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Miguel's Pizza & Rock Climbing Shop
Categories: Restaurants Pizza Active Life Climbing Pizza, Climbing [Edit]
1890 Natural Bridge RdSlade, KY 40376
(606) 663-1975
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
31 reviews for Miguel's Pizza & Rock Climbing Shop
Review Highlights
"If you're ever in the Red River Gorge, come here."
(in 7 reviews)
"It also doubles as a sporting goods store for climbers."
(in 9 reviews)
"Being in a dry county, bring your own beer."
(in 4 reviews)
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31 reviews in English
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Review from Jonas H.
Berea, KY
7/25/2011
Holy Moly! Awesome Pizza! There isn't a whole lot more to say. They have every single topping imaginable, and you can create and kind of crazy tasty pizza you want. If you are in the area and don't stop here to eat, I will be angry!
Also, there is a beautiful painting on wall that is on the left as you enter the door. Its of a man with a mickey mouse shirt, and I wonder why it's not in a museum. -
Review from Luwam O.
Berea, KY
6/20/2011
Miguel's Restaurant
Today is the June 20th of 2011, as EPG cohort 8 members, we went to different areas of Kentucky. Powell County was one where Miguel's pizza shop is located. After such a long day of adventure we decided to go to Miguel's and suddenly everyone in my group was filled with happiness. The minute we arrived there we saw a number of cars parked outside of the restaurant. I never thought a small restaurant located at that center of mountainous surroundings can have such popularity. I was so amazed by what I saw. Everyone was in hurry on the way to mountain climbing or hiking. This place is known for pizza and so almost everyone was eating different kinds of pizza. I never knew why but they were right to feel that way. Miguel's is warm, with cheerful environment that led us to enjoy the comfort. The pizza was delicious and they service was fast.
However, one of the things that I would like to see change with on my second visit is the toilet. I think Miguel's should have separate bathrooms for males and females. They serve many guests, not only as a restaurant but also as a shopping center too. Another thing that could be improved seems to me is, if they could separate rooms for shopping and for dinning.I understand that they are keeping the historic house which makes it unique but separating the shopping area from the restaurant would give great environment and room for conversation while eating and i think that would expand the business.
Reviewed by:-
Luwam Okbazion -
Review from Shannon B.
San Francisco, CA
3/18/2011
The place to go if your in Eastern Kentucky and your one of the following: not from Eastern Kentucky and you need a cheap campsite, you like to rock climb, your wanting to see Red River Gorge or you like pizza. BYOB- this is dry country.
FYI- It's down the road from the iguana/lizard museum trailer, which is parked near the bathroom/visitors center off Highway 11. They remain also closed for winter season, so check the schedule.Listed in: Road tripping across the US
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Review from amanda y.
3/29/2011
so, FREE WIFI AND LUMBERJACKS? OH OK! anyway, this place is pretty enchanting. it's super central 7 hours from chicago, 7 from atlanta. so, you can meet your climbing friends from all over the mid-east coast, and it will be a fun and quick road trip.
i walk out of my friend's car and, much to my delight, a sea of headlight wearing, harness wearing honeys. i initially thought i hit my head, died and woke up in an REI catalog. just a bunch of thrill seeking youngsters (not too young) enjoying nature and getting a little crunk. overall, it has sort of a ski lodgey feel.
pull up to a restaurant. a community firepit to the side, a covered patio with benches, where you can prepare the food you brought on your campstoves and a couple acres of a grassy field, where you can pitch a tent for 2 dollars a night. you can even take a warm shower here for $1.50. not too shabby for a cheap ##### like me!
miguel's pizza has organic pizza ($15). most of their ingredients are from the chickens in field where you camp or from local area farmers and vendors. if you do decide to stay the night, miguel's has some simple, but hearty breakfast burritos in the morning. they charge 3 dollars for 2 topping and go up in price 1 dollar per each extra topping. you can also try your hand at some waffles that look way better than anything i saw at waffle house on the road trip back. if you're more of a penny pincher, you can buy hot water and make your own oatmeal for 50 cents. WHOO-EEEE! this place put the ky in yiipee ky yo ky yay (hillbilly speak). this place is better than a home away from home, because you don't even have to cook, if you don't feel like it.
the location keeps it classy by not selling booze and instead selling a huge selection of climbing gear and clothing. if you forget something in your backpack at home, you can easily go get it at miguel's. it's only a few miles from a lot of climbing routes.
trust me. this place is better than disneyland, and it costs about as much as a large soda at disneyland. -
Review from Lee P.
