There are restaurants you go to for the food.
And then there are restaurants you go to because they feel like home.

For my family, Walt’s Pizza in Marion, IL has always been that second home. It’s more than just a pizza place. It’s the backdrop of so many of our best family memories, a place where we’ve celebrated wins, regrouped after tough losses, and just hung out together doing absolutely nothing except eating good food.

If you grew up anywhere near Southern Illinois, there’s a good chance you know Walt’s. Walt’s Pizza has been serving up slices and memories since 1977, and for nearly five decades, it’s been the kind of place where families gather after games, friends meet for happy hour, and locals keep coming back for that one-of-a-kind double decker pizza. It’s not just a restaurant. It’s a tradition.

The Vibe: Chill, Classic, Comforting

The moment you walk in, you’re greeted with the cozy buzz of families chatting, forks clinking, and the perfect background music. If you like The Bridge on SiriusXM, you are in for a treat. Think 70s folk, yacht rock, southern rock. Just chill enough to feel like summer and nostalgic enough to take you back.

My son made a Spotify playlist called “Walt’s Pizza” so we could take the vibe with us. I’ll be linking that below. Funny story: when the restaurant reopened after the COVID shut down they were playing early 2000’s pop music and we were like: WHAT IS THIS NOISE? Thankfully after several months they switched back to the oldies we love.

The decor and layout is old school charm. Cool, vintage neon beer signs, photos and paraphernalia and memorabilia. The “wood” paneled walls, split level architecture and perfect lighting give it everything you want in a local establishment.

Our Order? We Don’t Even Need Menus

Let me give you our forever order because after all these years, it’s muscle memory:

Double Decker pizza (extra sauce)
- Pepperoni
- Sausage
- Light pepperonis
- Mushrooms
- Green peppers

Pro tip: don’t skip the extra sauce. Especially if you are getting take out or delivery. But trust me, Walt’s Pizza is 100% best when you dine in. Also, get yourself a side of ranch dressing to dip that crust in. 🤌🏻

If I’m not doing pizza (which let’s be real: pizza is a treat. So I treat like one!), I’ll go for the Bourbon Salmon, Chicken Sonoma (sauce on the side), or a salad. And yes—the ranch and Italian mixed together is the only way.
Also: bring back the boiled eggs on the salad bar. Can we start a petition?

And let’s talk about the taco nachos. They’re simple, sure… we’ve even joked that they’re “budget nachos” 😂 but they taste like childhood. I made versions of these a hundred times growing up, and every time we order them at Walt’s, I’m right back in my parents’ kitchen, piling shredded cheese on tortilla chips and calling it dinner. They might not be fancy, but the flavor is solid and the nostalgia is next-level.

The Drinks Hit, Too

Whether you’re there with girlfriends or just winding down on a Friday night with your husband, the drinks do not disappoint.

A few of my go-to's:

A frozen pomegranate margarita
Or a regular marg with a little Bud Light poured in. I know. Just try it.
A lemon drop martini or cosmo if I’m feeling fancy
A surprisingly solid wine list (half off on Wednesdays)

That Patio Life

If you haven’t been in the warmer months, grab a table on the covered patio. They often have live music on Wednesdays, so it’s the perfect place to unwind. (Don’t be scared by the occasional train that goes by… it’s part of the charm.😜)

Memories in Every Booth

I’d be lying if I said we go as often now. With our kids grown and family scattered, it’s not quite the same. But when we do go… like we did just last week with both our sons, it hits different.

We sat there reminiscing about the time we came after a big basketball win. Or when our daughter was nervously waiting for her cheer tryout results. (She made it.😅)
The countless dinners after baseball tournaments or rough golf rounds.
The game room days, when our boys were tiny, wild rugrats and their uncle and grandpa gave them unlimited quarters for arcade games. 🤪

Walt’s was part of it all.
It still is.

Final Slice

Marion has changed a lot over the years. With its spot right off I-57, it’s become a hub for chain restaurants. There’s no shortage of places to grab a quick bite. But places like Walt’s are different. They’re family-owned, full of character, and built on decades of tradition. They don’t just need our support. They deserve it. I’ll keep coming back, not just for the pizza, but for the memories, the music, and the reminder that some things are worth holding onto.

And if you're feeling the vibe, here’s the Spotify playlist my son made to capture the Walt’s experience in music form. Turn it on, pour yourself a drink (maybe even that marg and Bud Light combo), and remember that sometimes, the best meals aren’t about the food. They’re about the people you share it with.

Have a Walt’s memory? I’d love to hear it.
Come share your story in the comments over on my Instagram.

A Slice of Home: Why Walt’s Pizza Will Always Be Our Family’s Favorite Spot