Your favorite pizza places?

I prefer thin crust, so for fancy pizza, it has to be Bazbeaux in Indianapolis. There are three of them now, one in Broad Ripple, one downtown, and one in Carmel. I just polished off a slice of their Quattro Formaggio--tomato sauce, cheddar and mozzarella cheese, ricotta, parmesan, bacon, and mushrooms. Heavenly. For basic pizza, there's Eh Formaggio!, a genuine brick oven pizza joint, also in Indianapolis. Huge slices of cheese, thin crust with the black bits on the bottom, they make all of their own ingredients (I think), and best of all, when they pull the slice out of the oven all toasty-hot, they sprinkle a handful of fresh chopped garlic and parmesan on the crust. I usually don't eat the pizza bones, but I always eat their's.
Going for another slice of that Quattro now....

When I'm back home in the Philly burbs, there is only one place that I want to make my pie. Gran Sasso in Perkasie, PA makes a pie that, to be honest, makes even the "good" NYC pizzerias average. It's a standard pizza, but something about the way the cheese and sauce wind up makes it my long-standing favorite. Chiaro's in Sellersville makes the best square that I've had in PA.

In Harrisburg, well, Dillsburg, at least, there were two...Serradella's and Little Caesar's.

In State College/University Park, Faccia Luna for a fancy pie, Hi-Way or Gumby's for a standard. Pizzerias in State College really ran the gamut. The only pizza I ever actually hated in that town were Gopper's (didn't even make for a good day-old slice) and Brother's on College Ave. (across from Old Main). Even dorm pizza was better than those two...

In New York...Di Fara's...except for the wait, which can be excruciating, its pies, especially the square, are just bliss. Goodfella's on Staten Island is second.

We have a place in Adelphi MD called LEDO pizza. It sounds alot like Ols Forge Pizza, PA. Square pizzas with a slightly sweet crust. They have franchised but the original in Adelphi is still the best.

The best pizza in Buffalo, NY is Zetti's pizza - the closest taste to pizza like Brooklyn. The owner makes his own bread too. If you live in the Buffalo/Amherst, NY area this place is a must!!!

Ok, this falls in line with the Philly Geno's/Pats thing. My friends say never go there until three in the morning.

In DC at 3 in the morning there is "fun pizza." Fun pizza means the bars just closed down and whatever giant slice you buy, there are 3 places, will be the best pizza you ever ate. Tastes like cardboard during the day, but boy at night it is great.

For real pizza...wow, hard to decide. I like the Mellow Mushroom in NC because when you get bacon on a pizza they put recognizable slices of bacon rather than bacon crumbles. I like a white pizza at a place by Mass and Western in DC (blanking on the name) because I'm not too much of a purist to like feta and goat cheese on a pizza once in a while. Italian Pizza kitchen on Conn. Ave is a nice newcomer. I have fond memories of the $4 large five star pizza in Gainesville... taste is no obstacle for a poor college student. I think I went to the wrong "Ray's" in NY last time I was there. Will be trying that again.

Best pizza may be unexpected pizza. Small town in Czech Republic had a pizza. Strangely spicy and small. An unexpected find that I may have to find the pictures of. We tried pizza at two places. One place had obviously eaten pizza before they put it on the menu. Both had a throw everything on it goal, but with much different results. I think I am putting too much thought into a simple question, but it raises a lot of good memories. So, the best pizza is the one that lives in my memories, not always because of the actual pizza being good.

quote:

Originally posted by divefl

Ok, this falls in line with the Philly Geno's/Pats thing. My friends say never go there until three in the morning.

In DC at 3 in the morning there is "fun pizza." Fun pizza means the bars just closed down and whatever giant slice you buy, there are 3 places, will be the best pizza you ever ate. Tastes like cardboard during the day, but boy at night it is great.

OMG, that is SOOOO true in DC. Nothing like Giant Slice in Adams Morgan after midnight. During the day, it's not so good, and it's not just the alcohol talking, something is definately different at night.
Same is true of Pizza Bolis. It may have something to do with the fact that they reheat it at night and the bottom gets crispy but the top is still soft and chewy (just like NY). Cappucino's in Georgetown is another one. I had pizza at lunch, and it wasn't as good as nighttime slice on my walk back up the hill from G'town to Glover Park (when I lived there).


on another note, one of the best pizza's I've had recently was in Medina, NY at a place called Cafora's. I had the clams casino pizza (one of their specialties). Now, I can say with experience that the clam apizza in CT has nothing over this. If Cafora's was in CT, I think it would get a lot more notariety. I'm not saying it's better than Sally's or Pepe's, because "better" is very subjective, but it can definately be mentioned in the same positive breath.

