Not All Pizza Crusts Are Created Equal
Walk into just about any pizza place and you'll be asked some version of the same question: thin crust, hand-tossed, or pan? For newcomers to Minnesota, or anyone who grew up somewhere that only serves one style, the choice can feel oddly high-stakes. At Broadway Pizza, that question has a pretty clear answer for most regulars, but it's worth understanding what actually separates these styles before you order.
Thin Crust: The Minnesota Standard
Ask most longtime Minnesotans what "pizza" means to them, and there's a good chance they're picturing thin crust. Thin crust pizza is cut into squares rather than wedges, crisp enough to hold toppings without going soggy, and built to let the sauce and cheese do the talking rather than a thick, bready base. It's the style Broadway Pizza has built its reputation on for decades, paired with a secret sauce recipe that's stayed a signature part of the menu since the beginning.
Thin crust also tends to be the faster-cooking option, which matters on a busy Friday night when a table is hungry and the game is already on. It's a style that rewards simplicity: good sauce, good cheese, and a crust that gets out of the way rather than competing for attention.
Hand-Tossed: A Little More Chew, A Little More Crust
Hand-tossed pizza sits in the middle ground between thin crust and a deep pan pizza. The dough is stretched by hand rather than rolled flat, which creates a slightly thicker, chewier crust with more air pockets than thin crust. It holds up well to heavier toppings and a generous amount of cheese, and the slightly thicker edge gives you something to hold onto without the whole slice going floppy.
For anyone who wants a bit more bread in their bite, or who's feeding a group that likes to load up on toppings, hand-tossed is often the compromise pick between a delicate thin crust and a heavier pan pizza.
Deep Dish: Thick, Hearty, and Built for Bigger Appetites
Deep Dish pizza is the heavyweight of the three. Baked in an oiled pan rather than directly on a hot surface, it develops a thicker, often crispy-on-the-bottom crust with a soft, bread-like interior. It's a filling option that works well for anyone who wants their pizza to double as a full meal rather than a few slices alongside other appetizers.
The tradeoff is texture and speed. Deep Dish takes longer to bake through and leans heavier overall, which makes it a better fit for a sit-down dinner than a quick lunch or a late-night order after the bar closes.
So Which One Should You Order?
There's no wrong answer here, but a few rules of thumb help. If you want the classic Minnesota pizza-bar experience, especially paired with a beer and a game on the TV, thin crust with Broadway's secret sauce is the way to go. If you're feeding a group with mixed preferences and want something a little heartier, hand-tossed splits the difference nicely. And if you're settling in for the night and want a pizza that eats like a full meal, pan pizza delivers on that front better than either of the other two styles.
Location and availability can vary, so if you have your heart set on a specific style, it's worth checking with your nearest Broadway Pizza or reviewing the online ordering menu before you place your order.
Order Your Favorite Style Today
Whether you're a lifelong thin crust loyalist or curious to try something new, order online or find your nearest Broadway Pizza location to get your pizza fix exactly the way you like it.
