Best Pizza?

[Wishoot]

I posted this question in another board and got some interesting feedback. In my ongoing quest to find the best pizza when I travel, I would like your feedback on what local joints offer the best pizza in your town.

I live in the Milwaukee area. We know how to do beer, bratwurst and cheese better than anyone, but we are lacking in the pizza department.

Lou Malnati's in the Chicago area (Buffalo Grove to be exact) is my top choice.

[Venom8431]

If you make your way down to Chicago again you need to visit Caponies Trattoria. They have the best brick/wood burning pizza you will ever eat. It can be a bit greasy at times, but that just makes it even more delicious.

The address is:
3350 N Harlem Avenue
Chicago, IL 60634

The number is: (773) 804-9024

In relation to downtown it's about 30 minutes NW.

[Groundhog]

Being an Atlanta boy, I'm partial to The Mellow Mushroom (http://www.mellowmushroom.com/). They're a funky little pizza chain that started in the 70's here, and have expanded throughout the South, especially in college towns. I love the Magical Mystery Tour - pesto sauce, button & portobello mushrooms, spinach, feta cheese, and jalapenos. I like to add meatballs to satisfy the carnivorous instincts.

[burnwood]

In Chicago its, Annetti's and Coluta's on the NW side.
At the store its Jacks frozen pizza.

[burnwood]

If you make your way down to Chicago again you need to visit Caponies Trattoria. They have the best brick/wood burning pizza you will ever eat. It can be a bit greasy at times, but that just makes it even more delicious.

The address is:
3350 N Harlem Avenue
Chicago, IL 60634

The number is: (773) 804-9024

In relation to downtown it's about 30 minutes NW.

I live across the street from that place. Wood burning oven gives it a good taste.

[sklegg]

Seattle is incredibly inconsistent when it comes to pizza joints. My current fave is Veraci Pizza (http://www.veracipizza.com/). They have a great clay, wood-fired oven. No anchovies, though. :rolleyes:

But the best pizza anywhere? No joke... there is a pizzeria on the Piazza di Santa Maria Novella in Florence (Firenze), Italy. I forget the name of the place but it was terrific.

[blary54]

Im out of my element because I live in Wisconsin. But I do know a thing or two about frozen pizzas. Best frozen pizza is called Connies. Its a Chicago company...says on the box that it is the same pizza that wrigley field serves....anyway not sure if you can get it in your area. But I buy it all the time in Wisconsin(Madison)

I also love Unos pizza...I know its not the BEST and that its a chain but their deep dish Chicago style is good and im sure you can find an Unos in your area.

[brooklynlou]

NYC - John's Brick oven Pizza in the village

http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/7116744/new_york_ny/john_s_of_bleecker_street.html

[iron maiden]

I'm getting ready to go to NYC....SWMBO and I are going to Lombardi's for lunch. I'll let you guys know when I get back.

[neilxvx]

If you ever go to Anchorage, AK, make sure to stop by the "Mooses' tooth." People from all over the country go to Alaska with the Mooses' Tooth being one of the big reasons they went.

[JBHoren]

Sal's Pizzeria, in Bed-Sty, Brooklyn

[boboakalfb]

Tra Vigne Pizzeria in the Napa Valley. Ducati Pizza contains house made spicy sausage, sun dried tomatoes, capicola, mushrooms, mozzarella and tomato sauce. This thread is making me hungry.

[Austin]

Why has no one mentioned Pizza Hut? :biggrin:

[kongjie]

Sally's or Pepe's in Little Italy @ New Haven CT. Of course you'll be eating apizza, not that weird pizza stuff. If you don't want to deal with the crowds and parking, try Modern Apizza up on State St.

[texcattlerancher]

Why has no one mentioned Pizza Hut? :biggrin:

That's about the best Dallas has. I don't think Dallas, or Texas for that matter, has any pizza that can rival Chicago and the Northeast.

[Bobtrumpet]

When you come to Dallas, bring your own. :frown: While there's some passable pizza here to get your fix, there's nothing outstanding (I really hope to be proven wrong).

[EDIT] Oops, forgot one that I like well enough: Campisi's on Mockingbird Lane near SMU. They have a number of locations, but the original Egyptian Lounge is the best. (I think their pizza is a Ledo's wanna-be, but it's not a bad effort at all.)

When you are in the DC area there are a couple places to try:

Ledo's in College Park, MD on University Blvd near UofMD. There are other locations, but none like the original.

The Brickskeller at 22nd and P Streets (near Embassy Row) in DC. Order the buffalo pizza if they still have it. Beers from everywhere (and they were one of the few places in the 1970s that could make that claim).

Armand's Chicago Pizzeria on Wisconsin Ave. in NW DC was pretty good back in the day, but I have no idea as to now. They have a lot of locations, but this one I believe was the original (and the best). Best deep dish I ever had, and I lived in Chicago for over three years.

[big1096]

If you ever get the "pleasure" of being in the Baltimore area, don't miss Pizza John's. 113 Back River Neck Rd., Essex, MD. Family owned and operated since 1966. The best pizza around these parts! IMHO

http://www.pizzajohns.com/

[ejpeek]

If ever in Jackson, MI Andy's Pizza is a must, always voted #1 in the area.

[brooklynlou]

Sal's Pizzeria, in Bed-Sty, Brooklyn

Now if you're gonna do Brooklyn in the summer time, there's always Spumoni Gardens ... at around 11:00 pm-ish or so on a Friday or Saturday night ... after you drive up the el of course :biggrin:

http://www.spumonigardens.com/

"Ant-nee party of twelve. Ant-nee. Where are you? You wanna eat or what?"

[thirdeye]

Sally's or Pepe's in Little Italy @ New Haven CT. Of course you'll be eating apizza, not that weird pizza stuff. If you don't want to deal with the crowds and parking, try Modern Apizza up on State St.

Bingo, Pepe's Pizza Rocks.....They best Pie hands down.....

[Scotto]

Around these parts, my house. Elsewhere - Pepes in New Haven is a transcendent experience. The white clam and bacon pie rates as one of the three best foods that I have ever consumed. :drool:

[DunEdinRanger]

In Hoboken, within a quarter mile you can sample three great pizzerias and decide which is the best.

Benny Tudino's - between 6th and 7th streets on the west side of Washington Street gives a huge slice and is more tomatoey.

The Original H&S Giovanni's at the northeast corner of 6th and Washington gives a regular size slice that is cheesier than Benny's.

Filippo's also on the west side of Washington, between 4th and 5th has a slice that is perfectly seasoned. IMHO.

[onedropsound]

If other CT'ers are in Groton try out Ciro's on Long Hill Road....Good stuff!!!

[thirdeye]

If other CT'ers are in Groton try out Ciro's on Long Hill Road....Good stuff!!!

Hey, I know long hill road. Sounds like a mini road trip this weekend...:biggrin:

[DunEdinRanger]

If other CT'ers are in Groton try out Ciro's on Long Hill Road....Good stuff!!!

How could it possibly be better than Chick's Pit Garbage Truck Special?

[OldSaw]

Mike,

You need to get yourself up here to Green Bay and have a Cranky Pat's pizza. It used to be Frank and Pat's, but a divorce or something like that prompted the name change. Anyway, they make a super thin crust pizza and the one they call the special has a mountain of fresh mushrooms and sausage. I'm serious when I say a mountain. They use two hands to scoop out as many mushrooms as they can hold and it all goes on one pizza.

[dixee6]

Salvatore's Coal Brick Oven Pizza Port Washington New York!:001_smile

[burnwood]

Mike,

You need to get yourself up here to Green Bay and have a Cranky Pat's pizza. It used to be Frank and Pat's, but a divorce or something like that prompted the name change. Anyway, they make a super thin crust pizza and the one they call the special has a mountain of fresh mushrooms and sausage. I'm serious when I say a mountain. They use two hands to scoop out as many mushrooms as they can hold and it all goes on one pizza.

yuck

[shavindave]

In New York, Lombardi's on Spring Street or John's on Bleecker

[DeaconKC]

South Side Chicago is Aurelio's in Homewood, Make sure they do the stone oven!

