If you’ve ever daydreamed about grabbing a New York–style slice bigger than your head without leaving the Midwest, Des Moines has a delicious plot twist waiting for you.
Locals and travelers alike have discovered that Dough Co. Pizza near Drake University is the kind of spot where jumbo slices, craft beer, and easygoing vibes turn a simple lunch stop into a full‑blown “you’ve gotta try this place” story. 🍕✨
How This Drake Neighborhood Slice Spot Quietly Became Des Moines’ Pizza Obsession
The buzz around Dough Co. Pizza’s New York–style dough started with the way the team treats their crust like a two‑day science project, letting it rest and develop flavor until it’s ready for the spotlight.
On their own site, the crew leans into that big‑city inspiration with pies that stretch up to 26 inches across—so huge they joke that making them any larger would mean the pizza couldn’t even fit through the door. 🤯
That sense of fun and excess is exactly what keeps people talking.
Guests gush about huge slices that arrive steaming hot, with a crust brushed in garlic butter, perfectly foldable yet sturdy enough to support every last topping.
Others fall in love with the way you can build your own slice or share an 18‑ or 26‑inch pie with friends, turning a casual campus‑area pit stop into a “we’ll be telling this road‑trip story for years” kind of meal. 🍕
The creative streak runs deep here.
Regulars rave about all‑meat pies stacked with toppings, specialty favorites like the South Sider and rotating “pizza of the month” creations, including the Egg King breakfast pizza crowned with eggs, cheese, and a craveable sauce that has people plotting their next visit before they’ve finished the last bite.
You’ll even find Dough Co. Pizza popping up in local conversations as a go‑to Drake neighborhood hangout, the kind of place you recommend to friends as “that spot with the massive New York slices and the relaxed, everyone‑belongs‑here vibe.”
And if your crew includes vegans or gluten‑sensitive diners, the kitchen has your back with options like cauliflower crust and vegan cheese, so everyone can join the slice party without compromise. 🌱
Want a sense of how this place fuels the neighborhood? Check out Dough Co.’s own “Fueling the heroes of the classroom” video, where they deliver pizza love to local educators—it captures the same warm, slightly cheeky spirit you feel when you walk through their door.
Food Highlights
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Hog Wild Pizza: The Hog Wild Pizza loads that two‑day New York–style crust with a riot of hearty meats and melty cheese, delivering a full‑throttle, carnivore‑approved experience that feels custom‑built for sharing with a hungry table of friends. 🍖
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Giovanni Pizza: The Giovanni brings an Italian‑inspired balance of savory toppings, rich cheese, and well‑sauced dough, giving you a bold yet familiar flavor journey that feels like classic pizzeria comfort turned up a notch.
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Margaret (Margherita‑Style) Pizza: With its bright sauce, creamy cheese, and clean, fresh toppings, the Margaret pizza channels a Margherita‑style elegance that lets the chewy‑crisp crust shine, perfect for guests craving a lighter, more refined slice experience.
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Taco Pizza: The Taco Pizza layers taco‑inspired toppings over that huge New York base, creating a playful, indulgent mash‑up where every bite tastes like game‑day nachos collided with your favorite slice in the best possible way. 🌮🍕
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Pepperoni Popper Pizza: The Pepperoni Popper doubles down on spicy, smoky pepperoni and rich cheese, landing as a punchy, ultra‑satisfying pie that feels tailor‑made for big appetites and late‑night cravings.
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All Meat Pizza: The All Meat Pizza packs the crust with multiple meats and a generous blanket of cheese, delivering a dense, filling bite that road‑trippers and group diners love when they want one giant, no‑nonsense feast.
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Breadstick Bites with Marinara: Soft, golden Breadstick Bites served with zesty marinara make the ideal warm‑up act for your pie, giving you pillowy, tear‑and‑share bites that turn any pizza order into a full celebration. 😋
Atmosphere
Dough Co. Pizza feels like a fast‑casual New York–style slice shop with a Midwest twist, set right in the heartbeat of the Drake neighborhood.
Inside, big TV screens beam out the latest games while an easygoing crowd relaxes over jumbo slices, local brews, and good conversation.
It’s the sort of place where students, travelers, and nearby residents casually share long tables, oversized pies, and that “we just discovered something seriously good” grin. 🍺
With a mix of dine‑in, carryout, and delivery, you can hang out with the crew, grab a quick solo slice between errands, or have a 26‑inch pie show up at your hotel like a delicious surprise.
Bottom Line
Huge New York–style slices, a playful 26‑inch pie, and creative specialty pizzas make Dough Co. Pizza one of Des Moines’ most fun stops for carb‑fueled adventures.
Add vegan and gluten‑free options, a laid‑back Drake‑area vibe, and wallet‑friendly lunch deals, and you’ve got a pizza joint worth driving across town for. 🚗🍕
Address:
2330 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311
📞 +1 515-630-0796
🕔 Open daily, Mon–Thu, Sun 11 AM–9 PM; Fri–Sat 11 AM–10 PM