Leaning Tower of Pizza

There are quite a few Ankeny pizza joints on the Zza Moines list. We’ve been putting it off because Ankeny is a bit of a trek for us on the west side. Today I decided it was time to get a slice of Ankeny and picked up takeout from Leaning Tower of Pizza. Their DMACC location remains closed but the Uptown Ankeny location is open for carry out and delivery.

Uptown Ankeny is like a sweet little gem. I would say “hidden”, but that doesn’t feel fair given my lack of familiarity with the area in general. It seemed like I turned off of a country road and onto a small stretch of a street with storefronts; it felt like the main drag of a small town. Shops and awnings lined the quiet street. LT Pizza was the only place with cars out front on this Sunday evening after the summer holiday. From the outside it looks like a dive bar nestled comfortably among the other shops and businesses. Inside is quaint and classic American Italian decor. Maybe 10 booths and a few more tables in the whole joint with a walk-up window to pay and pick up my food. (I don't know for sure, but it seems like even when dining-in was allowed, this window is where you place your order). I hope someday we can dine-in there. A steady flow of customers ahead of and behind me picking up takeout orders shows this place is clearly a favorite among the Ankenians.


We ordered, surprise, a specialty pizza called Chicken Bacon House or CBH. I also added on a “mini” (6-7 inches at max, pictured below with my hand for scale) pepperoni pizza so we could taste their red sauce.

The "mini" size pizza from Leaning Tower of Pizza. 

The crust is described as stone-cooked, it did not disappoint. It was buttery and crispy and in my opinion the perfect density. As I’ve said before I am crust agnostic, an equal opportunity cruster. That said, sometimes dough that is way too thick and bready puts me off as it can be too filling. I need room for multiple slices per serving, ya dig?

The CBH was yummy with ranch dressing rather than red, grilled chicken and onions and topped with a generous helping of bacon. Yum.

The red sauce on the pepperoni mini was fine. Nothing to write home about but nothing to complain about, a pretty classic red pizza sauce.


I hope to get back to this place again. The crust is so delicious! I’m eager to try again tomorrow for our favorite “next-day-taste-test”, which I have a feeling will pass with flying colors.


Chelsea rating: 5/5

Ryan rating: 4/5