[Wishoot]

Mike,

You need to get yourself up here to Green Bay and have a Cranky Pat's pizza. It used to be Frank and Pat's, but a divorce or something like that prompted the name change. Anyway, they make a super thin crust pizza and the one they call the special has a mountain of fresh mushrooms and sausage. I'm serious when I say a mountain. They use two hands to scoop out as many mushrooms as they can hold and it all goes on one pizza.

I get up to our GB office several times per year. Not to mention a Packers game or two. Where is this place?

[Antique Hoosier]

I'm getting ready to go to NYC....SWMBO and I are going to Lombardi's for lunch. I'll let you guys know when I get back.

Lombardi's is nice...coal fired oven. I prefer Bazbeaux's in the Broad Ripple area of Indianapolis... my favorite pie they make there is described as:
NAPOLI – Capers, anchovies, fresh garlic, fresh basil. 10“ $9.95; 12“ $11.95; 16“ $18.95

Also Monty's Pizza in Clearwater, Florida... Real Live New Yorkers transplanted to the land of White Sugar Sand beaches!

[OldSaw]

I get up to our GB office several times per year. Not to mention a Packers game or two. Where is this place?

Here's Cranky Pat's (http://www.crankypats.com/) web site. It is on the corner of Bellevue and Cass in Green Bay. I didn't even know they had two other locations as noted on the web site.

[OldSaw]

yuck

YMMV

[homebrewer]

If anyone ever has the pleasure/curse (depending on your view) of being in Richmond VA, the only place to even consider is "Bottom's Up". Solid pizza, with quality ingredients, although a bit expensive for Richmond...

Best that I've ever had though? Without a doubt, Gino's East in Chicago. Supposedly the pizza is infintely better now than it was in the past few years, mostly because they have moved back to their original location. Last time I went, we spent almost two hours in the alley drinking beer waiting to get in the door, and spent another hour at the table waiting for a pizza. When it finally showed up, it seemed small to me, and outrageously expensive.......

That being said, I honestly would buy a plane ticket tonight to go to Chicago for the sole reason of getting Gino's pizza. The whole combo is amazing, but there is something magical about the "wall to wall" sausage.:001_wub:

[stobes21]

Well, I throw in my recommendations for the St Louis area.

Imo's pizza: The classic St. Louis-style pizza. Provel cheese (look it up), crust the thickness (and some complain taste of) cardboard, and good toppings. This is the standard.

Fortel's Pizza Den: A top notch local chain. A bit thicker than Imo's and far better in my very humble opinion. Still cut square, still (I think) made with provel, but the crust has a good flavor and the toppings are much better quality than Imo's.

Dewey's Pizza: A Cincinnati based chain. Local pride makes it hard to admit, but they make a heck of a pie.

Blackthorn Pizza Pub: The darkhorse on the list, and my personal favorite. It's a dive bar, complete with a few ancient arcade/bar games and dollar bills tacked to the ceiling. Order at the bar and show up early to get a table. The pizza is heavenly. Thick, loaded with pounds of cheese and toppings, and guaranteed to add inches to your waistline before you can even walk out the door. This is the place to go with the guys to pig out on awesome pizza, have a few drinks, and get rowdy.

[SRock]

When I lived in Washington the best by far was "The Rock", it was a wood fired pizza joint and small brewery in Tacoma, WA. Might be the best pizza I've ever eaten. Sadly in Japan, I haven't found a good pizza place.

[TimmyBoston]

IMO the best pizza in Indianapolis is a small New York Style Pizzeria on the northside of town in the suburb of Carmel named Bella Pizzeria.

[Ferannia]

If you ever happened to be in Vancouver, Canada, and want a real Italian pizza, go to Marcelo restaurant on #1404 Commercial Drive, in between Grant & Kitchener St. Owner and a chef is Italian. Telehone: 604-215-7760 Traditional, Italian thin crust, first class pizza. No deliveres or take outs; order, it is a restaurant, sit down and enjoy.

[edcope]

When my dad and I would travel to St. Louis. We would have Alicia's delivered to the hotel room. Are they still around(tried yellowpages)? That to me was a great thin crust greasy cheese slice.

