Posted in

Locals Say This Family-Owned Pizza Spot Beats Chicago’s Deep Dish, And It’s Right In Downtown New London

Published: July 27, 2025

Jolly Roger’s Pizzeria has been delivering great food since 1993, earning a devoted following throughout central Wisconsin.

This family-owned gem downtown New London doesn’t just serve pizza – they’ve created a community gathering spot where locals celebrate everything from casual weeknight dinners to epic food challenges that attract competitive eaters from across the region.

The Leahy family built their reputation on refusing shortcuts. You’ll taste the difference in every bite of their hand-tossed dough and top-secret sauce recipe that keeps people driving over an hour just for dinner. Beyond pizza, their extensive menu covers everything from seafood to pasta, all while maintaining that small-town warmth that makes first-time visitors feel like regulars.

Pizza Perfection & Signature Specialties

The Bob’s Stuffed Pizza: This signature creation has earned comparisons to Chicago’s best deep-dish offerings, with layers of cheese, sauce, and toppings that create an almost impossibly satisfying meal. The thick, hearty crust holds everything together beautifully while delivering that perfect cheese-pull moment in every slice.

Build-Your-Own Magic: Here’s where Jolly Roger’s shines – you’ll pay the same price regardless of how many toppings you choose (except for premium options). Load up your pizza with hand-chopped vegetables, quality meats, and their scratch-made sauce without watching the price climb with each addition.

Discover The Legendary Friday Fish Fry And Build-Your-Own Mac And Cheese At Fork In The Road Restaurant Related

More in Wisconsin

Discover The Legendary Friday Fish Fry And Build-Your-Own Mac And Cheese At Fork In The Road Restaurant

Keep Exploring →

The 26-Inch Challenge: For the truly ambitious, their massive 26-inch pizza weighs over 6 pounds and comes with bragging rights that attract competitive eaters and food challenge enthusiasts. Professional eaters have tackled this beast, making it a must-see spectacle when attempted.

Chicken Alfredo & Buffalo Chicken: Two customer favorites that showcase their range beyond traditional pizzas. The chicken alfredo features their homemade alfredo sauce that’s creamy without being heavy, while the buffalo chicken delivers just the right kick of heat.

Jolly Bob’s Frozen Pizza: You can take their quality home with hand-made frozen pizzas available in multiple flavors. These aren’t your typical grocery store frozen options – they’re made fresh daily in the restaurant using the same quality ingredients and sauces.

Drinks & Dining Experience

Full Bar Selection: The complete bar features five rotating taps, with Spotted Cow and Peroni as permanent fixtures alongside three seasonal selections. You’ll find TouchTunes available for controlling the music, perfect for setting the mood during your meal.

Downtown Convenience: Located right on North Water Street, you’ll find easy parking and a central location that makes it simple to grab dinner before or after exploring New London’s downtown area.

The Incredible Vegan Donuts At This Madison Bakery Could Delight Even The Most Devoted Carnivores

More in Wisconsin

The Incredible Vegan Donuts At This Madison Bakery Could Delight Even The Most Devoted Carnivores

Discover More

Family-Friendly Atmosphere: The casual, welcoming environment works equally well for families with kids and adult groups looking for a relaxed meal. The space feels authentically local without being intimidating to visitors.

Other Considerations

Pricing & Value: You’ll find moderate pricing that delivers excellent value, especially considering the generous portions and quality ingredients. The ability to load up pizzas with toppings at no extra charge makes it particularly budget-friendly for families.

Delivery & Pickup: Free delivery covers most New London addresses with just a $10 minimum order, making it incredibly convenient for enjoying their food at home. Pickup orders move quickly for those who prefer to grab and go.

Gluten-Free Options: They offer gluten-free pizza prepared on separate screens to avoid cross-contamination, though it’s not a dedicated gluten-free facility. The kitchen takes care to accommodate dietary restrictions when informed.

Best Times to Visit: Weekday lunch includes a buffet option for quick meals, while evenings tend to be busier with the full dinner crowd. Wednesday specials make mid-week visits particularly worthwhile.

You Won’t Believe How This 7-Story Round Barn In Marshfield Was Built Without Scaffolding Related

More in Wisconsin

You Won’t Believe How This 7-Story Round Barn In Marshfield Was Built Without Scaffolding

Keep Exploring →

Parking & Accessibility: Downtown location provides convenient street parking, and the restaurant sits at ground level for easy access.


Jolly Roger’s Pizzeria
📍 220 W North Water St, New London, WI 54961

Writer: Alicia Verville
Contributor

I love writing and I love Minneapolis! My favorite places to explore are charming small towns, vibrant arts scene, and hidden gems anywhere outdoors. Fall foliage with a good documentary is my version of heaven.