Order a margherita here and you’re technically also funding a dog’s adoption fees. That’s the deal at Pizza To The Rescue, a wood-fired pizzeria that opened in April 2024 right next door to Almost There Rescue, a Phoenix-based dog rescue operating out of the same parking lot. A full quarter of every pizza sale gets routed straight to the rescue, turning a casual dinner order into something with a little more purpose behind it.
The restaurant’s tagline, “Pizza First. Puppies Always,” sums up the whole operation pretty well. This isn’t a novelty stunt tacked onto a mediocre menu, either; the kitchen turns out scratch-made Italian-Mediterranean-American food from a 10,000-pound handmade Italian pizza oven, and the pairing of genuinely good food with a charitable mission has made it one of the more talked-about newcomers on Indian School Road.
What to Order
The pizzas are the headliner, and for good reason. The dough gets fired hot enough to produce a thin, crisp base with proper wood-charred blistering along the edges, the kind of crust that holds its shape under toppings instead of going soggy. The margherita comes up again and again as a favorite for showing off that crust without distraction, letting the char, sauce, and cheese speak for themselves.
Beyond the pies, the kitchen also runs a solid pasta program, with the spicy rigatoni earning particular praise for its punch of heat balanced against a rich sauce. Appetizers and desserts round out a menu built on ingredients from local purveyors alongside imported Italian staples, so there’s more here than just a pizza-and-done experience if you’re settling in for a full meal.
The bar program deserves a mention too. Beyond the expected drafts and wine list, there’s a rotation of signature cocktails, martinis, and spritzes, plus mocktails for anyone skipping the alcohol. It gives the place a bit more polish than your average neighborhood pizza spot, especially if you’re stopping in for happy hour rather than a full dinner.
The Rescue Connection
What sets this place apart from basically every other pizzeria in the Valley is the direct line to Almost There Rescue next door. Adoptable dogs are part of the experience during designated “Puppy Hours,” giving diners a chance to meet the animals their meal is helping support. It’s a genuinely unusual setup, equal parts restaurant and adoption event space, and it’s rare to find a business model that ties charitable giving this directly and visibly to the customer experience rather than just a logo on the wall.
Atmosphere & Décor
The space balances a lively dining room with a more relaxed dog-friendly patio out front, so you’ve got options depending on whether you’re bringing your own pup along. Service tends to run attentive without feeling rushed, which matters on a night when the dining room fills up fast, and it does fill up. For bigger groups or a quieter setting, there’s also a private room with its own wine cellar available for reservations.
The overall vibe leans toward comfortable and unpretentious rather than trendy or fussy. It’s the kind of place where a family dinner feels just as natural as a date night, helped along by warm lighting and a layout that doesn’t feel cramped even when it’s busy.
Other Considerations
Is it dog-friendly? Yes, the patio welcomes dogs, which fits naturally given the rescue partnership next door. Just note that “Puppy Hours,” when adoptable dogs are present, are a separate, specific window rather than an all-day occurrence, so it’s worth checking the website or calling ahead if meeting the rescue dogs is part of your plan.
Do I need a reservation? It’s a good idea, especially on weekends or during events. The restaurant takes reservations through OpenTable, and waits can build up during busier evenings given how popular the spot has become since opening.
Is there anything to do besides eat? The patio hosts Trivia Tuesday from 7 to 9 PM, giving regulars a reason to swing by beyond just grabbing dinner. Catering is also available if you want to bring the food, and the mission, to your own event.
What are the hours? The restaurant is open daily, running 11 AM to 9 PM Monday through Thursday and Sunday, and until 10 PM Friday and Saturday.
Pizza To The Rescue
📍 2601 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85016
Website: https://www.pizzatotherescuephx.com
