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Happy Hour + Chef’s Choice Pizza = Columbus’ Most Delicious Winter Coping Mechanism

Eat & Drink

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Written by Step Out Columbus
Published on February 10, 2026

This article is a paid promotion sponsored by an SOC advertiser and designed to share valuable info with our readers.

GoreMade Pizza / Photo x Hannah Shoemaker for Step Out Columbus

It’s February in Columbus. It’s cold, it’s dark early, and your brain wants carbs. If you can’t decide on what to eat, head to GoreMade Pizza and outsource the problem to the people with a 900-degree oven named Ferdinand. 

GoreMade Pizza / Photo x Hannah Shoemaker for Step Out Columbus

Chef’s Choice: The Best Decision You Won’t Make

It’s simple, just ask for the “Chef’s Choice.” You tell the team what you like, and they’ll build you an imaginative one-off pie using fresh, local, seasonal ingredients. Each time it’s different, and each time you’ll be left in awe of their pizza prowess. 

But it’s the quality of ingredients that really separates GoreMade from your run-of-the-mill pizza spot. From the meats (Hungarian Butcher), to the veggies (farmer’s markets & co-ops), to the cheese (Blue Jacket Dairy), it’s all sourced from nearby providers, and you can really taste the difference. It’s pizza done right, where quality comes first, bringing their imaginative flavor combos to a level of deliciousness all their own.  

GoreMade Pizza / Photo courtesy of GoreMade Pizza

The Signature Pies & Monthly Specials 

If you want house favorites, GoreMade has you covered. Porkistopheles is the “I came hungry” pick, stacked with pepperoni, sausage, and bacon. The Clintonvillain is the earthy mushroom lover’s pie, built with roasted mushrooms sourced from Clintonville growers, and topped with smoked salt and truffle oil. Then there’s the Annie Social, which is an olive oil base with bacon (from Blues Creek Farm Meats), feta and red onion.

And because GoreMade’s whole thing is seasonal and local, they do a “pizza of the month.” Right now, February’s Sweet Heat special is bringing spicy oven roasted pineapple made with their amazing house made XXX spice blend (dehydrated thai chilis, habanero, scotch bonnet, carolina reaper and ghost peppers)to the table… literally. 

Oh, and don’t sleep on the Cheesy Garlic Bread “Pizza Boat” either. It’s dough stretched into a little boat, loaded with mozzarella, parmesan, and garlic, then wood-fired and served with red sauce for dipping. It’s shareable. It’s hearty. It’s also the fastest way to understand why GoreMade is an Italian Village staple. 

GoreMade Pizza / Photo x Hannah Shoemaker for Step Out Columbus

The Vibes Are On Point

GoreMade feels different the second you walk in, because you are basically in the kitchen (by design, not because you got lost). The space is small, open, and rustic, a cozy neighborhood hangout where the pizza magic happens right in front of you.

You can watch the whole process, from the dough stretch to the blistering of perfect wood-fired crust. That’s fun on a date. It’s also great when you’re solo too, because there’s conversation to be had on all sides of the counter. Owner and pizza aficionado, Nick G., has truly created a welcoming, community-driven hangout in every sense of the word. In fact, much of the decor you see was crafted by Nick himself, using (you guessed it) locally sourced materials from friends and family.   

If you want some fresh air, and the weather’s nice enough, you can also take advantage of their shockingly big patio out back. While you may miss out on some of the action inside, there’s really nothing better on a warm summer night than sitting outside during golden hour, sharing a mouthwatering pizza with the people you love, while you sip on some of the coldest, finest beer Columbus has to offer. (Yes, they source their drinks locally too, including small batch sodas and high-end spirits. And yes, they have winter Happy Hour from 4pm – 6pm, Tuesday to Friday.)    

GoreMade Pizza / Photo x Hannah Shoemaker for Step Out Columbus

Get Your GoreMade On

GoreMade’s whole motto is “Seasonal, Local, and Made with Love,” and they actually mean it. 

Whether you decide to play it classic with a tried-and-true pie, or you hand over the keys and let the kitchen take you on a little flavor joyride, you’re eating at a place that’s for the neighborhood, by the neighborhood, and good for the neighborhood. You’re surrounded by people who actually care about what’s on the table and who’s sharing it with them.

So hit up the happy hour, order a pie, and let “Chef’s Choice” surprise you at least once. You’ll be back, trust us. 

You can find updates, Pizza of the Month, and special event details on their website and socials!

One last cherry on top: Dave Portnoy stopped by back in 2018 and gave GoreMade a 7.4. Take that information and do with it what you will. Personally, we think he left some points off the table. 

Full Service

GoreMade Pizza

936 North 4th Street Columbus, OH 43201 • $$$$$

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High Heat Neopolitan Wood Fired Pizza, craft beer and cocktails. Locally Sourced and made with love. Established in 2013. GoreMade Pizza started out as ...

  • Farm to Table
  • Take-out
  • No Reservations
  • Accepts Credit Cards
  • Offers Catering
  • Good for Groups
  • Family Friendly
  • Street Parking
  • Wait Service
  • Bar Area
  • Handicap Access

This article is a paid promotion sponsored by an SOC advertiser and designed to share valuable info with our readers.

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