Welcome to Vancouver, WA—or as some locals affectionately call it, the land of strip-mall surprises and strip-mall disappointments, where finding a truly great slice can feel like a quest worthy of its own legend. It’s a town of hidden gems and glaring misses, but whether you’re a crust connoisseur or just craving comfort, one truth unites us all: not all pizza is created equal.
Taps Growler House
$$ | (360) 826-8383 | WEBSITE
Look up “neighborhood hangout” in the dictionary and you’ll find a picture of this friendly, down-to-earth spot. Yes, it’s a relaxed place with excellent service and a unique atmosphere at each location, and no, you’re not going anywhere else after settling in. But we say grab a seat, because you’ll be rewarded with a pizza and beer experience that ranks as the very best in Vancouver in our books.
There’s a spot to relax and figure out which of the large selection of beers to try next, with staff who are super knowledgeable about every tap.
Papa Johns Pizza
$$ | (360) 253-9090 | WEBSITE
No, this is not some artisanal brick-oven pizzeria, but still it’s a reliable chain favorite and absolutely satisfying. Situated in a convenient Vancouver strip mall, this takeout counter is also enjoyable because you get to settle in at home and reflect on the fact that, with staff like Angel and Cassie showing such compassion, you’re getting more than just a pizza. Bravo!
Little Caesars Pizza
$ | (360) 828-5494 | WEBSITE
Surprise, surprise. The single most recommended item at this budget-friendly spot is also the best, and if you come here without trying this glorious creation, you probably shouldn’t even tell people you visited. Yes, there are lots of different pizza options these days (like the incredible pretzel pizza that regulars swear by), but there’s still something so straightforward about the classic cheese version.
Whichever pizza you go with, just be sure to ask for extra sauce on the side if that’s your thing. It’s rich, tangy, and takes this quick pizza fix to a completely different level.
NYC Pizzeria
$ | (360) 882-7670 | WEBSITE
Of all the pizza joints in Vancouver, NYC Pizzeria is clearly the most important. Their Indian paneer pizzas completely make up for the predictable offerings at other local spots. Plus, you can find their crispy, flavorful crust holding up perfectly under those unique toppings, guaranteeing you’re only about one bite away from something truly different. Pizza magic, indeed.
The Heavy Metal Pizza & Brewing Co
$ | (360) 258-1691 | WEBSITE
No night would be complete without one last stop at The Heavy Metal Pizza & Brewing Co. You just watched a rowdy crowd belt out rock classics during karaoke and your stomach’s rumbling for one last slice. Luckily, there’s a lively spot with ample outdoor seating that serves piping hot pizzas with that perfect crust you should devour on the way to your car.
Ghost Runners Brewery and Kitchen
$ | (360) 989-3912 | WEBSITE
Given that Ghost Runners is a brewery and kitchen, we have to assume the thin-crust pizzas are what they had in mind for their industrial-strip location. There is one standout item here, though: the pesto is the besto flatbread. This version of the classic flatbread is made with crispy thin crust, fresh pesto, and quality toppings, plus a bright, welcoming atmosphere for some needed cheer. It’s a flavorful, well-crafted flatbread that’ll keep you satisfied until the trivia starts.
Plus, the crispy, well-seasoned fries that come on the side are even better than the flatbread.
MOD Pizza
$ | (360) 254-4663 | WEBSITE
You’ve been dragging your feet through the mall all afternoon and you need a pick-me-up. Go satisfy your cravings at MOD Pizza. One of the few gluten-free options in this list comes with vegan cheese, because that’s simply how this place works. Sitting conveniently near the main entrance, MOD Pizza is a pretty reliable all-around pizza spot, and this earnest attempt at accommodating your dietary needs should be your go-to order.
Blind Onion Pizza & Pub
$$ | (360) 213-1805 | WEBSITE
Given how solid the pizza crust is at Blind Onion Pizza & Pub, we came in with decent expectations for the overall experience. It mostly delivered. This reliable neighborhood spot offers a straightforward menu, a laid-back atmosphere, and generally good service. Pizzas here are hearty affairs with plentiful toppings and that consistently praised crust, though it can occasionally veer into doughy territory.
The vibe is casual and family-friendly, making it a convenient option for a reasonably quick meal. Just be prepared for prices that feel a bit steep for what you get, and maybe give yourself a little extra time if you’re heading out on a busy Saturday night.
Barrel Mountain Pizza and Pints
$$ | (360) 433-2618 | WEBSITE
You’ve been chasing the kids around all day and need to unwind. Good news: Barrel Mountain Pizza and Pints is right there for all your comfort food cravings. Though the menu offers plenty of variety, one must-try from the original lineup is the massive Buffalo Wings that we order every time we’re in Vancouver. What seems like an obvious pizza joint staple is actually one gigantic WIN. Be sure to ask about the classic barrel mountain beers as well.
Round Table Pizza
$ | (360) 574-5755 | WEBSITE
Tucked away in a generic mall parking lot sits the reliably predictable Round Table Pizza and its earnest attempt to capture whatever family-friendly dining might’ve meant in the 1990s (Hint: It was arcade games). That said, one consistently solid option remains on the premises: the crispy-crust pizza.
The straightforward, reasonably priced, and nonetheless satisfying sports bar is a go-to for gatherings and the generously topped pepperoni pizza is the cheesy, shareable platter you’ve been craving after a long week. Besides, you just spent an hour watching kids’ shows on the multiple TVs and you need comfort food, stat. Score!
Mighty Munch Mtn Curry Pizza
$ | (360) 448-7472 | WEBSITE
You just finished a long day and now you’re craving something truly satisfying. Thankfully a local favorite awaits you in Vancouver. The Butter Chicken pizza is a neighborhood classic and the steady stream of customers will tell you that. It’s an especially great choice on a chilly Northwest evening when temperatures drop down into the low 40s.
Grays Restaurant & Bar
$$$ | (360) 828-4343 | WEBSITE
There’s some debate over which spot in Vancouver makes the best breakfast, but for us, the answer is easy: Grays Restaurant & Bar. This cute spot right across from the Salmon Bell Tower offers the single best breakfast dish we’ve ever eaten anywhere: the biscuits and gravy. The fluffy biscuits are smothered in rich, peppery sausage gravy, which is then paired with perfectly scrambled eggs and crispy hash browns.
It sounds like a lot, but is the perfect blend of hearty, savory, comforting, and an ideal excuse to linger over coffee for a half-hour.
The Megabite Hazeldell
$ | (360) 836-8082 | WEBSITE
There’s a reason families keep returning to The Megabite Hazeldell: they know it works. Most pizza joints in Vancouver are downright ordinary, but sometimes, you’re craving a solid pie and the kids need entertainment. Order the Garlic Chicken Ranch pizza with banana peppers and pineapples. You can customize any pizza here, but we like that one because it’s conveniently delicious for both adventurous eaters and picky kids who just want cheese.
The Megabite Orchards
$ | (360) 852-8439 | WEBSITE
Of all the pizza joints you might spot in Vancouver, The Megabite Orchards is absolutely not one that stands out. It’s basically the strip-mall spot you’d drive right past, probably most famous for being the place parents give up and let their kids play pinball. But there’s a little secret inside—the combo pizzas. These giant, not-greasy pies, loaded with all the toppings they could muster, might be the most overlooked meal in the whole area.