Looking for great coal fired pizza in Valparaiso? Then Lenny’s Coal Fired Pizza should be at the top of your list. Lenny’s is part of Costas Restaurant Group, a locally owned group of restaurants in Valpo. It sits at 3800 N Calumet Ave, and it bakes its signature pies in a real coal fired oven. The restaurant says it is the only coal fired pizza place in Northwest Indiana. In this guide, you will learn what makes coal fired pizza special, what is on the menu, and how to plan the perfect pizza night.
What Makes Coal Fired Pizza in Valparaiso So Special
Most pizza places use a gas oven or an electric oven. Lenny’s does something different. Its signature pies go into a coal fired oven. Coal burns very hot. That strong heat cooks a pizza fast. The result is a crust with a classic coal charred look and taste.
What does that mean for you? It means a crust with crispy, toasty spots on the edge. It means a bottom that has a nice crunch. It also means toppings that cook quickly and stay full of flavor. Many pizza fans say a little char is the best part. It adds a smoky, deep taste that you do not get from a normal oven.
Inspired by New Haven Pizza
Lenny’s takes its inspiration from the pizza places of New Haven, Connecticut. New Haven is famous across the country for its pizza. Many of its well known shops bake pies in very hot ovens that give the crust a dark, blistered edge. Lenny’s brings that same idea to Valparaiso. You do not need to fly to the East Coast to try this style. You can just drive to Calumet Avenue.
Want a Classic Bake Instead?
Not everyone loves char, and that is okay. Lenny’s offers a nice choice. You can ask for your pizza to be cooked in a deck oven from Tony’s Place instead. So if someone in your family likes a softer, more classic bake, they can still enjoy dinner with you. Build your own pizzas go in the coal fired oven too, unless you ask for the deck oven.
The Lenny’s Coal Fired Pizza Menu
Lenny’s is a pizza place first. But the menu has a lot more than pizza. Here is a simple look at what you can order.
Signature Pies
The signature pies are 14 inch pizzas made with set toppings that the kitchen has put together. Some of the names on the menu include:
- Lenny’s Pie, the house pizza that carries the restaurant’s name
- Margherita Pie, a simple classic for people who love clean flavors
- Hog Heaven, a pick for meat lovers
- Tried & True
- The Smokestack
- The Jerk
- Greeking Out!
- Chi Town’s Finest
Lenny’s also runs a Pizza of the Month. For example, one recent pick was the Elote Pie. It had a jalapeño mayo base, roasted corn, carnitas, mozzarella, cotija, avocado, sour cream and a buffalo drizzle. The monthly pie changes, so it gives regulars a reason to come back and try something new.
Build Your Own Pizza
Do you like to pick every topping yourself? Then build your own. You start with a red base or a white base. Then you add toppings. The menu groups toppings into veggie toppings, premium toppings and protein toppings. This is a great option for picky eaters and for kids.
Calzones
If you want something you can fold and hold, try a calzone. You can build your own, or pick one of the house calzones. Their fun names include After Midnight, The Burnout, Broccoli & Roll and Mama Mia!
Starters and Oven Baked Wings
A good pizza night often starts with something to share. Lenny’s starters include Pesto Burrata, Roasted Red Pepper Hummus, Goat in the Garden, Pickle Chips, Meatballs and Pane al Forno. The meatballs are listed as gluten free.
Wings are a big part of the menu too. Lenny’s serves oven baked wings in an order of eight. You pick one dry rub or sauce to go with them. Wings and pizza together make a classic game night meal.
Salads, Handhelds and Noodles
Not in a pizza mood? You still have plenty of choices.
- Salads: Caesar, House, The Glendale and Greek Village. Most come in full or side sizes, and you can add chicken.
- Handhelds: Lenny’s Smash Burger, Carolina Hoosier, Mom’s Italian Beef, Meatball Sub and a BBQ Pulled Pork Sando.
- Noodles: Coalhouse Mac, Smokehouse Fettuccini and Spaghetti & Meatballs.
This mix makes Lenny’s a smart pick for groups. One person can get pizza. Another can get pasta. Someone else can get a salad or a sandwich. Everyone leaves happy.
Desserts and Drinks
Save a little room at the end. The dessert menu lists Strawberry Shortcake, Lemon Torte and Tiramisu. For drinks, you will find Coke products, sparkling water, fresh brewed iced tea and lemonade. Lenny’s also has a separate drink menu on its website, so check there for the full list.
Menus and prices can change over time. Always look at the current menu on lennysvalpo.com before you go.
A Fun 1970s Look
Good food is only part of a great night out. The room matters too. Lenny’s was recently renovated with a 1970s theme. That gives the dining room a fun, retro feel. It is a relaxed place where you can laugh with friends, bring the kids, or enjoy an easy date night. You do not need to dress up. Just come hungry.
How to Plan the Perfect Pizza Night at Lenny’s
Here are a few simple tips to help you get the most out of your visit to the best spot for coal fired pizza in Valparaiso.
1. Check the Hours First
Lenny’s posts its hours on its website. At the time of writing, the restaurant opens at 3pm on weekdays and at 11am on Saturday and Sunday. It stays open later on Friday and Saturday nights. Hours can change, so check lennysvalpo.com before you head out.
2. Start With Something to Share
Order a starter or a plate of wings for the table. It gives everyone something to snack on while the pizza bakes.
3. Try One Signature Pie and One Build Your Own
Coming with a group? Order one signature pie to taste the kitchen’s own ideas. Then build a second pizza with your favorite toppings. This way you get the best of both.
4. Ask About the Pizza of the Month
The monthly special is a great way to try something new. It might become your next favorite.
5. Pick Your Bake
If you love crispy, charred edges, stay with the coal fired oven. If you want a softer crust, ask for the deck oven. It is your pizza night, so make it your way.
Takeout and Delivery Make Pizza Night Easy
Some nights you just want to stay home in your comfy clothes. Lenny’s makes that easy. You can order takeout online through Toast. You can also order delivery online. Both links are on the Lenny’s website. This is perfect for movie nights, game days and busy school nights when nobody wants to cook.
Here is a small tip for takeout. Coal fired pizza is best when it is fresh and hot. If you can, eat it soon after you pick it up. If you have leftovers, warm them in a hot oven or a skillet to bring back the crisp crust.
Why Locals Choose Lenny’s
There are many pizza places in Northwest Indiana. So why pick Lenny’s? Here are a few clear reasons:
- A real coal fired oven. The restaurant says it is the only coal fired pizza place in Northwest Indiana.
- New Haven inspiration. You get a style of pizza that is hard to find in this area.
- A choice of ovens. Coal fired or deck oven, the choice is yours.
- A big menu. Pizza, wings, pasta, calzones, salads, sandwiches and desserts.
- Locally owned. Lenny’s is part of Costas Restaurant Group, which runs several restaurants right here in Valparaiso.
When you eat at Lenny’s, you support a local business. Costas Restaurant Group also runs Le Peep Valparaiso, Burgerhaus, Brick Street Burrito, and Birdie’s & Nextdoor. These places are part of what makes dining in Valpo so fun.
Your Next Pizza Night Starts Here
Pizza night should feel easy and fun. At Lenny’s Coal Fired Pizza, you get hot, crispy, coal fired pies, plenty of choices for the whole group, and a cheerful 1970s room to enjoy them in. Stop by 3800 N Calumet Ave in Valparaiso, or call (219) 312 7882. You can also order takeout or delivery online at lennysvalpo.com. Grab your friends, bring your appetite, and let Lenny’s handle dinner tonight!
