Five best pizza slices in Nashville

What's your favorite pizza shop slice of cheese in Nashville? We'd love to have your opinion.

After extensive research (visiting 10 or so pizza joints), I'll tell you mine.

Disclaimers: I only went to pizza-first places, pizza shops, pizzerias — you get the idea. I skipped general restaurants that happen to serve great pizza. That's why you won't see City House belly ham pizza on here, for instance. And, to keep things somewhat even, I got plain cheese pizza or the closest to that I could find at each place.

5. Five Points Pizza

1012 Woodland St., East Nashville. 615-915-4174

Such a crunchy crust! The restaurant gets packed at lunch and on weekend nights, but not to worry — there's a dedicated takeout section and a to-go window for those who call ahead.

4. Two Boots

1925 Broadway, Midtown. 615-340-4343

I know, I know, it's a chain. But it's a small chain. It's really good. And they have more interesting spices on their slices than any other place.

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3. Bella Nashville

900 Rosa L. Parks Blvd., Nashville Farmers' Market. 615-457-3863

Superb artisanal, gourmet Italian-style individual pies. Oh man, that mozzarella is fresh, the sauce is tasty, the crust is thin and crisp.

2. Joey's House of Pizza,

897 Elm Hill Pike, Nashville. 615-254-5639

There is a line outside every day before the place opens. And for good reason. This is authentic New York pizza made by authentic New Yorkers.

1. Desano Pizza Bakery,

115 16th Ave. S., Music Row. 615-953-1168

Again, I know, I know, another small chain pizza shop. And they do the artisanal gourmet pizza best. Really fresh quality ingredients that are so delicious, you keep eating until you suddenly realize, red-faced, that you ate the whole pie. (Or at least I did.)