Leaning Tower of Pizza stands on Lexington Avenue in Mansfield, serving as a longtime gathering place for locals and visitors from nearby communities like Ontario, Shelby, Ashland, Galion, and Crestline.
Known for skipping fast-food shortcuts, this spot has built its reputation on bold, honest flavors and a no-frills approach that keeps regulars coming back.
Whether it’s a quick lunch or a weekend pickup of the cult-favorite “Basic” sub, the experience feels rooted in Richland County tradition.
How Leaning Tower Won Mansfield Hearts
The history of this landmark is a masterclass in resilience and local loyalty.
Established by Joe Hess in 1957, it was officially the first pizza shop in Mansfield, introducing a “new” food to a community that quickly fell in love with it.
Since the beginning, the restaurant has thrived by showing that a rugged, welcoming atmosphere—once famously represented by a psychedelic-painted delivery hearse—is the perfect backdrop for serious culinary execution.
This mom-and-pop business stays true to its roots by prioritizing fresh-daily preparation and a “family-first” culture that has outlasted decades of competition.
Their signature “Basic Sub” is a hole-in-the-wall masterpiece featuring a specific blend of salami, bologna, and red sauce on bread that follows a proprietary recipe from the early days.
This commitment to consistency ensures that every visitor, from the long-time regulars to travelers from across the state, leaves with a meal that proves why this Mansfield staple remains a regional powerhouse.
The shop earned its legendary status not just through its food, but through its sheer grit.
Following a devastating gas explosion in 2004, the community and staff rallied together to rebuild, refusing to let this piece of Mansfield history disappear.
With its original psychedelic murals—painted by local artist “Gobi”—and a strict carry-out model that has stood the test of time, the establishment caters to exactly what the local crowd needs.
That dedication to preserving the past ensures that every square-cut pizza or toasted sub served helps keep a Mansfield original alive and kicking.
Food Highlights
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The Basic Sub: A technical study in flavor contrast featuring salami, bologna, and pizza sauce on fresh-baked Hazel’s Bread.
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Traditional Square-Cut Pizza: This Mansfield original features a crispy crust and a proprietary sauce that has remained unchanged since 1957.
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Deluxe Submarine: A high-volume favorite loaded with premium meats and melted cheese, toasted to a specific crunch-to-melt ratio.
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Thin-Crust Pepperoni Pizza: A technical masterpiece of high-heat baking, resulting in a perfectly charred, savory finish.
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Daily Fresh-Baked Subs: Every bun is made from scratch daily using a secret recipe that provides the perfect base for their classic submarine sandwiches.
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Classic Cheese Pizza: A pure expression of the shop’s founding recipe, featuring a rich mozzarella and provolone blend.
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Salami & Mozzarella Sub: This ingredient-focused sandwich highlights the high-quality cold cuts and molten-cheese consistency the shop is known for.
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Vegetarian Pizza: A vibrant, high-freshness profile featuring garden-fresh vegetables and a technical balance of herbs.
Atmosphere
Inside, you’ll find a vibrant, retro vibe that serves as a high-energy hub for the Mansfield community.
With walls covered in eclectic posters and the iconic 1995 psychedelic murals, the environment provides a constant sensory reminder of the shop’s rebellious, counter-culture roots.
It’s a space built for a nostalgic flow, where customers can wait for their order next to a classic pinball machine in a setting that feels like a perfectly preserved slice of 1960s history.
The Bottom Line
Leaning Tower of Pizza stands as a prime example of what happens when great food meets a persistent local spirit. You should drop by to see how their commitment to the original 1957 recipes and a “never-quit” attitude has created a truly memorable Mansfield experience. Swing by Lexington Avenue today to support a local original and see what the hype is about. 🍕🎸
📍 180 Lexington Ave, Mansfield, OH 44907
📞 (419) 525-3462
🕒 Sun-Thu: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Fri-Sat: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM