This Decades-Old Georgia Pizzeria Has Been Serving Pizza Since 1968
Candlelight on every table and checkered tablecloths under your pizza box? That combo still exists, and it has been going strong for more than five decades.
The same family has owned this spot since April 1, 1975. Even better, one of the original buyers still greets guests at the door.
I can’t imagine a warmer welcome than that.
This Georgia pizzeria has moved three times, changed its name once, and kept its homemade ranch through all of it. I like how a place can relocate and still feel like the same old friend.
Then there’s the menu. Fried pepperoni, cheeseburger pizza, veal lasagna, and salads people order like main events.
A Family Story That Started Before Disco Took Over
Back in 1968, LaGrange got its very first Italian restaurant. Pizza Villa opened that year on Commerce Avenue under Bartlett Brother’s Inc.
That’s a long time to keep an oven warm. Many restaurants struggle to last five years, so five decades feels almost unreal.
The big turning point came on April 1, 1975. Barry and Donna Bartlett bought the business, and their three children came along for the ride.
No, it wasn’t an April Fools’ joke. The date became a family tradition of sorts, which we’ll get to soon.
Being the first Italian spot in town carries real weight. For many folks in this part of Georgia, Pizza Villa likely shaped what Italian food meant growing up.
Think about how many birthdays, first dates, and team dinners that covers. Generations of LaGrange families have shared tables here since the late sixties.
The restaurant now goes by The Villa, though plenty of people still use the original name. Its website even keeps Pizza Villa of LaGrange front and center.
Either name works. What matters is that the story is still being written, one pie at a time.
April 1 Keeps Showing Up And Nobody Is Joking
Some families pass down recipes. The Bartletts pass down a whole restaurant, and they like to do it on April 1.
Bo Bartlett, the oldest son of Barry and Donna, bought Pizza Villa on April 1, 2019. That landed exactly 44 years after his parents made their own purchase.
Talk about a meaningful anniversary. It’s the kind of detail that makes you smile at how families keep their history alive.
Before that handoff, the restaurant had already made one big move. In 1995, it left Commerce Avenue and relocated to Lafayette Parkway.
Moving a beloved restaurant is risky business. Loyal diners get attached to booths, parking spots, and even the way the door sounds.
Yet the family kept the heart of the place intact through each change. That steady hand is a big reason the name still means something in town.
Here’s my favorite part. Donna Bartlett, part of that 1975 purchase, still greets guests at the restaurant today.
How many restaurants can say a founding owner might say hello when you arrive? That’s living history with a side of garlic.
Candles Are Lit, So Let Your Eyes Adjust
Dinner by candlelight isn’t saved for fancy steakhouses here. Every table gets that soft, flickering glow, and it sets a mood right away.
Checkered tablecloths complete the classic look. It feels like the pizzeria from an old movie, minus the dramatic accordion music.
Fair warning, the room runs dark. If you plan to snap photos of your lasagna for social media, your phone flash might need to clock in early.
Honestly, that’s part of the charm. The low lighting makes even a Tuesday… well, a Wednesday dinner, since they’re closed Tuesdays, feel a little special.
The booths at the Vernon Road location have tall partitions on the backs. That gives each table a pocket of privacy for real conversation.
Date night practically plans itself. Couples celebrating anniversaries will find the setting cozy without being stuffy or formal.
The vibe stays unpretentious, which I love. Nobody expects you to dress up, and kids fit right in alongside couples.
So bring reading glasses if the menu print gives you trouble. Then relax and enjoy a room that clearly cares more about warmth than bright overhead bulbs.
Cheeseburger Pizza Sounds Wild Until You Try The Idea
Two of America’s favorite foods walk into a pizza oven. That’s basically the pitch behind the Cheese Burger pizza on the menu.
It’s one of several specialty pies worth a look. The lineup also includes the Villa Special, a classic supreme, plus Meat Lovers, Buffalo Chicken, and Veggie.
Steak fans get their own pick too. The Villa Cheese Steak pizza brings sandwich-shop flavor to a round crust.
Picky eaters can relax. You can build your own pizza with the toppings you want, so nobody at the table gets stuck with mushrooms against their will.
Calzones are also on the menu for folks who like their pizza folded and stuffed. They’re a fun option when you want something a bit different.
My tip? Order one specialty and one custom pie for the table.
That way everyone samples something new while still getting a safe favorite.
With this much variety, Pizza Villa makes group orders easy. Indecisive friends might still argue, but at least the choices are all tasty ones.
Lasagna Might Steal The Show From The Pizza
A pizzeria with a pasta problem? In the best way possible, yes.
