Jacksonville has plenty of pizza, but Carmines Pie House in Riverside is the spot locals bring up the second someone asks where to find serious deep-dish and New York slices in one place. 🍕
This vibrant neighborhood pizza pub is known for Chicago-style deep-dish and NYC-style pies, plus pastas, subs, wings, and cold microbrews, all served in a laid-back space where families, beer lovers, and carb fanatics linger over huge portions, “revisiting traditional Italian” one slice at a time. 😋🍺
How Carmines Pie House won Jacksonville’s hearts
Carmines Pie House won locals’ hearts by going all-in on big, bold, unapologetically cheesy pizza instead of playing it safe with skimpy toppings.
Reviews and features highlight the Chicago-style deep-dish pies with tall, buttery crusts packed with cheese and fillings, along with massive New York thin and crispy pies that can feed a crowd. People love that they can satisfy both the foldable-slice crew and the fork-and-knife deep-dish devotees at the same table.
The buzz really exploded when Carmines was named one of the top restaurants in the country for Chicago-style pizza, and visitors started rearranging travel plans just to stop in for a pie.
Guests talk about pizzas arriving bubbling hot, heavy, and photogenic—the kind of pies that practically demand a cheese-pull video before anyone takes the first bite. 🤤
Beyond pizza, the restaurant leans into comfort-driven appetizers, wings, and big desserts, which makes it an easy pick for birthday dinners, post-game hangs, and casual nights out.
Fans praise the “phenomenal” food and generous portions, but they also point out how the staff feels like a tight-knit crew, with servers who remember your favorite pie, offer honest advice on how many slices you actually need, and keep things fun even on busy nights.
All of this plays out in Jacksonville’s Riverside neighborhood, where Carmines has become a true locals’ hangout. Articles and city guides—from Visit Jacksonville to “best pizza in Jacksonville” lists—now treat it as a must-stop, and locals use it as their go-to recommendation for out-of-town guests who want to taste a beloved neighborhood institution. 🍕❤️
Food Highlights
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Chicago Stuffed Cheese Crust Pizza Pie: This is the headliner and one of the most talked-about items on the menu. A 10″ Chicago stuffed pie stacks a buttery crust with loads of cheese and toppings, then seals it with another crust and a blanket of sauce. Fans say it rivals pies in Chicago itself, making it a must-order for deep-dish diehards. 🍕
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Slice of New York Thin Cheese Pizza: Perfect for those who prefer a classic slice, this NY-style option has a thinner, crispier crust with the right amount of chew. The cheese slice is a favorite for lunch or lighter meals, and it’s the ideal canvas for toppings if you want to taste the basics before going wild with combinations.
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Jumbo Wings / Rooster Wings: Big, meaty wings show up again and again in reviews and highlight write-ups. Carmines offers flavorful jumbo wings with sauce options ranging from classic hot to more creative flavors, making them a favorite for wing fans and a solid choice to round out a pizza-heavy table. 🍗
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The Isabella Pizza: Frequently called out by locals as “one of the best pizzas” they’ve ever had. This specialty pie wins fans with its balanced toppings and flavorful crust, making it a favorite among those who try to rotate orders but keep coming back to Isabella again and again.
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Down and Dirty Fries / Unique Appetizers: Items like “Down and Dirty Fries”—fries piled with cheese and toppings—show up in highlight articles and social posts. These indulgent starters are popular because they’re perfect for sharing and bring serious comfort-food energy even before the pizza hits the table. 🍟
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Lobster Mac & Other Pastas: Local food blogs and menus call out Lobster Mac and other rich, cheesy pastas as surprise hits. These dishes offer a break from pizza while keeping the same over-the-top comfort factor, making Carmines a go-to for carb lovers of all kinds.
- Hand-Breaded Mozzarella Planks: These are mozzarella sticks with extra drama—long, hand-breaded planks fried until perfectly golden. Guests rave about their crunch and stretch, making them a must-share starter and a natural partner to a pint of beer or a glass of wine. 🧀
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Desserts like Cake and Cannoli: Diners often mention grabbing a slice of cake or classic Italian-style desserts after their meal. Even those who take their deep-dish to go still snag dessert, proof that Carmines finishes strong with sweets that feel just as hearty and satisfying as the pizzas. 🍰
Atmosphere
Carmines Pie House has a relaxed, quirky pizza pub vibe, with modern local art on the walls and a cozy dining room that feels casual and lived-in rather than polished and formal.
The Riverside setting adds neighborhood charm, drawing in a mix of families, couples, and friend groups, all sharing huge pies, appetizers, and wings. The energy tends to be lively—especially on weekends and game nights—without tipping into chaotic. 😄
Beer, wine, and microbrews round out the experience, and a pet-friendly patio often shows up in highlights as a major perk for dog owners who want to linger outside with a slice and a drink.
Factor in options for dine-in, takeout, and delivery, and you get a restaurant that fits everything from slow, sit-down dinners to “I just need deep-dish on my couch right now” emergencies. 🍺
Bottom Line
Go to Carmines Pie House for massive Chicago stuffed pies, classic New York thin slices, fun appetizers, and big desserts served in a friendly Riverside neighborhood pub.
Visit when you want huge portions, casual energy, and pizza that happily turns into leftovers.
It’s ideal for families, groups, date nights, and out-of-town guests who want to experience one of Jacksonville’s most-loved pizza spots in all its cheesy glory. 🍕🔥
Address:
Carmines Pie House
2677 Forbes St, Jacksonville, FL 32204
📞 (904) 387-1400
🕔 Open Sun–Thu 11 AM–9 PM; Fri–Sat 11 AM–10 PM (hours can change, so check their official site or delivery apps before you go). ⏰