[stobes21]

When my dad and I would travel to St. Louis. We would have Alicia's delivered to the hotel room. Are they still around(tried yellowpages)? That to me was a great thin crust greasy cheese slice.

You're probably thinking of Elicia's. They are indeed still around. They have several locations around town. I can't remember the last time I had their pizza. I may have to give them a shot some time soon.

[SRock]

IMO the best pizza in Indianapolis is a small New York Style Pizzeria on the northside of town in the suburb of Carmel named Bella Pizzeria.

+1 That place is great. My brothers favorite! He took me there once when I was home on leave.

BTW, I was a Carmel kid.

[PKHammer]

In Ocean City, NJ its Mack and Manco's on the Boardwalk. They have opened other locations, but you have to have it on the boards.

In Jacksonville, Piccasso's serves a pretty good pie, as does Tony's New York Style Pizza. Both in the Mandarin area.

[AACJ]

In Ocean City, NJ its Mack and Manco's on the Boardwalk. They have opened other locations, but you have to have it on the boards.

In Jacksonville, Piccasso's serves a pretty good pie, as does Tony's New York Style Pizza. Both in the Mandarin area.


Never been to either of those places in Jacksonville, but we've always had Vitos, still in Mandarin and it's pretty good.

In Houston, Fuzzy's Pizza and Star Pizza - both Excellent!

In Boston, Earnesto's - the BEST pizza I've ever had.

In Richmond area, a plus for Bottoms Up in the Shockoe Bottom AND Angelo's and Sergio's, both in Midlothian.


If anyone ever has the pleasure/curse (depending on your view) of being in Richmond VA, the only place to even consider is "Bottom's Up". Solid pizza, with quality ingredients, although a bit expensive for Richmond...snip.....

You need to come out to the burb's.

[ouch]

Question: Why are there so few responses from NY'ers?

Answer:
They're too busy laughing at the other responses.


What can I say? My high school yearbook said "most likely to start World War 3".

[sklegg]

What can I say? My high school yearbook said "most likely to start World War 3".

There won't be a war over your comment. Anyone who's had pizza in NY will know the truth.

[AACJ]

I had pizza once in NY, I found it highly overrated.

[thirdeye]

I had pizza once in NY, I found it highly overrated.

I'd have to agree but there is one little place on the corner of 54th and 3rd that does make a killer slice.

Then of coarse there's Ray's Famous Pizza...just not sure which one...:lol::lol::lol:

[AACJ]

Famous Ray's or Original Ray's or Famous Original Ray's?

[Abdiel]

Favorite pizza is at a couple places in NJ where I grew up. Best being Romano's in Piscataway NJ 5 minutes from the house I grew up in. It's great pizza and not just it's what I grew up eating.

Now that I am in SC though good pizza is hard to come by. Theres a few passable excuses for pizza, but not many. Best local one I know of is NY Pizza in Anderson, SC. Amazingly, it actually tastes like pizza. And fairly good pizza at that.

[thirdeye]

Famous Ray's or Original Ray's or Famous Original Ray's?

Ya that's the ones...:biggrin:

[JBHoren]

Now if you're gonna do Brooklyn in the summer time...

Is there any other time to "do Brooklyn?"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocLtwZTWk6A

[Mottern Man]

Famous Ray's or Original Ray's or Famous Original Ray's?

Should have went to Ray's anything else is a copy of a copy of a copy.


If you ever go to Anchorage, AK, make sure to stop by the "Mooses' tooth." People from all over the country go to Alaska with the Mooses' Tooth being one of the big reasons they went.

I spent too much time at Charlies... oh, and Rumrunners. :biggrin:


If you ever get the "pleasure" of being in the Baltimore area, don't miss Pizza John's. 113 Back River Neck Rd., Essex, MD. Family owned and operated since 1966. The best pizza around these parts! IMHO

http://www.pizzajohns.com/

You had me until Essex, do they have one in Dundalk? :lol:




As for the other spots I have been Gino's East is best in Chicago but it is not a pizza its an Italian Loaf.
In DC, Papa Johns........... that is correct, I can't find nothing here. There is a run down joint outside of Andrews (not Jiffys or Jerrys) I can't remember the name but it was good way overpriced though.

