18 Once-Popular Pizza Styles That Are Slowly Disappearing

Here are 18 once-popular pizza styles that are slowly disappearing from menus and memories. Whether due to changing tastes, modern trends, or regional shifts, these pies were once staples but are now rarely seen outside specialty shops or nostalgic kitchens.

1. Tavern-Style Pizza

Tavern-style pizza, a beloved staple in Midwest bars, is characterized by its ultra-thin, crispy crust and unique square cut. Despite its charm, this pizza style is slowly being replaced by trendier, thicker crusts.

Local bars once thrived on this easy-to-share party favorite, but changing consumer preferences have led to its decline.

Enjoyed with a cold beer, tavern-style pizza evokes a sense of nostalgia for communal gatherings and simpler times. As the food scene evolves, this classic remains a cherished memory for those who grew up with its crispy delight.

2. Tomato Pie (Philadelphia-Style)

Tomato Pie, a Philadelphia classic, stands out with its focaccia-like crust topped with a thin layer of sweet tomato sauce, and optionally, a sprinkle of cheese.

Typically served cold or at room temperature, it offers a distinct culinary experience that defies the conventional hot pizza expectation.

This pie’s subtlety and simplicity have found a dedicated audience, though it’s becoming rarer as bold, flavor-packed pizzas rise in popularity. Its appeal lies in its unique taste profile, a refreshing break from more robust offerings dominating today’s pizza landscape.

3. French Bread Pizza

French bread pizza, once a staple of school lunches and quick dinners, offers a thick, crunchy baguette base topped with traditional pizza fixings.

Though convenient and satisfying, it’s seen a decline as artisanal pizzas gain favor. The once-popular frozen variety is increasingly overshadowed by gourmet options.

Yet, its straightforward, hearty nature continues to evoke warm memories of family meals and easy comfort food. While its presence fades, those who enjoyed its crispy-chewy contrast hold a soft spot for this culinary classic.

4. Sicilian Pizza (East Coast Thick-Crust Version)

Sicilian pizza, known for its thick, airy crust and rectangular shape, has long been a fixture in East Coast pizzerias. Its lightly-sauced, cheesy top offers a unique taste experience.

Despite its rich history, this variant is giving way to thinner, more artisanal pies favored by modern palates.

The joy of biting into its soft, pillowy crust remains unmatched for fans who recall family gatherings centered around a giant Sicilian slice. Its decline marks a shift from traditional, hearty servings to contemporary, minimalist flavors.

5. Greek-Style Pizza

Greek-style pizza, renowned for its spongy crust and oily base, was a hallmark of New England’s Greek diners. Its unique texture and rich toppings like feta and olives provided a delicious alternative to typical pies.

However, its prevalence has waned as healthier, less greasy options have taken the forefront.

Once a beloved choice for those seeking a hearty meal, Greek-style pizza now serves as a nostalgic reminder of a time when indulgence was king in the pizza world.

6. Chicago Stuffed Pizza

Chicago stuffed pizza, distinct from its deep-dish cousin, boasts layers of cheese, toppings, and an additional crust lid. Its density makes it a fulfilling choice for hearty appetites.

Despite its allure, the complexity and heaviness have led to a decline in demand as simpler, lighter options gain popularity.

Its nostalgic appeal remains strong among those who cherished its indulgent, layered experience, reminiscent of familial feasts or celebratory gatherings in the Windy City.

7. White Pizza (No Sauce)

White pizza, characterized by its absence of traditional tomato sauce, brings a creamy delight to the table with its ricotta, mozzarella, garlic, and olive oil toppings.

Though still available, it often gets overlooked as spicy and saucy pies capture diners’ attention.

This subtle, cheesy option provides a rich, buttery alternative for those seeking something different. Its decline highlights a shift toward bolder flavors, yet it holds a special place in the hearts of those who prefer simplicity and finesse over fiery zest.

8. Breakfast Pizza

Breakfast pizza, once a morning staple in cafeterias and convenience stores, featured toppings like eggs, bacon, and cheese. Its novelty offered a savory way to start the day.

Despite its unique appeal, it’s become niche, overshadowed by traditional breakfast foods and modern brunch trends.

This decline marks a move towards more conventional morning meals, yet its innovative concept remains a fond memory for those who enjoyed its hearty start to the day.

9. Taco Pizza

Taco pizza, a fusion food icon of the 1980s, delighted diners with its ground beef, cheddar, lettuce, and crushed tortilla chip toppings.

