Best Local Pizzerias in Waukesha County: A Complete Guide

Waukesha County is home to an impressive collection of family-owned pizzerias that rival anything in Milwaukee proper. From an 1847 stagecoach stop serving cracker-thin tavern pies to wood-fired artisan spots overlooking Lake Country, these independent gems deliver authentic flavors, generations of tradition, and the kind of neighborhood warmth that chains simply can't replicate. Whether you're craving classic Wisconsin bar pizza cut in squares, a deep-fried Ponza Rotta invented in 1946, or artisan pies baked at 900°F, this guide covers every corner of the county.

Waukesha and Pewaukee

Jimmy's Grotto (314 E. Main St., Waukesha) stands as the undisputed icon—operating since August 15, 1946, and famous for inventing the trademarked Ponza Rotta, a deep-fried calzone filled with tomato sauce, cheese, and pizza toppings. They sell roughly 3,500 Ponza Rottas weekly, and the product is now available in Wisconsin grocery stores. The no-frills atmosphere prioritizes takeout, but the history alone makes it a must-visit. Open daily 11am–10pm (11pm Fri–Sat). Thin crust pizzas from ~$13, Ponza Rottas $6–$13.

Magellan's on Main (370 W. Main St., Waukesha) offers the opposite vibe—a craft beer gastropub with 56 taps (the most in Waukesha) and over 40 creative pizzas including Jambalaya, Chili Lime Chicken, and Fried Italian. Hand-tossed crusts come in personal, 10", and 16" sizes. The building has housed a bar for nearly 70 years. Great for families who want variety. Tuesday–Sunday, opens 11am–3pm depending on day.

Doc's Dry Dock (N38W27091 Parkside Rd., Pewaukee) is a hidden lakeside treasure accessible by car or boat. Their cracker-thin brick-oven pizza earned 2nd Place Best Pizza in Milwaukee (2014) among nearly 100 competitors. The "Mega Watt" pizza was created by NFL star J.J. Watt (#99), with proceeds benefiting his foundation. Expect 25+ minute waits—everything is handmade, no conveyor ovens. 12" cheese ~$11, 16" ~$16. Wednesday–Sunday only, carryout only.

Park Avenue Pizza Company (121 Park Ave., Pewaukee) transformed the landmark Pewaukee Lake Theater into a family pizzeria over 43 years ago. The historic theater atmosphere remains visible, and they stock 120+ craft and imported beers featuring Wisconsin breweries. Nearly 30 toppings available, gluten-free crusts offered, and they'll deliver to Pewaukee Lake Beach. Kid-friendly. Wednesday–Sunday.

Sal's Pizza (823B W. Moreland Blvd., Waukesha) delivers exceptional value—family-owned since 2007 with a 16" 1-topping for $16.49 and 18" 3-topping for $20.99. Also offers Panzarottis and a Friday Fish Fry ($11.99). Small 20-seat space focuses on takeout. Tuesday–Sunday.

Grumpy's Pizza at Dave's on Silvernail (1808 Silvernail Rd., Pewaukee) is the ultimate hidden gem—literally a gas station pizza counter with a 45-year family legacy. Reviewers consistently call the homemade dough "out of this world" and the sauce "amazing." Take pizzas home to bake or have them cook it crispy on-site. A true locals' secret.

Brookfield and New Berlin

The Red Mill Inn & Pizza (1005 S. Elm Grove Rd., Brookfield) operates in a building dating to 1847—originally a stagecoach stop between Milwaukee and Madison. Reopened in 2019 by the owners of Von Trier, it features original creaking hardwood floors, antiques, and live jazz (a tradition since the 1930s). The cracker-thin tavern-style pizza earned a One Bite App review declaring it the "Best pizza in Waukesha County!" Signature pies include Meet Meat (pancetta, two sausages, meatballs, pepperoni) at $16–$23. Full bar with house-made limoncello. Tuesday–Sunday; Monday closed.

Armeli's Restaurant & Pizzeria (16201 W National Ave., New Berlin) has been a family institution since 1986, run by Anthony and Joyce Armeli with employees who've stayed for decades. Their Wisconsin tavern-style thin crust is cut in squares with fresh dough made every morning. Features a recently remodeled dining room with a unique "fireplace in the round." Legendary Friday Fish Fry and broasted chicken. Large pizzas $13–$20. Monday, Wednesday–Sunday; closed Tuesdays.

