Some restaurants just feel like they’ve always been here. Black Sheep Coal Fired Pizza has been turning out crisp, char-kissed pies in Minneapolis’s North Loop for 17 years now.
The concept was born not in a boardroom, but over a slice at New York’s historic Patsy’s Pizzeria, where co-owners Colleen Doran and Jordan Smith first dreamed up their own coal-fired spot.
Today, it remains Minnesota’s first—and most beloved—coal-fired pizza restaurant, where locals celebrate anniversaries with throwback pricing and late-night crowds know exactly where to find the best slice after midnight.
How Black Sheep Coal Fired Pizza Won Local Hearts
Black Sheep Pizza opened its doors in 2008, bringing a rare cooking method to the Twin Cities that most Minnesotans had never experienced.
Colleen Doran and Jordan Smith founded the restaurant after being inspired by a meal at 93-year-old Patsy’s Pizzeria in East Harlem, where coal-fired pizza has been tradition since 1933.
They chose anthracite coal because it burns clean, hot, and bone-dry, pushing oven temperatures past 1,000 degrees to create that signature leopard-spotted crust.
The extreme heat cooks each pizza in just minutes, blistering the exterior while keeping the interior milky-soft and chewy.
Black Sheep was Minnesota’s first coal-burning pizza restaurant, a distinction that still sets it apart in a city now crowded with wood-fired and gas-deck competitors.
The original concept expanded to multiple locations over the years, including spots at MSP Airport and on Eat Street, though the North Loop flagship remains the heart of the operation.
In 2025, the team celebrated their 17th anniversary by rolling back menu prices to 2008 levels for one day, offering a 12-inch cheese pizza for just $7 as a thank-you to loyal customers.
Jordan Smith said the promotion was a way to show appreciation especially with how food costs have increased in recent years.
The restaurant has become a late-night destination, staying open until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays with a special late-night slice menu after 10 p.m.
During the holidays, Black Sheep goes all out with tinsel, string lights, and a sheep-drawn sleigh, transforming the space into a festive pop-up bar with custom cocktails.
Food Network recognized their #7 Oyster Mushroom pizza as the tastiest pie, a sauceless wonder that draws mushroom lovers from across the metro.
Locals keep coming back because Black Sheep feels like a neighborhood institution, a place where the staff knows regulars and the pizza never disappoints.
Food Highlights
-
Cheese & Sauce: The classic 12-inch pie that started it all, featuring a crisp coal-charred crust and simple tomato-mozzarella balance that lets the cooking method shine. 🍕
-
#7 Oyster Mushroom: A Food Network-recognized sauceless pie with smoked mozzarella, ricotta, rosemary, and thinly shaved garlic that delivers deep umami without red sauce. 🍄
-
#4 Meatball, Ricotta & Garlic: House meatballs meet creamy ricotta and fresh garlic on a coal-fired crust that holds up to the rich toppings without getting soggy. 🍝
-
#14 Hot Honey with Smoked Chicken: Smoked chicken, red onion, and pickled peppers get a sweet-spicy finish from hot honey that pairs perfectly with the charred dough. 🍯
-
#11 Persian Beef: Tomato, feta, and harissa create a bright, briny combination that stands up to the intense heat of the coal oven. 🌶️
-
Gluten-Free Crust: A reliably chewy gluten-free option that lets toppings like hot salami or lemon ricotta shine without compromising texture. 🌾
Atmosphere
The North Loop location sits in a warehouse district building with an industrial vibe that matches the neighborhood’s converted-loft aesthetic.
Inside, expect a casual, energetic setting where families grab early dinners and late-night crowds pile in for slices and craft cocktails after the bars close.
Bottom Line
Black Sheep Coal Fired Pizza is a Twin Cities original that brought coal-fired pizza to Minnesota and never lost its edge.
After 17 years, it remains a local favorite for serious pizza, late-night slices, and a story that started with two founders and a slice in East Harlem.
Address: 600 Washington Ave N Minneapolis, MN 55401
📞 (612) 342-2625
🕔 Open Daily Sun -Thu 11 AM–10 PM | Fri–Sat 11AM- 2 AM