Some pizza places come and go faster than a Friday night delivery. These five Indiana spots have stuck around for more than half a century, serving pies since the 1960s and early 1970s.
Grandparents probably shared a booth at one of them before anyone had a cell phone. If you love old-school pizza with real local history, this list is your road trip map.
1. Turoni’s Pizzery & Brewery, Evansville, IN
© Turoni’s Pizzery & Brewery, Evansville, IN
Evansville has been ordering thin-crust pies from Turoni’s since 1963. That makes this North Main Street favorite one of the oldest names on the list.
The room has a casual, saloon-style look with a historic, slightly divey charm. A fireplace adds a homey touch on colder nights, and outdoor art gives the building some extra personality.
Pizza is the main event here, with a crispy crust and fresh toppings. Burgers share the menu, and Garlic Cheese Toast makes an easy starter.
Plant-based eaters can look for the Queen Margarita, a vegan option.
Families fit right in, with a kids’ menu and high chairs available. Reservations are accepted, which helps since Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings get busy.
Hours run 11 AM to 9 PM most days, stretching to 10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. Parking is free in the lot and on the street, so there’s no stress at 408 N Main St.
2. Barnaby’s South Bend, South Bend, IN
© Barnaby’s South Bend, South Bend, IN
Cornmeal crust is the calling card at Barnaby’s, and South Bend has been hooked on it since 1969. That fresh, slightly gritty base sets these pies apart from the usual soft dough.
The setting is rustic, dim, and warm, with a lively noise level on busy nights. It is the kind of place where groups of friends and families share long tables without fuss.
Subs round out the menu for anyone who wants a sandwich, and a full vegetarian menu gives meat-free diners plenty to choose from. Ordering happens at the counter, which keeps things moving.
Plan ahead on weekends, because Barnaby’s does not take reservations and Friday and Saturday evenings fill up fast. Sundays open later, at 3 PM.
Delivery and takeout are both available if you would rather eat at home. You will find it at 713 E Jefferson Blvd.
3. Arni’s Lafayette Market Square, Lafayette, IN
© Arni’s Lafayette Market Square, Lafayette, IN
Kids who ate here in 1965 now bring their own grandkids. Arni’s opened at Lafayette’s Market Square that year, and it still serves the same kind of easygoing family meal.
The menu keeps things simple with pizza, pasta, and Italian sandwiches. Portions run large, so leftovers are common.
Classic toys add a playful, nostalgic look to the dining room. It is clean, friendly, and quieter than you might expect for a busy family spot.
Parents will appreciate the kids’ menu, high chairs, and changing tables. A braille menu is also available, a thoughtful touch many restaurants skip.
Reservations are accepted, and delivery and takeout are options too. The restaurant sits at 2200 Elmwood Ave, open daily from 11 AM.
4. Uncle Menny’s Original Greek’s Pizzeria, Valparaiso, IN
© Uncle Menny’s Original Greek’s Pizzeria, Valparaiso, IN
Plenty of Hoosiers know the Greek’s Pizzeria name. Fewer know it started right here in Valparaiso in 1969, at the shop now called Uncle Menny’s.
Old family photos line the walls, which suits a place with this much backstory. The room is small, cozy, and usually calm.
Classic and specialty pies lead the menu, and the garlic knots are a favorite side. Sandwiches are available too, along with a full vegetarian menu.
Check the hours before you go. The shop is closed Tuesdays, opens at 4 PM on Mondays, and runs 1 to 8 PM Wednesday through Saturday.
Sunday hours are short, from 4 to 7:30 PM. Find it at 59 Indiana Ave, with free parking nearby.
5. Mother Bear’s Pizza Campus, Bloomington, IN
© Mother Bear’s Pizza Campus, Bloomington, IN
Bring a pen. At Mother Bear’s, diners write their names on the walls, a tradition that fits a Bloomington landmark open since 1973.
The building looks like a rustic cabin, sitting near the Indiana University campus on East 3rd Street. Generations of students and their families have passed through.
Deep dish is the specialty, with a thick but light crust that is crispy outside and soft inside. Fresh toppings and a slow-cooked style sauce finish it off.
Try The Divine Swine pizza or the Breaded Portabella Mushrooms as a starter. Deep dish here comes out faster than you might guess, often in about 15 minutes.
Hours are 11 AM to 10 PM every day, and there are no reservations. Parking can be tricky near campus, so allow a little extra time.
Dining and Cooking