Best Pizza in Joliet: Top 5 Spots Ranked [2026 Guide] | Arteflame

The Ultimate Guide to Pizza in Joliet

Finding the perfect slice in Joliet is serious business. Whether you are looking for that classic Midwestern thin crust cut into squares or a hearty deep dish that requires a knife and fork, this city has culinary landmarks that have stood the test of time. We have scoured the streets, tested the cheese pulls, and ranked the local favorites so you do not have to guess. But be warned: once you taste the best, you might just want to learn how to recreate that wood-fired magic in your own backyard.

• The Quick Summary & Top Picks
• The "Tavern Cut" Winners Reviewed
• Price & Style Comparison
• The "Wood-Fired" Home Fix
• The Costco Pizza Hack

Best Pizza in Joliet: Local Legends

Key Takeaways

• Local Style Rules: Joliet is famous for "Tavern Style"—thin, crispy crust cut into squares, not triangles.
• Family Legacy: The top spots in town are multi-generational family businesses, not just commercial chains.
• The Secret Sauce: A sweeter tomato sauce is a hallmark of the region's best pies.

Where to get the best Pizza in Joliet?

The best pizza in Joliet is defined by its signature Tavern Style crust—cracker-thin and crispy—topped with edge-to-edge toppings and a slightly sweet, herbaceous tomato sauce.

In our testing, we found that the local pizza scene is dominated by institutions that have been around for decades. Here is our breakdown of the heavy hitters.

Cemeno's Pizza
If you ask a local, this is often the first name dropped. We found their thin crust to be exceptionally crispy, holding up well even under a mountain of sausage. The atmosphere is family-centric, and their sauce has that distinctive savory kick.

Maurie's Table
A landmark in the area. In our experience, Maurie's offers a slightly more nostalgic dining vibe. Their cheese-to-sauce ratio is spot on, and the sausage is seasoned perfectly with fennel, giving it a true authentic taste.

Hamburgerseria (Yes, for Pizza)
While known for burgers, we were surprised by their artisanal approach to pizza. If you are looking for something less traditional and more gourmet, their wood-fired style options offer a nice break from the standard tavern cut.

Comparison: Which Slice is Right for You?

We compiled this data to help you choose the right spot for tonight's dinner.

• Restaurant: Cemeno's Pizza | Best For: Large Groups | Price Level: $$ | Signature Style: Thin Crust / Tavern Cut
• Restaurant: Maurie's Table | Best For: Date Night | Price Level: $$ | Signature Style: Traditional Pub Style
• Restaurant: Hamburgerseria | Best For: Gourmet Toppings | Price Level: $$$ | Signature Style: Artisan / Wood-Fired
• Restaurant: Aurelio's (Local Franchise) | Best For: Sweet Sauce Lovers | Price Level: $$ | Signature Style: Thin & Crispy

How to Make the Best Pizza at Home

I used to think my backyard pizzas were decent, until I realized I was just baking dough on a grate rather than creating a true wood-fired experience. Once I stopped steaming my crusts and started searing them, everything changed.

You do not need an industrial brick oven to get that pizzeria-quality char in Joliet. You can achieve the perfect steakhouse sear and the crispy pizza crust at home using the right equipment.

The "Searing" Technique: Why Arteflame Excels

We have found that standard grills struggle to maintain the heat required for a perfect pizza. Using an Arteflame grill comes with distinct benefits that change the game:

1. 1,000°F Sear: The solid carbon steel cooktop reaches temperatures over 1,000°F. This high heat is mandatory for blistering the crust instantly, locking in flavor without drying out the dough.
2. Grill All Food at Once: Because of the varied heat zones, we love that you can sear the pizza near the center while roasting veggies or sausages for toppings on the outer ring simultaneously.
3. The Smokeless Flavor: Unlike gas grills, the Arteflame uses real wood or charcoal, infusing your crust with that authentic, smoky flavor you pay extra for at restaurants.

Pro Tip: If you are looking for wholesale volume, you can always visit the Costco on Route 59. Buying fresh, take-and-bake Pizza from Costco is a fantastic base to start with. However, we recommend taking it up a notch: customize it with extra local toppings and finish it on your Arteflame Grill using the Pizza Oven attachment. The high heat transforms a grocery store pie into a wood-fired masterpiece.

Why We Call It The "Social Grill"

An Arteflame grill isn't just for cooking, but it changes how you host. In our experience, traditional grilling is a lonely job—you stare at a wall while everyone else mingles. The Arteflame's round design invites friends to stand around the fire, sipping drinks and watching the magic happen. It turns pizza night into an interactive event rather than just a meal service.