Zeppa's Pizza in Ellsworth, Maine

Zeppa's is a casual pizza spot in Ellsworth that's become a genuine third place. They sling NY-style pies with thin, chewy crusts and quality toppings, plus salads, beer (including their own pilsner), and desserts. The room is warm and dog-themed, full of board games and art. Road-trippers and locals alike keep the 4.9-star rating legit.

• Crust has perfect chew and oil balance.
• Quality toppings and generous portions.
• Gluten-free and dairy-free options available.
• Cozy room with board games and dog art.

Start with a large pepperoni or white pizza with spicy Italian sausage. The plain cheese is a crust showcase. A Caesar salad is worth splitting, and blood orange sorbet works as dessert. If you're not in a rush, grab one of their beers, including a signature pilsner.

Warm and cozy with dog-themed decor, art on the walls, and board games scattered around. It's busy but not loud, inviting enough to linger over a slice and beer.

They nail the NY thin crust, with a perfect chew and the right balance of sauce, cheese, and oil. Whether you order a plain cheese, white pizza with spicy Italian sausage, veggie, or pepperoni, the dough is what people come back for. They also offer gluten-free and dairy-free options, Caesar salad, and blood orange sorbet. The 18-inch pies easily feed three people. It's cheap, casual, and fast, yet tastes nothing like it.

Visitors who've eaten pizza in New York say this rivals what they had at home. One recent visitor called it "the best pizza we've had in Maine." People praise the staff for being friendly and genuinely helpful, and note the restaurant feels like a real community gathering spot, not a tourist trap.