Missing PizzAroma Pizza? This Western Kentucky Tavern Has the Closest Thing I’ve Found
When my friend Bill Brown posted over the weekend, “First time here in 61 years… Heard good things. Wish us luck!” and then shared the menu, the response was pretty overwhelming. Nearly everyone had the same advice! Order the pizza and the wings with Matt’s sauce.
So, what direction did Bill go? I just got off the phone with him and, of course, I had to ask him what he thought of the pizza. He said it is indeed the closest he's had to PizzAroma.
I also asked if he tried the famous Matt's Sauce wings. He didn't get them on this trip, but he did tell me that almost everyone in the restaurant seemed to be eating wings. That tells me something!
It got me thinking about an article I wrote a couple of years ago about a pizza that Owensboro folks still remember fondly.
Well, one of the most popular pizza restaurants may be long gone in Owensboro, but there's good news. If you're feeling nostalgic, you can still get a taste of PizzAroma pizza by taking a short drive to beautiful Knottsville. Millay's Tavern & Grill is a hidden gem that shouldn't be hidden! I'm still surprised at how many people in the area seem to be sleeping on Millay's. How can a place with this kind of food, history, and following still be a secret to so many people? Let's dig in!
THE HISTORY OF PIZZAROMA
In the '60s, Bob Leucht brought his passion for pizza to Owensboro, and it didn't take long for PizzaRoma to take off. Their unique blend of spices made their pizza sauce something special, and it quickly became a local favorite, eventually leading to a second location.
“I sure remember PizzaRoma. They had the best pizza in town. They were great. I used to get it all the time, especially when they moved to Wesleyan Park Plaza. I got it quite a bit.” - Dee Latanzio
After Bob decided to retire in 2017, he handed the reins over to his daughter, Sherry. It would remain an Owensboro tradition until August 16, 2019, when they closed for good, devastating pizza lovers all over town.
“It was the best pizza in the world.” - Jeff Love
Read More: The History of PizzARoma in Owensboro, Kentucky
THE HISTORY OF MILLAY'S TAVERN & GRILL
Like PizzAroma's storied history, Millay's is rich in nostalgia. The Tavern has been a Knottsville fixture since 1941, when it became a popular hangout to have a drink, listen to music, shoot some pool, hang out with friends, and grab a bite to eat. People have been driving from Daviess County, Ohio County, Hancock County, and beyond to visit for generations.
And that's part of what surprises me. With all the people who have been coming to Millay's for years, many folks around here haven't discovered this little gem!
“Had to stop by Millay's today to see if it would satisfy my Pizzaroma cravings. So good.” - April Kirtley Berry
TASTE OF PIZZAROMA PIZZA AT MILLAY'S
I did a pizza and wing poll a few years ago, and Millay's Tavern & Grill was in the top ten for both. I hadn't even heard of them then, but I knew I wanted to visit soon. They didn't disappoint, and I've been back whenever I get the chance!
It's a great place to meet with family and friends. And if you miss PizzAroma pizza, it's a great place to grab a slice. As soon as I took that first bite, I was hooked. The sauce tasted similar, and the crumbled sausage was spot on.
“The owners are amazing people themselves & the staff is great. Service is amazing!! It's a "hole in the wall" type place, always passed by or overlooked, but it's so worth going! If you live in Knottsville or anywhere near Owensboro, it's a definite must!!” - Rene Howard
Owners Kenny and Donna Lawson have a long history with the Leucht family who started PizzAroma, so there's a delicious connection. But after talking with Donna, she wouldn't give away any family secrets!
You don't have to take my word for it. Many pizza lovers agree the pizza tastes similar!
“If you want that PizzaARoma pizza, then you must go to Millay's Tavern in Knottsville. It is hands down the best pizza in the area and tastes just like PizzaARoma but better.” - Brian “Spanky” Evans
FAMOUS MATT'S SAUCE CHICKEN WINGS
While you're there, you'll need to try the second-best thing on the menu, in my opinion. Order the meaty chicken wings with Matt's Sauce. It's a custom sauce recipe made on-site, and my friends and I wish they'd bottle it up and sell it. Matt is a sauce genius!
“I don’t know who Matt is, but his sauce is the best wing sauce I’ve EVER eaten!! They are the friendliest people too! Great place to eat!” - April Mills Huff
Are your taste buds tingling yet? Mine too!
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Gallery Credit: Dave Spencer