Winchester, KY
4/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
If it wasn't for Yelp, I would have passed this place and never given it a second glance. Intrigued by other reviews, I had to try this place out. Boy, am I glad I did.
This is the place to stop for lunch or dinner when at the Gorge. Pizza so fresh with hand tossed dough and great ingredients. The pizza dough is without a doubt hand made, I love that the shape of the crust is irregular. Had two slices of pepperoni, it was made fresh. Ale-8-One seems to be the beverage of choice here. They also sell frozen treats.
Miguel has a campground on site that caters to climbers so they literally live there. The parking lot was full of cars from various states.
The inside is very cool, you sit on old bus bench seats. Has free Wi-Fi.
It also doubles as a sporting goods store for climbers. How cool is that? Really glad I made the trip. Interesting experience.Listed in: Hidden Gems
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Review from Thao L.
Atlanta, GA
12/24/2010
My Miguel's Pizza cherry has been popped! I spent a week here in October and it was literally the best vacation I've had this year, it doesn't even compare to my week in Miami.
I learned much about my climbing family while sending glorious routes at the Red River Gorge. I was on a pizza diet for 5 days. All pizzas are fresh to order and can be made to your liking. For breakfast, they make the best waffles and burritos. I favor the waffles more as they come with blueberries and black berries! We camped in the back of Miguel's and I never showered, yikes!
The gear shop is pretty sick, I got my BF a Petzl GriGri for 20% off!
We arrived on a full moon and slept like babies then left feeling like someone ripped off a piece of our hearts. I'm going to revisit in the Spring. -
Review from Kelli C.
Westerville, OH
8/23/2011
I have a feeling people arent coming here for the pizza. Maybe im getting old, who knows. Crowded parking lot full of insane climbers. Chill is just not the word id use to describe it. Theres a bunch of tents in the back where climbers sleep, theres a gear shop and be careful, some strange kid will sit next to you, eat some of your food say thanks and wander away leaving chalk marks as the only reminder that what just happened was real. Its like going on the biggest rollercoaster in the park...its busy because its cool and you didnt "come all this way NOT to go". Thats why it gets 4 stars. Its a staple to the gorge and to the community.
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Review from Joe H.
10/24/2010
The first time I went to Miguel's it wasn't really expecting very much. I mean it's in the middle of nowhere and there was really only ground for camping and outhouse shaped showers and bathrooms.
Nowadays Miguel's is a climber's paradise; complete with new concrete shower facilities, bathrooms and even rentable rooms. That's only the accommodations... Miguel's has really come a long way. By the way, did I mention that the camping is 2 dollars a night? There is really no better place to stay when you're in the red.
Really this place is targeted for climbers. Pretty much everyone here at night has been climbing during the day, or having a rest day. The other people during the day that come usually are passer-bys eager to try Miguel's famous pizza. I actually am quite puzzled how people that aren't climbers find this place.
The pizza is the heart and soul of Miguel's Pizza. The pizza is outstanding. With a giant selection of creative toppings and your pick at the litter, it makes for some really great pizzas. My favourite topping is probably the sweet potato.
The rest of the "menu" includes pasta dishes, burritos and sandwiches, all which can be filled with the same ingredients that you can put on the pizza. And of course, they're all amazing.
It's funny because a lot of first timers I bring here ask me how much money they should bring here. The fact is that there really isn't anything else in this "town". I mean there's a lizard petting zoo, and then an indian trading store, and I guess you can buy stuff at the Shell gas station. Miguel's has a decent selection of climbing gear as well as souvenirs (ie. Miguel's shirts) but other than that, you can pretty much save your money for camping (2.00), showers (1.50), and food.
If you're ever in the Red River Gorge, come here. There's no other place that you'll get the same atmosphere, pizza, and climbing community.
PS. get yourself some "Ale-8" (pronounced "A Late One"). Also, this is a dry county, no booze sold here (and technically not allowed)... but I hear there's a liquor store south on the 11 past torrent. It may be called C&S Carry Out... And they may be closed on sunday. -
Review from Rae H.
