Pizza in the Park is a Picnic that's Perfect
Pizza is the perfect takeout/carryout food so why not pick up your pizza pie and proceed to a nearby park for a picnic. The Quad Cities is well-known for its delicious local pizza, and our local parks have beautiful gardens, green space, playgrounds, and tall, shady trees to enjoy. Bring a blanket or tablecloth to be fancy. Here are our favorite pizza + park combinations.
Pizza + Park = Picnic
Pro tip: Remember to ask the restaurant for plates, silverware, and napkins or be sure to bring your own.
What pizza/park combo fits your personality?
We’ll start with a Quad Cities classic at Frank’s Pizzeria in Silvis. They are known as one of the originators of Quad Cities-style pizza. Pick up a pizza and then drive the 5 minutes to Empire Park. After devouring the slices, leave plenty of time to play on the park’s giant wooden jungle gym. It’s suitable for kids of all ages.
Clint’s Draft House in Moline is a perfect place to carry out your local pizza and then head 7 minutes to scenic Prospect Park. Located up on the hill, you can enjoy the beautiful, historic Pavilion and lagoon. Take a walk after your pizza on the trails, play on the playground, or bring your disc golf backpack to play a round on the park’s permanent course.
Harris Pizza is another one of the originals of Quad Cities-style pizza. For over 50 years they’ve been hand-tossing the dough and cutting it into the scissor strips. You’ll only have to wait the 6 minute drive to Schwiebert Riverfront Park in downtown Rock Island. Enjoy this classic while watching the Mississippi River go by. There’s a fun playground and splash fountain or ride your bike on the Great River Trail.
Uncle Bill’s Pizza is the eatery to carry out from if you want to go to Vander Veer Park in Davenport. With plenty of grassy space, it’s a beautiful spot for a picnic. Sit by the fountain and watch the changing lights at night or stroll the Grand Allee walkway. Stop in at the 100-year-old Conservatory if you’re there during the day for a peaceful moment among the flowers.
Gunchie’s owner, Eric, grew up on QC-style pizza and worked his way up through the local pizza biz. You’re only 4 minutes away from Sunderbruch Park in Davenport. You can plan to walk the nature trails in this large park, play on the new Ninja Warrior Park equipment, or bring your mountain bike to tackle the seven-mile trail system comprised of 99% singletrack trails with features like bridges and curved wooden berms.
Lopiez Pizza in Davenport is the newest pizza place in the QC. This popular pizza business has New York-Style pizza with specialty margaritas and a rock 'n' roll attitude. They are always experimenting with new toppings and the agave crust gives it an unmatched sweet taste that is addicting. Bring your large slice or whole pie down to Centennial Park and snag one of the gazebos overlooking the Mississippi River.
Taco pizza was invented by the founder of Happy Joe’s Pizza in the Quad Cities. Try the taco, Canadian bacon and sauerkraut, or go wild with the Canadian bacon and pineapple. Then bring your original topping pizza the 2 minutes it takes to get to Middle Park in Bettendorf. This large park has plenty of shady spots, fun playground equipment, disc golf course, and lagoon.
The last park is technically known as McManus Park but locals know it as Rocket Park. It has all of the playground equipment kids could ever need, including handicap accessible playground equipment. Quad City Pizza Company is a quick 5-minute drive from this busy play place. They’re one of the newer kids on the block serving up QC-style pizza.