There is nothing quite like a Friday night with a slice of pizza. It's one of life's simplest pleasures - that chewy, perfectly baked crust, the warm cheese pull, the salty cluster of toppings customized precisely for you. Tennessee may be best known for its fried chicken and meat-and-three platters, but there are standout pizza parlors and restaurants across the state that are bound to make a memory or two. We decided to set out across the Volunteer State in search of the best pizza, and we firmly believe the greatest slice in Tennessee has been found.

You can access our pizza road trip map here. Here you can see our road trip plan from Memphis to Knoxville. We will stop off in a few small towns, and spend a bit of time in Music City.

1. High Point Pizza - Memphis

High Point Pizza is located in the heart of Memphis, Tennessee, and the simple pizza parlor has managed to make a name for itself in the years since its 2007 opening. High Point has been voted one of the best places for pizza in Memphis by Foursquare and was a finalist in the 2015 Memphis Magazine readers’ restaurant poll. Expect classic starters, a handful of sandwiches and pasta, a tidy dessert menu, and of course, a fully customizable pizza menu with a few house specials. Visitors recommend the BBQ pork (or chicken!) pizza topped with Memphis-style BBQ sauce. Find more information here.

2. Carrico's Pizza - Jackson

Carrico’s opened in 2018 and has been serving locals traditional Italian favorites ever since. Expect everything from Italian sub sandwiches to creamy fettuccine alfredo along with New York-style pizza slices. Visitors applaud the great service touted at this local, family-owned business, and with an almost perfect 5-star rating on Google, you can be sure every meal is quality. If you’re looking for a twist on the classic pizza pie, then order a specialty calzone! Find more information here.

3. Bailey's Pizza - Parsons

The small town of Parsons, Tennessee plays host to Bailey’s Pizza. The Italian-food-centric eatery is in a fairly nondescript strip mall on Main Street, but the menu speaks for itself. Visitors rave about the affordability of the pizza, as well as the great selection and generous toppings. Every pizza is hand-tossed and topped with house-made marinara, and the 25-year-old recipe upheld by the folks at Bailey’s is kept strictly under wraps. Family-owned and operated, Bailey’s also has locations in Erin and White Bluff, Tennessee. Find more information here.

4. The Pizza Place - Mt. Pleasant

The Pizza Place in Mt. Pleasant, Tennessee opened in 1992 and has been serving happy customers ever since. The eatery offers over 25 oven-baked subs and deli sandwiches, as well as massive salads and appetizers like "smashed" taters and "baked sketti." The pizza is the belle of the ball, of course, and with specials and an intimate lunch menu to choose from it will take you a significant amount of time to work through the entirety of the restaurant’s offerings. The taco pizza is sure to send your tastebuds on a fun ride, and the sweet and spicy BBQ chicken pizza has a solid following. Dine-in is available for 25 people at full capacity, and delivery is offered for a small local radius. Find more information here.

5. Slim & Husky's Pizza Beeria - Nashville

Slim & Husky's Pizza Beeria originally opened in North Nashville and has since expanded operations to six locations in Music City, two in Georgia, and one in California. The local, fast-casual eatery offers a make-your-own pizza assembly line as well as a handful of tried-and-true house specials. Cinnamon rolls are available for dessert, and there are rotating beer offerings depending on the location. It’s no surprise why this indulgent concept took off! Find more information here.

6. DeSano Pizza Bakery - Nashville

Desano Pizza has a handful of locations in Nashville but is perhaps most popular for its 16th Avenue location. The dining room offers a front-row view of the pizza assembly line, from mixing the dough to the crafting of the classic pies. The flavor of the crust, perfectly tender and baked, is a standout, and the picnic table seating makes it easy to gather with friends. Keep in mind that it’s BYOB, friends! This causal hot spot is great, and we recommend adding the spicy Italian sausage to your pizza. Yum! Find more information here.

7. Little Joe's Pizza - Farragut

Our East Tennessee standout is Little Joe’s Pizza in Farragut, Tennessee, a pizza parlor that boasts a handful of booths for dine-in and a classic menu. The square-cut pizzas are generously topped with cheese and toppings, and visitors note the fresh veggies and flavor. If you’re looking for quality near Knoxville, then this little hot spot is worth a visit or two. Expect a relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff, as well as offerings like toasted subs and salads. Find more information here.

Did your favorite make the road trip? Make sure you leave your recommendations in the comments! There's nothing like another fantastic spot to dine, especially if pizza is involved.