Lively basement pizzeria near campus serving creative, heavy-on-cheese pies with long bake times and occasional service bottlenecks; great flavors, big portions, tricky parking.
The Pie Pizzeria Underground delivers solid neighborhood pizzeria quality with strong food quality anchored by creative, indulgent pies and thick, cheesy execution that keeps regulars returning. However, inconsistent execution—variable grease levels and bake quality during peak times—combined with gaps in allergen communication and extended wait times prevent grade A territory. The iconic underground aesthetic and campus-adjacent location create genuine local institution appeal, but operational friction and safety concerns limit overall reliability.
Down a set of stairs near campus, this spot feels lively and underground in the best way—graffiti-clad walls, a thrum of students, and huge pies sailing from the pickup window. One diner summed it up: "Cheesy, shareable, and worth the wait", though peak times can mean a long bake and a scramble for seats. The cooking leans creative and indulgent—think Thai peanut sauce pies, a cheeseburger pizza with pickles, and beer-reduction specials alongside hefty combos. Expect thick, bready crusts, serious cheese pull, and flavors that favor richness over restraint; most love it, while a minority find certain pies too greasy or doughy when busy. Families do fine here thanks to familiar options like cheese, pepperoni, and pull-aparts, and kids have been known to love the mild buffalo pie. Note there is a 12 inch cauliflower crust add-on and vegetarian choices, but allergy handling has inconsistent clarity; bring specifics and confirm at ordering time.
Area vibe: Student-heavy zone by University of Utah; casual, late-night energy, group-friendly.
Safety: Generally safe, busy with students; basement entry is dim but active.
What's nearby: Near campus buildings, stadium events, and student housing; paid street and small lot parking.