Pizza 101: A List of Maplewood-Brentwood Offerings

With the recent addition of to Brentwood, we at Maplewood-Brentwood Patch started thinking about how many pizza joints are open in these two cities.

Pizza, of course, is great in any weather, but there's something about summer that seems to make everything a little brighter - or, should I say, tastier. Maybe it's the sun.

To use pizza as a catalyst to celebrate good friends, family and warm weather, let's take a look at what these two great cities have to offer (besides and ):

— A must try at this beloved Maplewood location is Pantera's Combo, a specialty pizza with beef, sausage, pepperoni, black olives, onions and mushrooms. If you're a meat lover, go for The Hog with bacon, smoked ham, cheddar and mozzarella. Choose from thick, thin or New York Style Pan pizza crusts. You can also pick up standard Italian or garden side salads and garlic bread to complete the meal, or choose pasta dishes as an entree.

Pizza price range: $3 - $17, depending on type and size of pizza, and number of ingredients added.

— Though now a franchise, Pizza World started its home base in Maplewood. With unique toppings like swiss cheese and cilantro, Pizza World is the place to go for something a little bit different from the norm. If you're bringing along a large group, be sure to try the Big World Pizza - it's two feet in circumference. 

Pizza price range: $5 - $20

Taste, Wood Fired Fare - This wood-fired pizza joint just opened its doors last Tuesday on Strassner Drive in Brentwood. Twin brothers Curt and Casey Friedrichs and their staff cook everything in one wood-burning oven, from pizza to steak, seafood and even dessert in the form of a deep dish chocolate chip cookie. Pizza cooks fast in about two minutes at a temperature of between 650 and 800 degrees. Go for the gusto with the Bleu Buffalo, with onions, bleu cheese, chicken and buffalo sauce, or try one of the daily pizza specials. While most places only offer delivery or take out, this is a sit-down restaurant.

Pizza price range: $9 - $14

— For a traditional St. Louis pizza experience, head to Imo's. First of all, it's square, not round - not quite sure what that means, but at least it's unique. Beyond that, their pizzas are covered in that oh-so-special St. Louis Provel cheese blend. Imo's specializes in thin cracker-style crusts, though you can opt for a thicker version if desired. Finish off your meal with cinnamon sticks and icing and you should be one happy camper.

Pizza price range: $9 - $22