When Jeff Miner traded his NFL Skycam operator career for pizza making during the pandemic, few could have predicted his garage hobby would evolve into Indianapolis’s most coveted pizza destination.
This former videographer transformed his grief over losing his legendary DJ brother into culinary magic, creating Detroit-style pies so extraordinary that they consistently sell out within minutes. 🍕
What started as pop-up drops across the city has become the East Side’s most beloved pizza spot, earning second place at the International Pizza Expo and a devoted following that spans the entire metro area.
How Sam’s won locals’ hearts
Sam’s Square Pie didn’t just enter Indianapolis’s competitive pizza scene—it conquered it through sheer obsession with perfection.
Owner Jeff Miner spent years perfecting his naturally-rising sourdough recipe with extended fermentation, creating a crust unlike anything locals had ever experienced.
His dedication to quality became legendary during the pop-up days, when fans would frantically refresh social media waiting for order windows to open, only to find inventory sold out in mere minutes.
The transition from pop-up phenomenon to brick-and-mortar destination on East 10th Street solidified Sam’s place in Indianapolis hearts.
Miner’s laser focus on Detroit-style excellence, combined with his willingness to take risks in a challenging neighborhood, earned him respect from both food critics and everyday pizza lovers.
The restaurant’s success stems from Miner’s commitment to using premium ingredients like five-year aged pecorino, block cheese that creates those signature caramelized edges, and homemade sauces that complement rather than overpower his innovative dough.
The result is pizza so memorable that customers drive from across the metro area and plan their weekends around Sam’s limited hours.
Food Highlights
- El Jefe: Three types of pepperoni including thick cut, cup and char, and flat New York style varieties layered with jalapeño garlic ricotta, finished with Mike’s hot honey and aged pecorino for a perfect balance of heat and richness that showcases Miner’s mastery of topping combinations
- Bitchin Camaro: Two premium pepperoni varieties topped with hot honey drizzle and that signature caramelized cheese crust, delivering the perfect introduction to Detroit-style pizza with its crispy edges and pillowy center that converts even deep-dish loyalists
- Crush Star: A sophisticated blend featuring red sauce and pesto bases topped with fresh basil, hot honey drizzle, and generous cheese that creates beautiful flavor harmony between the herbal notes and sweet heat finish
- Just Kissed: A minimalist masterpiece that lets Miner’s exceptional dough and cheese quality shine through with simple but high-quality toppings that demonstrate why sometimes less truly is more in pizza crafting
- James: Named pizza featuring generous cheese with a signature dollop of savory red sauce on top, finished with a delicate drizzle of hot honey that creates the perfect sweet and savory balance in every bite
Atmosphere
The intimate dining space feels more like eating at a friend’s house than a traditional restaurant, with funky outsider art adorning the walls and fresh flowers brightening each table.
The casual counter-service setup uses disposable plates and plastic cutlery, but the warm hospitality and Miner’s visible passion for his craft create an authentic, neighborhood vibe. 🎨
Music posters and eclectic décor reflect the owner’s creative background, while the open kitchen allows diners to witness the careful pizza assembly process.
Despite its location in a challenging area of the East Side, the restaurant maintains a clean, welcoming environment that makes every visit feel special.
The limited seating encourages conversation and community, with regulars often chatting with Miner about music, pizza techniques, and life.
Bottom Line
- Authentic Detroit-style perfection with a naturally-fermented sourdough crust that’s crispy on the edges yet pillowy in the middle
- Award-winning quality recognized at the International Pizza Expo with premium ingredients like aged pecorino and block cheese
- Unique neighborhood gem offering an intimate dining experience with passionate ownership and exceptional hospitality
- Limited hours create exclusivity – plan ahead for Thursday-Saturday service and expect wait times during peak periods
- Reasonable pricing with generous portions that easily feed multiple people, making it excellent value for the quality level 🏆
Address: 2829 E 10th St, Indianapolis, IN 46201
🕔 Thu-Sat: 3 PM–8 PM (Sun hours vary, closed Mon-Wed)