Pie Pushers
The best slice in downtown Durham
The Triangle is severely lacking in high quality pizza. As a New Jersey transplant I think I can speak with some authority on this front. Don’t get me wrong, you can definitely find a solid slice in Chapel Hill, Durham, and Raleigh - but in between the few exceptional options (Raleigh’s Oakwood Pizza Box, Carrboro’s Mercato) there’s a slew of middling choices. I’ll refrain from turning this into my personal pizza rant and instead sing some praises for one of Durham’s overlooked pizza joints.
Pie Pushers is located above The Pinhook, a downtown staple for queer-friendly events and local concerts. The unassuming pizza shop slings a variety of options from the classic cheese to the inventive Pace Car, packed with corn, basil, jalapeños, parm, and mozz. Pizza can be conveniently ordered by the slice, a rarity in downtown, or in half/full pies. Not to be missed is Pie Pushers’ sub game which includes a chicken parm, a hearty meatball sub, and more. If you’re feeling extra fancy I would suggest scooping up some wings as well.
Pie Pushers is a great choice for an easy lunch option, a post-show pick-me-up, or a takeout order for a party. It’s a no frills, down-to-earth pizza shop that offers, I would argue, some of the most consistently quality pizzas in Durham. If you’re looking for a sit-down meal and a full pie, check out Pizzeria Toro. But, if you just need a slice and a soda - walk up to the second floor of 117 West Main St. and grab a booth at Pie Pushers.
Pros: A classic pizza joint that never fails to offer quality slices. Prices are reasonable and orders are prompt.
Cons: The vibes inside can be a mixed bag - the shop is on the second floor above a concert venue so it can be loud and crazy.
Best Time to Go: Lunchtime (for specials) or late night takeout! (Closed Sundays and Mondays)
Best For: A quick meal or parties.
Pro Tip: Order some buffalo wings with your pizza.
Man, I wish I liked Pie Pushers. I hear such good things about it, but I've never had a great pizza there. And, I agree with you - where the hell are the good pizzas in the Triangle? If I hear that IP3 is great one more time, I'm gonna lose it. For that matter, where are the good delis??
Is John’s iconic Hutchins rant behind the paywall 😞