Berea, KY
6/20/2011
Possibly my favorite place in the world. Imagine this- you wake up surrounded by your friends and you have a little extra-money in your pocket so you decide to get a burrito- it arrives while you're talking to total strangers about where they're headed that day- it doesn't matter because you feel like they're good friends within two words- you bite in and all of a sudden you have an orgasm in your mouth- you finish your burrito while dirtbags making tea and oatmeal look at you with sheer unadulterated envy. You head out to the crag and have one of the best days of your life- you push yourself until your fingertips are raw and your knuckles are bloody. On the way back- you stop at the beer trailer and get the most random beer you can find to go with the craziest topping combination you can think of (mushrooms, mango salsa, sweet potato, pineapple, anyone?). You order with a fake name and open your ale-8 by hitting it against the picnic table. So you're sitting there- an ale-8 in one hand and a dead-guy ale in the other and you hear "Eleanor Roosevelt?" - Your pizza has arrived!
Miguel's isn't a pizza joint, a climber hang out, or a place to get a cool t-shirt. It's a way of life, a state of being and where I feel at home.
Good pizza, amazing burritos, cheap camping, best 1.50 you'll ever spend on a shower, wifi, climbing gear, slacklines, campfires- it's enough to make me drop out of college and become a dirtbag myself! -
Review from Alice C.
10/17/2010
Yub, this place is as good as it gets unless you want to drive another 200 miles. Miguel's is listed as one of four restaurants in Slade, the others ones include a Subway if that gives you some ideas. BUT, this doesn't mean Miguel's Pizza can't stand on its own since I have been eating pizza from coast to coast.
Miguel's holds a special place to climbers, right behind the main building is where most climbers visiting Red River Gorge hang. For $2 per person per night, it is a great deal. The restaurant also serve as a place where they find partners, hang, and use wi-fi (not free and it is damn slow)
You walk in, file out a form, pick out your toppings, it is that easy. Pie only comes in one size, but you get to buy it by 8 slices (the whole pie), 4 slices (half of a pie) or 2 slices (quarter of a pie). A lot of vegetarian choices as well.
Pie is good, they have ginger ale for a buck, what else can you ask for?
They have a good selection of climbing products, shoes, ropes and clothings.
Being in a dry county, bring your own beer.
A place a climber and a non-climber can enjoy. -
Review from Ariel O.
Berea, KY
6/25/2011
After a day of hiking around Red River Gorge Miguel's Pizza was the perfect place to stop. From broccoli, to garlic pieces, even pepperoni, I felt like Miguel's had enough variety for me to pick any type of toppings I wanted to create the ultimate pizza. The atmosphere is very chill so guests are allowed to come as they are. After a hot day, nothing better than grabbing a cold drink and eating a pizza made specifically to your liking.
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Review from Marvin Y.
Berea, KY
6/25/2011
For this location, I will say Miguel's Pizza & Rock Climbing Shop worth stopping by. Imagine traveling for hours and stopping by a place where PIZZA of your choice is served within a reasonably short period of time. It is a great transit point for tourist that is fulled of natural beauty, and I thought the prices of their PIZZA would be expensive, considering their location, deep inside the mountains of Kentucky where there are limited number of places/businesses. If you are traveling to the Natural Bridge area, then you might want to consider stopping by Miguel's Pizza & Rock Climbing Shop.
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Review from Terry S.
OH
2/5/2007
No way. I get to write the first review of MIGUEL'S PIZZA?
For climbers, a visit to Miguel's is obligatory. Hell, the guidebook directions start there. And if you're a non-climber looking for a pie, you can't do better within 200 miles. Miguel may be more Portuguese than Italian, but he knows pizza. It has real cheese, fresh spices on top and in the sauce (which is not too sweet!), and more toppings than I have ever seen. I love getting pizza with corn, pineapple, garlic and sweet potatoes. Where else can you do that?
But be armed with this tidbit: Miguel's isn't just a pizza joint & rock shop. It's sort of a climber commune. On weekend nights you could easily be overwhelmed by the smell of a long but friendly queue of climbers. They will have chalk in their hair, on their clothes and worked into their calloused, bleeding hands. They will be carrying beer bottles wrapped in aluminum foil (it's a dry county -- that's the rule!). They will also probably hog all the tables, the front porch and the fireside out back, and they will stare at you if your hands are smooth.
That's if you make it in the parking lot. Miguel's lot seems big, but it almost always overflows onto Route 11 on weekend nights. It also needs to be repaved -- or just paved. Watch your radiator coming in!
