Italian Pie Shoppe, Minneapolis

The first Italian Pie Shoppe opened in 1976, and it didn't take the staff long to get into the swing of things. The restaurant claimed its first award—for its thin-crust pizza—the very next year, and has racked up nearly two dozen more awards since then. The deep-dish and stuffed pies are as lauded as the thin-crust creations, thanks in part to a secret spice blend used to flavor the dough. Toppings range from breakfast bacon to broccoli, though guests can also order specialty pies such as the original white, made with olive oil and fresh garlic. And, anyone who's still hungry after all that 'za can end their meal on a sweet note with a fresh-baked cookie or an order of gelato from Ring Mountain Creamery.