My Top 5 Pizza Places in Portland

Very few people think of Portland as a pizza destination.

That's because it's not...but we do have some damn good pies here in the Rose City.

I shamelessly admit that I get a craving for pizza at least once a week (but, if we're being honest here, it pretty much happens once a day). So, as soon as we moved to Portland in October, I knew I needed to seek out some of the best slices this city had to offer. And while I do have a ton more research to do, here are my top five favorites so far:

1.) Sizzle Pie
Those cravings for pizza I get? Nine times out of 10, I'm craving Sizzle Pie. Sizze Pie offers a variety of vegetarian, vegan, and meat-topped slices and pies, with decent beers on tap to boot. I love their creative names and topping combinations - such as the Vegan Angel of Doom ($19/$28), topped with Daiya mozzarella “cheese,” fresh jalapeños, pineapple, shaved almonds, and cilantro.

2.) Life of Pie

Specializing in brick oven pies perfectly split between two people (or one, if you're extra hungry), Life of Pie not only makes great pizza - they're also ideally located two doors down from Tin Bucket. (Yes, you can bring your pies into the bar for some epic pizza-and-beer indulging). Life of Pie's Caramelized Onion, Goat Cheese, and Garlic Confit pie ($10) is a personal favorite, but the simple Margherita ($10) is fresh and delicious, too. (Bonus: from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily, the Margherita pie is only $5 if you dine-in!).

3.) Escape From New York Pizza
Who knew we'd find authentic New York slices right in our own 'hood? This place is anything but friendly, but the slices (and personalities) are just what you'd expect from a NY pizzeria. Everyday there's a new featured slice, but I've always gone for the classic cheese. (Side note: I also love how their slogan is "Ranch-free since '83." Good crust doesn't need to be dipped in Ranch dressing!).

4.) Pizzicato

I've had several pies and slices from Pizzicato now, and every single one has been consistently delicious (they also deliver for free to our door here in NW Portland, so that helps, too). Pizzicato's toppings are varied and inventive, and the prices are quite reasonable, too. One recent pie I had and loved was the Puttanesca ($14.50, $20.50, or $26.50, for small, medium, or large). It's topped with tomatoes, artichokes, kalamata olives, and feta on a garlic/olive oil base. I also love it with plump garlic shrimp added! (Pro tip: During happy hour, a slice and a pint of beer is just $6.50).

5.) Lucky Labrador Beer Hall
Lucky Labrador's pizza is on-point. Again, they have a location not far from our apartment, so I've walked over on many occasions to order a slice (or two) and drink a beer while I wait. They almost always have a cheese, vegetarian, and meat slice option available, and their toppings are plentiful - while the crust stays ideally crisp. The Veggie Deluxe ($22.95 for a pie) at the NW Quimby location is my favorite so far, topped with artichoke hearts, fresh spinach, onion, mushroom, green pepper, black olives, and tomatoes.

Alright, I'm still on the quest for pizza (despite eating my way through all of these places...several times). What are your recommendations for the best pizza in Portland?