Finding a decent slice of pizza in small-town North Carolina isn't always the easiest mission. You usually end up at a chain or a place that thinks "New York style" just means thin crust that tastes like cardboard. But Frankie's Pizza Granite Falls NC is one of those rare spots that actually gets it. Located at 265 River Bend Drive, right in the Walmart plaza, it’s basically a local institution at this point. People around here don't just go there for the food; they go because it feels like a real neighborhood joint.
Honestly, the first thing you notice when you walk in is the smell—that specific, heavy aroma of yeast and garlic that lets you know they’re actually making dough on-site. It's not a fancy place. It's clean, simple, and the service is usually pretty fast, which is a win if you're grabbing a quick lunch before heading back to work.
The 24-Inch Monster: Why Size Actually Matters at Frankie's
Most people walk in and order a medium. Big mistake.
If you're at Frankie's Pizza Granite Falls NC, you need to look at the 24-inch pie. It’s huge. Like, "barely fits through the door" huge. It's $30.85 for a plain cheese, and while that might sound a bit pricey for pizza, you have to realize this thing can feed an entire family and still leave you with breakfast for two days. The "flop factor" is real here, too. Because the slices are so big, you have to do the New York fold just to keep the toppings from sliding off.
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The "Frankie’s Special" is the one everyone talks about. It’s loaded with Canadian bacon, pepperoni, sausage, black olives, and mushrooms. They don't skimp. If you’re a meat lover, they have a dedicated "Meats" pizza that includes beef and bacon, but the Special is the most balanced choice.
What's on the Menu?
- The 24-inch Giant: The flagship pizza that defines the restaurant.
- NY Style Slices: You can grab a single slice for under $5, and it’s basically the size of a small pizza elsewhere.
- Strombolis & Calzones: These are massive. A lot of regulars swear the Stromboli (stuffed with pepperoni, sausage, and mushrooms) is actually better than the pizza.
- Hot Subs: The Philly Cheese Steak and the Meatball Parm are the heavy hitters in the sandwich department.
Beyond the Crust: The Hidden Gems
A lot of people ignore the pasta, but the Baked Lasagna and the Chicken Cutlet Parmigiana are actually solid. They come with garlic bread and a side salad, which makes it a full meal for around $10 to $15. It's the kind of "red sauce" Italian food that hits the spot when you're tired of burgers.
One thing that surprises newcomers is the salad. Normally, a "side salad" at a pizza place is a sad pile of wilted iceberg. Here, the Garden Salad and the Greek Salad (with Kalamata olives and feta) are actually fresh. They cut the vegetables daily. It’s a small detail, but it makes a difference.
The Lunch Specials Are the Real Hero
If you’re local to Granite Falls, you probably already know about the weekday specials. From 11 AM to 2 PM, you can get an 8-inch sub with an appetizer and a drink for $14.45. If you're on a budget, the Slice Special is even better—a cheese or pepperoni slice, a side salad, and a drink for $8.85.
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It’s hard to beat that value in 2026. Everything is getting more expensive, but Frankie's manages to keep things relatively affordable for the portions they give you.
Hours and Location
You can find them at:
265 River Bend Dr, Granite Falls, NC 28630
Phone: (828) 313-3173
Standard Hours:
- Monday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 8:30 PM
What Most People Get Wrong
There’s a misconception that Frankie's is just a "takeout spot." While they do a massive delivery and carry-out business, the dining room is actually quite nice. It’s an open-air kitchen style, so you can watch them hand-tossing the dough and shredding the cheese.
They don't use the pre-bagged, anti-caking cheese that a lot of places use. They shred blocks of mozzarella in-house. That’s why the cheese has that specific stretch and doesn't just turn into a greasy sheet.
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Also, don't sleep on the garlic knots. You can get six for under $4. They’re buttery, salty, and perfect for soaking up the extra marinara sauce that comes with the Stromboli.
Actionable Takeaways for Your Next Visit
If you're planning to check out Frankie's Pizza Granite Falls NC for the first time, keep these tips in mind to get the best experience:
- Call Ahead on Friday Nights: It gets busy. Like, really busy. If you want a 24-inch pie, give them at least 30-40 minutes of lead time.
- Order Extra Sauce: The Strombolis are huge and dense; you're going to want an extra side of marinara for dipping.
- Try the White Pizza: If you're tired of tomato sauce, their White Pizza with ricotta, fresh garlic, and mozzarella is a local favorite.
- Check for Specials: They often have "Mozzarella Monday" or other daily deals that aren't always prominently displayed on the main menu boards.
- Parking: It's in the Walmart plaza, so parking is never an issue, but try to park closer to the restaurant side to avoid the main grocery store traffic.
Whether you're a lifelong Granite Falls resident or just passing through Caldwell County, this is the place you go when you want a slice that actually tastes like it was made by someone who cares. It's not fancy, it's not "artisanal," it's just really good pizza.