When we go back to New Jersey to visit family we always have pizza from DeLucia's in Raritan. My family has been going there since the 1950's. Great brick oven baked pizza.

Here in Georgia our favorite is Mellow Mushroom.

Dave's Darkhorse Tavern in Starkville MS. Best pizza in thw world. Order a few beers and a manhatten project (Jalapeno's, italian sausage and red onions, with a homemade pizza sauce mixed with a hot sauce) It does not get any better than that

Stella's pizza on Haddon Ave. in Collingswood,N.J.

Excellent round and square pies.

Everything on their menu is excellent.

ITALIA pizza in east Nashville TN is my favorite pizza in town.
I moved from New York last year and i have tried them all and Italia is the best.top notch pizza.

I was in a wonderful pizza place in October in San Fran, CA called Pizza Orgasmica ("We Never Fake It") on Clement St. One of the best pizza places I've been to. They served a Brazilian type pie, and the one I had was called The Latin Lover, with linguisa, refried bean sauce, cherry tomatoes, jalapenos, cheddar cheese and cilantro.

quote:

Originally posted by SkyyeBlue

I grew up on Brother's Pizza, in East Brunswick, NJ, just off of Route 18. Awesome, hole in the wall but delicious NY style pizza.

Down here in Florida land (that would be Flaaaarida for youse that speak New Joisey) there is a little place called "Babe's Pizza" in Brandon, very good, a tiny little place that also features a train track built into the upper part of the walls that runs around and round.

Anybody been either of these places??

OK, one more, but not for pizza... for Stromboli... the original "Stuff Yer Face" in New Brunswick near Rutgers... mmmmmm good.

Comments??

I've been to both. Brothers is a really good pie. In NJ there are so many places you could have a favorite for anything; thin or thick crust, sauces, varying cheeses and toppings. So many Italians so little time to try all the food. I was a Boli fan back in the RU days. Actually back whan Mario Batalli was working it in New Brunswick, but who knew then. Do you remember Greasy Tony's on the corner. Cluck-U-Chicken also started right there next door.

quote:

Originally posted by JakerDog

quote:

Originally posted by SkyyeBlue

I grew up on Brother's Pizza, in East Brunswick, NJ, just off of Route 18. Awesome, hole in the wall but delicious NY style pizza.

Down here in Florida land (that would be Flaaaarida for youse that speak New Joisey) there is a little place called "Babe's Pizza" in Brandon, very good, a tiny little place that also features a train track built into the upper part of the walls that runs around and round.

Anybody been either of these places??

OK, one more, but not for pizza... for Stromboli... the original "Stuff Yer Face" in New Brunswick near Rutgers... mmmmmm good.

Comments??

I've been to both. Brothers is a really good pie. In NJ there are so many places you could have a favorite for anything; thin or thick crust, sauces, varying cheeses and toppings. So many Italians so little time to try all the food. I was a Boli fan back in the RU days. Actually back whan Mario Batalli was working it in New Brunswick, but who knew then. Do you remember Greasy Tony's on the corner. Cluck-U-Chicken also started right there next door.

Oh my gosh-I loved Cluck-U-Chicken! Wow many a night after drinking I wound up picking up something good

quote:

Originally posted by Big Frank

When we go back to New Jersey to visit family we always have pizza from DeLucia's in Raritan. My family has been going there since the 1950's. Great brick oven baked pizza.

Here in Georgia our favorite is Mellow Mushroom.

I pass this place all the time and never stopped in. I'm glad you posted it here, now I have to try it. How does it compare to the Pizza & Pasta Brick Oven pies?

quote:

Originally posted by nicolem

quote:

Originally posted by JakerDog

quote:

Originally posted by SkyyeBlue

I grew up on Brother's Pizza, in East Brunswick, NJ, just off of Route 18. Awesome, hole in the wall but delicious NY style pizza.

Down here in Florida land (that would be Flaaaarida for youse that speak New Joisey) there is a little place called "Babe's Pizza" in Brandon, very good, a tiny little place that also features a train track built into the upper part of the walls that runs around and round.

Anybody been either of these places??

OK, one more, but not for pizza... for Stromboli... the original "Stuff Yer Face" in New Brunswick near Rutgers... mmmmmm good.

