Pops Pizza
InlandA small Rockwood pizza restaurant that surprises people expecting small-town food and delivers something considerably better.
Pop's Pizza has a 4.8 rating across 150 reviews, which is the highest of any restaurant in this dataset. The reputation tracks: people drive from Knoxville specifically for it, call it the best pizza in Tennessee, and return to confirm the first visit wasn't a fluke.
The crust is what comes up first. The dough is made fresh daily. Industry people who know what they're looking for specifically call out the technique. The sauces are house-made. The crust has enough flavor on its own that it isn't just a vehicle for toppings. The specialty pizzas are where the kitchen shows what it's doing: the Smoker, the Rock, the Farmer, the Gran Aurora, the Tropical Luau. These are not gimmicks; the creativity is genuinely balanced and well-executed rather than stunt-focused.
The salad and soup bar is fresh and is worth the visit on its own. The soup of the day in particular is consistently good. There is a cauliflower crust option for gluten-free diners. The stromboli and calzone are excellent alongside the pizza. Garlic butter drizzle on the crust is the detail that sets the execution apart.
The owner is present and visible on the floor. The kitchen can have consistency variance on rare occasions, but the overwhelming baseline is strong.
Tips
- The salad and soup bar is included and worth ordering before the pizza arrives.
- Ask your server what the soup of the day is; it gets specific praise.
- The specialty pies (the Smoker, the Farmer, the Rock) are why people drive here; trust the menu.
- Gluten-free cauliflower crust is available on both small and large pie sizes.
- Seating is limited; a wait is possible on weekend evenings.
What people love
- Fresh daily dough with enough flavor to stand on its own.
- Specialty pizzas that are creative without being eccentric.
- The salad and soup bar as a fresh accompaniment.
- The garlic butter drizzle that appears on several pies.
- Staff who are knowledgeable about food allergies and ingredients.
What to know
- Closed Sundays; open Monday through Saturday 11 AM to 8 PM.
- Consistency can vary on rare off nights; the overwhelming experience is positive.
- Pricing runs slightly higher than a chain pizza for the area; the quality is the justification.
- The restaurant can be busy on weekend evenings; a wait is possible.
Best time
Weekday lunch is unhurried and the kitchen is at full attention. Weekend evenings fill up; the Smoker and specialty pies move fast and the dining room gets busy.
First visit
Pop's Pizza is on North Gateway Avenue in Rockwood, a small restaurant in a refurbished building. Order from the specialty menu rather than defaulting to a simple pepperoni pie; the house signatures are the reason to be here.
How to get in
Walk-in. No reservations noted. Weekend evenings may have a brief wait.
With kids
The menu works for families and the staff is patient and attentive with family groups.
Signature items
- The Smoker
- The Rock
- The Farmer
- Stromboli
- Cauliflower Crust Pizza (GF)
Location
Frequently asked
When is Pops Pizza open?
Closed Sundays. Open Monday through Saturday 11 AM to 8 PM.
Is Pops Pizza good for families with kids?
The menu works for families and the staff is patient and attentive with family groups.
How do I get to Pops Pizza?
Pop's Pizza is on North Gateway Avenue in Rockwood, a small restaurant in a refurbished building. Order from the specialty menu rather than defaulting to a simple pepperoni pie; the house signatures are the reason to be here.
Does Pops Pizza take reservations?
Walk-in. No reservations noted. Weekend evenings may have a brief wait.
What should I order at Pops Pizza?
The signature orders are The Smoker, The Rock, The Farmer.
What should I know before visiting Pops Pizza?
Closed Sundays; open Monday through Saturday 11 AM to 8 PM.
Last updated: April 30, 2026