My advice for non-climbers or anyone lacking in patience is to go there for lunch or for dinner during the week. And if you get a chance to chat with Miguel, take it. He's a generous dude.
If you're a climber under 25 years of age, don't waste your youth like i did. Plan on living there for a summer before you get too old or responsible. It's $2 a night to camp; about $10 for a pizza; and all the gear you could possibly need is waiting for you behind the counter. You just gotta earn the money. (There lies the rub.)
Think of it: If you're standing on Miguel's porch, there are something like 104 different crags within 15 miles of you. All you need is a guidebook -- and wouldn't you know it? Miguel sells them.Listed in: For rock climbers
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Review from Zack F.
6/10/2010
I can't believe I haven't written a review yet. This place rocks!
So, this is an absolute staple every time I visit the Gorge. It is a hot spot though, so keep in mind even with the expanded seating area, it will likely be packed full, and there may be a wait.
This is a HUGE rock climber's haven. The gravel lot is usually filled with cars, with no discernible order to the parking. If your car is low, watch out for the big drop off from the edge of the road into the parking lot. If you are climbing, you can camp out back and hang out/socialize with the everyone else. They do sell gear in the shop as well. There is a computer in the corner, but most people seem to bring their own laptops.
They make all their pizza and other food fresh to order, and you can get two slices or more with any topping you desire. The toppings are as fresh and delicious as they are varied. It's always a challenge to see who can dream up the best pizza combination. It's so good, and we are usually so hungry, that burning the top of your mouth is inevitable.
You can BYOB. They also sell a variety of drinks and novelty ice cream. Ale8 is a staple there as you can see by all the empty bottles collected.
They used to have just the one bathroom which required cunning and timing to get a good spot in the line. Now, they have an additional bathroom in the new building out back.
The decor is fun including the old bus seats that you cram into with all your friends, making full use of the limited seating.
If you are anywhere near the Gorge you need to go here. They do shut down over the winter though, so check if you are unsure. -
Review from Candace M.
Berea, KY
6/21/2011
If you're looking for an out-of-the-box pizza place with outdoor fun, then Miguel's is a great pick. I ordered a pizza with sweet potatoes, chicken, and zuccini, and while it may sound like a bizarre combination of ingredients, it truly was yummy. Aside from great pizza, the service is spot-on, and if you venture around the restaurant, you'll find a camping ground, slack line, and eclectic groups of people. Go adventure at the Red River Gorge, and then enjoy a great meal at night!
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Review from Hannah W.
Berea, KY
6/21/2011
The Mecca of climbers: With a strong sense of community, yummy build-it-yourself pizza, and cold Ale8, Miguel's is a place that no climber wants to miss. Not only does Miguel's cultivate a sense of communal pride and an across the board earnest love-of-outdoors, it allows visitors to enjoy the company of other climbers from around the world. You never know who you'll meet.
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Review from Mark O.
Loveland, OH
5/16/2011
Stopped by Miguel's after a wet, two-day weekend at RRG. This is an amazing locally-owned joint with delicious, custom pizzas and rock-climbing ambiance.
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Review from Karly J.
Birmingham, AL
6/20/2011
Though the service was a little inconsistent, I thoroughly enjoyed the food and atmosphere of Miguel's. If you are (1) a rock climber, (2) a pizza lover, (3) looking for free Wi-Fi or (4) seeking a chill-axed place to grub and greet your fellow campers, this is where you want to be! Oh, & you'll want to buy some type of paraphernalia (t-shirts, jackets, bottle holders, etc.), because their logo is hilariously awesome. *truthfuljones*
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Review from Rachael M.
Berea, KY
6/20/2011
My first impression of Miguel's was a little spotty at first. My car called in around 45 minutes early, and told them the pizza we would like. The person taking our order didn't appear to know the menu very well. We arrived and had to wait 15 minutes for our pizza. Given the busy time of day I cannot blame them for being a little behind, but the other cars in my group's pizzas were ready. They were finished eating before we even started. The food was great and the hospitable environment was relaxing.
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Review from Eric K.
Berea, KY
6/20/2011
This is the perfect place to grab a bite before going rock climbing at the nearby Torrent Falls. I went there with a group of twenty college students and the service was great. We didn't have to wait on the line forever in order to get our pizza. Camping and rock climbing gear are also on sell here. P.S You gotta check out their logo, it is hilarious.
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Review from Nikki F.
