Milwaukee, like most cities, has never really had any sort of pizza shortage. Whether it's the classic cracker-thin crust from Zaffiro's or Pizza Man you like, the thicker, doughy version at Pizza Shuttle or Joey Buena's deep-dish, there has always been a plethora of pie options.

But unlike many other large metropolitan areas, Milwaukee has somehow been massively devoid of pizza slices to go. In cities like New York or Chicago, you can hardly go a block without passing an opportunity to grab a slice, but that's not been the trend here -- with a few exceptions over the years -- until recently.

"Everywhere that I have ever lived or traveled to had at least one good slice shop," says Marisa Lang, owner of Classic Slice restaurant, which opened in Bay View in spring, 2007. "A place that you could bring the family, a date, or eat solo on your way to see a band -- I longed for Milwaukee to provide the same experience."

Acting on her vision for a place to get a good salad, a slice and a beer with "no frills or huge time commitment," she opened her slicery -- you can also get full pizzas, calzones and bread sticks, too -- to help fill the big gap in the quick eating market.

There are a handful of other restaurants and delis around town that are doing their part to make Milwaukee a slice city, as well.

Brick 3
1107 Old World Third St., (414) 224-6040
brick3pizza.com
Brick 3 opened in early 2009 as a Downtown source for New York-style pizza. On any given day, you'll choose from about 10 varieties, available in 20-inch pies or large slices. All the classics are there, but you'll also find creativity manifested in the form of full Italian meals on soft crust. The Caprese, for example, looks more like the savory salad it's named for, and probably requires the same utensils to eat it.
Slice price: $3-$5.25

Classic Slice
2797 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., (414) 238-2406
myspace.com/classicslice
To give you an idea of how huge these slices are, only one slice can fit into a 12-in. pizza box. As owner Lange says, "Only the brave order two." Every slice is essentially it's own creation, so each is made to order with any of the restaurant's available sauces, cheeses (including soy) and toppings.
Slice price: $3.50 for cheese, .50 each topping

Cranky Al's
6913 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa, (414) 258-5282
ilovecrankyals.com
Opening in 2007, Cranky Al's has quickly become a West Side favorite. Rather than a traditional slice, pizza lovers can order the personal 10-in. pizza with any variety of toppings.
Slice price: $8.50 for cheese, $1 each topping

Crisp Pizzabar & Lounge
1323 E. Brady St., (414) 727-4317
crispmilwaukee.com
Crisp Pizzabar & Lounge offers wood-fired gourmet pizza by the slice and whole pies, but goes much beyond your standard toppings selection. Homemade gyro sausage, garlic cream, roasted potatoes, eggs and walnuts are standouts and the list does not end there.
Slice price: $5

Hotch-A-Do
1813 E. Kenilworth Pl., (414) 727-2122
hotch-a-do.com
Hotch-A-Do makes its own pizza dough on a daily basis from the family recipe of owner Angie Storm. The organic-oriented restaurant doesn't serve actual slices, per se, but it does offer individually-sized six-in. pizzas of any variety.
Slice price: $5, $3 additional topping Page 1 of 2 (view all on one page)

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