When a Chicago transplant decides to bring deep-dish dreams to Arkansas, magic happens.
Rocky’s Corner transforms pizza skeptics into believers with their hearty Chicago-style pies that have locals lining up since 1975.
This family-owned gem serves up more than just pizza—it delivers a slice of Windy City culture right in the heart of Hot Springs. 🍕
How they won Hot Springs hearts
Rocky’s Corner didn’t start as the pizza powerhouse it is today. Joe Diorio and his father “Papa” Joe Diorio arrived in Hot Springs from Chicago with empty stomachs and homesick hearts.
Missing the robust flavors of their hometown, they opened a small sandwich shop on Park Avenue in the 1970s. The duo named their establishment after boxing legend Rocky Marciano, combining their love for the sport with their entrepreneurial spirit.
Brother-in-law Mike Simonovich joined the team as demand grew, and together they envisioned creating something special—a place that reminded them of Mike’s father’s tavern back in Chicago where families gathered and friendships flourished.
In 1984, Rocky’s moved to its current location at 2600 Central Avenue, directly across from Oaklawn Racing Park. The strategic location attracts race-goers and locals alike, who flock here for authentic Chicago-style pizza that doesn’t compromise on quality or portion size.
Go To Destinations discovered that this restaurant has maintained its family atmosphere for nearly five decades, proving that genuine hospitality never goes out of style. 🏆
Food Highlights
- The Split Decision: Half pepperoni and half Italian sausage create the perfect compromise for indecisive diners, featuring generous toppings on Rocky’s signature Chicago-style crust that satisfies multiple cravings in one delicious pie.
- The Undisputed Champ: This heavyweight champion combines Italian sausage, pepperoni, fresh mushrooms, onions, and diced tomatoes sprinkled with oregano, delivering knockout flavors that earned rave reviews from pizza critics and locals.
- The TKO: Italian sausage, pepperoni, and bell peppers pack a powerful punch in this crowd-pleasing combination that demonstrates Rocky’s commitment to using quality ingredients and bold flavor profiles.
- Pizza Bianca: This white pizza showcases Rocky’s versatility beyond traditional red sauce, featuring their signature cheese blend and proving that sometimes simplicity creates the most memorable dining experiences.
- The Unanimous Decision: Italian sausage, fresh mushrooms, and onions unite harmoniously on this popular choice that consistently wins over first-time visitors and keeps regulars coming back weekly. 🥊
Atmosphere
Rocky’s Corner embraces its Chicago tavern roots with sports memorabilia, multiple televisions broadcasting games, and a welcoming bar area where racing forms compete with pizza boxes for table space.
The restaurant maintains a casual, family-friendly environment where three-year-olds feel as comfortable as seasoned horse racing enthusiasts.
Friendly waitresses call customers “honey” while serving generous portions, creating an authentic neighborhood joint atmosphere that makes everyone feel like regulars, even on their first visit. 📺
Bottom Line
Rocky’s Corner delivers authentic Chicago-style pizza with four decades of family tradition, generous portions, and prices that won’t break the bank.
Address: 2600 Central Avenue, Hot Springs, AR 71901
📞 (501) 624-0199
🕔 Open Sun-Thu 11 AM–10 PM, Fri-Sat 11 AM–11 PM