Way back in 1955, most folks in Wisconsin didn’t have any idea what pizza even was. The now-ubiquitous food made its way to the United States with men who returned from World War II. Most of the US was sitting down to full meals for supper; things like TV dinners weren’t even an option, so a “fast” food like pizza wasn’t on their radar. But it turned out that the delicious, melty, amazing dish from Italy fit perfectly here in Wisconsin – where we had plenty of high-quality cheese to top it with – and the rest is history. There are plenty of pizza spots to choose from in the Dairy State, but if you’re looking for truly mouthwatering, change-your-life pizza, you have to go to Cranky Pat’s, where they’re using the same recipe they did way back in 1955.
Cranky Pat's is one of two pizza places in the Fox Valley that grew out of the original Frank and Pat's that opened in 1955. Pat Earle created a delicious pizza recipe that's stood the test of time and is still what Cranky Pat's is serving up today, more than 60 years later.
One of the secrets here is crispy thin crust that stands up to the toppings, but retains its crunch. The pizza here is slow cooked in special pizza ovens that help create that perfect bake. They don't rush perfection here and neither should you.
Wafer thin with toppings all the way to the edges, this pizza is as close to pie perfection as you can imagine. In the Fox Valley, if you ask folks which pizza is their favorite, it's Cranky Pat's and the rest aren't even close. Those decades of experience come through in every bite and no one else has been able to match it.
The toppings are generous, but classic. This isn't fancy pizza; it's just simple, delicious ingredients, many of which are locally sourced, cooked perfectly and delivered to your table piping hot and ooey gooey.
With three locations across the area, you're never far from this pizza perfection. They have specials every night of the week as well as a pizza buffet that allows you to sample all the different toppings and combinations.
Of course, there are some other things on the menu like pastas and sandwiches, as well as breadsticks and garlic bread that are the perfect appetizers while you wait for your pizza.
The Neenah location often features live music and there's plenty to keep your family entertained. These old-school pizzas take a little longer to bake, but the results are so darn good you won't mind one bit.
If crispy, flaky, cracker-thin crust and mounds of toppings sound like pizza perfection, then this is the place for you. You simply won't want to go anywhere else once you've tried Cranky Pat's pizza.
Cranky Pat's is old school in the best possible way. They hit on something amazing and they were smart enough not to mess with it. The simple, effective recipes and business plan have worked for more than six decades and are sure to delight folks in the Fox Valley for at least six more.
