Two Cities Pizza: A Cincinnati Favorite Blending New York & Chicago Flavor
Danny Baron
Two Cities Pizza: A Cincinnati Favorite Blending New York & Chicago Flavor
In 2015, a bold new concept hit the Cincinnati-area dining scene. In the heart of Mason, Ohio, Two Cities Pizza Company opened its doors with an idea that felt both simple and revolutionary: bring New York and Chicago-style pizza under one roof. Nearly a decade later, it’s become a local institution, beloved for its unbeatable pizza, immersive ambiance, and genuine community impact.
At the heart of this thriving culinary story are co-founders Zach Greves and Sean Spurlock—childhood best friends turned award-winning restaurateurs. What began as a friendly argument over which pizza city reigned supreme has evolved into one of the most celebrated pizza spots in Cincinnati.
Mason: The Heart of the Brand
The first Two Cities location sits inside Mason’s former City Hall, a serendipitous setting for a brand built on an urban theme. That local connection went deeper than the building’s aesthetic.
Zach and Sean quickly fell in love with the tight-knit Mason community. The support from residents, employees, and neighborhood organizations helped transform a brand-new restaurant into a community gathering place.
"Our goal was always more than serving pizza. We wanted to give back and be a part of something bigger."
The team gives special credit to local champions like the Gibson family and the Shine Like Sable organization for embracing their mission and becoming part of the Two Cities family.
Immersive Design: A Tale of Two Cities
Walk into Two Cities Pizza and you're immediately transported. Every design element nods to either New York or Chicago, from vintage-inspired subway tiles to Wrigley Field memorabilia.
And the bathrooms? Unforgettable. The New York City subway-themed restroom not only gets guests talking but also won Cintas’ Best Restroom in America Award.
"People come in and say, 'I love your bathroom.' It’s funny, but also a huge compliment. Clean bathrooms reflect a clean restaurant."
Pizza That Delivers on Every Level
Of course, ambience is only part of the appeal. The pizza itself is what keeps people coming back.
What makes it stand out?
Authentic sourcing: Chicago-style ingredients come straight from Chicago. No shortcuts.
Made-from-scratch: From croutons to mac & cheese fritters to salad dressings, almost everything is homemade.
Distinct doughs: Both New York and Chicago pizzas use different dough recipes, prepared and treated separately to preserve authenticity.
Constant innovation: The team frequently revisits and refines recipes. Even the deep dish sauce was recently updated for better flavor.
"We’re not just serving pizza. We’re crafting it with intention and care."
And if you haven’t tried their homemade ranch, prepare to be converted.
Expansion and Innovation
Following the success in Mason, the brand expanded with a second location at The Pickle Lodge in West Chester, Ohio. This massive indoor pickleball facility has become a cultural hub—and now, a culinary destination.
The West Chester location offers:
A carry-out and delivery model
Convenient service for Pickle Lodge players
A more casual vibe that complements the original dine-in experience
"For the first time, we’re offering delivery. That opens up a whole new guest experience."
What Sets Two Cities Pizza Apart
A Dual Concept: Where else can you settle the age-old NYC vs. Chicago debate over one table?
True Craftsmanship: Every detail, from dough to décor, is thoughtfully curated.
Local Love: A strong emphasis on community building, from partnerships to philanthropy.
Award-Winning Recognition: Voted Best Pizza in Cincinnati multiple times.
Their fans are loyal, and for good reason. Two Cities Pizza isn’t just a restaurant—it’s an experience.
What's Next for Two Cities Pizza?
Zach and Sean aren’t done yet.
They’re exploring future locations and eagerly listening to customer feedback on where to go next. While nothing official has been announced, expansion is clearly on the horizon.
"We’d love to grow the brand, but we’ll do it in a way that preserves our mission and quality."
So where should Two Cities land next? The founders want to hear from their fans. Drop your suggestions, and you might just see a slice shop pop up in your neighborhood.
Final Thoughts
Two Cities Pizza Company is more than just a clever concept. It’s a love letter to two iconic cities, a lesson in entrepreneurial persistence, and a triumph of community-driven success.
From the award-winning bathrooms to the crave-worthy deep dish, every detail reflects passion, pride, and purpose.
Whether you’re team thin crust or deep dish, one thing’s for sure:
Two Cities Pizza has earned its place at the top of Cincinnati's pizza game.
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