Comments??

I've been to both. Brothers is a really good pie. In NJ there are so many places you could have a favorite for anything; thin or thick crust, sauces, varying cheeses and toppings. So many Italians so little time to try all the food. I was a Boli fan back in the RU days. Actually back whan Mario Batalli was working it in New Brunswick, but who knew then. Do you remember Greasy Tony's on the corner. Cluck-U-Chicken also started right there next door.

Oh my gosh-I loved Cluck-U-Chicken! Wow many a night after drinking I wound up picking up something good

Then you must remember Greasy Tony's also, especially for the late night, after drinking food.

Growing up on Long Island I loved Dante's in Hicksville and later Gino's on Plandome Road in Manhasset. Now in New Jersey I go to Tony's in South Plainfield.

Well, I'm sure I've mentioned these before, but for those of us in Los Angeles, it's Casa Bianca Pizza Pie in Eagle Rock. We have a Pulitzer Prize winning food writer here (1st food writer to win that prize), Jonathon Gold, and this is his choice, especially the house made sausage. I like mine with sausage and garlic. Trust Mr. Gold and check it out.
In Dallas, of course it's Campisi's. But I also like this funny little place down on Buckner called Pizza Getti. Same great, light cracker-like crust they've been doing for maybe 40 years, WITH THE SAME OWNER/CHEF.
In least favorite places, well, I don't want to sound prejudiced, I really don't, but I spent a while in Gardena last year, and I must have tried a dozen pizza operations all over that area, every one manned by Latinos, and every one worthless. I realize Latinos like pizza as much as anybody else, but for me it's twelve times bitten, well, you know. If I walk into a pizza place and see guys from south of the border cooking, I go elsewhere. It's not their fault, but I'm tired of wasting my time on sub-par pizza. Life is too short for that.
Well, I'm in Downtown LA now, and we have some good places here today, when I don't want to drive too far.
-Scott Lindgren scottlindgren@netzero.net

John's Pizza, Bleecker Street, NYC>

Oh, hotdogger is correct about John's on Bleeker St. That may be the best pie on earth. I think some places here in LA used to fly in their dough, because of the NYC water, but then NY started dumping chlorine in there, and now it's no better than anywhere else.
-Scott Lindgren

quote:

Originally posted by Brad_Olson

As far as nontraditional pizzas go, I must admit a weakness for the alfredo pizza of Felix & Oscar's of Des Moines, Iowa. I can only eat about half as many slices as I can of regular pizza...it's incredibly filling and tastes great.

When I made my annual visit last month I happened to be packing a camera (loaded with film that was 4 years outdated). I apologize for the flash washing out some of the detail; the pizza isn't really that white:
[URL='http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb109/Brad_Olson/Roadfood/2992-010.jpg'][/URL] [URL='http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb109/Brad_Olson/Roadfood/2992-011.jpg'][/URL]

F&O's uses canned mushrooms but for this style of pizza they work well.

Brad

quote:

Originally posted by salindgren

Oh, hotdogger is correct about John's on Bleeker St. That may be the best pie on earth. I think some places here in LA used to fly in their dough, because of the NYC water, but then NY started dumping chlorine in there, and now it's no better than anywhere else.
-Scott Lindgren

Places like Grimaldi's, John's, and Lombardi's are mixed to me. The high volume of traffic they get mean that pies are going in and out of their ovens with a higher probability of some sub-par/overrated experiences. I don't know if it's worth going back there to drop money on a pie that may just not be as good as some of the others I've had here.

Take Joe's, for example, which is merely two blocks away from John's, and sits across from the park (Washington Square). They do slices and I have NEVER seen it empty, and I've NEVER had a bad slice. It's not the kind of place where one can grab a pie and sit down in the shop to enjoy it, though...

I have two favorites in Baltimore, one for classic pizza and one for gourmet pizza.

I'll take Pizza John's in Essex for the classic meat and cheese pizzas. They use a meat sauce, which really works well. The hand tossed crust has a good chew. And the toppings are fresh and generous.

If I'm going for a gourmet pizza, I'm going to Iggies in Mount Vernon. The thin crust is dusted with sea salt and has just enough chew to distinguish it from those cracker like thin crusts. The toppings are always fresh and innovative. I always go with the duck confit, gorganzola, asparagus and carmalized onions.