Giuseppi's Pizzeria (14185 W Greenfield Ave., New Berlin) carries family recipes dating to 1951—when it first opened on Teutonia Avenue in Milwaukee. The hand-tossed crust is light, crispy, and reminiscent of old-school Italian-American pizzerias before corporate chains took over. Their Giuseppi's Special (sausage, onions, mushrooms) and homemade meatball sandwiches are customer favorites. Carryout and delivery only. Tuesday–Sunday from 4pm.

Villalobos Pizzeria (2205 N Calhoun Rd., Brookfield) holds a perfect 5.0 Yelp rating—a quiet gem with house-made gluten-free crusts and vegan cheese options. Fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and an understated operation that reviewers describe as "thin crusty cheesy goodness."

De Marinis Pizzeria (N88W15229 Main St., Menomonee Falls) specializes in classic Wisconsin butter crust bar pizza and has been voted "Best Pizza in Milwaukee" in local awards. Features 16 beers on tap, a game room with pool and darts, and a free banquet room for parties up to 125 people. Family-friendly with outdoor seating. Their garlic cheese bread is legendary. Monday–Sunday, opens 4pm most days (11am Fridays).

Pepino's Pizza & Ristorante (N84W15841 Appleton Ave., Menomonee Falls) offers an old-school 1980s Italian ristorante vibe—fieldstone walls, cozy bar, and portions so generous the baked mostaccioli can split between two guests. Their Monday special delivers a large 3-topping pizza and pitcher for $18. Family-owned with loyal customers spanning 40+ years.

Carol Ann's Pizza (2935 Hubertus Rd., Hubertus) near Menomonee Falls originated in 1986 and uses 100% Grande Mozzarella, preservative-free Italian sausage, and daily homemade dough. Their Packer Special ($30) includes a large 3-topping, garlic bread, fresh cookie, and 2-liter soda. Par-bake pizzas available to finish at home. Kid's menu. Open daily from 4pm.

Lake Country

Twisted Fire (515 E Wisconsin Ave., Oconomowoc) operates a custom stone fire oven baking pizzas at 800–900°F in under 2 minutes. The 4.6-star Yelp rating reflects exceptional wood-fired quality—Margherita ($16), BBQ Chicken, and Balsamic Caramelized Onion with goat cheese and prosciutto. Beyond pizza, they serve wood-grilled wings, truffle fries, and pistachio-crusted lamb. Upscale-casual atmosphere perfect for date nights. Cauliflower crust available. Tuesday–Sunday from 4pm.

The Inn – Hartland (110 Cottonwood Ave., Hartland) brings refined wood-fired pizza with a farm-to-table philosophy—Chef Matt emphasizes "simple, honest ingredients" with seasonal, locally-sourced toppings. Sommelier Maddie curates an impressive wine program featuring natural wines from small producers. Newer upscale spot ideal for special occasions. Reservations recommended. Tuesday–Saturday; now serving lunch Thursday–Saturday.

Bella Gusto Italian Deli & Pizzeria (29 S. Main St., Oconomowoc) combines authentic brick oven pizza with Roman-style Pinsa—an ancient ancestor of pizza that's lighter and airier. Italian deli concept with imported products, fresh pasta, and extensive wine selection. Located in historic downtown Oconomowoc. Tuesday–Saturday.

Eric's Hand Tossed Pizza & Subs (1280 Brown St., Oconomowoc) offers something unique: boat delivery on the lake. This family-run spot makes dough fresh every morning, creating light, crispy, airy hand-tossed crust. Pet-friendly outdoor seating, Tuscan-inspired atmosphere, and excellent gluten-free options. Reviewers consistently call it "best thin crust." Wednesday–Sunday.

Giuseppe's Pizzeria (615 Main St., Delafield) won Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite in 2023 and 2024. Their thin crust features sweeter sauce with whole-milk Wisconsin mozzarella—reviewers praise crust that "doesn't flop." Specialty pies include The Meatball ($30.50) with homemade meatballs and The Zeus (Greek-inspired). Dog-friendly outdoor seating. Closed Tuesdays.

Marty's Pizza (2580 Sun Valley Dr., Delafield) traces its roots to 1957—nearly 70 years of homemade tradition. Started as a Brookfield grocery store pizzeria by Martin and Angie Skibosh, the current Delafield location opened in 1982 and now employs over 100 people. Premium flour dough, original recipe marinara, and 100% fresh Wisconsin mozzarella. Full catering available. Monday–Sunday.

Falbo Bros Pizzeria (418 Merton Ave., Hartland) created their own hybrid style—neither New York thin nor Chicago deep dish, but a unique blend with house-made dough and sauce daily. Fresh Wisconsin cheese and passed-down family recipes. Mobile app ordering available.

