Coals Artisan Pizza, Louisville, KY

The artisan pizza trend comes to Kentucky

by Carrie Daut | July 28, 2011

There’s a new kid on the block. At barely four months young, Coals Artisan Pizza is holding its own against the ‘ville’s biggest pizza players. And dare we say it? They just might be: best pizza in town.

Located in the recently renovated Vogue Center on Frankfort Avenue, Coals opened its doors in April 2011. They fire their pizzas in a coal-burning oven, the only one in the state. (Note: The oven burns anthracite coal, one of the world’s cleanest and most environmentally-friendly fossil fuels.) Coal ovens equal crisp crusts and a telltale smoky flavor, and that equals Mmmm.

Coals has also gone above and beyond to make its menu local and über-Louisville. Their six permanent pizzas are all named after Louisville neighborhoods. There’s the St. Matthews, the Clifton, the Highlands, the Brownsboro, the Waverly and the Bardstown pizza.

This Insider tried the Brownsboro (old world pepperoni, fresh mozzarella and Romano cheese in a marinara sauce and fresh basil; $12) and the Waverly (prosciutto cotto, fig jam, asiago, fresh mozzarella and gorgonzola cheese in a balsamic reduction with parmigiano reggiano; $14). She loved them both.

The pizzeria also serves four specialty pizzas (like Crazy Rooster Buffalo Chicken, Thai Chicken, Veggie, Lobster, or Italian Capricciosa) each week, and as specialty pizzas grow in popularity they’ll be added to the permanent menu. Coals is already taking suggestions for new neighborhood pizza names on its Facebook page.

Pizza prices (all pizzas 12”) range from $12 - $14. Add soup ($3.75/cup), salad ($4 - $6), an appetizer ($7-$8) or dessert ($4 - $5.50), and one pizza will nicely feed two people.

This Insider went with four friends, split three different pizzas, shared a salad and ordered a drink, and my pre-tip bill came to only $15.40.

Coals Artisan Pizza currently seats less than 80, but patio seating is available and there are plans to build more seating on the second level. Reservations are not accepted, so expect a wait (especially if you go with more than just a date – most tables are two tops). Parking is plentiful, and take-out is available.

Coals is open Monday to Saturday 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., then from 5 p.m. until close. Closed Sundays. For hours, directions and online menus visit coalsartisanpizza.com.