Pizza enthusiasts in Columbus have a reason to clear their schedules tomorrow evening. Five local and regional pizzerias are teaming up for the Fifth by Northwest Pizza Crawl on May 14, offering a curated tour of slices designed to crown the neighborhood’s favorite pie.
The event, which runs from 6 p.m. To 8 p.m., features a high-value proposition for attendees: each participating establishment will sell slices for just $1. Sponsored by the area commission in the City of Columbus neighborhood located just north of Grandview Heights, the crawl combines a culinary competition with a walking tour of the district’s diverse dining scene.
Participants will navigate a route concentrated between West 3rd and West 5th avenues. The evening is structured as a democratic contest, with attendees voting for their preferred slice to determine the overall winner of the 2026 title.
To ensure a smooth experience, organizers have issued a specific logistical request: bring plenty of one-dollar bills. Because the event is fast-paced and lines are expected to be long, cash transactions will keep the queues moving. Attendees are encouraged to bring more than five singles to allow for multiple selections at various stops.
A Diverse Culinary Lineup
The 2026 roster represents a broad spectrum of pizza philosophy, ranging from heritage local spots to specialized regional chains. The variety ensures that voters can compare vastly different crust styles and topping profiles.
For those seeking tradition, Rotolo’s Pizza at 1749 W. 5th Ave. Stands as the veteran of the group. As the oldest local restaurant in the crawl, Rotolo’s is recognized for its “Columbus-style” pizza, a local staple that has secured various “best-of” accolades since the 1970s. While the menu remains largely traditional, the shop does offer a ham-and-pineapple variation for those seeking a sweeter profile.
Contrasting the local tradition is Jet’s Pizza at 1242 W. 5th Ave. The Michigan-based chain is best known for its Detroit-style pizza, characterized by a thick, square crust and caramelized cheese edges. However, Jet’s also provides New York-style thin crust and hand-tossed options for those who prefer a more conventional shape.
Experimental flavors are anchored by Halwani’s Pizza & Stromboli at 1453 Ida Ave. The establishment specializes in international fusion, incorporating ingredients and flavor profiles from Morocco, Mexico, India, China, and the Middle East into their pies.
Adding to the specialty offerings is Fibonacci’s Pizzeria, located within the Grandview Theater & Drafthouse at 1247 Grandview Ave. Their menu balances the airy, charred quality of Neapolitan pizza with heartier pan pizzas, including the “License to Dill,” which features a combination of bacon and pickles.
Rounding out the list is Dewey’s Pizza at 1327 W. 5th Ave. The Cincinnati-based chain is known for pushing culinary boundaries with rotating specials. For the 2026 event, Dewey’s introduced a Korean barbecue pie on May 12, which is expected to be a focal point for those looking for bold, savory flavors.
Event Logistics and Voting
The crawl is designed as a walking loop to encourage exploration of the Grandview Heights adjacent area. The official starting point is Barrel & Taps, located at 1380 W. 3rd Ave.
Upon arrival at Barrel & Taps, participants will receive a QR code. This digital ballot is the only way to cast a vote for the winning pizzeria. Once the two-hour window closes at 8 p.m., the votes will be tallied to name the neighborhood champion.
| Pizzeria | Address | Specialty/Style |
|---|---|---|
| Rotolo’s Pizza | 1749 W. 5th Ave. | Columbus-style / Traditional |
| Jet’s Pizza | 1242 W. 5th Ave. | Detroit-style / Square |
| Halwani’s Pizza | 1453 Ida Ave. | International Fusion |
| Fibonacci’s | 1247 Grandview Ave. | Neapolitan / Pan |
| Dewey’s Pizza | 1327 W. 5th Ave. | Regional / Specialty (Korean BBQ) |
Neighborhood Impact and Intent
Beyond the appeal of discounted food, the Fifth by Northwest Pizza Crawl serves as a strategic community-building exercise. By concentrating foot traffic between 3rd and 5th avenues, the area commission aims to highlight the density of dining options in the district and encourage residents to support local businesses.
The event’s structure—combining a competitive element with a walking route—is designed to increase “dwell time” in the neighborhood, benefiting not only the pizzerias but also the surrounding storefronts and bars. The $1 price point lowers the barrier to entry, allowing residents to sample five different businesses in a single evening for a minimal investment.
The crawl concludes tomorrow night with the announcement of the neighborhood’s favorite pizza. Residents and visitors can look for official results and future neighborhood events via the Fifth by Northwest area commission’s community updates.
Do you have a favorite local slice? Share your picks and your experience of the crawl in the comments below.
