Motorcycling often feels like it transports us to another world where we fly through space and time on our two-wheeled machines. Entering Galactic Pizza, you might feel the same way as you see large papier-mache planets hanging above the bar.
This pizzeria in Asheville, North Carolina, isn’t your usual television-clad bar-and-grill. The walls feature posters of sci-fi cult classics and other space-themed décor. Mid-century modern starburst lamps shine overhead.
Saddling up to the custom-made bar, you notice embedded in the epoxy are glittering stars and swirling nebulae, helping to complete the sci-fi motif.
Six years ago, the owners transformed an existing pizza restaurant but wanted to make it something more unique and engaging.
“It was really hard for the four owners to decide on anything,” said owner/manager Sabrina White. “One day I just said, ‘What about space themed?’ I said ‘galaxy,’ and somebody else said ‘galactic,’ and it worked out — Galactic Pizza. Then it was on like bubonic.”
They added a spacious U-shaped island bar, which gives patrons a great view of the sci-fi décor and added covered seating on the front patio. Local pizza chef Joe Morelli joined the team to offer his delicious dough recipe.
“We met and hit it off. This is what he wanted to do, and I said — perfect. We have a beautiful relationship. He’s our kitchen manager,” White said. “We run Morelli Specials on Friday. It’s whatever concoction he comes up with. We run it until it’s gone. People really enjoy seeing it on Facebook.”
The pizza offerings feature traditional favorites along with more creative pies.
“Everybody really likes it. People judge us on our cheese, because it’s a basic pizza. When we get into the severe toppings with the ranch bases like Space Cowboy, the Meat Monster —which is a little different from everywhere else — we get a little, ‘What? OK. Instead of doing a traditional Hawaiian pizza, which you could always order, we do the Hot Hawaiian. We add a little spice to everything.”
Galactic Pizza’s wing night each Tuesday is a local favorite of motorcycle groups, which hold year-round weekly bike nights at the pizzeria. The Tuesday special featuring a basket of wings and a beer for a bargain price makes it one of the best dining values in town.
When the weather is nice, the covered front patio attracts riders who can enjoy a meal and a cold beverage while watching the sun set behind their motorcycles lining the driveway. Galactic Pizza also makes a great stop while touring Blue Ridge Parkway, just seven miles away.
If the 1970s-80s movie posters aren’t nostalgic enough, there’s even a small video-game arcade guaranteed to evoke an “I remember this” memory as parents introduce a new generation to some old favorites.
“We’ve created a very good clientele of locals, which is so nice. It’s always good to see their faces a couple of days a week,” White said.
In addition to wings, menu offerings include a variety of pizza pies, including an Italian combo, veggie deluxe, white, pesto and even a vegan option. Sandwiches include a meatball, an Italian, a Cuban and others. Salads are also available.
“I’ve been coming to Galactic for years now,” said Jason Mitchell, who rode in his 2025 Harley-Davidson Low Rider ST. “The food is consistently good, the staff is great. Galactic is one of those places you return to on a regular basis.”
As darkness falls, the line of bikes begins to fire to life. Headlights stream across the building façade as another motorcycle departs. The temperature drops, threatening to thin future bike nights as winter approaches. Yet, a faithful cadre of year-round riders will likely show up next week.
“I love bike night. I think we need to keep it up. Come see us,” White said.
— Michael E. Gouge
