A Look at Pizzerias Across America: Hot Pizza Cold Beer, St. Louis; Bestia, LA, Fat Olives, Flagstaff

Each month in Destinations, we highlight great pizzerias that have hit our pizza radar. These pizza places 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 dgreer@pizzatoday.com.

Hot Pizza Cold Beer

St. Louis, Missouri

The retro-décor concept, Hot Pizza Cold Beer, is the creation of Chef Mike Johnson who has appeared on Travel Channel’s Food Paradise, Beat Bobby Flay, TLC’s BBQ Pitmasters, and recently won “Best Burger in the World” “We’re defined as a family pizza restaurant and bar that serves high quality pizza with the best ingredients,” he says. “What makes us stand out is our over-the-top specials, including dishes like my personal favorite, the  The Menage A Za (a three way of supreme pizza, spinach artichoke calzone and garlic knots), along with our giant P.I.M.P. pizza slice, homemade SpaghettiO’s which we are calling “Skee-Yee-Tio’s,” our French bread pizza and a cannoli dip for dessert. We are also making sure that the vibe of the restaurant is super fun, with an arcade, murals and funny photos hung up, and a huge bar which seats about 25 people. We also specialize in local craft beer, hence the straight-forward name of our spot, and we are super excited to be the go-to for people looking for good food, good beer and good vibes.” The new restaurant has become known for the P.I.M.P. Slice. Johnson says,” The P.I.M.P. Slice is one giant slice of pizza loaded with whatever toppings you choose. People have come into the restaurant looking for the perfect photo opportunity with the huge slice, so we’re so happy that people are loving it and sharing about it.”

Bestia

Los Angeles, California

Bestia landed the No. 2 spot on Top 100 Pizza Spots according to Yelp Elites 2024. The trendy Italian restaurant was founded by Chef Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis in 2012. The Michelin recognized spot in a converted warehouse has been touted as one of LA’s best restaurants. Yelp raved over its Burrata pizza which features San Marzano tomatoes, Castelvetrano olives, oregano and fermented chilies. The Sage & Mortadella pizza is topped with Grana Padano, caciocavallo and aged balsamic. Pastas include the Cavatelli Alla Norcina — ricotta dumplings, black truffles, pork sausage and fresh thyme. On the Secondi menu, Grilled Branzino features pine nut pesto, Fresno chili, mixed basil and lemon. Lastly, the dolci menu highlights the Crème Fraîche Panna Cotta with winter citrus, wildflower honey & blood orange syrup and Meyer lemon cookies.

Fat Olives

Flagstaff, Arizona

Fat Olives came in at No. 35 on Top 100 Pizza Spots according to Yelp Elites 2024. The VPN certified restaurant began as a mobile catering company 25 years ago. Fat Olive hand makes over 500 pounds of mozzarella each week. The menu features bruschetta boards, from classic and goat cheese to unique options like Bacon Marmalade with mascarpone, baby arugula, Calabrian chili and local honey. In addition to its Margherita and Marinara, Fat Olive features pies like Ms. Piggy with creamy pesto, mozz/provolone blend, smoked bacon, pistachio mortadella, wood-roasted onion and basil. There is also the namesake Fat Olive with San Marzano tomato, mozz/provolone blend, whipped ricotta, whole green, black, blonde and Kalamata olives and fresh spinach.