Craving that savory, cheesy, saucy, hot pizza pie in southwest Iowa? Look no further, because I have the ultimate list of pizza places for you in Council Bluffs. If you are hungry, don’t think twice, go grab a slice!
Date-worthy spots for pizza lovers
Pizza King has been a staple in Council Bluffs since 1965 and is a family owned business who makes their own pizza dough. They offer carry out, but if you are thinking date night experience, I recommend sitting in the bar area inside which offers a cozy romantic atmosphere.
Be sure to try one of their specialty pizzas when visiting, perhaps the Bullseye Special, which features chicken, cream cheese, jalapeño and barbecue sauce. Or if you visit on Sunday through Thursday you can get one of the Greek-themed pizzas, such as The Greek Cowgirl, featuring gyro meat, Kalamata olives, green peppers, red onion, tomatoes, feta, pepperocini, Romano and olive oil.
Pizza King: 1101 N. Broadway, Council Bluffs, Iowa; reservations: (712) 323-9228 or carry-out: (712) 323-4911
Lincoln’s Pub, located on the 100 Block of Council Bluffs, is a quaint eatery offering wood-fired pizzas. Cooked in a brick oven, these pies come with a flavor of their own. Try something different like the Braised BBQ Pork, which has blackberry/habanero sauce, pineapple, red onion, pickled jalapeños, pecorino, cilantro and mozzarella. Vegetarian options include the Margherita or the Baby Bella, which has mushrooms, garlic, roasted peppers, blue cheese and mozzarella.
Wash it down with a signature cocktail, spiked lemonade or even a cold milkshake!
Lincoln’s Pub: 157 W. Broadway, Council Bluffs, Iowa; (712) 256-4956
Kid-Friendly pizza places
Lansky’s has been in the Omaha metro for over 20 years and offers not just homemade pizza, but also delicious Philly Steaks, pastas, sandwiches and salads. Start off with some cheese bread or ravioli before diving into one of their signature pizzas. My two suggestions for amazing pies here are the Butcher’s Special, featuring hamburger, Italian sausage, Canadian bacon, bacon, mozzarella cheese and Romano. It’s a meat lover’s paradise! Or try my absolute favorite there, the Cheeseburger Pizza.
Lansky’s offers kid’s meals selections making this an ultimate family-friendly spot. P.S. Don’t forget to grab a fresh baked cookie.
Lansky’s: 1131 N. Broadway, Council Bluffs, Iowa; (712) 329-5400
Big Kel’s Pizza and Wings, located near Bass Pro Shop and the Iowa West Fieldhouse, is a family-friendly restaurant offering scratch-made pizza. Start your meal off with their awesome char buff wings tossed in your choice of wing sauce. For the main course order a creative pie, such as the Street Taco Pizza featuring slow cooked carnitas, Hugo’s taco salsa, asadero cheese, red onions, cilantro and guacamole.
If your kids are picky, there are numerous options available on the kid’s menu, plus you can end your meal with a delicious dessert, such as homemade apple pie with ice cream or a slice of New York cheesecake.
Big Kel’s Pizza: 40 Arena Way, Suite 11, Council Bluffs, Iowa; (712) 796-4238
Pizza Counter offers two locations in Council Bluffs for your convenience. I love that they offer mini size pizzas! This is great, because if everyone can’t agree on the same toppings, everyone can order their very own mini pizza.
They offer classics such as taco and Hawaiian, but why not try their Pizza Counter Special featuring beef, pepperoni, Italian sausage, mushrooms, black olives and onions. Not just a pizza joint, you can also order spaghetti, salads and even JoJo potatoes.
Pizza Counter: 610 Veterans Memorial Highway, Council Bluffs, Iowa; (712) 366-0593 and 225 W. Broadway, Council Bluffs, Iowa; (712) 323-7245
Dough Boyz Pizza’s & Philly’s offers specialty pizzas, pastas, subs, Philly’s, and more. Kick start your meal off with some fried pickles, fried calamari or even some chili cheese fries.
Offering numerous specialty pizzas, go for something different like the Reuben Pizza with a creamy bistro sauce, corned beef and sauerkraut topped with cheese and more bistro sauce. Or how about stepping out of the box and having a Chili Cheese Dog Pizza. Yes, you heard me right – a Chili Cheese Dog Pizza!
Dough Boyz Pizza & Philly’s: 722 Creek Top Building 2, Council Bluffs, Iowa; (712) 256-5151
Notable Council Bluffs pubs serving slices
Glory Days & Barley’s are practically neighboring bars in the heart of downtown Council Bluffs that offer so much more than cold beer and cocktails. Stop in at Glory Days to try their BBQ Mac & Cheese, featuring bbq pork, mac and cheese, a five cheese blend and blue cheese crumbles. A few doors down Barley’s offers up an awesome Thai Chicken pizza with Thai chili sauce, chicken, green onion, sun-dried tomatoes and topped with peanuts.
Glory Days: 106 W. Broadway, Council Bluffs, Iowa; (712) 256-5922
Barley’s: 114 W. Broadway, Council Bluffs, Iowa; (712) 322-0306
Bertha’s Bar & Grill, a local favorite neighborhood bar, offers apps like homemade pork rinds or shrimp jammers to start with. Then kick it up a notch with a house made Chicken Chorizo pie. This pizza features roasted chicken, crumbled chorizo, cream cheese, a signature cheese blend and is topped off with sour cream, fresh tomato and diced green onion.
Berthas: 1322 N. 16th St., Council Bluffs, Iowa; (712) 256-2476
Familiar pizza in Council Bluffs
While Council Bluffs offers numerous one of kind options for pizza, there are still plenty of your favorite classic pizza chains that we all still love too.
Fazoli’s: 3134 Dial Drive, Council Bluffs, Iowa; (712) 366-0860
Casey’s Pizza: Multiple locations
Dominos: 2004 W. Broadway, Council Bluffs, Iowa; (712) 325-8848
Little Caesers: 3228 W. Broadway, Council Bluffs, Iowa; (712) 256-5210
Papa John’s: 16 S. Eighth St., Council Bluffs, Iowa; (712) 322-7272
Pizza Hut: Multiple locations
Godfather’s Pizza: Multiple locations
Papa Murphy’s: 1751 Madison Ave., Council Bluffs, Iowa; (712) 256-6868
Pizza Ranch: 3505 Metro Drive, Council Bluffs, Iowa; (712) 256-7701
About the guest writer
Tiffany Nation is a full-time working mother and wife. In her free time she loves creating, doing yoga, spending time with her family and enjoying all of what Iowa has to offer.