Pizza has become such a massive part of American life that it should PROBABLY have its own spot on the food pyramid. The delicious Friday night food and birthday party staple has blown up into its own culture of creamy cheeses and perfect spice blends. Here in Tennessee, we may be known as a place of fried chicken and biscuits, but we ain't too shabby when it comes to pizza pie. We'll show you! Below are just a few stellar restaurants where you can find some of the best pizza in Tennessee.

1. Big Ed's Pizza, Oak Ridge

Big Ed's Pizza earned a HUGE round of applause from locals, some of you even writing us to say how amazing their pizza pie is to the Tennessee folk. And you were right - wow. What a fantastic place to grab a cheesy, meaty, perfect bite. And it's "Homemade, every day!"

2. Papa Ron's Pizza & Italian Steakhouse, Monteagle

This old-school eatery is known across the state for its pizza pie, and its location in gorgeous and naturally stunning Monteagle just adds to the warm, inviting atmosphere. Papa Ron's is where you come for comfort food and good service, so leave your diets at the door. Their wine selection is great, too!

3. DeSano Pizza Bakery, Nashville

DeSano's is one of the best and most well-known pizzerias in Nashville, a great place if you're looking for an upscale pie with perfectly toasted thin crust. The picnic table seating only adds to the communal environment, as do the wood burning stoves and open kitchen.

4. Pizza Palace, Knoxville

Pizza Palace earned its stripes with a visit by Guy Fieri a few years ago, but this neighborhood joint has been a pillar of community since it opened in 1961. Fame doesn't change a good thing, and Pizza Palace is the place to celebrate a big win or simply connect with your loved ones. The diner-esque atmosphere feeds your sense of nostalgia and dovetails nicely with their extensive menu of pasta and Italian comfort fare. Besides, pizza delivered straight to your car? Count us in!

5. Ziggy's Pizza & Sandwich Shop, Mt. Juliet

Ziggy's never really slows down, and it's for good reason. The pizza parlor claims that they are, "passionate" about their food and service, and it shows. The consistently buzzing and busy pizzeria reflect the happy and full patrons that keep the humble spot in business. The seating is a bit lacking, though, so make sure to order to go!

6. La Tavola Ristorante Italiano, Smyrna

La Tavola serves all the Italian standards, and they serve them up well. Indulge in a plate of pasta with pizza on the side or take some to go from this locally owned and well-loved Smyrna spot. Folks say their pizza is the best in town, and the same goes for their calzones. And DO NOT miss their desserts!

7. Bella Napoli Pizzeria, Nashville

Bella Napoli is a Nashville classic. We love the romantic atmosphere, the great service and the undeniably delicious pastas and pizzas on their menu. It has made our list a couple of times, and for good, good reason. Great for first dates and easy lunches! This is the kind of old world pizza that will keep the meat on your bones.

8. Block City Pizza, Huntington

You don't need much more than tasty food and great service to make an evening out enjoyable, and Block City Pizza has both in spades. This is an establishment that knows what good pizza is, and they make it up REAL well. Even Chicagoans are singing the praises of this small town gem.

9. Teammates Pizza, Mountain City

Mountain City gets their name on the map with this neighborhood pizza parlor. Located on Main Street, Teammates sets themselves apart from the rest with their deliciously decadent pizzas and equally indulgent desserts. Anybody up for a visit?

10. The Tomato Head, Knoxville

The Tomato Head is a chain, yes, but this locally owned spot is absolutely delicious and on point for those in your family that may have diet restrictions or food allergies. Everything is prepared fresh daily, and as we all know - that makes ALL the difference. There are multiple locations, but we'd recommend the hip location on Market Square.

11. Scratch Brick Oven Pizza, Johnson City

Get cozy at this sweet, small town pizzeria that oozes with fabulous thin crust pizza and southern hospitality. The wood-fired ovens give their pizzas the edge that takes them eons beyond the average take-and-bake, and Scratch has become a go-to for locals and tourists alike.

Editor's Note: Sadly, Scratch Brick Oven has permanently closed. But don't lose hope! The owners have said they'd like to reopen as a mobile dining experience, so be sure to let us know if you have any updated info on their new venture.

Get cozy at this sweet, small town pizzeria that oozes with fabulous thin crust pizza and southern hospitality. The wood-fired ovens give their pizzas the edge that takes them eons beyond the average take-and-bake, and Scratch has become a go-to for locals and tourists alike.

12. Nona Lisa Pizzeria, Watertown

Editor's Note: Unfortunately, after over a decade in business, Nona Lisa's has closed its doors. Their final service was one of great fanfare as the community bid farewell. We wish them the best!

Watertown may be a small town, but their pizza deserves a BIG slice of fame. It's not only their delicious pizzas that take the proverbial cake, but the kind attentiveness shown by your servers take the eatery to the next level. There's nothing like a classic pepperoni pizza surrounded by good folk!

What a delicious list! Of course, listing where to find the best pizza in Tennessee is forever a work in progress. These pizza places in Tennessee have a TON to offer, both cuisine-wise and experience-wise, but let us know where your favorite spot is!

Now that we're starving for some 'za...if you're curious about about a bit MORE of Tennessee culture, let's talk about some of the most iconic foods in Tennessee, and where to get them! While you're at it, what goes better with pizza than an adult beverage or two?