Imo's Pizza is the most quintessentially St. Louis food experience available in Missouri, representing a pizza tradition that is entirely local and genuinely unlike what visitors encounter anywhere else in the United States. Founded in 1964 by Ed and Margie Imo, the chain has grown to dozens of locations across the St. Louis metropolitan area while maintaining the same recipe for the city's defining pizza style. Two elements separate St. Louis pizza from every other American regional tradition: the ultra-thin, cracker-like crust that snaps rather than bends, and Provel cheese — a processed blend of provolone, Swiss, and white cheddar developed specifically for St. Louis pizza that melts into a creamy, gooey layer with a lower melting point than mozzarella.
St. Louis pizza is always cut in squares (known locally as party cut) rather than the triangular slices common elsewhere, a format that accommodates the thin, crackerlike base and allows for more pieces from a single pie. The Original Sauce is a seasoned tomato base applied in a thin layer beneath the Provel, and the most popular topping combinations include sausage, pepperoni, and the house Deluxe pizza with multiple toppings. The flavor profile — mild, creamy, crisp — is distinctly different from New York, Chicago, or Neapolitan pizza and provokes strong opinions from visitors accustomed to other styles.
The Morganford Road location listed here is one of the most accessible in the city, though the chain's footprint means most St. Louis neighborhoods have a nearby outpost. The restaurants operate primarily as takeout and delivery operations, with limited dine-in seating. Ordering for pickup via the website or app is the most efficient approach. For visitors to Missouri, trying Imo's Pizza is as obligatory as trying Arthur Bryant's BBQ in Kansas City — it is the local food culture distilled into a single, polarizing, entirely regional dish.
Signature dishes
- St. Louis–style thin-crust pizza with Provel cheese
- Original sauce pizza
- The Deluxe pizza
- Party-cut squares
Good to know
- Known for
- The definitive St. Louis pizza experience. Provel cheese (a processed blend of provolone, Swiss, and white cheddar) and ultra-thin cracker crust are distinctive to this city. Party-cut (square slices) is the standard.
- Hours
- Sun–Thu 11am–11pm, Fri–Sat 11am–midnight
- Reservations
- Not accepted (order pickup or delivery at imospizza.com or 314-968-4667)
Location
3172 Morganford Rd, St. Louis, MO 63116
38.5993, -90.2603 View on map
Highlights
- Provel cheese — the signature St. Louis pizza topping, a processed blend unlike any other pizza cheese
- Ultra-thin cracker crust that snaps cleanly — the defining texture of St. Louis-style pizza
- Party cut (square slices) — the standard format for every St. Louis pizza order
- Founded in 1964; 50+ locations across St. Louis making it the city's defining pizza institution
- The Deluxe pizza — the standard loaded combination for first-time visitors
Tips for visiting
- Order for pickup via imospizza.com or the app to avoid wait times, especially on weekend evenings
- The party cut (square slices) is non-negotiable — Imo's does not offer triangular cuts
- First-time visitors should order the Deluxe or a simple cheese pizza to experience the Provel and crust without distraction
- Dine-in seating is limited at most locations; Imo's is primarily a takeout and delivery operation
- The pizza is best eaten fresh and hot, as the cracker crust softens when cooled or reheated
When to visit
Weekday lunch or early weekday dinner avoids the peak Friday and Saturday evening rush. Ordering pickup online significantly reduces wait times at any time of day.
Accessibility
Imo's Pizza locations vary in accessibility. The Morganford Road location has street-level entry and limited dine-in seating. Most locations are primarily takeout and delivery operations. Visitors with specific accessibility needs should confirm details with the chosen location by phone.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Provel cheese and why is it used on St. Louis pizza?
Provel is a processed cheese blend of provolone, Swiss, and white cheddar developed in St. Louis in the 1940s. It has a lower melting point than mozzarella, creating the creamy, gooey layer that defines St. Louis pizza. It is rarely available outside the St. Louis metropolitan area.
Is Imo's pizza available outside St. Louis?
Imo's Pizza operates primarily within the St. Louis metropolitan area and a few surrounding Missouri locations. The pizza is not available as a national chain, making it a St. Louis-exclusive dining experience.
Why is St. Louis pizza cut in squares?
The party cut (square slices) is a tradition specific to St. Louis pizza. The ultra-thin cracker crust makes triangular cuts impractical, and the square format produces more pieces, which suits the communal eating style common in St. Louis.
Do I need to visit a specific Imo's location?
Any Imo's location serves the same menu and recipe. The Morganford Road location offers dine-in seating; many other locations operate primarily as takeout and delivery. The nearest open location can be found at imospizza.com.
Is Imo's pizza considered authentic by St. Louis locals?
Yes — Imo's is deeply embedded in local identity and is considered the definitive St. Louis pizza by the majority of residents. It is a source of fierce local pride, though its unique qualities can surprise visitors accustomed to other pizza traditions.