Sure, Shakespeare's pizza is a vibe and a local institution, but glad we didn't wait because the pizza is super mid actually quite not good. Cardboardy crust, sauce tastes like tomato paste and cheese is stodgy. Wow. Expected way more. read more

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I have been here twice now while visiting Columbia, and I still don't totally understand the hype. It is clearly a local staple, and the location right downtown definitely helps draw a crowd. The atmosphere has that nostalgic college-town charm with loud energy and a laid back vibe, which is fun if that is what you are looking for. But when it comes to the actual pizza, it just does not stand out. It tastes about the same as a frozen pizza you would cook at home, which feels especially ironic since they literally sell their own frozen pizzas up front. Nothing was bad, it just wasn't memorable either. The cider I had was flat and some of the worst I had. If you want to check a "Columbia landmark" off your list or grab a bite in the middle of the action, it works for that. But for truly great pizza, there are better options in town. It's a good drunk college spot... that's it! read more

Oh Shakespeare Pizza, how you have captured my heart... let me count the ways! -Let me preface this by saying I'm new to town, and have only lived here a little over a month.- Out and about DoorDashing the other day around lunch time, an order took me into Shakespeare. I found a metered parking spot a little ways up the road and walked down. All the parking for Shakespeare I believe is metered on the main road... so bring some change! I walked in, told them the name I was waiting for, and stood off to the side. Suddenly a woman walked up to a glass window to my left, and started getting slices of pizza that I didn't even know was there! Next thing you know my grumbling stomach and curiosity had me waiting in line and I couldn't resist $3.99 a slice!! I ordered a veggie and a Canadian bacon / pineapple. The crispy crust, bright flavorful sauce and melty cheese won me over. I was determined to bring my 14-year-old son and to try some! Fast-forward to tonight. About 8 o'clock we went in to grab a few slices so he could try it! I really like the vibe inside as well... all wooden and dim makes it feel like the nostalgic pizza places of my childhood. Unfortunately, they only had pepperoni and cheese, and instead of it being fresh in the lineup on the counter like it was before, they reheated it I believe, from their leftover supply in the back. Was it good? Yes. Was it as good as lunch time? No. Will I still be back at lunch time another day to get more? Absolutely. As of right now, Shakespeare is my favorite pizza place in town! And nothing beats their pizza by the slice during lunch. Until then, I'll be dreaming of just how beautifully crispy and not...floppy... that crust is! read more

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As a visiting Alabama fan in town for the game against Missouri, I made a point to stop by Shakespeare's Pizza Downtown after hearing so many great recommendations. By the time I walked over from the stadium, the line was already out the door and wrapped around the building. Ordering is done at the counter, and seating is first come, first served. It took a few laps around the dining area, but we eventually found a table. We ordered a large Masterpiece pizza along with cheese bread. The food was ready after about 45 minutes. The pizza was generously topped and very saucy, making it quite filling. While it wasn't the best pizza I've had, it certainly hit the spot after a long day, and the cheese bread was a nice addition. I'd definitely consider coming back the next time I'm in town for a game. read more

Shakespeare's Pizza - Downtown - The Masterpiece Pizza (16" large) - Pizza Near Me - Columbia, Missouri

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It is a perfect college town pizza joint across the street from the university. Clean huge with many pocket areas it is well set up. Service was fast, friendly. The beer was plentiful they even has STONE IPA my wife was ecstatic. A nice selection of pie and a nice slice for the $$ read more

Shakespeare's Pizza - Downtown - Cheese slice - Pizza Near Me - Columbia, Missouri

Working in Columbia this week, and of course, we had to stop by Shakespeare's Pizza--one of the city's most iconic spots. This was probably my fourth or fifth time visiting, so I already knew we were in for something good. We started with a 10-piece garlic bread to share, which hit the spot right away. Each of us ordered our own pizza, and I decided to try the meat lover's for the first time. It was a bit greasy (as expected with all the meats), but they definitely don't hold back on the toppings--it was loaded and absolutely delicious. The place has plenty of seating and gives off a cool, old-school restaurant vibe that adds to the experience. The staff was friendly, quick, and efficient, and the service overall was top-notch. Shakespeare's never disappoints. It's a must-visit every time I'm in Columbia, and I'll definitely be back again. read more

