Birmingham, AL, August 25, 2025
News Summary
Tortugas Homemade Pizza, with locations in Hoover and Birmingham, has been recognized as the top pizza restaurant in Alabama. Celebrated for its Chicago-style deep dish pizza, the family-owned establishment has delighted locals for over 25 years. Their signature two-inch-thick stuffed pizza is a highlight, earning a spot in the ‘100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama Before You Die.’ As demand grows, they have expanded their offerings while maintaining their commitment to quality and community service.
Hoover and Birmingham Celebrate Pizza Excellence
If you’re a pizza lover in Alabama, there’s great news! Tortugas Homemade Pizza has just been recognized as the best pizza restaurant in the state, thanks to a feature that took a delicious journey through the 50 States of Pizza Slices. With locations in both Hoover and Birmingham, this beloved pizzeria has been making its mark for over 25 years, offering diners an outstanding slice of Chicago right in the heart of Alabama.
A Slice of History
Tortugas Homemade Pizza is owned by Carlos and Carol Vizcaino, a couple who met while working at a pizza place in Chicago back in the 1980s. They made a big decision to move to Birmingham in 1999 with a dream—to introduce the thick, rich wonder of Chicago-style stuffed pizza to southern palates. Their dream came to fruition with the establishment of Tortugas, and it has been a beloved spot for many ever since.
A Deep Dish of Award-Winning Delights
What’s all the fuss about? Well, Tortugas is most celebrated for its deep dish, Chicago-style pizza. The restaurant boasts an impressive track record of awards, including the notable recognition of having its two-inch-thick stuffed pizza listed among the “100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama Before You Die.” This extraordinary pizza has quickly become a crowd favorite for diners seeking an authentic taste of Chicago.
Expanding the Horizon
The popularity of Tortugas has led to significant growth, as the demand for their scrumptious pizza prompted their son, Matt, to open a second location in 2017. Both the Hoover and Birmingham locations serve delicious thin-crust options, but the stuffed pizza remains the star of the show, offering patrons an iconic taste of Chicago with every bite.
Toppings that Tempt
Perusing their diverse menu, one cannot miss the carne special. This delicious stuffed pizza features a medley of toppings, including Italian sausage, pepperoni, Canadian bacon, and extra crispy bacon. It’s a hearty choice and a delight for anyone looking to satisfy their meat cravings while indulging in a comforting meal.
Community Recognition
Tortugas Homemade Pizza holds a firm spot as the most highly-rated pizza joint in Birmingham, routinely recognized both locally and nationally for its top-quality offerings and exceptional service. It proudly stands alongside other noteworthy pizza spots mentioned in the same Food Network article, like Steve’s Pizza in Florida, Fellini’s Pizza in Georgia, and Five Points Pizza in Tennessee.
Visit Tortugas Today!
If you’re hungry and in the area, Tortugas Homemade Pizza is conveniently located at 2801 Highway 150 in Hoover and 1304 2nd Avenue South in Birmingham. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of classic Chicago-style or just curious to experience what has made Tortugas so special over the years, a visit there is definitely worth it. Grab your family and friends and dive into a heartwarming slice of pizza bliss!
FAQs
What is Tortugas Homemade Pizza known for?
Tortugas is known for its deep dish, Chicago-style pizza, particularly the two-inch-thick stuffed variety.
How long has Tortugas been in business?
Tortugas has been serving delicious pizza for over 25 years.
Where are Tortugas’ locations?
Tortugas has locations in Hoover and Birmingham, Alabama.
What are some popular menu items?
Some popular items include their stuffed pizza and the carne special, which features Italian sausage, pepperoni, Canadian bacon, and bacon.
Is Tortugas recognized for its quality?
Yes! Tortugas has been consistently rated as the top pizza joint in Birmingham and featured in various local and national publications for its quality and service.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Best Pizza in Alabama | Recognized by Food Network in their “50 States of Pizza Slices” feature. |
| Locations | 2801 Highway 150 in Hoover and 1304 2nd Avenue South in Birmingham. |
| Pizza Style | Famous for deep dish and Chicago-style stuffed pizza. |
| Years in Business | Over 25 years serving the community. |
| Award Recognition | Two-inch-thick stuffed pizza listed among “100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama Before You Die.” |
| Popular Menu Item | Carne special with Italian sausage, pepperoni, Canadian bacon, and bacon. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tortugas Homemade Pizza Named Best in Alabama
Birmingham Welcomes Pizza Pilgrims With New Expansion
Tortugas Homemade Pizza Named Best Pizza Spot in Alabama
Chicago-style Pizza Takes Center Stage in Alabama
Birmingham Welcomes New Businesses Amid Closure
Birmingham’s Tortugas Homemade Pizza Recognized as Alabama’s Best
New Fried Chicken Spot with Asian Flavors Opens in Birmingham
Iron City Pizza Company Announces Closure
Birmingham Emerges as a Premier Brunch Destination
Birmingham Recognized as Family-Friendly Living Destination
Additional Resources
- AL.com
- Montgomery Advertiser
- Bham Now
- Yellowhammer News
- CBS 42
- Wikipedia: Pizza
- Google Search: Pizza in Alabama
- Google Scholar: Pizza in Alabama
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pizza
- Google News: best pizza in Alabama
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
