Will Bumgarner and Briggs Brown
Editor-in-Chief and Staff Writer
After we ventured out to find the best burger in the area, we recognized yet another question that haunts the Winston-Salem community: what’s the best pizza in the area? With the goal established, we asked R.J. Reynolds Pine Whispers Instagram followers to give us suggestions on their favorite spots. With the list made, we geared up and headed out to find the best slice in the area. We judged the pizzas on taste, location, and affordability on a scale of 1-10.
Mellow Mushroom
Located in central downtown, the chain restaurant has a welcoming exterior and an interior that has a quirky and psychedelic-inspired feel. The service was welcoming, and the turnaround time on the pie was quick. The crust was definitely the star of the show, a light and airy dough perfectly captured the cheese and sauce combination that was frankly lackluster and bland. The menu seemed to be centered around creative creations, which may combat the blandness, but to keep a level playing field, we only rated on the cheese slice. One major downside is that Mellow Mushroom only offers pizza by the pie, which can be a deterrent for guests who prefer the convenience of ordering a single slice. Additionally, the smallest pie on the menu comes in at $10, which felt a bit steep for what we received, especially given that it is a chain restaurant. With all of these factors considered our ratings were in.
Will’s score: 7.9
Briggs’s score: 7.7
(Best crust)
Cugino Forno
We took a visit down to the R.J. Reynolds coalpits, where workers would cook coal that powered the leading tobacco industry in the nation at the time. Nowadays, workers cook up delicious pizzas to power the Winston-Salem community. As we walked down into the coalpit, we were greeted by an industrial feel and a good showing of corporate office workers taking their lunch breaks. The pizza came out, and, at first glance, the presentation was above that of the others. Instead of the classic cheese, Cugino Forno opts for the more traditional Italian slice, made with hand-crushed peeled tomatoes, mozzarella, basil leaves, and extra virgin olive oil, called a Margherita pizza. After the first bite, the freshness of the dish was clear. The dough was bouncy and provided a subtle backdrop that accentuated the tangy sauce and flavorful Italian cheese. The total came in at a lofty twenty dollars. With all of these factors considered our ratings were in.
Will’s score: 7.9
Briggs’s score: 7.5
(Best quality)
Brothers Pizzeria
Nestled beneath the lofty buildings of Downtown Winston-Salem, Brothers Pizzeria is a hub for the business lunch crowd and a late-night spot for locals. While the interior lacks that iconic pizzeria feel, the exterior definitely fits the part. Their staff were very friendly, and it felt like a true family establishment. We ordered two personal slices that came out overwhelmingly large. Their four-dollar price point makes this the most financially attractive option on our list. Upon the first bites, we were initially disappointed by the amount of flop, grease, and all-around difficulty to eat. However, we then turned our attention to the flavors. The sauce and cheese were both rich and dynamic. It was by far the most compelling taste, yet the excess grease and impractical size left some to be desired. With all of this considered our ratings were in.
Wills score: 8
Briggs score: 8.3
(Best flavor)
Burke Street Pizza
Our last stop was down the road to Burke Street. While it may appear as a hole-in-the-wall spot, its local reputation and prominence in the community have made it a household favorite in Winston-Salem. Local fame aside, we went into the review with a blank slate and an open mind. Upon entering the restaurant, you are met with a classic pizzeria look that makes you feel right at home. The staff were phenomenal, working tirelessly and chatting with all sorts of locals. We quickly received our pizza and began our assessment. Within the first bite, the crispiness of the undercarriage was clear. The cheese and sauce were balanced, and the slice lacked any sign of grease or flop. While it may have lacked a fiery flavor profile, it appeared to check all the boxes and was certainly the most authentic to a New York slice. With all of this in mind, our ratings were in.
Will’s Score: 8.2
Briggs’s Score: 8.5
(Best overall experience)