Pizza Villa bakes homemade pastas that easily hold their own beside the pies. Lasagna sits at the top of the list, and there’s a Veal Lasagna for anyone wanting a twist.
Spaghetti comes with homemade meat sauce, meatballs, or mushrooms. It’s simple comfort food done the old-school way.
Craving something creamy? Fettuccine Alfredo can be ordered with chicken or shrimp, giving seafood fans a welcome option.
Chicken Parmesan and Veal Parmesan cover the breaded-and-cheesy crowd. Manicotti and Rotini round out the baked pasta section nicely.
Lasagna is one of the most talked-about dishes connected to this restaurant. That says a lot for a place with pizza right in its name.
Here’s a smart move for groups. Split a pizza and a pasta, then trade bites so you get the full experience.
Leftovers are also a real possibility with Italian food like this. Tomorrow’s lunch might thank you more than today’s waistline will.
Save Room For Salad, And Yes, That’s Serious Advice
Homemade ranch has a fan club in LaGrange. It’s one of the most mentioned items tied to this restaurant, which is impressive for a dressing.
Salads here aren’t an afterthought. You can choose from Tossed, Italian, Greek, Anti-Pasto, American Chef, and Grilled Chicken.
Then comes the fun decision. Dressings include Homemade Ranch, Homemade Thousand Island, and Homemade Italian Herb.
Prefer the classics? French, Honey Mustard, Blue Cheese, Creamy Italian, and Vinegar and Oil are also available.
Three homemade dressings in one restaurant shows real effort. Most places just pour from a big jug and call it a day.
The Chef salad is a smart pick if you want something hearty. Grilled Chicken works well for anyone looking for a lighter main course.
A fun idea is to ask for a side of ranch with your pizza crust. You might find yourself dipping everything in sight.
Don’t be surprised if the salad becomes your favorite part of the meal. At Pizza Villa, the greens clearly earned their spot on the table.
Fried Pepperoni Is The Snack You Didn’t Know You Needed
Pepperoni usually rides on top of a pizza. At Pizza Villa, it gets promoted to its own appetizer, fried and ready for snacking.
Fried pepperoni stands out on the starter list for good reason. It’s the kind of item you order once out of curiosity and keep ordering from then on.
Pair it with that famous homemade ranch. Salty, savory, and dippable is a winning combination every time.
The appetizer menu covers other crowd-pleasers too. Chicken Strips, Mozzarella Sticks, Meatballs, and French Fries are all ready to share.
Heat seekers should look at the Inferno Wings. The name suggests they aren’t shy about spice, so keep a drink nearby just in case.
Appetizers make a lot of sense for groups. They keep everyone happy while the pizzas bake, especially hungry kids who can’t wait another minute.
My advice is to grab two starters for a table of four. Fried pepperoni plus mozzarella sticks covers both the bold and the cheesy crowd.
Just remember to leave space. The main course is still on its way.
Birthday Crowd Or Takeout Run, Both Are Covered
Planning a party for twelve can feel like herding cats. A dedicated party room at Pizza Villa takes a lot of that stress away.
The space works for birthdays, family dinners, and other larger gatherings. It’s handy when you want your group together without squeezing tables around the main dining room.
Kids get bonus fun too. The restaurant has a game room, which can buy parents a few peaceful bites of lasagna.
There’s also a waiting area, a thoughtful touch for busy nights. Nobody enjoys standing awkwardly in a doorway.
Takeout fans have their own setup. A separate entrance and facilities keep pickup orders moving smoothly.
You can call in a takeout order by phone. Delivery is also available through DoorDash when staying home sounds better than putting on real shoes.
Free on-site parking makes arriving easy. Drivers of very long trucks should park thoughtfully, since lots fill up.
So the Villa works for date night, family night, and couch night. That kind of range is rare for one restaurant.
Plan Your Visit Around These Evening-Only Hours
Lunch plans won’t work here, so set your sights on dinner. The restaurant opens at 5 p.m. and serves until 9:30 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday.
Mondays and Tuesdays are closed. Mark that on your calendar so a craving doesn’t end in disappointment.
The current home sits at 1603 Vernon Rd Ste 1200, LaGrange, GA 30240. Pizza Villa moved there on June 1, 2022, the same time it took on the name The Villa.
New spot, same family recipes. It’s the fourth chapter in a story that started across town back in 1968.
A quick tip for first-timers is to look carefully as you pull in. Watching for the suite number can save you a lap around the block.
Arriving right at opening is a smart move on weekends. Popular local spots in Georgia tend to fill up quickly once dinnertime hits.
LaGrange makes a lovely day trip from Atlanta or Columbus. End the day with candlelight and a hot pizza, and you’ll understand why this place has lasted so long.
