Celebrate Deep Dish Pizza With the Best in Ohio—A Must-Try Hotspot for Pizza Lovers

When you think of deep-dish pizza, Chicago and Detroit are the usual contenders. Chicago’s towering, cheese-packed slices and Detroit’s signature caramelized edges have their places in pizza history. But here’s the twist - one of the best Chicago-style deep-dish pizzas you’ll ever taste isn’t in either of those cities. It’s in Warren, Ohio. Yes, Warren. Ohio.

Sunrise Inn, in downtown Warren, has been serving up comfort food since 1929. It might look like just another local spot from the outside, but inside, it’s clear this place is something more. Exposed brick walls, cozy booths, and the unmistakable scent of freshly baked pizza invite you to take a seat and settle in. There’s a certain warmth to it. It's the kind of place where you’ll find locals chatting about everything from their day to the town’s history while you wait for your meal.

A bit of background: Sunrise Inn’s journey started back in 1929, but it was Tom and Angelo Haidaris who really transformed the place in the 1940s. After WWII, when soldiers returned with a craving for the pizza they had enjoyed overseas, Sunrise Inn became Warren’s very first pizza parlor. Today, it’s still a beloved institution, continuing to surprise visitors who didn’t expect to find such quality deep-dish pizza in Ohio.

Now, about that pizza. Sunrise Inn isn’t just serving any deep-dish pizza: It’s a proper experience. Their stuffed pan pizza is a commitment. Two inches of thick, buttery crust, layered with cheese, sauce, and your choice of toppings. It’s the kind of pizza that demands a knife and fork, and maybe even a nap afterward. And here’s the kicker: it takes 45 minutes to cook. That’s because good deep-dish pizza isn’t rushed. If your pizza arrives in 10 minutes, something’s off. At Sunrise Inn, the wait is worth it.

If you’re unsure what to try, the Meatball Stuffed Deep Dish is a popular choice. It’s hearty, with gooey cheese and savory meatballs, making every bite feel like a comforting hug. For a little adventure, the Lasagna Deep Dish brings together all the best elements of lasagna - layers of noodles, seasoned ground beef, ricotta, and marinara - all enveloped in a golden crust. And if you’re feeling particularly indulgent, the Spaghetti and Meatballs Deep Dish combines pizza and pasta into one unique creation. It’s not a conventional choice, but it somehow works.

But maybe you’re in the mood for something quicker. No worries! Sunrise Inn’s flatbread pizzas deliver all the flavor of a traditional pizza but in a lighter, faster form. The Meatball and Hot Pepper Flatbread has a bit of spice, while the BBQ Chicken Flatbread is a savory mix of tangy BBQ sauce, crispy bacon, and red onions, all ready in a fraction of the time it takes to bake a deep-dish.

If you’re not feeling pizza at all, there are plenty of other tempting options on the menu. The Gnocchi and Greens is one of those dishes that feels like someone’s grandmother made it. It would be the first non-pizza thing I order: soft gnocchi tossed with Italian greens, mushrooms, and cheese, the perfect mix of hearty but not too heavy. And for fried chicken fans, Sunrise Inn’s garlic chicken is worth the hype. Crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor, there's a reason why this Warren restaurant is famous for it!

What sets Sunrise Inn apart isn’t just the pizza, rather it’s the sense of community, the history woven into every dish, and the personal touch that makes it feel different from the typical chain restaurant. This is a place where generations of families have gathered to share a meal, where the staff truly cares about the food and the people they serve. It’s a slice of small-town charm with deep ties to the past, but very much alive in the present.

So, next time you’re in Warren, Ohio, make sure to swing by Sunrise Inn to experience a bit of history and a lot of good food. And if you’re interested in learning more about pizza, check out Pizza: Authentic, Rustic, Artisanal. It’s a fascinating dive into the history and artistry of pizza, but do yourself a favor and keep the sauce away from the pages.