By Baylee Pulliam

“Papa” John Schnatter may have founded his empire in this area, but for some Louisvillians there is only one name in pizza: Bearno’s Little Sicily.

As a Louisville native, I have a strange, innate attachment to Bearno’s pizza. I get one whiff of that buttery, flaky crust and bubbling cheese and I’m sunk. I’m a goner. I know right then and there that if I order a pie, I will undoubtedly eat the whole thing, slice by gooey slice.

Bearno’s by the Bridge is a Louisville institution and has been since 1977. Located on Main Street in the shadow of the Clark Memorial Bridge, the restaurant is within walking distance of the new KFC Yum! Center.

Enhanced by the below-street-level entry, the restaurant has an intimate, rustic feel. The main dining area is a bar, dimly lit and wood paneled. With mainly booth seating, it’s a great place to hang out with friends and knock back a few drinks before a University of Louisville basketball game.

While the restaurant stocks the traditional bottled beers, they also dabble in microbrewing. The drinks list is pretty extensive, even offering several varieties of wine. Thankfully, Bearno’s by the Bridge provides a wide selection of hearty dishes seemingly tailor-made to soak up all that alcohol.

Patrons can choose from a selection of salads and appetizers, or try the always-tasty garlic and cheese breadsticks. For the main course, the menu offers an option to suit almost any taste, from submarine sandwiches to build-your-own pasta. However, the real star is the pizza.

Bearno’s offers a wide variety of pizzas, with options ranging from barbecue chicken to the super-sized Super Bearno’s Special. Loaded down with meat, olives, onions and mushrooms, this bad boy is 17 inches of cheesy goodness. The Super Bearno’s Special will set you back a whopping $37. 99, but other pizzas are less expensive, ranging from $8.75 to $24.95.

For dessert, Bearno’s by the Bridge offers up a little taste of Kentucky culture. Delve into a hot, steaming piece of Kentucky silk pie and you’ll feel like a true bluegrass aficionado. The crust, a delicious crumbled graham cracker construct, holds in the rich chocolate silk mousse.

Or maybe you’d prefer the bourbon-filled Derby Pie. One bite and your taste buds – and your sobriety – will be off to the races. Either way, you’re in for a treat.

Next time you’re on Main Street, check out Bearno’s by the Bridge, a Louisville landmark and local favorite. It may be a little dive, but they’re serving up a big slice of pizza.