I have a cuople of favorites here in Appleton/Kaukauna/Kimberly Wisconisn. Little Luigis is an excellent place if you want genuine Italian pizza and other Italian dishes. If you want just a good old fashioned THIN crust pizza there is Butch's pizza in Kimberly. They have been in buisness since 1968. I hear Franks Pizza Pallace in Appleton is excellent also though I have yet to try it. Pizza King in Appleton is also a favorite of mine. Papa Murphys is also worth mention too. There are too many good local places here to fool around with the chains.

I'm in Houston and can only speak for Houston pizza.

For me, it's Star Pizza and New York Pizzeria. I like Star for the "standard" stuff, like pepperoni, sausage, etc. New York Pizzeria I like for their Greek pizza (feta, olives, spinach, tomatoes, and garlic sauce).

Being origaly from upstate New York, there was one thing we have an abundance of good Italian restraunts and good pizza. tucson Az has a few good pizza parlors and in my poinion Argenziano,s on Houghton Rd is by far the best. Probably because is from Long Island.
Clay Bell

quote:

Originally posted by CheeseWit

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<div style="border: 1px #999999 solid; background-color: #DCDCDC; padding: 4px;">Originally posted by DanaJ

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<div style="border: 1px #999999 solid; background-color: #DCDCDC; padding: 4px;">Originally posted by tamandmik

recently had
#4 PeacePizza. WOW! There is one nearby my house in Haddonfield NJ, that I will have to make a return trip to, after enjoying slices at the King Prussia PA location. This Friday night sounds good!

It sounds familiar. I think I've probably passed it many times when I'm in the KOP area.
I'm trying to remember where exactly it is.
Cheesewit, is this the place you're referring to. What makes it so good, and I'm guessing this means giving it a try!


DanaJ: Peace a Pizza is in Ardmore, Rosemont, Wayne, and other locations including KofP. I like the crust and I'm wild about their wild toppings. You have got to try some of the chicken based toppings including bbq, ranch chicken, buffalo chicken with bleu cheese, etc.
Try it, you'll like it!
Check out their website: www.peacepizza.com



There is also one at Citizen's Bank Park in Ashburn Alley.

Here in the San Antonio, TX area it would Be Florio's Pizza just off Broadway and Nottingham. Miss Ellies New York pizza on Bitters near 281 is also very good, with a thicker crust.

I discovered a great little pizza joint today in East Berlin, CT called Village Pizza. At the end of a short little row of stores. NY style pizza by the slice or a whole pie. Was very good. Also calzones, panini sandwiches, pasta dishes, the whole works. Good & inexpensive.

On the east coast of central FL, I've found Brooklyn Pizza & Pasta makes a very good NYC thin crust pie, almost as good as what I took for granted in my many years in the NYC area. For anyone traveling on I-95, this place isn't very far from either exit 191 or 195.
http://brooklynpizzapasta.com/

Here are some of my favorites from "over the years":

Villanova Inn, New Castle, PA. Great food and cheap beer!

Inner-Circle Pizza in Poland OH. Never disappointed. Great wings, too.

Grotto Pizza in Dewey Beach, DE. Someone above observed that everyting tastes good in the salt-air. Grotto Pizza certainly does.

Ledo Pizza in suburban DC. There's something about sweet sauce on thin square pieces that is a refreshing change of pace.

Faccia Luna, Clarendon Metro, Arlington, VA. We always enjoyed their wood-fired pies with their generous antipasto.

Covino's in Plano, TX is our Dallas-area choice for a "Faccia Luna" antipasto+pizza meal. Extremely nice folks run this place. And they "import" their wonderful tiramisu from NJ!

Mario's on Wilson BV in Arlington, VA. Their square pieces must be comsumed immediately; they do not "travel". I always had one with "pep" and another with BBQ while waiting for Lefty to whip up my ham, steak, & cheese sub.

Campisi's Egyptian in Dallas. Great atmosphere and good (for Dallas) oval-shaped, thin-crust pies.

Since we moved from McLean, VA to Dallas in 2005 a number of "gourmet" pizza places have sprung up, Olivella's in Park Cities being the best (IMHO) among them. But Fireside Pies @ Legacy-Plano, Campania in Southlake, Coal Vines in Dallas, and Grimaldi's (of NYC fame) in Allen all serve wonderful Neopolitan-style pizza.

With these places Dallas, the corporate home of Pizza Hut, has moved from a "chain-pizza desert" to the "big leagues" of pizza.