I used to dread the nightly dinner debate more than a flat tire on I-71. Then a plain little pizza counter in Ohio changed everything, and my pickiest eater asked for seconds without being bribed.
It turns out this state is full of humble pizza spots that quietly win over kids who swear they hate everything. Grab the car keys, because these six are worth the drive.
1. Two Cities Pizza Co., Mason, OH
Can’t decide between New York and Chicago? Families in Mason don’t have to, because this Main Street favorite bakes both styles under one roof.
Kids get to pick a side, and the friendly argument over which crust wins can last the whole ride home.
Thin, foldable slices sit on one end of the menu, while hearty deep-dish pies anchor the other. Picky eaters can build their own calzone, and the Legendary Parmesan Fries tend to vanish before the main course even lands.
Save room for the New York Funnel Cake Donut, a sweet finish that kids talk about long after the plates are cleared.
Food allergies often turn dinner into a puzzle, but gluten-free and dairy-free pizzas here are known for tasting just as good as the regular ones. A kids’ menu and high chairs make younger guests feel welcome, too.
Expect to spend around $10 to $20 per person.
Timing matters on weekends, since Friday and Saturday evenings usually bring a wait. Tuesday nights are calmer, and a large outdoor area gives restless kids room to breathe.
The restaurant is closed Mondays and opens at 3 PM Tuesday through Thursday.
Find it at 202 W Main St, Mason, OH 45040.
2. Old Scratch Pizza, Centerville, OH
Mouse ears on a pizza? That single detail explains why so many Centerville kids beg to come back.
The Shorty, a personal cheese pie, often arrives shaped like a famous cartoon mouse head, and young diners light up the second it hits the table.
Behind the fun shape sits serious baking. Pies come out of a wood-fired oven, and the kids’ pizza has a slightly thicker crust that stays chewy inside and crisp on the bottom.
Grown-ups can branch out with the Shroom Pizza, the Prosciutto Arugula, or a plate of meatballs to share.
Ordering happens at the counter, so there’s no waiting around for a server while little stomachs growl. Plenty of seating, a laid-back vibe, changing tables, and high chairs make it easy for families of every size.
Most meals land in the $10 to $20 per person range.
Weekday lunches are usually the quietest window, while Friday and Saturday evenings fill up fast. Reservations aren’t taken, so arriving early is the smart move.
A free parking lot and outdoor seating round out the easy visit, and hours run 11 AM daily.
Head to 440 Miamisburg Centerville Rd, Centerville, OH 45459.
3. Pizzanos Express, Columbus, OH
Crust crusts are usually the first thing kids leave behind. At this Parsons Avenue shop, the buttery edge is the part that disappears first, and that says plenty about what comes out of the oven.
Every pie here is pork-free, which makes it a thoughtful pick for many families. Toppings still pile high, with turkey bacon, pepperoni, and fresh vegetables covering a chewy, saucy, cheesy base.
Stromboli is a true specialty, and the long list of fillings means everyone can customize their own.
Variety keeps things interesting. The menu features a special item for each day of the week, so a Tuesday visit may taste different from a Friday one.
Side orders like Olive Oil Cheesy Bread, mozzarella sticks, and stuffed shells help turn a quick pickup into a full family feast.
Think of this spot as a carryout and delivery hero rather than a sit-down restaurant. Counter service keeps lines moving, and free parking is usually easy to find.
Expect about $10 to $20 per person, which fits most weeknight budgets nicely.
Doors open at 10 AM Monday through Friday, with later starts on weekends. The address is 804 Parsons Ave, Columbus, OH 43206.
4. Dewey’s Pizza – Lakewood, Lakewood, OH
Forget tablets and crayons. The best entertainment at this Lakewood pizzeria is a big glass window into the kitchen, where kids press their noses to the glass and watch chefs stretch and spin dough by hand.
That little show turns waiting into the highlight of the night. Young guests can see their own dinner come together, and the cooks often wave or chat right back.
By the time the pizza arrives, kids feel like they helped make it.
The crust is thin with a light, floury finish, and the menu leans creative. Adults can try the Meatball Pizza with Pesto or the Don Corleone, while kids stick with Dewey’s Original or a half-and-half pie that settles sibling debates.
Gluten-free and dairy-free options mean allergy families aren’t left out.
Friendly table service keeps things moving quickly, and high chairs are available for little ones. Prices typically run $10 to $20 per person.
Parking along Detroit Avenue can be tricky, so give yourself a few extra minutes.
Weekday afternoons and early evenings are usually calmer than weekend dinner rushes. Sunday hours begin at 4 PM.
You’ll find it at 18516 Detroit Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107.
5. Home Slice Pizza, Toledo, OH
Here’s a number that makes parents smile: a large two-topping pizza with a drink has been offered for around $8.26. Add half-off pizza on Tuesdays, and downtown Toledo suddenly feels like the best deal in Ohio.
Value only works if the food delivers, and it does. Fresh, hot New York-style slices come out with a classic chew, and even the plain cheese tends to win over the pickiest eaters.
Families often find there are zero leftovers to box up.
Curious tastes can explore the Potato Pizza, BBQ Chicken, or The Carnivore, while the cheese bread makes an easy starter for sharing. Chicken wings round out the menu for anyone who wants something extra.
The vibe is buzzing and no-frills, with a full dining room downstairs where families settle in. High chairs are on hand, and service moves fast.
Most meals stay between $10 and $20 per person, sometimes much less with specials.
Tuesday evenings get busy thanks to that discount, so plan accordingly. Street parking downtown can take some hunting, and paid lots nearby help.
A walk around the Warehouse District afterward makes a nice bonus. Look for 28 S St Clair St, Toledo, OH 43604.
6. Pierre’s Brooklyn Pizza & Deli, Akron, OH
Small and quiet on the outside, this Kenmore Boulevard shop feels like a neighborhood secret. Inside, a mom-and-pop crew serves Brooklyn-inspired pizza that has a way of turning two picky kids into instant fans.
Slices are the star, and ordering pizza by the slice is perfect for families with mixed tastes. Each child can grab exactly what they want without anyone arguing over a whole pie.
The New York-style crust comes hot from the oven with that satisfying fold.
Not every kid wants pizza every night, and that’s covered too. Baked chicken tenders give choosy eaters a safe bet, and fresh salads balance out the meal.
Parents often go for the Italian Sub, a hearty deli classic stacked high.
Staff are known for being warm, and the space stays clean and cozy. Seating is limited, so takeout is a handy option on busy days.
There’s no restroom on site, which is good to know before bringing little ones. Expect roughly $10 to $30 per person.
Hours are short, running Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 7:30 PM, so plan an early dinner. Parking can be tight at times.
Visit 964 Kenmore Blvd, Akron, OH 44314.