Berea, KY
6/20/2011
Homemade pizza, rock climbing gear, slack line, basketball court, and tons of awesome people from anywhere from georgia to canada, this is the place to go when driving through the area or planning to camp out for a few days. Even if the setting doesn't wet your taste buds the pizza will! With a variety of toppings that will blow your socks off, I enjoyed for lunch, a pizza half sausage and pepperoni and half tofu, rice, broccoli, and banana peppers! YUM!
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Review from CrapulentMoose ..
Sacramento, CA
9/1/2008 1 photo
Miguel's is to the Red as Camp 4 is to Yosemite Valley. The only difference being that Miguel's is waay better. No rangers, no tourons, no nonsense. You can relax at Miguel's and be yourself. No checkout times, no lines to wait in for a space to set your tent, no worries.
What you do have is hippie climber paradise with bonfires, slacklines, chair bouldering, cheap camping, priceless camaraderie, tasty food, beta sharing, partner finding, cheap showers, on and on...
Miguel's will always be a home away from home for me, as it probably is for hundreds of other climbers. Long live Miguel's! -
Review from Codie M.
Berea, KY
6/20/2011
Miguel's Pizza and Rock Climbing Shop
If you're looking for a different place to eat, Miguel's is the place to go. The little pizza shop is like no other. Walking into the place, no one would expect it to contain the greasy goodness known as pizza! Every morsel that entered my mouth was full flavor that triggered the many taste buds. Also, the atmosphere of Miguel's was that of home filled with friends. Everyone seemed to be relaxed and just enjoying the cool raining day. There was no rushing and bustling to get rid of people. For the most part, it was quite easy to strike a conversation with anyone passing through. If I ever get the chance, I would go back to Miguel's to enjoy both the food and atmosphere. -
Review from John P.
Lexington, KY
5/30/2011
Love Miguel's! Best pizza ever, and that's no hype.
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Review from Andrew C.
Pittsburgh, PA
10/15/2010
Obviously the target of this place is climbers, however I've seen many families having dinner here and even if you're here camping you'll blend in anyway (just don't ask what a quickdraw is).
The camping is the cheapest I've ever been across, and the atmosphere is very distinct. Very centrally located as well.
I find myself craving pizza from my trips to the RRG, but not craving it from my trip to Italy.. strange. Many different toppings, always delicious. We always bring rice/pasta hoping to keep our camping food cheap but end up splurging for a pizza.
An Ale81 tastes as good as beer after a day of climbing, which helps since it is in a dry county. -
Review from Jason L.
Chicago, IL
5/9/2007
If you're looking for restaurants before your hiking/ climbing trip to Red River area, this is probably your first trip. If that is the case, just go to Miguel's, order a pizza and you can ask all the climbers for good crags and trails to visit. Everyone you run into here will be really down to earth and willing to talk a while (that's the point of being there). Be warned that near dusk, or on rainy days in the summer this place will be packed! However, there is free internet and any extra gear you might need for your trip that you can look at while you wait. Have fun and tell Miguel hello for me!
While you're there, make sure to try some Ale-8 (it's bottled by a family-owned business in Winchester near Lexington, and they have old style bottles of it at Miguel's)! -
Review from Kurt E.
Louisville, KY
6/17/2010
Swell
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Review from John F.
Lexington, KY
5/14/2010
Great food, cool place, really nice people. This is my favorite spot in eastern Kentucky. There is a great camping area behind Miguel's and they have showers and internet so you can basically live there for the summer.
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Review from Katy M.
Indianapolis, IN
11/11/2008
After hiking all around Natural Bridge area we stopped here for lunch. We got a large extra cheese pizza with multi-grain crust for around $10. It was yummy and fast. The decor is all the climbing stuff they sell. The booths are benches from a school bus, I think. They had many other items to order like hoagies, salads, wraps (I think). They had hummus and other veggie friendly items. You could even order cheese-less pizza.
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Review from Corey H.
Louisville, KY
12/20/2010
Best place to eat @ the gorge hands down. Ale 8, cliff bars, gear, & the best slice around. They sell by the slice or pie, # of topping don't up the price. They don't skimp.
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Review from Joan S.
West Chester, OH
7/12/2007
This place is SO fun. Great pizza, fun environment... they even have tent camping out back. It's right across from the entrance to the Red River Gorge and they sell climbing equipment too. Super fun place to hang out and chow down! We go at least once every time we're down at the Gorge.