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Driving from St Louis to Kansas City, totally out of my element. Columbia seemed like a good place to stop, and a friend went to school here and recommended Shakespeare's Pizza. Cashier/ counter people were very friendly. We ordered the Masterpiece-- you pick 4 toppings and get the 5th for free. Pizza was ready in about 20 minutes and was very good. Toppings were fresh ( all veggies) and the crust was firm. Looks like a fun environment. read more

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In Columbia for the day and had to stop at Shakespeare's--you can get frozen in KC which is good, but doesn't compare to the real deal. You order at the counter and can grab a whole pie or go by the slice. We got a medium ground beef and a half order of garlic cheese bread--plenty for two with leftovers. Garlic bread took about 15 minutes, pizza 20, at 1:15pm in the afternoon. Classic college town pizza joint with booths, tables, and some patio seating (too hot for that in July). Street parking with meters; not sure if there's a free lot. Highly recommend if you're in town! read more

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Best pizza in columbia, serving size is large and relatively cheap. Service is adequate and friendly. Restaurant ambiance is charming, clean, and has a classic feel. read more

We will always come to Shakespeare's Pizza when in Columbia! They have amazing pizza and a friendly casual atmosphere. The staff is friendly and will give young kids little balls of pizza dough to play with while they wait for their pizza to be ready. If you're gluten free, you will LOVE their gluten free crust! It's perfect - not too dry and crumbly. It's chewy and so good. We ordered a few pizzas and drinks and had a lovely family dinner here! read more

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Great pizza, cold beer and a very cool atmosphere and in one of my favorite cities in Missouri!

While visiting Columbia on business we decided to get pizza . Shakespeare is came highly recommended. It was a comfy place. The decor let you know you are in a college town.The food was great. I had a pineapple and hamburger pizza. It was excellent. The appetizer was cheesebread which was very good. Im glad I was able to try this place. I recommended that you try it. read more

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A classic for a reason. The pizza is loaded with toppings and the staff is friendly. We came at lunch and it was not super crowded. Pizza was hot and fresh! read more

Shakespeare's Pizza - Downtown - Pizza Lovers Passion Pizza (banana pepper, mushroom, bacon, Canadian bacon, green pepper, tomato) - Pizza Near Me - Columbia, Missouri

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Yes, it's often nostalgia and location that deliver you here. The atmosphere is wonderful, tho...the busier the better. Esp fun on football wknds when rival fans are hanging. Pizza is very good, particularly within a temperature window...5-20 minutes after it hits your table. Otherwise, too hot and runny, or, cold and hard cheese and crust. Not ideal leftovers. Don't sleep on the garlic cheese bread. Good beer. Service?...not so great. It was crowded TBF, but we had to clear plates/pans/cups ourselves to sit at a table and the table was gross. Bring wipes and hand sanitizer. Bathrooms...better to go outside on the street and accept the public urination ticket. read more

LOVE this classic pizza place in Columbia MO! Was one of my favorites when I lived here years ago; I visited again on a recent trip and it did not disappoint! We got the Louie's salad and a small Masterpiece pizza to share. More than enough food and all delicious. The interior is huge with tons of seating, but we found a seat outside due to the amazing weather. Our pizza took around 30 mins at an off time (around 3 in the afternoon), so know that waits can get pretty intense or grab a slice if you're in a hurry. read more

Shakespeare's Pizza - Downtown - Masterpiece pizza - small - Pizza Near Me - Columbia, Missouri

Shakespeare's was really nice! We came in yesterday after a campus tour with my step-son who just graduated and had a light lunch with a few salads and one large pizza. Loved the vibe inside and how they announce your name over the PA system when your order is ready. Our food was promised in 35 minutes and probably took less than 20. Fresh and delicious. The pizza was good - we kept it simple with cheese, pepperoni and Canadian bacon. My mother-in-law and I both got salads and they were large and delicious. We chose the smallest, regular size, and found them to be generous portions. Location is on a busy corner just a short walk from broadway and leading right onto the MU campus. Plenty of street and nearby parking. read more

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Shakespeare's is a Columbia classic and a favorite. You can never go wrong with a fresh pizza in this college-town environment. Every experience I've had here is great. Sometimes the wait time can be a little long if you go during a regular meal time (beware of game days during the school year!!), but this time I went on a Saturday around 4:30 pm before the dinner rush and wait time was reasonable. Casual & fun pizza place. How it works is you order at the register, have a seat, and they call your name over the speakers to pick up your pizza, salad, or whatever you ordered from the front windows. Also, if you order a soda or a water you get to keep the Shakespeare's cup! It's fun for kids too because they can watch the pizza being made through the windows, and they'll even occasionally toss a ball of dough for your kid to keep if you ask! Food-wise, the pizza always tastes fresh & is served hot right out of the oven. The only downside is the pizza can get pretty greasy from all the cheese & toppings, but I guess what's a good pizza without grease? read more

