If you are looking for a no-frills, open late, neighborhood pizza joint, look no further than Pagliai’s in Mankato. Located in the heart of downtown off Front Street, the place opened in 1969 making it Mankato’s oldest pizzeria.

It is a great place to escape the cold, settle into a bucket booth, sink into the hazy atmosphere, and warm up with pie, straight out of their giant oven behind the counter.

Stocked with hearty go-to toppings like sausage, beef, pepperoni, Canadian bacon, ham, and salami, Pagliai’s is as traditional as it gets.

A notable favorite, the Maverick, an ode to Minnesota State University, Mankato’s mascot, includes sausage, beef, Canadian bacon, and pepperoni. I went for their taco pizza. SO GOOD!

While pizza may be at the forefront, they are also known for their spaghetti and the different hot and cold poorboy sandwiches. Pagliai’s offers dine-in, take out, or delivery making it an easy choice if you are in the area.

What is your go-to pizza joint?