There are a few universal truths in this world — the sun will rise over Keuka Lake, the leaves will turn gold come October and have fallen to cover the ground as a winter quilt come Thanksgiving week, and no matter the season or my age, pizza will forever be my comfort food. Everyone who knows me understands that my love for pizza borders on sacred. It’s not just a craving; it’s a ritual. A good pizza, shared with good company (or blissfully enjoyed solo with a cozy blanket and a movie), is one of life’s simplest and purest joys.
You would think that now that I’m retired, my taste buds might lean toward something a little more “refined.” They don’t. My palate still sings for the same thing it always has — that perfect blend of melted cheese, crisp crust, and a sauce that tells a story all its own.
Amidst the hustle, bustle, and last-minute prep for the big Thanksgiving feast, this is the perfect week to hang up the “Kitchen Closed for the Night” sign and head straight for your favorite local pizza shop.
Because let’s be honest — between the grocery runs, the pie-crust attempts, the extra chairs mysteriously hiding in the attic, and the endless “do we have enough butter?” conversations, sometimes the best gift you can give yourself is a hot slice you didn’t have to make.
So treat yourself. Support a local spot. Enjoy a little pre-holiday pause before the oven becomes your best friend for the next 72 hours.
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Cam’s Pizzeria — Penn Yan
📍 25 Main Street, Penn Yan, NY 14527
Cam’s is one of those hometown places that has stood the test of time. The smell hits you before you even step through the door — that unmistakable blend of dough baking and garlic dancing in the air. Whether it’s a quick slice between errands or a full pie to take home for a family night, Cam’s never disappoints. Their crust strikes that delicate balance between chewy and crisp, and their classic cheese pizza is comfort defined.
🔥
Silverbird Woodfired — Penn Yan
📍 137 Main Street, Penn Yan, NY 14527
There’s something magical about wood-fired pizza — the smoky char, the bubbling edges, the way each pie feels crafted, not just made. Silverbird’s pizzas are an experience. The dough, blistered to perfection, cradles toppings that range from traditional to wonderfully creative. Pair it with a local brew or a glass of Finger Lakes wine, and you’ve got yourself an evening that tastes like home and a touch of adventure.
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Wise Guys Pizzeria — Hammondsport
📍 90 Pulteney Street, Hammondsport, NY 14840
Nestled in the heart of Hammondsport, Wise Guys is as fun as it is delicious. The atmosphere is warm, lively, and full of that small-town charm that makes you feel instantly welcome. Their menu covers all the pizza cravings — from classic pepperoni to loaded specialties that require both hands and a hearty appetite. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve found myself here after a lakeside stroll, perfectly content with a slice (or two) and a smile.
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Pizza D's — Bath
📍 330 W Washington Street, Bath, NY 14810
Aptly named, Pizza D's because that is exactly twhat it is — delightful. Their pies are hearty and full of flavor, the kind of pizza that satisfies your soul as much as your stomach. I love the sense of tradition here — the friendly faces behind the counter, the familiar rhythm of the oven door opening and closing, and that feeling that you’re part of something local and loved.
🌿 The Keuka Roots Pizza Trail
Yes, I have my favorites from Penn Yan to Bath — and over time, they’ve become what I lovingly call my own little
Keuka Roots Pizza Trail. Because honestly… if you’re going to explore the beauty of Keuka Lake, you might as well do it one slice at a time!
In Penn Yan, it’s simple: Cam’s or Silverbird Woodfired — my mood decides. Classic slice or smoky wood-fired magic, you can’t go wrong with either when downtown smells like warm, fresh-baked dough.
And if Hammondsport is where I’m headed, a stop at Wise Guys is a must. I’ll grab one of their loaded specialty pizzas and be on my way — because there’s just something about a warm pizza box on your lap as you drive home through this storybook town by the lake that feels absolutely perfect.
I may not find myself in Bath very often anymore, but whenever my appetite (and a little curiosity) takes me in that direction, Pizza D's is my go-to. The hearty, classic flavors and the friendly service feel like stepping back into the kind of local spot that’s been the heart of small towns for generations.
It’s not an “official” trail — it’s one from the heart (and stomach). Whichever town you find yourself in the Keuka Roots Pizza Trail is proof that joy is circular… just like a pizza.
Because Pizza Is More Than Food
For me, pizza has always been about more than just a meal. It’s late-night laughter, game-day gatherings, impromptu dinners with friends, and quiet evenings when comfort comes in the shape of a warm, cheesy slice.
Maybe life changes — the pace slows, the seasons shift — but a good pizza? That remains constant. It’s a reminder that joy doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, it’s just a slice away.
A note from Keuka Roots:
Whether you’re a thin-crust purist or a deep-dish dreamer, there’s something special about the pizzerias around Keuka Lake — they’re not just feeding us, they’re feeding our memories.
Stay Rooted. Stay Keuka. And pass the pizza.
