Food Network

"The pizza-slinging stalwart stands out, thanks in large part to its Provel cheese, that signature St. Louis fusion of cheddar, Swiss and provolone. Experience it in all its glory with the Imo’s Deluxe, stacked with sausage, mushrooms, bacon and more."

J. Kenji López-Alt

"We got our Imo's pizza with the works, which in St. Louis means sausage, bacon bell peppers, and onions. The bell peppers, onions, and sausage were as fresh and tasty as you can expect from any self-respecting pizza joint (the sausage is thankfully applied the right way: in chunks, not slices), but it was the bacon that really stood out."

Ann Lemons Pollack

"The namesake couple behind Imo’s Pizza began making pies 50 years ago, never thinking they were creating one of the city’s signature dishes. Did they invent Provel? It doesn’t really matter."

George Mahe

"Marge and Ed Imo built one of St. Louis most iconic institutions—Imo’s Pizza—forever heaping praise on the city that allowed them to do so."

Andy Kryza

"Distinguishing qualities: An ultra-thin, cracker-crispy crust cut into squares. The presence of some processed white cheese goop known as Provel, which is a combo of provolone, cheddar, and Swiss that is considered to be Velveeta's Midwestern cousin. A great example: Imo's Pizza is what St. Louis expats long for."

Pete Manzo

"The iconic Pizzeria known for making the St. Louis Pizza popular in St. Louis is the IMO’s Pizza Chain. My sister, when visiting us in St. Louis, always makes us grab an IMO’s pizza upon her arrival."

Amanda Doyle

"This ubiquitous local shop (begun with a single South St. Louis shop in 1964) is the first word in our native pizza: dozens of area locations, most offering dining room or delivery service, mean “the square beyond compare” is probably right outside your door."

Kate Foody

"To outsiders, it's glorified cheese and crackers, but to locals it's pizza. The pie is crispy and surprisingly flavorful, and features 100% Provel cheese — a white processed cheese that is 100% St. Louis."

Sara N. Keilty

"I asked quite a few folks from St. Louis where a good place to eat was and I was repeatedly pointed to Imo's Pizza. Imo's specializes in original St. Louis style pizza, which is thinned crust. The food hit the spot (I was too hungry to snap a picture), although if you have a bigger appetite I might get a larger pizza to fill you up. The thin crust can be light on the stomach."

Heather Hughes

"The Imo’s pie, featuring the thinnest of thin crusts topped with sauce and Provel cheese, has for years had purists crying foul, while sending diehards into a frenzy for those crispy, four-sided slices. The Provel, of course, is the provocateur here, that creamy amalgam of Swiss, provolone and cheddar that provides a smoky tang and an unmistakable, unnatural texture."