Shakespeare's Pizza - Downtown - Cute free sticker from counter where you order - Pizza Near Me - Columbia, Missouri

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We've been to Shakespeare's 3 times now. To be honest I was not terribly impressed the first couple of times, but last night we had a half masterpiece half pepperoni, which a lot of places won't do due to uneven cooking. It was really good. The lady at the counter was friendly even though we showed up 20 minutes before closing. A lot of tables were uncleaned, but we finally found a clean one. The ambience could best be described as "massive unchanged college pizza dive." That's okay, I like tradition. We'll definitely be back. read more

Just OK. The gluten free pizza crust wasn't fabulous. I know that seems crazy that something that lacks a critical component (flour) wouldn't be amazing - but its been done... gluten free pizza crust has been profoundly perfected and you can find remarkably delicious gluten free pizza. The sauce was lacking flavor, the crust was just OK, I didn't really feel like this was the COMO MUST EAT location that the college kids raved about nostalgically... We waited a VERY long time for the pizza and in fairness it was the tail end of homecoming weekend. It was nice to try but I probably would have rather grabbed something quick on the road and then headed home to a tried-and-true pizza joint that I know is truly worth the $100 to eat there for a family of 4. read more

The pizza had a great taste but the toppings wouldn't stay on the pizza when you picked up a slice. Grabbed a knife and fork, problem solved. It's a serve yourself kind of place. They call your name to come get your pizza and you fix your own drink. The place was highly recommended by a local. I would eat here again. read more

Ok while Shakespeare's is good.... I have to admit... I think it gets a little too much hype. I know its kinda famous in Como, but there is better pizza out there. I don't want to hate on it too much because it is still good pizza!!! I'm just saying, it might be talked about a little too much. The reason I think this place is slightly over hyped is because their crust is not my favorite. It's slightly bland, although I do really like the thickness of it. They also don't have anything super unique about their pizzas or salads that I couldn't find at another pizza place. My favorite from here is their veggie pizza. As you can see from the picture its LOADED with toppings. The combo of olives, red onions, green peppers, and mushrooms is such a classic making this good if I'm just craving a basic veggie slice of pizza. This location is also GIANT. It's seriously like a maze in there, so I recommend here if you have a big group. Being in downtown Columbia, parking is a bit tough most places, but this Shakespeares does have a small lot right around the corner dedicated just to Shakespeares customers which is nice. read more

Shakespeare's Pizza - Downtown - Veggie Pizza - Pizza Near Me - Columbia, Missouri

If you visit Columbia or live in the area, you have to try Shakes. The pizza quality is always too notch. They do have a gluten free option. Their salads are also fresh and tasty. Though parking can be a challenge, they've expanded the original location so that finding a table doesn't seem to be an issue. They still have the same kitschy decor with old signs and wood paneling, staying true to their roots. The staff is friendly and helpful, giving me details and showing me they were using a dedicated cutter for the gluten free pie. Enjoy this community staple celebrating 50 years in 2023! read more

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Monday night. Street parking. You have the option for a slice or full pizza. Got an individual pizza, pepperoni and mushrooms. Pizza was good. Enjoyed the fresh ingredients and would get it again. The salad was average. Order at the counter. Pizza was ready quickly. There's also a freezer with ice cream. read more

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Great pizza and atmosphere! Definitely enjoy the souvenir cup too! And it's not far from class!

Amazing home made pizza in the heart of Columbia, just off the campus of Mizzou! There is no fling or flair to the many, then again....why? They make perfect pizza, why mess with anything else? read more

Fun environment and spacious! Pizza and garlic cheesy bread were really good! Good beer selection. Pizza can take a while, which was no problem to me, it's made fresh so don't expect a quick in and out! read more

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Our first time visiting Columbia, so we had to try it after reading recommendations. I can see why it's a tradition. HUGE place, lots of seating. Our pizza came out piping hot. Pepperoni and jalapeños toppings. Both plentiful. The pepperoni was nice and thick. Friendly service especially at the bar. The only thing I would do is create house made salad dressings. Very minor thing, really. Loved this visit! read more

