Go inside Large Plain Pizza & Pints, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Each month in Destinations, we highlight an up-and-coming pizza spot in the U.S. In Pizza Destinations, we showcase a pizza place that may have just opened to rave reviews, hit best pizza lists or have exciting news. If you’re a pizzeria that would like to be featured, reach out to Executive Editor Denise Greer at [email protected].

A Look at Large Plain Pizza & Pints with owner Paul Powell

Paul Powell opened his first pizza shop in 2008 with the support of his late mother, Wendy, in whose honor he would later host an annual fundraiser for A Glimmer of Hope Foundation, which is dedicated to supporting breast cancer research. 

Photo courtesy of Large Plain Pizza & Pints.

In 2022, Large Plain relocated to a larger space, giving Powell the opportunity to grow the pizzeria and expand its offerings. “We are known for our community spirit, local roots, hand-tossed pizza and fresh wings,” Powell says. “We aim to make every guest feel at home.” Large Plain hosts and participates in several community events, from trivia nights and fundraisers to festivals and tap takeovers.

The pizzeria serves “Pittsburgh-style” pizza, a hand-tossed pizza with a chewy crust and sweet sauce. Its signature Black and Gold Pizza is a favorite, topped with pulled pork, bacon and two types of BBQ sauce. Other specialty pizzas include It’s Kind of a Big Dill Pickle Pizza with pickle slices, cheddar cheese and dill on garlic butter sauce. There is also the Tuscan Chicken Pizza with grilled chicken, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, spinach, mozzarella, feta and provolone on a garlic butter sauce. A variety of oven-toasted hoagies, wings, calzones, appetizers and desserts round out the menu. Large Plain also serves local craft beers.

Learn more about Large Plain Pizza & Pint. Follow Large Plain on Instagram.

Pizzerias On The Radar

“On The Radar” is the spot to share quick snippets of pizzerias that are making headlines, introducing new initiatives, receiving honors and more. If you’re a pizzeria that would like to be featured in On the Radar, share your news with Executive Editor Denise Greer at [email protected].

• Former heavyweight boxing champion Andy Ruiz Jr. joins the team as partner of San Diego’s Victorino’s Pizzeria, which specializes in New York, Chicago deep dish and square pan pizza. The Chula Vista Victorino’s will be rebranded as “Andy’s Pizzeria.”

• TikTok food reviewer Keith Lee rewards Sharpiros Pizzeria in Conyers, Georgia with a $50,000 award, backed by Toast, in recognition of embodying the spirit of service.

• Sacramento-based Majka Pizzeria has been included in the Michelin’s California Guide, citing its “excellent ingredient-driven pies with naturally leavened crusts” and “an ever-changing daily creation highlighting seasonal toppings.”

• Chicago’s Aurelio’s Pizza proclaims “Pope’s Pizza.” Aurelio’s Pizza has drawn attention for its Pope Leo XIV connection. According to a Chicago Tribune article, he enjoys the thin-crust pepperoni pizza at Aurelio’s Pizza in Homewood, Illinois.

• Sally’s Apizza launches its first professional sports sponsorship as exclusive food sponsor of the Ferrari Challenge racing series, with Ferrari of Miami race driver Dylan Medler.

• Actress, writer, producer, and New York Times bestselling author Issa Rae and hospitality group Good Vibes Only launch a funk-inspired pizzeria and bar, Downtown Dough, in Los Angeles.