While it once thrived in Midwestern pizza joints, the advent of more authentic Mexican cuisine has seen its popularity wane.

The quirky blend of flavors offered a playful twist on traditional pizza, capturing the era’s experimental culinary spirit. Though scarce now, it remains a cherished memory for those who enjoyed its creative, hearty combination.

10. Bagel Bites

Bagel Bites, the beloved mini pizzas of the 1990s lunchbox era, offered bite-sized convenience and flavor. Featuring a chewy bagel base topped with cheese and pepperoni, they were a favorite among kids and busy parents alike.

Though still sold frozen, their peak has passed, replaced by healthier snacks and gourmet alternatives.

Their legacy endures as a symbol of 90s nostalgia, providing a comforting taste of childhood memories and simpler times.

11. Pizza with Anchovies

Anchovy-topped pizza, once a staple in many traditional pizzerias, offered a bold, salty flavor that intrigued adventurous eaters.

Despite its rich taste, it’s become less popular as the focus shifts to more universally appealing toppings.

For those who love the distinctive tang of anchovies, this classic remains a hidden gem, a reminder of a time when daring culinary choices were embraced with open arms.

12. Detroit-Style Pizza (in non-trendy form)

Detroit-style pizza, with its thick, greasy crust and crispy cheese edges, offers a hearty, satisfying bite. While artisan versions trend, the original blue-collar style is disappearing from smaller city shops.

Its robust, indulgent nature contrasts with today’s preference for lighter, health-conscious options.

Yet, for those who savor its comforting flavors, it symbolizes community gatherings and local pride, a delicious piece of Detroit’s culinary history.

13. Trenton Tomato Pie

Trenton tomato pie, a New Jersey gem, flips the traditional pizza on its head by layering cheese before the sauce. This reversal results in a unique taste experience that’s deeply rooted in local tradition.

Despite its rich heritage, it’s being overshadowed by modern Neapolitan trends that favor simplicity and speed.

For purists, the tomato pie’s intricate layering and savory balance remain an unparalleled delight, encapsulating a piece of New Jersey’s pizza legacy.

14. Pizzaghetti

Pizzaghetti, a quirky Quebec favorite, combines pizza and spaghetti into one dish or serves them side-by-side. This novel pairing offers a unique dining experience, blending flavors in unexpected harmony.

Though nostalgic for many, it hasn’t gained widespread popularity beyond its local roots.

The playful fusion captures the Canadian spirit of culinary creativity, providing a comforting reminder of family meals and celebratory gatherings.

15. Pizza Turnovers (Homemade Calzones or Panzerotti)

Pizza turnovers, known as calzones or panzerotti, delighted fans with their portable, doughy parcels filled with cheese and tomato sauce. Once common in school cafeterias and small-town pizzerias, they’ve fallen out of fast-casual rotation.

Despite their decline, these turnovers offer a convenient, satisfying meal-in-a-pocket.

Their disappearance marks a shift towards more traditional slice servings, yet they remain a beloved memory for those who enjoyed their creative twist on pizza dining.

16. St. Louis-Style Pizza

St. Louis-style pizza, with its ultra-thin, cracker-like crust and Provel cheese, stands out for its unique texture and taste. While locally adored, it hasn’t achieved national fame and is becoming harder to find.

Its sharp, creamy cheese blend offers a distinct departure from mozzarella-dominated pies.

This regional favorite provides a flavorful slice of St. Louis’ culinary identity, cherished by locals who appreciate its bold, memorable character.

17. Macaroni and Cheese Pizza

Macaroni and cheese pizza, a novelty from the 2000s, combined comfort food classics into a single, indulgent dish. Its rich, cheesy topping offered a playful twist on traditional pizza.

Although it gained popularity in college dining halls, it’s rarely seen elsewhere today.

For those who experienced its creamy delight, it remains a nostalgic reminder of youthful dining adventures and carefree culinary exploration.

18. Pizza Hut’s Priazzo

Pizza Hut’s Priazzo, a deep-dish, multi-layered stuffed pizza from the 1980s, held a special place in the hearts of its fans.

Despite its cult status, it was discontinued decades ago and hasn’t been revived.

Its layered complexity offered a feast for the senses, providing a hearty meal that transcended ordinary pizza expectations. For those who remember its rich, decadent flavors, the Priazzo is a symbol of a time when indulgence reigned supreme in the pizza world.