Longmont’s Pizza Hotspot

Photo Courtesy of Elite Focus Studio | Antonios Pizza

Hello my fellow foodies and welcome back. I have always been on a quest for the greatest pizza (in my opinion) in Colorado. To me, pizza is life, and I crave it constantly. There is an area in Longmont, CO that I now call “The mighty marvelous half mile of pizza heaven” and it sits right in the heart of Longmont’s downtown area. While some of you reading this already know about this walkable tour of the amazing pizza pies, the ones who don’t need to take note. I am a New Yorker, so I take pizza very seriously. These three restaurants, with a mention of a fourth that needs to be called out even though they are not exactly downtown, are something truly special. I tried all the different kinds of pizza (not a hard job) and am still dreaming about all four of these places today.

Photo Courtesy of Elite Focus Studio | Antonios Pizza

I was already a fan of Antonio’s Pizza for their true New York slice. Anthony Desousa has been inducted into the World Pizza Champions Team because his pizza is absolutely award worthy. Moving from Long Island NY, Anthony was always in pursuit of the best pizza, and what started out as a drive thru coffee shop in Estes Park, CO quickly evolved into pizza after following his obsession for the perfect pie. The second Longmont location opened in 2021 and now there is a drive through coffee, bagel and pizza location in Loveland, CO. The smell when you walk into the Longmont location is otherworldly and reminds me of all the places in New York I love so much. You can get a slice or a pie, and they both have that perfect crust with the New York fold and just the right amount of grease dripping off. The Godfather pizza is something you must order. Topped with Prosciutto Di Parma, Genoa salami, pepperoncini’s, and roasted red peppers, it is pizza perfection. There are homemade baked goods and bagels that are a true letter from home in New York.

Photo Courtesy of Elite Focus Studio | Rosalees Pizza

Just down the road is Rosalees’s Pizza, and from the crowds at any time of the day, it was a pie I had to try. Owners James and Amy Ross described their pizza as “east coast style pizza”, while some call it New Haven style. Whatever style it is, it is unbelievably delicious. The very thin crust with the slightly charred outer edges has caused a cult following at Rosalee’s for good reason. James and Amy set out to just make good pizza and have a great neighborhood restaurant and they have succeeded. Even though they have won many awards, they stay humble. Slices are only served at lunchtime, so at dinner, you must order a whole pie, but don’t worry, the pie always seems to disappear at Rosalee’s. Go early to avoid the crowds and settle in for some seriously excellent pizza.

Photo Courtesy of Elite Focus Studio | Urban Field Pizza

Just a bit south of Rosalee’s and still walkable is Urban Field Pizza and Market owned by Chef Nick Swanson, Lindsey Beddard, and Darrin Gilman. Urban Field was my destination to try Detroit style pizza. Detroit style pizza is a thick, square cut pizza with an airy center and a Frico caramelized cheese outer edge. I was a bit skeptical because I am a thin crust pizza gal, but not only was my mind changed, it blew it away. The Italiano Pizza with caramelized onion cream, fontina, prosciutto, burrata, arugula, and spiced truffle oil is a crowd favorite, and now mine. When the pizza comes to the table, go for the corners, they are as crispy and divine as you can get. They have 2 other locations in Windsor CO and Loveland CO. Chef Nick really wanted to make pizza that was different and it certainly is and has changed my view on the thicker crust pizzas.

Photo Courtesy of Elite Focus Studio | Slice House Pizza

Slice House by Tony Gemignani has a Grandma style pizza worth writing about. Tony has won thirteen world titles for pizza making. They have Colorado locations in Boulder, Loveland and the soon to be opened Longmont location. They have favorite grandma style pizza. Grandma style pizza is rectangular, thin and crispy. The Cal Italia Grandma pizza has no red sauce, but instead fig preserves, gorgonzola, asiago, Prosciutto Di Parma and a balsamic reduction.  It is a salty and sweet pie that must be on your list when coming to Longmont. Tony Gemignani was Anthony Desousa’s mentor so even though they are not in downtown Longmont, once open, it will complete the “awesome foursome” of pizza in my opinion.

Photo Courtesy of Elite Focus Studio | Rosalees Pizza

Want to try them all in one day? The 1st Colorado Pizza Festival will be in Longmont on September 5th.  Pizza with Purpose, a nonprofit that was founded by the owners of Antonio’s, Urban Field and Rosalee’s have planned this event to benefit hunger relief. across Colorado. Pizza with Purpose raises funds for Slice out Hunger and The Longmont Food Rescue. More than 20 pizzerias across Colorado will battle it out for the title of states best pie. There will be breweries, there will be music, there will be pizza and more than anything, there will be community. Get your tickets at coloradopizzafestival.com. 

 What a great time I had in Longmont trying all the pizzas! My favorites may not be yours, but that’s what makes the pizza world go round. All of these pizza restaurants support each other every day and want the other to succeed.  To me, that makes them even more special.  Until next time my fellow foodies, eat well, drink well, and be well. Bravo Longmont CO!