One of the best pizzas in Indy comes by the way of Montana.

The MacKenzie River Pizza Company, located at 4939 E. 82nd St. in Indianapolis and 11596 Westfield Blvd. in Carmel, is as big of a hit with Hoosier customers as the state of Montana is big at 147,000 square miles.

It all started 22 years ago in Bozeman, Mont. Soon, the restaurant expanded to 12 locations in Montana, as well as three in Washington state, three in Idaho, one in North Dakota and two in Indiana.

As for the signature pizzas, they all start with the puffy crust. The hand-tossed-style original crust at MacKenzie River features soft, puffy edges that come out piping hot. Customers can choose from up to nine sauces, 10 cheeses and dozens of toppings. The pizzas can be as gourmet as the diner wants them to be. We were partial to the satisfying meatballs and spicy, sliced sausage on the build-your-own pizza. Signature pizzas such as Philly Cheesecake, Athenian and Caribbean Chicken also lure diners.

MacKenzie River is much more than about pizza. The appetizers are amazing. The pulled pork nachos featured a mound of tortilla chips piled high with smoked pulled pork, cheese, tomatoes and jalapenos, drizzled with avocado sour cream. The Rollino is like a pepperoni-stuffed sliced calzone — perfectly spiced and fresh pepperoni, basil and mozzarella rolled into a golden crust.

Other menu highlights include flatbread pizzas, Fish Taco Skewers, MacKenzie Meatloaf (with bacon and cheddar, mm-mm good), pastas, burgers and sandwiches.

For dessert, there is no getting around the Mack Lovin’, a gooey huge chocolate chip cookie in a hot skillet with chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream. Face the fact that you will feel compelled to order it and feel no remorse after.

The lodge setting is the real deal, as the sons of the original Bozeman owner run each Indy area restaurant. You just can’t help feel that, while sitting there, a moose just might be wandering by soon. Just hope that the moose isn’t hungry, leaving more food for you.