Let’s be honest—pizza is one of the greatest inventions of all time. Whether you’re a thin crust purist, a deep-dish devotee, or someone who just can’t say no to extra cheese, there’s a slice for everyone. But not all pizza is created equal. Some chains leave you dreaming of your next bite… while others? Well, they leave you wondering why you didn’t just make a frozen one at home.
We’ve taken on the very serious task of tasting, comparing, and judging 15 of the most popular pizza chains in the U.S. Based on flavor, crust quality, ingredient freshness, and overall experience, we’ve ranked them from “ehhh” to “OMG yes.”
Let the Pizza Showdown begin!
15. Cici’s Pizza
Bottom of the pie.
Cici’s earns the dubious honor of last place. Sure, it’s a pizza buffet—which sounds amazing in theory—but in practice? It’s a carb-loaded land of lukewarm slices and questionable toppings. It’s cheap, but at what cost? Unless you’re nostalgic for your middle school field trips, there are far better pies to be found.
14. Little Caesars
Hot-N-Ready, but not always hot in flavor.
Little Caesars is all about convenience and price. For five bucks, you get a whole pizza in minutes. Unfortunately, the flavor often mirrors the price point. The crust is stiff, the sauce is basic, and the cheese doesn’t do much to save the day. It’s the kind of pizza that fills a void but not your soul.
13. Papa Murphy’s
Take it, bake it, question it.
Papa Murphy’s takes a different approach—uncooked pizzas that you bake at home. While the ingredients are fresher than most chains, the DIY element kills the instant gratification that makes pizza special. And let’s be real: if we wanted to cook, we wouldn’t be ordering pizza in the first place.
12. Chuck E. Cheese
For the kids, not the cuisine.
We’re not here to hate on childhood memories, but let’s be honest: Chuck E. Cheese pizza is more about nostalgia than flavor. While they’ve revamped their recipes in recent years, it’s still more about the games, noise, and chaos than the pizza itself. That said, if you’re under 10, this might be your top spot.
11. Jet’s Pizza
Thicc crust, mixed results.
Jet’s specializes in deep dish with a thick, crunchy crust that has its fair share of fans. It’s hearty and filling, but it can also be dense and oily. Their square slices are unique, but the flavor sometimes gets lost in the layers. Not bad, but not great unless you’re deep dish loyal.
10. Marco’s Pizza
Almost gourmet, almost.
Marco’s has a solid following thanks to its slightly more upscale ingredients and robust flavors. The crust is chewy, the sauce has real zip, and the toppings are generous. But inconsistency between locations knocks it down a few pegs. When it’s good, it’s great. When it’s not? Meh.
9. Round Table Pizza
The knight in shiny cheese armor.
Round Table brings a regal touch with creative combinations and quality ingredients. Their garlic parmesan crust is a standout, and they don’t skimp on toppings. The main downside? It’s pricier than most chains, and availability is spotty across the U.S. Still, a solid middle-tier pick.
8. Pizza Hut
An icon that’s trying to bounce back.
Once the king of delivery pizza, Pizza Hut has gone through its ups and downs. Its pan crust remains a guilty pleasure, buttery and crispy in all the right ways. But the rest of the menu can be hit or miss. It’s the chain we grew up on, and while it’s not top-tier anymore, it’s still a reliable option.
7. Sbarro
Mall food court royalty.
Sbarro has built an empire on oversized slices and that unmistakable New York-style vibe. It may not be the most authentic, but it hits the spot when you’re craving something cheesy in between shopping sprees. Its biggest weakness is its limited presence—you usually only find it in malls or airports.
6. Blaze Pizza
Fast-casual, flame-fired flair.
Blaze is the Chipotle of pizza, offering customizable pies with artisanal ingredients and flash-fired in 180 seconds. It’s not your traditional chain, but it’s winning fans with healthier options, vegan cheese, and gluten-free crusts. Trendy, fresh, and fast—it earns its spot in the upper crust.
5. California Pizza Kitchen (CPK)
Creative, bold, and unapologetically different.
CPK made its name with unconventional pies like BBQ Chicken and Thai Chicken Pizza. It’s not everyone’s style, but it’s perfect for those looking to try something off the beaten cheese path. The crust is thin, the flavors are layered, and it feels more “restaurant” than “takeout.”
4. Papa John’s
Better ingredients? Sometimes.
Papa John’s delivers on bold flavors and that addictively sweet dipping sauce. The crust is soft with a nice chew, and their garlic butter obsession is very real. However, their pies can vary in quality depending on the location. Still, when it’s done right, it’s dangerously good.
3. Domino’s
From punchline to powerhouse.
Domino’s has completely reinvented itself over the past decade. What was once the butt of late-night snack jokes is now one of the most consistent and craveable chains around. The crust is buttery, the sauce is zesty, and the customization options are impressive. They’ve earned their redemption arc.
2. MOD Pizza
Build-your-own brilliance.
MOD offers fast-fired, personal-sized pizzas with a subway-style ordering line. The crust is thin and crisp, the toppings are plentiful, and the vibe is ultra-casual. It’s perfect for picky eaters and those who want more control over their pie. Quick, affordable, and always solid—it’s a modern pizza dream.
1. Lou Malnati’s (Delivery Only & Frozen Available)
Deep dish royalty.
Technically more of a regional chain, Lou Malnati’s has become a national sensation thanks to its frozen and delivery pies. The buttery crust, chunky tomato sauce, and thick layers of cheese create a true deep dish masterpiece. It’s not your average Friday night pizza—it’s an experience. If you’re looking for a pizza chain that feels like a gourmet treat every time, Lou’s takes the crown.
Final Thoughts
In the world of pizza, taste is personal. Some people swear by the thick, cheesy decadence of deep dish; others crave a thin, crispy slice with fresh basil and buffalo mozzarella. What matters most is finding the pizza that hits your particular sweet (or savory) spot.
Whether you’re loyal to a classic like Domino’s or riding the MOD Pizza hype train, one thing’s for sure: there’s no shortage of cheesy goodness out there. So go forth and grab a slice—you’ve earned it.