Not too long ago, a work luncheon that I could not attend came with an offer to order something to take home for dinner. Considering the food was coming from Oliverio's Ristorante, I opted to order a pizza.

 

Primarily because it had been a while since I had ordered one from there. And secondly, it was because a pizza meant dinner was served for my wife and I - and at the right price.

 

As I found the pizza on my desk the smell was intoxicating. So much so, that before heading home, I had a bite. Then, it struck me that I’m literally just a short walk or drive away from some of the best pizza available in a region where quality pizza is overflowing. Then I realized if you’re just about anywhere in the city you’re not too far away from a good pie.

 

With that in mind, I thought I would revisit a virtual pizza tour of Bridgeport I did about four years ago. Starting right here at Charles Pointe and going down Jerry Dove Drive, up State Route 131, onto U.S. Route 50, down Lodgeville Road, onto Johnson Avenue and ending at the Meadowbrook Mall.

 

Trust me, there’s a lot of pizza. There’s so many, in fact, that there’s a chance I might miss one. The good news is that I’m certain that not only someone will call me out, but they’ll insult me for missing something and multiple others will insult the establishments I put down. That’s the sad part of social media.

 

The good part is, it’s not going to stop this from taking place. And I’m going to start with the closest place to the Connect-Bridgeport offices.

 

It’s just short of a decade old, but Mia Margherita at Charles Pointe has some of the best pizza around. The coal-fired pizza is something myself and my wife look forward to on a regular basis. The love affair began under former operator Scott Duarte and continues to this day. Honestly, I’ve yet to have a bad meal there – pizza or otherwise. 

 

If you’re in a hurry, just walk out the door, go about what’s the equivalent of a block and a half and you can walk in and get you a Little Caesar’s Pizza. They’re always ready and the next thin crust pizza under $10 is worth every single penny. The only problem? They got rid of their cinnamon rolls several years ago, which was a dessert treat I was fond of even if my ever-stretching pants weren’t.

 

You don’t have to leave Charles Pointe to find your third stop. Instead, you just need to go down to the opposite side of the massive development near the Fairmont Federal Credit Union and across the roadway from the new 911 center.

 

The Mountain State Brewing Company is already a hit with many on the local circuit. It’s not the first location for the business, but it’s the first in Harrison County and the wood-fired pizza is spectacular. If you haven’t given this place a try, book a little bit of time and do just that.

 

Once you’re done there, the next trip will require a little bit of travel. You’ll need to head down Jerry Dove Drive and take the Route 131 – Benedum Drive exit – and head toward Oliverio’s Ristorante, where, as I mentioned, the pizza is still on point. The dining is upscale and the pizza is old school.

 

I’ve written before about the greatest single slice of pizza I ever had and it goes back to my pre-teen days when Oliverio’s was simply known as Sonny’s. It may be Oliverio’s now, but Sonny Oliverio’s pizza from decades past is still a hit.

 

Now, if you don’t have time to wait for a pizza or want to sit down in a formal setting, the next choice is literally a stone’s throw away and across the street. Although some may not be fans of chain restaurants, Domino’s has been around long enough that it’s got some credibility. I’m not a huge fan of Domino’s, but I’ve also never turned it down when it’s available. It’s convenient, not too bad and comes at the right price.

 

I'm going to quickly skip the next location as I want to combine two new sites to get a pie on Route 50. 

 

With that in mind, the next place to grab a pizza, and I am actually skipping one in order because the next one is one that comes up frequently in debates as the best in Bridgeport and the best in the area. Most know by now I’m talking about Twin Oaks. Let’s be serious, much like Oliverio’s, Twin Oaks is a Bridgeport iconic restaurant. They have the staying power to prove it.

 

When it comes to Twin Oaks, I want the basic – cheese and pepperoni. And something else I’ve noticed in recent years, it’s much better eating it there than it is to go. Maybe there’s no difference, but that’s my take.

 

Once you’ve paid the tab there, you’ve got a couple of additional stops on Route 50 – or Main Street – to others. Including a pair of new ones. Right across from the Dairy Queen is East of Chicago Pizza. While it is a chain with its first location opening in Shinnston, they have so many varieties of Pizza, including the much-desired Chicago style. If you are looking for a new selection, do not be afraid to give it a try. 

 

If you stay on Main Street and head up toward Wilson Martino Dental, there is another relatively new establishment in place. Check out Original Italian Pizza if you're looking for something that will hit the spot. The business relocated from Fairmont and has found a home in the DePolo Plaza and, trust me, if you're looking to order out, it is worth a try.

 

You do not have to go far to find a pair of long-time chain establishments - also on Route 50. The first is Pizza Hut. Another of the long-established brands in the city, Pizza Hut has been at the location for decades. They have the delivery service and offer specials on a regular basis and, yes, much like Twin Oaks this is the one national pizza chain that I want to eat on site. There’s something not nearly as good as a take home brand.

 

Once finished, wipe off the mouth and walk – or rather drive – across Route 50 and hit up the Papa John’s location. There are those that compare its offerings to Dominos, but I’ve always felt they are two entirely different brands and tastes. While I’m not a regular, if I opt for a pizza there the best I’ve ever had was their Buffalo Chicken pizza. Yes, it’s that good.

 

If you’re ready for your next stop, this one qualifies - since we're only doing city-based pizza places - as a portion of the property is in Bridgeport and the rest is in Clarksburg. The Brickside Bar & Grille on the corner of Lodgeville Road and Tolley Drive as you make your way to Johnson Avenue has the very rare distinction as a small portion of the property is in Bridgeport so I’m going to count it.

 

Let me say, for the record, this pizza should be mentioned more often as among the best in the area. It’s that good. And if you’re like me and like to dip your crust in good ranch dressing, Brickside’s ranch dressing is the best ranch dressing in the region in my opinion. It’s the best since Cactus Jack’s closed its doors many years ago.

 

There has been a casualty on the list since this was written. Gino's Pizza, located inside the Johnson Avenue Go-Mart is no longer in business. The good news, a replacement - not at that site, but nearby - is on the way. Sometime this spring, Gabe's Plaza will be home to Fat Angelo's Pizza inside the Mountainman Axe entertainment venue.

 

By now, you may want to head home by hitting Interstate 79 as you exit Lodgeville Road. If you do, you’d miss a long-standing pizza place that is another falling into the overlooked category. For decades now, The Pizza Place at the Meadowbrook Mall has been a go to on any shopping excursion that goes to long.

 

You can see your pizza right in front of you. Choose your slice, thick or thin, and they’ll heat it for you and you can actually order a cold beer to wash it down. For those not wanting to slum with folks like me in a booth at the mall, you can order an entire pie to go. I’ve done it before, but it’s been years. I think it may be time.

 

There are others close by and outside the city limits. There is Tucillo's at Hillbilly Hatches just outside of Bridgeport, and Clarksburg has a plethora in Smitty's, the Caboose, and the recently opened Elwood's Pizza, along with the Washington Square and I am certain others. 

 

There you have it. The City of Bridgeport Pizza Road trip (and a few outsiders listed), minus convenience stores and kids’ menu pizzas, I think I hit them all. I have the pounds to prove it.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo is from Mia Margherita, while the second photo is from Mountain State Brewing Company. That's followed by a pizza from Oliverio's Ristorante and the well-known pie from Twin Oaks. The next two photos, in order, show East of Chicago Pizza and Original Italian Pizza. The bottom two photos are from the Brickside Bar & Grille and The Pizza Place at the Meadowbrook Mall. All photos from business Facebook pages or by Connect-Bridgeport.