Pizza. It’s the subject of great debate for those who love it. Chicago, New York, whole wheat crust... we’re not about to jump in with an opinion on what’s better. What we can do is tell you some of the other great things about five local pizza parlors and let you decide from there. As for best tasting? While we have our opinion (hint: they’re on this list), we’ll let you decide for yourself. After all, we’ve learned the hard way: never get between a pizza lover and their preferences.

Before You Dine… Before you hang your hopes on that cheesy, saucy creation, here are a couple of things to keep in mind when ordering:

1. Real cheese matters. Unfortunately, not every pizza purveyor prides themselves on the quality of their ingredients. To most of us, it matters. Ask before you order.

2. If you’re looking for delivery on the beach, know that you may wait a while, even in the slower months. One main road covers most of the sand bar we live on, and that means delivery isn’t always “30 minutes or less.”

If you want to eat...

*Pizza and have a glass of red wine: TJ’s Italian Cafe

Locals and tourists alike have different reasons for coming here, but if you want to sip on a glass of wine over your pie, this is the place to go. At times they have guitar music, and in addition to pizza they serve other Italian dishes. They also have a full liquor bar (the only such pizza place on this list), but they do not have their own web site. You’ll find them at 1515 Gulf Boulevard on Indian Rocks Beach. Call them at 596-1515 for more information.

*Your basic pizza: Original Pizza

Choose from the Madeira Beach or Treasure Island carry-out or delivery only locations. This is the most straightforward pizza on the beach. It’s also, in our experience, consistent, inexpensive, and busy. Expect to wait up to two hours for delivery during season. They don’t have an active web site, and clearly it isn’t hurting their business. North of John’s Pass, dial 395-9090 for their location at 15103 Madeira Way. South of John’s Pass, call 367-5744 and find them at 10661 Gulf Boulevard.

*Just a slice: Pajano’s

If you need a fix and you want a slice or a pie, Pajano’s can hook you up. There’s nothing fancy about the pizza, but you can get a slice and a soda without any trouble at all. They also have a sturdy selection of other pizzeria-type staples: steak and cheese, salads, and a cornucopia of subs.

*In an Italian restaurant that also serves pizza: DeLosa’s Pizza

This Madeira Beach restaurant has pizza as well as veal Parmesan. You’ll find them inside John’s Pass. You can get a slice to go and wander the shops or sit down and enjoy a salad and a slice.

*Other stuff on and alongside your pizza: Post Corner Pizza

This long-standing Clearwater Beach Greek restaurant offers Greek dishes alongside traditional pizza fare. It’s also the only place we know of on the beaches where you can get eggplant as a topping. Remember, if it has veggies on it, it’s not just pizza – it’s healthy pizza.