When I was a child, two slices of "the legendary taste" of Grotto Pizza were all I ever wanted, but as I grew older, I grew apart from the ubiquitous chain that has three Rehoboth Beach locations within 700 feet of each other. The legend of Grotto's swirled pizza wore off for me, and over the years I've warmed up to a singular spot that was there all along, with a wryly smiling pizzaiolo chef logo staring right at me, coupled with a compelling greasy smell right under my nose — Louie's Pizza. Greek immigrant Lazaros "Louie" Gouvas first came to Rehoboth to work for his uncle at his George's Lunch and didn't know a thing about making pizzas.

It is a few doors down from Louie’s Pizza, the “home of the grinder,” and from the iconic Dolle’s, a nearly century-old salt water taffy, popcorn and fudge shop whose signature orange lettering towers over this corner of the boardwalk. This winter the Tekmens renovated their restaurant, replacing booths with tables and adding additional Turkish touches in preparation for the official start of beach season in May.

Louie’s Pizza has been serving up some of the best, budget-friendly slices at the beach for over 45 years. Their signature subs and cheesesteaks are a must-try, but it’s the classic, cheesy, golden-crusted pizza that keeps people coming back. Grab a slice and a soda, and you’ve got yourself an affordable, satisfying meal just steps from the sand.

Louie’s Pizza has been serving Rehoboth Beach locals and visitors for over 40 years. This family-owned pizzeria is just steps away from the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, on Rehoboth Avenue. Louie’s is dedicated to sending diners into what they call “pizzavana.” Pizzana is essentially pizza nirvana.

The reason to pay a visit to this old-school pizzeria is not for the whole pies—it’s for the slices, specifically the pepperoni. Under the blistering heat of the brick oven, the thin coins of spicy sausage curl into tiny bowls, crisp-edged and pooling with grease. Good grease, tasty grease.

Also family owned since 1974, it is more well-known perhaps for its excellent grinders than its pizza. No specialty pizzas are offered, but it’s a local favorite, especially in summer months because of its walkable location and decent pricing.

Those were the days when 17 year-old Dominick Pulieri himself was tossing pizzas at Grotto, and Tim and Tony Gouvas weren’t much taller than the counter at George’s Lunch (now the current Louie’s Pizza).

Located in Rehoboth Beach a few short steps from the boardwalk, Louie's Pizza is a family owned and operated eatery and established part of the beach community for over 40 years.

**11 Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach“For subs and pizza, everyone who lives there will tell you it’s one of their absolute favorite places.” — WTOP’s John Domen (Getty Images)

When Dominick Pulieri founded Grotto Pizza in 1960, he couldn’t give free slices away. People didn’t want pizza at the beach. Things have certainly changed.