Kim's Gourmet Pub (N67W33395 County Hwy K., Oconomowoc) features gourmet thin crust pub pizza with creative options like Popeye Pizza and Miss Piggy. Family-owned with a full scratch kitchen, outstanding craft beer selection with flights, and a food truck for events. Famous cheese curds and Friday Fish Fry. Monday–Sunday, opens 11am–noon.

Southern Waukesha County

Crazy Bears Pizza Company (101 Lake St., Mukwonago) stands out with 21 signature specialty pizzas and complete crust customization—thin, thick, deep dish, stuffed, or gluten-free. Cut in squares (Wisconsin tavern-style) by default. Fresh dough is hand-kneaded daily, and owner Ray is known for exceptional customer care. Creative options include Reuben Pizza (Thousand Island, corned beef, sauerkraut, pickles, Swiss) and Seafood Delight (white sauce, crab, shrimp, artichoke). Pet-friendly outdoor seating. Open daily from 10am.

Tony Maronni's (N63 W23951 Main St., Sussex) emphasizes "Respecting the Craft" with artisan dough, California Roma tomatoes, and locally made mozzarella. Owner Tony personally greets customers. Unique option: take your pizza home unbaked to finish yourself. TripAdvisor 4.4 stars. VIP Rewards Club and money-back guarantee. Sunday–Wednesday, Friday–Saturday; closed Thursday.

Pizza Guy (323 N Wales Rd., Wales) has served the Kettle Moraine area since 1998 with homemade dough perfected over nearly 30 years. Described as a "cozy" atmosphere where "laughter flows as freely as conversation"—the kind of family tradition spot that becomes your regular. Tuesday–Sunday; closed Monday.

Crossroads Pizza & Subs (W229 S8680 Big Bend Dr., Big Bend) was voted "Best Pizza in Town" and offers unique options like pretzel crust and Mac n Cheese Pizza. Famous for Sunday Hot Hammies (8am–1pm). Sells frozen pizzas to bake at home. Family-friendly with reasonable delivery ($10 minimum, $4 charge). Multiple locations.

Genoa's Pizza (225 Bay View Rd., Suite 500, Mukwonago) operates as a three-generation family business using recipes passed down through the decades. Strong emphasis on Italian heritage and authentic flavors. Tuesday–Saturday 11am–9pm, Sunday–Monday 3pm–9pm.

Sal's Pizza – Sussex (N64W24370 Main St., Sussex) offers strong daily specials: 18" 3-topping for $21.99 on Tuesdays, Friday Fish Fry for $11.99. Full Italian menu with Panzarottis. Tuesday–Sunday.

Marcileno's Pizzeria & Grill (N64 W24370 Main St., Sussex) brings over two decades of experience with everything made by hand. Known for both pizza and flame-broiled burgers. Gluten-free options available. Pickup and delivery.

Family-friendly picks and practical tips

For families with kids, the best options combine casual atmosphere, reasonable prices, and entertaining elements. Park Avenue Pizza in Pewaukee offers the unique experience of dining in a converted movie theater with 120+ beers for parents. Kim's Gourmet Pub in Oconomowoc features a scratch kitchen, beer flights, and accommodates families well. Crazy Bears in Mukwonago lets kids customize everything from crust thickness to cut style.

For budget-conscious families, Sal's Pizza locations deliver large pizzas under $20, Pepino's Monday special gets you a large 3-topping with a pitcher for $18, and Carol Ann's Packer Special feeds the whole family for $30.

Most locations offer Friday Fish Fry—a Wisconsin tradition worth planning around. The Red Mill Inn, De Marinis, Kim's Gourmet Pub, and Armeli's all serve highly-regarded versions.

For takeout reliability, Jimmy's Grotto and Giuseppi's (New Berlin) focus primarily on carryout and delivery with consistent quality. Crossroads Pizza even sells frozen pizzas to stock your freezer.

Conclusion

Waukesha County's independent pizza scene offers remarkable depth—from nearly 80-year-old institutions to innovative wood-fired newcomers. The standout theme is multi-generational family ownership: Giuseppi's since 1951, Marty's since 1957, Jimmy's Grotto since 1946, and countless others passing recipes through the decades. Unlike chains optimizing for efficiency, these pizzerias optimize for flavor, community, and tradition.

For the quintessential Waukesha County experience, try a Ponza Rotta at Jimmy's Grotto, then compare the cracker-thin tavern styles at Red Mill Inn and Doc's Dry Dock. Venture to Twisted Fire or The Inn for wood-fired artisan pies, and don't overlook the hidden gems—Grumpy's Pizza at a gas station in Pewaukee and Villalobos with its perfect 5-star rating in Brookfield prove that the best pizza often hides in unexpected places.