Pizza might not be the obvious lunch choice on a hot, cloudless, 90-degree day, but when the mission is to find the best cheap slices in Bend, comfort and temperature take a backseat to melted cheese and crisp crust. The plan was to find at least one affordable lunch slice on every side of town so that no matter where you live or work, you’d have easy access to a quick, satisfying bite. As it turns out, that was more wishful thinking than reality.
Food cart lots on the north side, east side, and in Midtown mostly offered full-size pies only. It seems the art of the humble pizza slice has not reached every corner of town. Still, some solid options are out there if you know where to look—and I did the legwork so you don’t have to.
Midtown Gem: Bruno’s 6th Street Market
Let’s start with Midtown, where Bruno’s 6th Street Market offers one of the best-kept secrets in affordable pizza. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., this neighborhood spot serves up sandwiches, salads, calzones and, thankfully, slices. The day I visited, I arrived around noon and found hot slices of combo or pepperoni waiting in the case. I went classic with the pepperoni.
For $5, I got a slice that was practically the size of my head, perfectly executed with just enough grease to feel indulgent, melty cheese and a balanced tomato sauce. The crust had just the right bite, not too thick, not too thin, and the flavor delivered everything you want in a straightforward, no-frills slice. While I was there, several people ducked in from nearby worksites to grab lunch. Clearly, word is out among those who know.
Bonus tip: you can save $3 on a full 14- or 18-inch pizza by opting for take-and-bake.
Greenwood Stretch: Olde Towne Pizza and Bowen’s
Just a short hop from Bruno’s is Olde Towne Pizza on NW Greenwood, which offers a more well-rounded lunch experience. Their weekday lunch special runs Wednesday through Saturday and includes a slice of cheese pizza, a small salad, a breadstick and a soda for $13.15. Not exactly rock-bottom pricing, but for what you get, it’s fair value.
You can add toppings to your cheese slice for a little extra, making it a flexible and filling option. If you’re feeling extra hungry or craving a little green with your carbs, this one’s worth the few extra bucks.
Down the street and behind Silver Moon Brewing, you’ll find Bowen’s Pizza truck parked in the food court. They open daily at noon except Sundays and serve generous slices priced between $5 and $5.50. If you like your pizza thin and crispy, this is your spot. Their cheese slice includes mozzarella and pecorino Romano with tomato sauce and a generous dusting of parmesan, herbs and spices. You can also choose from pepperoni, sausage or a white veggie slice with mushrooms, onions and white sauce.
Bowen’s feels like a real find for folks who like a crunchier crust and thoughtful toppings. Plus, grabbing a slice and a cold beer from the brewery next door is never a bad idea.
A Downtown Classic: Pizza Mondo
No pizza slice roundup in Bend would be complete without a mention of Pizza Mondo. Located downtown and long considered a local staple, Mondo continues to deliver some of the cheapest and best slices around.
A cheese slice here will cost you just $4. The two veggie option slices are $5, and you can get pepperoni or meat combos for $5.50. But the best deal might be the daily lunch special, which includes a slice, salad and soda for $9. The atmosphere is casual, the pizza is consistently solid, and service is fast, which makes it an ideal option for anyone working downtown or popping in after a morning of errands.
The Verdict
While my dream of a cheap slice on every side of town didn’t quite pan out, there are still a handful of great spots offering pizza by the slice that won’t wreck your budget. From Bruno’s no-nonsense pepperoni perfection to Bowen’s crispy, creative pies and the comforting classicism of Pizza Mondo, these lunch spots prove you don’t need to spend big to eat well.
Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite between meetings, looking for something satisfying without committing to a whole pie or just craving that one perfect slice, Bend still has a few dependable pizza joints that get it right.
So the next time the sun’s blazing and the lunch hour sneaks up on you, don’t rule out pizza. Just bring napkins, maybe a shaded table and an appetite for cheap, cheesy joy.
This article appears in Source Weekly June 19, 2025.
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