Pioneer take & bake - Best Pizza in Cripple Creek, Colorado

Nestled in the heart of historic Cripple Creek, Colorado, Pioneer Take & Bake is redefining the small-town pizza experience with a flavorful, hometown twist. While Cripple Creek is more known for its casinos, gold rush history, and mountain charm, locals and tourists alike are quickly discovering that the real jackpot lies in the warm, savory embrace of a Pioneer pizza. This modest, family-run pizzeria may not have flashy neon lights, but it has something far more valuable: flavor, quality, and heart.

At first glance, the name "Take & Bake" might imply a simple grab-and-go operation, but don’t be fooled—Pioneer offers both take-and-bake and fully cooked pizzas, depending on your preference. That flexibility alone is rare in small-town eateries and proves just how tuned in the owners are to their customers’ needs. Whether you’re grabbing a pizza to cook at home or enjoying a hot pie fresh out of the oven, Pioneer ensures every slice is as fresh and flavorful as it can be.

The crust at Pioneer is one of its most defining features. With a perfect balance of crunch and chew, the dough is clearly handmade and treated with care. It’s thick enough to support generous toppings without becoming soggy, yet light enough to keep you reaching for another slice. The sauce is robust and tangy with just the right touch of sweetness, and it’s spread generously—no skimping here. Together, the crust and sauce form the delicious canvas for a variety of creative and classic toppings.

Speaking of toppings, Pioneer Take & Bake doesn’t mess around. From high-quality pepperoni and Italian sausage to crisp green peppers and mushrooms bursting with freshness, the ingredients are a step above the norm. Their signature “Gold Rush Combo” is a standout, loaded with meats and veggies, living up to its name by striking flavor gold in every bite. For purists, their Margherita pizza with fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella is a perfect showcase of simplicity done right.

One thing that truly sets Pioneer apart is their thoughtful attention to detail. Every pizza is made to order, with the staff carefully layering each ingredient to ensure consistency and quality. Nothing feels rushed, and yet the turnaround time is efficient—a testament to how well-run this small business is. In a town that gets busy with tourists, especially during the summer, that kind of reliability is golden.

Locals know that Pioneer is more than just a place to grab dinner—it's a community fixture. The friendly staff remembers repeat customers by name, and it’s not unusual to strike up a conversation while waiting for your order. There’s a neighborly warmth to the entire operation that big chains simply can’t replicate. In fact, many Cripple Creek residents will proudly tell you that they’d choose Pioneer over any national brand, any day of the week.

While the pizzas are the star of the show, Pioneer also offers a few surprises on the menu. From cheesy breadsticks to dessert pizzas, the extras are just as carefully crafted. Their cinnamon dessert pizza, for instance, is a sweet, buttery indulgence that rounds out the meal perfectly. Whether you're dining in one of the limited seating spots or taking your meal back to your cabin or hotel, the flavors linger long after the last bite.

Affordability is another major win for Pioneer. With reasonable pricing and frequent specials, it’s easy to feed a family without breaking the bank. And unlike many tourist-centered towns where food prices skyrocket during peak season, Pioneer keeps things consistent. That dedication to fairness and value is a big part of why this pizzeria has such a loyal following.

In a town as rich in history and character as Cripple Creek, it’s fitting that a place like Pioneer Take & Bake continues the tradition of honest, hearty craftsmanship—just with mozzarella and pepperoni instead of pickaxes and gold pans. If you’re in the area and craving pizza, don’t settle for generic. Head over to Pioneer and discover why this little spot has earned its title as the best pizza in Cripple Creek.

427 W Carr Ave, Cripple Creek, CO 80813

(719) 686-6740

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