Rafferty’s Original and Woodfired Pizza in Crosby Is Worth the Drive

Camp Nisswa
2 days ago
6 min read

Updated: 19 hours ago

Last week, Camp Nisswa took a little adventure over to Rafferty’s Original and Woodfired Pizza in Crosby with one thing in mind: woodfired pizza and a good excuse to get out and explore.

Rafferty’s Original and Woodfired Pizza in Crosby Visit

This was not Camp Nisswa’s first visit to Rafferty’s Crosby, but this return trip felt like the right time to go beyond the meal and spend more time learning the story behind the pizza, the people behind the oven, and what makes this location different from anything else in the Rafferty’s lineup.

Right in the Heart of Downtown Crosby

Located in the heart of Downtown Crosby, Rafferty’s Original and Woodfired Pizza feels like a natural fit for the area. It is the kind of place that works whether you are stopping in after walking Main Street, wrapping up a day of exploring, or looking for a solid reason to make Crosby part of the plan.

It also makes perfect sense that this has become a hot spot for the mountain biking crowd. With Crosby and the Cuyuna area continuing to draw riders, visitors, and outdoor enthusiasts, Rafferty’s feels like one of those stops that naturally becomes part of the experience.

It is casual, welcoming, and full of character. And once inside, it does not take long to realize there is something a little different happening here.

What Makes Rafferty’s Crosby Different

What sets this location apart is simple: Crosby is the only Rafferty’s location with a true woodfired pizza oven.

And not “woodfired” in a loose or trendy sense. This is a true woodfired oven with no gas involved. It is strictly woodfired, and that commitment is a big part of what makes the Crosby experience stand out.

That distinction matters. It gives the pizza a little more personality. The crust carries that balance of crispness and chew, the oven brings a depth you can taste, and the whole experience feels rooted more in craft than convenience.

This is not just another pizza stop trying to offer something different. This is a location built around doing one thing in a more authentic way.

What We Ordered

During the visit, the Camp Nisswa team got to enjoy three pizzas:

BBQ Chicken
The 3 Shrooms
The Big Cuyuna

Each one brought something different to the table, but all three made one thing clear right away — there is real intention behind what Rafferty’s Crosby is doing.

The BBQ Chicken brought that familiar sweet-and-savory comfort. The 3 Shrooms leaned into a more earthy, rich flavor profile. And The Big Cuyuna (LOTS OF MEAT) felt like the kind of pizza that fits Crosby perfectly — bold, memorable, and made to match the personality of the town around it.

Together, they gave a strong look at what makes the menu so enjoyable: it feels approachable for any pizza lover, but the woodfired process elevates the experience in a way that sets it apart.

Why This Visit Felt Different

Part of what made this return trip more meaningful was the chance to slow down and learn more about the story behind the oven.

Camp Nisswa had been here before, but this visit gave the team the opportunity to better understand not just what Rafferty’s Crosby serves, but why it feels different. That is often the kind of thing that turns a good stop into a memorable one.

There is always something worth appreciating when a place has a clear story, a sense of purpose, and people who genuinely care about the craft behind what they are serving. Rafferty’s Crosby has all three.

The Story Behind the Woodfired Pizza

During the visit, Camp Nisswa had the chance to chat with Bror, the manager of Rafferty’s Pizza Crosby.

Bror has been with Rafferty’s (Orginally he started in Nisswa) since 2005 and has been the manager of the Crosby location since it opened in 2019. That kind of longevity says a lot. It speaks to experience, consistency, and a real connection to the Rafferty’s brand.

Bror shared the story behind how the woodfired pizza concept came to life. Owners Mark Loschko and Mike Brusseau traveled to New York City for training, where they learned the traditional Neapolitan-style approach to pizza. That experience sparked the idea of bringing that style and energy back to the Lakes Area.

They wanted to do something different. They wanted to add a new element to what Rafferty’s offered. And Crosby became the place where that vision took shape.

That is what makes this location feel so distinct. The woodfired concept was not added as an afterthought. It was built with purpose.

Meet the Woodfire Master

And when the conversation turns to the person helping bring that vision to life day after day, one name stands out.

According to Bror, Carter Holtzleicer is the woodfire master.

Carter has been with the Crosby location since it opened and has truly mastered the craft. He is the one behind the oven helping shape the woodfired experience that keeps people coming back, and his pride in the process is easy to appreciate.

He was also the one who reached out to Camp Nisswa and invited the team back down to learn more, which made the visit feel even more personal.

That part matters. At Camp Nisswa, one of the things always appreciated most is not just what ends up on the table, but the people, pride, and craftsmanship behind it. Rafferty’s Crosby has that.

The Atmosphere Adds to the Experience

The food is the draw, but the atmosphere adds another layer to the visit.

From the Downtown Crosby setting to the visual personality inside, Rafferty’s has a feel that matches the area well. It is relaxed and inviting, but there is also an energy to it — especially around the woodfired oven — that makes the experience memorable. The space feels tied to Crosby, tied to the biking culture, and tied to the kind of outing people are looking for when they spend time in town.

It is easy to picture why this would be a go-to stop after a day on the trails, a walk through downtown, or an afternoon spent exploring the area.

A Worthwhile Stop Beyond Crosby

One of the things Camp Nisswa always enjoys most is finding places around the greater Lakes Area that feel worth the drive, worth the detour, and worth sharing with others.

Rafferty’s Crosby fits that category.

This is the kind of place that can turn a meal into part of the outing. Whether you are planning a day trip, riding through the Cuyuna area, or simply in the mood for a food stop that feels a little different from the usual, Rafferty’s Original and Woodfired Pizza gives people a reason to make Crosby part of the plan.

Already Looking Ahead to the Next Visit

As much as this visit focused on the pizza and the story behind it, there is already one more reason to come back.

Camp Nisswa is looking forward to returning in the spring and summer for the rooftop experience, which feels like the perfect next chapter to this Crosby stop. After a day of biking, exploring downtown, or spending time around the area, that rooftop setting feels like it would be hard to beat.

And that may be the best sign of all when it comes to a place like this — one visit makes you want to plan the next one.

Final Thoughts

Some places earn a recommendation because the food is good. Others earn it because they offer something people will remember.

Rafferty’s Original and Woodfired Pizza in Crosby delivers both.

Between the true woodfired approach, the story behind the concept, the people bringing it to life, and the Downtown Crosby setting, this is more than just a place to grab pizza. It is a stop that feels rooted in its craft and connected to its community.

If you are heading toward Crosby, make the stop. And if you have already been once, there is a good chance you will understand why it is worth going back.

Please enjoy the photo gallery from the visit.