There’s a famous pizza place in Bloomington, Indiana that few Hoosiers realize has been nationally recognized. In business for many decades, this iconic restaurant is a must-visit for all.

Pizza lovers have got to get this one on their bucket list. Scroll on for more details.

Mother Bear’s Pizza has been one of southern Indiana’s favorite pizza joints since it opened in 1973. It is known as the absolute best pizza in the state, and to some, the nation.

Facebook/Mother Bear’s Pizza West

There are two locations in Bloomington, Indiana. The first and most iconic is right around the Indiana University campus, while the other is located in Whitehall Plaza on the west side of town.

Google/Mother Bear’s Pizza Campus The second location opened in 2016 and offers a much more modern and spacious environment. Keep scrolling for more details.

It didn’t take too many years after this famous pizza place opened for it to start winning awards. In 1979, it was awarded “Best Pizza in Bloomington” by the Indiana Daily Student. In 1982, People Magazine recognized the restaurant as having “one of America’s top nine pizzas.”

Google/Mother Bear’s Pizza Campus Further, it has been named “Best Pizza in Indiana” by USA Today and twice earned Final Four status at the International Pizza Expo in Las Vegas. Additionally, students and staff of IU name it the best pizza in town pretty much every single year.

Dining options at each restaurant are similar. You’ll find a rustic bar vibe at both. It is obvious that the wood-paneling, signed walls, and homey atmosphere are traditions of the original location that were then carried on to the second location. The west side location also has outdoor seating available when the weather is pleasant.

Google/Mother Bear’s Pizza Campus

The menu at this famous pizza place is vast. You’ll find pizzas, appetizers, pastas, sub sandwiches, salads, and more. Start your meal with wings, garlic bread, bread sticks, chicken tenders, cheese bread, french fries, toasted ravioli, and more.

Google/Mother Bear’s Pizza Campus

When it comes to pizzas, you can create your own or try a specialty one. Fun options include Dante’s Inferno, The Big Cheese, Soul Sizzler, The Illinois Central, Tuscaloosa Touchdown, The Dixie Two-Step, and many more.

Google/Mother Bear’s Pizza Campus

Guests enjoy traditional pan pizzas, toasted sesame thin crust pies, and even deep-dish style ones. Mother Bear’s even offers a (mostly) gluten-free crust.

Google/Mother Bear’s Pizza Campus

Dine-in, carry-out, delivery, lunch, and drink specials abound throughout each week. For instance, if you eat in on Tuesdays, you can get a 10-inch pizza for $6.95. Monday through Friday until 4 p.m., you can get a large slice of the day’s special and a soft drink for $4.50.

Facebook/Mother Bear’s Pizza West Check out the website (link below) for more specials.

Mother Bear’s Pizza is open daily and hours vary by location. The campus location is open between 11 a.m. and midnight each day while the west side location’s hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Google/Daniel Monnett

For more like this, check out these seven chain pizza restaurants in Indiana that the rest of the country needs.

Facebook/Mother Bear’s Pizza West

Google/Mother Bear’s Pizza Campus

The second location opened in 2016 and offers a much more modern and spacious environment. Keep scrolling for more details.

Further, it has been named “Best Pizza in Indiana” by USA Today and twice earned Final Four status at the International Pizza Expo in Las Vegas. Additionally, students and staff of IU name it the best pizza in town pretty much every single year.

Check out the website (link below) for more specials.

Google/Daniel Monnett

If you’ve ever been to this famous pizza place, we’d love to hear from you. Please share your experiences and photos with us below in the comments.

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