Shakespeare's Pizza - Downtown - Pepperoni and Jalapeño toppings. Medium size. - Pizza Near Me - Columbia, Missouri

This well known college campus spot is the place to be to grab n go slice or meet up with friends or hang with family. Classic for ages. They make one of a kind pizza infront of you. Love love love this spot. read more

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Love the crust on the pizza here! It was medium thin and crispy. About $20 for a medium sized pizza loaded with toppings. The $7 Ollie Salad was pretty good, too - spinach, cranberries, walnuts and red onion topped with mandarin orange slices. They have a parking lot in the back. .|\---/| | o_o | .\_^_/..2021 read more

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Great local pizza place. Its more of a self service restaurant. Its great for large groups with plenty of seating. The staff is very friendly and usually give the kids pizza dough to play with. Kids really enjoy the pizza. read more

Good pizza, second time eating here. Consistent quality and flavor. Would eat here again if ever in area again.

Took 15+ minutes for a single slice of pizza to come out i am writing this currently in store it has been 16 minutes still not one slice of pizza has come out. Was told 2-3 minutes. Dis they mean hours? I'm a little confused here. I have made several pizzas in my day, a WHOLE pizza take less than 16 minutes to make . Why the f**k am I waiting that for a single slice. Thanks for the waste of time and super alright tasting pizza. NEVER COME HERE read more

My favorite from my college days. Love that when it was rebuilt that it looks like the old restaurant but with more space! Still has the same vibe and charm. Prices have gone up some, so be prepared for a little sticker shock. Still an amazing pizza and worth the stop! I have about 20 Shakespeare's cups here with me living in NC! read more

Shakespeare's Pizza - Downtown - I present to you....The Masterpiece! - Pizza Near Me - Columbia, Missouri

9 years later and an update: (1) It's not busy in the summer when the students are gone which is nice. (2) Add: They don't cook the pizzas long enough and they come out mushy, sloppy messes (3) Didn't have any paper napkins when we went so we couldn't sop up the massive grease pools from our pizza. Regardless, my kids seem to like it and we end up here every time we visit the grandparents. I probably should give it an extra star for the Streetside Records (I spent so much $$ there) and the Liquor, Guns, and Ammo signs that I drove by every day on the way to school 8 million years ago. read more

Music is back to its cold classic self. Delicious pie tonight. Excellent service as always. Thanks for holding it down in these tough times, Shakes. read more

What can I say about Shakespeare's that hasn't already been said? It's a staple in Columbia for a reason. The waitstaff is all very friendly. The pizza is absolutely delicious with a hint of St. Louis pizza cheese gooey, melty flavor but this has a normal hand tossed style crust. For me and anyone who has ever spent time in Columbia, Shakespeare's feels like home a reason - it can't be beat. read more

Pizza was amazing! Fun atmosphere. Garlic cheese bread was bomb. We drove an hour to eat and will be back! read more

Shakespeare's Pizza - Downtown - Garlic cheese bread - Pizza Near Me - Columbia, Missouri

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I'm giving Shakespeare's Pizza 4 stars, not for the quality of the pizza, but for everything else it provides. Shakespeare's really is a Columbia staple. It has been around since 1973 and is a family-favorite. I don't think it's the best tasting pizza in town, but it does have an awesome atmosphere! Not only is this a great place to bring your family, but I enjoy getting drinks at Shakespeare's before moving to the other bars on a night out. Also, the pizza menu is pretty creative! My favorite is Panda's Pepper, which is pepper jack cheese, pepperoni, green peppers, jalapeños, and banana peppers (I usually get it without the pepperoni, though). The Masterpiece is another popular option, but you can also build your own pizza if you don't find one on the menu that you like! As always, support local :) read more

Shakespeare's Pizza - Downtown - Pizza Near Me - Columbia, Missouri

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I really like the pizza. The menu is very cheeky and fun. Staff was nice. I tried IMO's on my last visit to Columbia and it wasn't to my liking, but Shakespeare's is delicious! And I love pizza!!! read more

Way overcooked and way over salted. We are in town for business and we wanted to try something local. We just couldn't eat it. We ordered it for take out because it had such rave reviews. Perhaps it was just a bad night and ours got cooked longer than most Shakespeare pizzas. Perhaps there was a freak accident with the salt shaker. Perhaps some people just like it this way and give it such high reviews because it's difficult to find pizza this salty and this well done. We just couldn't it. read more