Undercover Diner Visits Benny Scarpetta's

Located at 1019 Main Street, Benny Scarpetta’s has become a fixture since it opened in 2016. Housed in what was once The Famous suit shop, this slice spot is known for serving up some of the biggest pizza in town—and maybe the Commonwealth. If you’ve braved the steep streets of downtown Lynchburg, Benny’s invites you to reward yourself with an 18-inch slice of pizza and a cold drink.

After catching a performance of *Dracula* at Wolfbane's new theater on Jefferson Street on a recent Friday night, my boyfriend and I were looking for a casual, low-key spot to grab a bite and Benny’s fit the bill. The vibe here is funky, laid-back, and full of character. It is not a big space, but it is perfect for hanging out, having a drink, and enjoying a massive slice without any pretense.

Benny Scarpetta’s is part of a larger Benny’s chain, with 18 locations across Virginia, each with a unique last name to give it a local flair. While the parlor may be small, their pizzas are anything but—at 28 inches in diameter, these pies are legendary. They always serve the classics: pepperoni, cheese, and sausage, but they also rotate specials to keep things interesting.

I went for the cheese slice, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. For a pizza without any fancy toppings, it was incredibly flavorful. The cheese was rich and melty, with that perfect stretch you want in a slice this size. I drizzled a bit of their homemade ranch on it, which took it to the next level. The slice is so big, it comes served on two paper plates and by the end, I was absolutely stuffed.

My boyfriend went for the special of the night, the “Wild Bill.” This one came loaded with garlic chicken, celery seed and a drizzle of buffalo sauce. I am not the biggest fan of buffalo sauce, so I was hesitant to try it, but after a bite, I was surprised by how balanced and tasty it was. The chicken was tender, and the sauce was not overwhelming. It added just enough heat to keep things interesting.

For drinks, he grabbed an IPA, and I opted for something lighter—a Three Notch'd vodka drink called “Rocket Pop.” It had a nice, refreshing sweetness that paired well with the cheesy, savory pizza. It was the perfect way to wind down our evening.

Overall, Benny Scarpetta’s is a great spot if you are looking for a relaxed atmosphere, massive pizza slices and a place where you can just be yourself. Whether you are out on a casual date or just want to chill with friends, Benny’s is the kind of place where you won’t be judged. It has a youthful, carefree vibe that makes it stand out, not just for the food, but for the overall experience.

 I often forget about this place, I think just because of its location snug in the middle of Main Street, but it is a hidden gem. I liked that they stayed open late – 1 a.m. – and had a good-sized crowd inside, but it also was not packed either. We had no trouble getting a seat.