Pizza in Wilmington

A first-place winner at the 2010 Stephen Starr-Gary Maddox BBQ Challenge, Big D's composes succulent barbecue symphonies over a wood smoker, lit by apple and cherry wood, in addition to spinning delectable disks of pizza, and more. The brisket sandwich, boasting beef that was smoked for 16 hours in honor of the number of hours William Henry Harrison served as an American president, combines homemade seasonings on a hearty kaiser role ($6.75), and the pulled-pork pizza fuses two culinary styles ($16). Those with a congenital aversion to carnivorous fare can load up their cuisine depositories with a flavorful mélange of mushrooms, green peppers, onions, and black olives that forms the large veggie pizza ($13.99). The culinary constructors at Big D's also build an 8-ounce burger edifice out of beef, cheese, bacon, and indefatigable spirit ($6.75).

With a sprawling menu of New York–style pizza, hoagies, and pastas, Nick's Pizza fills tummies with a bevy of toothsome delights made fresh to order. Subdue rampaging hunger monsters with appetizers such as the homemade mozzarella sticks stuffed with gooey, delectable cheese ($6.50), or the breadsticks, perfect for constructing yeasty tabletop log cabins ($2.50). Pie lovers can sink teeth into the disk-shaped objects of their affection, choosing from a staggering array of toppings, piled majestically atop genuine New York–style crust. Pizzas include standards such as cheese (14", $8.50; 18", $11), spicy innovations such as the hot buffalo chicken (14", $13; 18", $15.50), and cross-cultural fusions such as the taco pizza (14", $12.50; 18", $15). A spread of pastas supply carbohydrate needs with offerings such as the spaghetti bolognese ($10.95), gnocchi pesto ($10.95), and the spinach ravioli florentine ($13.95), all topped with homemade sauce.

From buffalo wings slathered in hot sauce to pizzas oozing with melted cheese, the chefs at Pat's Pizza Family Restaurant concoct tasty Italian-inspired creations for dine-in or catering. The family-friendly menu incorporates a kids' menu along with a variety of hot subs, pasta, salads, and other palate-pleasing options to tempt even the pickiest of taste buds. The eatery also leverages its presence in the community to bolster local organizations, athletics teams, and schools—the academic ones, not the underwater ones.

• For $10, you get $20 worth of gourmet pizza and Italian fare, valid Monday–Thursday.
• For $12, you get $20 worth of gourmet pizza and Italian fare, valid Friday and Saturday.