Tucked in a clearing off Highway 11 in Slade is a small, bright yellow building nestled into the backdrop of green hills that make up Daniel Boone National Forest. Miguel’s Pizza in Kentucky is a unique restaurant that used to be a haven for rock climbers who came to the Red River Gorge area but has grown in popularity in recent years thanks to their delicious build-your-own pizzas, relaxed and inviting atmosphere, and their climbing gear shop. Nearly two hours from Louisville and an hour from Lexington, Miguel’s Pizza may be well off the beaten path, but it’s worth the journey. Start working up an appetite now, because this delicious dining destination is calling your name.

Located less than a mile away from Natural Bridge State Resort Park, you can couple your trip to Miguel’s with seeing some of the most beautiful scenery Kentucky has to offer. The Natural Bridge is one of the most popular destinations in the Red River Gorge area.

Miguel’s Pizza in the Red River Gorge has turned into an icon. It’s the perfect place to refuel after a long hike or strenuous climb.

It’s not uncommon to see a bumper sticker on a car or someone wearing a t-shirt with the face of Miguel on it all over the state, letting everyone know they've visited this secluded gem. It's one of the best restaurants in Red River Gorge.

When you order at Miguel’s, you fill out a slip with your name and what toppings you want on your pizza, so you can make it as simple or supreme as you want. They have classic toppings like pepperoni, sausage and olives, but you can also get more unique ingredients like sweet potatoes, tofu, and avocados. You just fill out your ticket, and drop it off at the counter.

Just take a look at the Miguel's Pizza photos and you'll be planning a road trip here in no time.

You can order slices two, four, or eight at a time, and their servings are pretty generous, so it’s likely you’ll have leftovers. While Miguel’s is best known for their pizza, they also have sandwiches and salads, and serve breakfast daily.

One of the most popular beverages they serve is a classic Kentucky soft drink, Ale-8-One, which is bottled and distributed just 34 miles away from Miguel’s in Winchester.

The interior of Miguel’s has a unique atmosphere. The walls are decorated with their merchandise and climbing gear, and the chairs are old-school bus seats. Be sure to grab one of the bottles of their sauce that are on the tables. It'll bring your pizza to a new level.

However, the inside of Miguel’s isn’t very big, so if seating inside is scarce, they have plenty of picnic tables outside, and they will bring your pizza right to you.

You made the journey. Why not stay awhile? For a small nightly fee, you can pitch your tent and camp behind Miguel’s. Then when you wake up in the morning, a hot breakfast is just a few steps away from your campsite.

Whether you decide to stay for a few days, or just stop in for a quick lunch, eating at Miguel's Pizza in Kentucky is a must-do for people visiting the Gorge. It’s a small restaurant and can get quite busy around lunch and dinner time, but don’t let a long line at the counter discourage you. Just grab an Ale-8-One, find a shady spot at a picnic table or under a tree, and enjoy being in the middle of beautiful nowhere.

Miguel’s Pizza is located at 1890 Natural Bridge Road/KY-11 S in Slade.

Craving more delicious dining in Kentucky? Check off a few items on the Kentucky pizza bucket list and treat your taste buds to something delicious.