Quitter’s Day Meets the NFL Playoffs: Northern Kentucky’s Best Pizza Spots for Game Day
Where Northern Kentucky turns for playoff pizza when resolutions run out
The second Friday of January has earned a nickname you may not know: “Quitter’s Day.” According to fitness-tracking platform Strava, it’s the point when most New Year’s resolutions begin to fall apart, roughly two weeks after January 1.
And every year, Quitter’s Day lands squarely in the middle of NFL playoff season.
When football is on, Americans aren’t reaching for kale salads. They’re reaching for pizza.
The numbers back it up. According to industry data from the American Pizza Community, more than 12.5 million pizzas are ordered on Super Bowl Sunday alone, with sales increasing 35–40% compared to a typical Sunday. Domino’s has reported sales spikes as high as 80%, with peak ordering occurring roughly one hour before kickoff. Translation: when playoff football arrives, diets quietly step aside.
So if your resolution already fizzled (no judgment — most do), here are some of Northern Kentucky’s best locally owned pizza spots to power your playoff watch party.
Owner Jay Noce brought authentic New York–style pizza to Northern Kentucky in 2008, and locals who’ve lived in NYC will tell you this place checks the boxes. Thin, foldable slices come from fresh dough cooked on heated stone, delivering that ideal balance of cheese, sauce, and grease. Beyond the pies, Noce’s offers homemade pasta, garlic knots, and hefty calzones. With limited seating and a focus on takeout and delivery, Noce’s keeps things simple — no shortcuts, just classic pizza done right.
Goodfellas Pizzeria (Covington)
When you need pizza that feeds a crowd without tasting corporate, Goodfellas comes through. With multiple Northern Kentucky locations, it’s an easy game-day option no matter where you’re watching. The menu extends beyond pizza to wings, subs, and pasta, making it ideal for mixed groups. Bonus points for featuring Wiseguy Lounge (part of the B-Line), where you can catch the game upstairs with a drink while the pizza fires below.
Strong’s Brick Oven Pizzeria (Union)
Strong’s blends traditional brick-oven techniques with a neighborhood feel. Expect pies with a light char, crisp crust, and bold flavors. Add in a solid craft beer selection and a relaxed atmosphere, and it’s easy to see why Strong’s works whether you’re grabbing takeout or settling in for the full game.
Where wine meets wood-fired pizza. Cork-n-Crust elevates pizza night with creative specialty pies and a thoughtfully curated wine list, but it doesn’t lose sight of accessibility. This is still a go-to spot for game day, whether you’re dining in or taking a stack of boxes home for kickoff.
Camporosso delivers Neapolitan-style pizza with fresh ingredients, house-made mozzarella, and that signature chewy-charred crust. It’s a more refined take on pizza night, without sacrificing comfort or satisfaction — ideal when you want quality food that still pairs perfectly with playoff football.
Bourbon House Pizza & Ale (Newport & Florence)
Few combinations improve football like bourbon and pizza, and Bourbon House leans fully into both. With creative pies, wings, shareable appetizers, and an impressive bourbon lineup, it’s built for game day. Whether you’re at the Newport or Florence location, you’ll find a lively atmosphere that makes watching the playoffs even better.
The Verdict
New Year’s resolutions are hard. Football Sundays are easy.
And when it comes to playoff pizza, Northern Kentucky’s independent pizzerias prove that local always beats corporate chains. Grab a pie, settle in for kickoff, and enjoy the games guilt-free. Quitter’s Day already came and went — you might as well enjoy it.
Curated, Not Corporate. That’s the wellfd way.
— That's the wellfd way. —
Written by Chase Francis — part of the wellfd editorial team.
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