TN
McMinnville sits in the heart of the Highland Rim, a rural region where Main Street still matters and Begonias has become a standout destination for anyone craving a great pizza. Walk into this cozy spot and you’ll find a menu that balances classic pies with creative twists, all made with care and served with a smile.
Reviews consistently praise the flavor—sauce that’s tangy but not overpowering, cheese that stretches just right, and a crust that holds up to every bite. The small-town vibe is genuine, with locals chatting at nearby tables and a pace that reminds you there’s no need to rush.
If you’re exploring Tennessee’s backroads or visiting nearby Savage Gulf, make time for Begonias. It’s the kind of meal that turns a road trip into a memory.
5. Joey’s House of Pizza Catering — Murfreesboro, TN
Murfreesboro might be a growing college city, but it’s not on the typical Tennessee tourist map—and that’s exactly why Joey’s House of Pizza Catering feels like a local treasure. Specializing in New York–style pizza, this spot delivers thin, foldable slices with just the right amount of grease and flavor that makes you want another bite before you’ve finished the first.
The crust is sturdy enough to hold heavy toppings but still has that satisfying chew. Locals swear by it, and the reviews back them up with consistently high scores.
Whether you’re visiting Middle Tennessee State University or just passing through on I-24, Joey’s is the kind of pizza that reminds you why New York–style will never go out of style, even in the South.
6. Sami’s Brick Oven Pizzeria & Buffet — Murfreesboro, TN
Another Murfreesboro gem, Sami’s Brick Oven Pizzeria & Buffet brings the heat with pizzas baked in a traditional brick oven that gives every pie a slightly smoky, perfectly crisp finish. The buffet is a crowd-pleaser, offering a rotating selection of pizzas, salads, and sides that let you sample a little bit of everything without committing to just one flavor.
Families love the all-you-can-eat setup, and the quality doesn’t suffer just because it’s a buffet. Each pizza comes out fresh, with toppings that taste vibrant and a crust that’s never soggy.
7. Village Pizza Company — Thompson’s Station, TN
Thompson’s Station is a small community that sits just outside the sprawl of Nashville, and Village Pizza Company is the kind of place neighbors recommend to each other over backyard fences. There’s nothing flashy about it—just solid pizza made with quality ingredients and served in a low-key setting where you can relax and enjoy your meal.
The menu covers all the classics, and the execution is spot-on. Crust is golden and flavorful, toppings are generous, and the whole experience feels refreshingly unpretentious.
