- Attraction: Checker Board Pizza
- Location: 511 Snelling Ave N, St Paul, MN 55104
- Industry: Pizza Restaurant
- Website: https://checker-board-pizza.res-menu.com/
Walk into any neighborhood pizza joint and you’ll find standard fare, but step inside Checker Board Pizza and you’ll discover something extraordinary hiding in plain sight.
This unassuming Midway district gem has been quietly perfecting the art of handmade pizza while building a devoted following among Twin Cities locals who know where to find the real deal.
What sets this place apart isn’t flashy marketing or trendy décor—it’s the commitment to crafting authentic, from-scratch Italian comfort food that delivers on both flavor and value. From their famous table-sized XL pizzas to their surprisingly amazing warm subs, every item reflects the care of a true neighborhood institution.
Pizza Perfection & Menu Highlights
The Legendary XL Pizza: You haven’t experienced pizza until you’ve seen Checker Board’s XL size in person. These massive pies literally cover an entire table and provide enough food for large groups or multiple meals. The large pizzas alone are closer to what most places call extra-large, making every order feel like you’re getting incredible value for your money.
Signature Neapolitan Pepperoni: Their most celebrated creation features perfectly crispy pepperoni atop a foundation of rich sauce and an abundance of melted cheese. The handmade quality shines through in every bite, with a crust that strikes the perfect balance between crispy edges and a tender center that can support generous toppings without getting soggy.
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Keep Exploring →The Cheese Factor: What truly sets this pizza apart is the cheese—thick, gooey, and applied with the kind of generosity that makes each slice an indulgent experience. You’ll find yourself pulling those satisfying cheese strings with every bite, and the quality rivals any high-end pizzeria in the Twin Cities.
Exceptional Warm Subs: Their hot hoagies deserve special recognition, particularly the all-meat variety with its creamy sauce and green olives. The bread is cut fully in half and loaded with substantially more meat and cheese than typical sub shops, creating a messy but incredibly satisfying sandwich experience.
Beyond Pizza Pasta: The chicken fettuccine with creamy alfredo sauce has earned rave reviews for its rich, velvety texture, while the lasagna features four different cheeses layered with Italian sausage. The spaghetti comes with either zesty meat sauce or traditional red sauce with meatballs, both prepared fresh daily.
Surprise Dessert Star: The donuts are far from an afterthought—these oversized treats provide the perfect sweet ending to your meal and are much larger than expected, offering excellent value for dessert lovers.
Atmosphere & Character
Authentic Neighborhood Vibe: The interior maintains that classic mom-and-pop pizza shop atmosphere without any pretense. You’ll find a clean, comfortable space that prioritizes function over form, creating an environment where the food truly takes center stage.
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Discover MoreNo-Frills Comfort: The dining area feels welcoming and unpretentious, perfect for families with kids who want to enjoy a casual meal without worrying about formal dining etiquette. The focus remains squarely on delivering exceptional food rather than creating an Instagram-worthy backdrop.
Local Institution Feel: Walking in, you’ll immediately sense this is a place where regulars are recognized and newcomers are welcomed warmly. The atmosphere reflects years of serving the community with consistency and care.
Other Considerations
Outstanding Value: The pricing falls into the very affordable category, especially considering the generous portion sizes. You’ll consistently feel like you’re getting more food than you paid for, with many customers noting it’s worth every penny for the quality and quantity received.
Delivery Excellence: The quick delivery service has earned consistent praise, with orders arriving promptly and still hot. The online ordering system makes it convenient to place orders for pickup or delivery throughout their extended hours.
Perfect for Groups: The extra-large pizza option makes this an ideal choice for feeding large groups, family gatherings, or office parties where you need substantial amounts of quality food without breaking the budget.
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Keep Exploring →Late Night Friendly: With hours extending past 10 PM most nights, this becomes a go-to option for late-night cravings when other establishments have closed.
Parking Convenience: The Snelling Avenue location offers easier parking access compared to many urban pizza spots, making it practical for both dine-in and pickup orders.
Family-Friendly Approach: The restaurant welcomes families and larger groups, with menu options that appeal to both adults and children seeking classic comfort food flavors.
Checker Board Pizza
📍 511 Snelling Ave N, St Paul, MN 55104
