One of the special joys of traveling is discovering great locally owned eateries on the journey. Driving Route 66 across Arizona offers something for everyone.
It is about the full experience, and food plays a huge role in that journey. Each town along the route offers something different, from nostalgic diners that feel frozen in time to unexpectedly refined restaurants that rival bigger cities.
Located on Route 66 in downtown Williams, my partner and I decided on lunch at the Pizza Factory. We were greeted by the staff and got a table inside a casual vibe featuring auto racing decor, Baja, Rally, and NASCAR with various TVs showing sports.
Their menu offers pizza, calzones, and Italian pastas, as well as a small salad bar.
They are known for their hand-tossed pizzas made with dough made in-house and 100% real mozzarella cheese. I decided on the mini 8” pepperoni pizza (4 slices.) The pizza had a crispy bottom, ample toppings, and enough sauce, making it taste good. Nor did the toppings slide off. My partner got the veggie calzone. The food was all made fresh to order, and ingredients were on point!
But one needs to realize that this establishment is situated at the heart of a tourist area, so its quality and prices will have to meet that expectation.