Never, ever get a pizza in Asia. Unless you like fish, corn, and eggs on pie.

[Venom8431]

I live across the street from that place. Wood burning oven gives it a good taste.

You have no idea how jealous I am of you right now.

[expatCanuck]

the Upper Crust in Boston makes a fine pie.

[TorzJohnson]

I had pizza once in NY, I found it highly overrated.
I've had pizza hundreds of times in NY, and believe me, it is highly overrated. It's good but far from great. The Apizza up in New Haven beats it hands down IMHO.

[big1096]

You had me until Essex, do they have one in Dundalk? :lol:


Nope. The one and only is in Essex! Besides, if it was in Dundalk, how could you get past the smell in order to eat? :lol:

[AACJ]

Nope. The one and only is in Essex! Besides, if it was in Dundalk, how could you get past the smell in order to eat? :lol:

Ouch! That hurt!

I lived in Elkridge so I know what you are talking about.

Have you ever had crabs from Costas Inn there in Dundalk? Not bad, but I prefer the ones from Scooters in Elkridge.

[burnwood]

You have no idea how jealous I am of you right now.

its because of beauty isnt it?

oddly enough, only ate there once even though I enjoyed the pizza. Whenever we order out I always make it a point to order from somewhere in walking distance. 2 blocks north and 2 blocks south of me provides over 12 restaurants and Caponies is the closest.

[DaveAri]

Now if you're gonna do Brooklyn in the summer time, there's always Spumoni Gardens ... at around 11:00 pm-ish or so on a Friday or Saturday night ... after you drive up the el of course :biggrin:

http://www.spumonigardens.com/

"Ant-nee party of twelve. Ant-nee. Where are you? You wanna eat or what?"

I am going tonight. I'm paying off an election bet. I lost and dinner at L&B Spumoni Gardens is her choice for the payout.

[ouch]

I am going tonight. I'm paying off an election bet. I lost and dinner at L&B Spumoni Gardens is her choice for the payout.

Spumoni Gardens is a classic. The pizza is atypical (escpecially the sicilian) but it's really good. I used to love going there on warm summer evenings for a slice and a spumoni, and to watch the tough, attractive, and breathtakingly unintelligent local ladies.

[ravkesef]

Sally's or Pepe's in Little Italy @ New Haven CT. Of course you'll be eating apizza, not that weird pizza stuff. If you don't want to deal with the crowds and parking, try Modern Apizza up on State St.

Interestingly enough, having traveled a bit, I've eaten at a lot of the places mentioned in this thread, and agree that they're all good. However, we Connecticut residents believe that we have the best pizza available, and the three mentioned by Kongjie are the big three in this area. Whenever the Clinton's come to town, they always head first for Pepe's. There's always a line up (though not for them,) and the selection is limited. They offer pizza with a small number of toppings, beer and soft drinks, and that's about it. The menu is on the wall, the place is bare bones--you eat, and then get out, because there are always others on line waiting to get in. He has a coal-fired brick oven that is a classic to behold, as the chefs continually move the pizzas around the oven on astonishingly long-handled peels. The pizza, when it comes, is perfection itself. Of course, aficionados of Sally's will argue that theirs is the best, and it's really a toss-up. Modern, just a couple of blocks away has a full menu--you can get grinders, calzones, and a variety of other things. Usually not too long a lineup, but that doesn't mean that the food isn't great--just different. We had a pizza hut open up in our little town, Cheshire, about 20 minutes from New Haven, but it soon went bust. no wonder, when the pizza to be had around these parts is so truly magnificent. Two blocks from our house is Rosini's pizza--not as classically outstanding as the Big Three, but that's only by comparison, because it is truly great pizza, and probably better than what's available as most pizza palaces around the country.

Now the other side of the coin: who has the worst pizza. My son, a student at UBC Vancouver tells me that in this town of first-rate restaurants, the pizza is absolutely awful.

[kongjie]

However, we Connecticut residents believe that we have the best pizza available, and the three mentioned by Kongjie are the big three in this area.

Gosh I miss them. Out here I've found a few decent pies but they don't measure up to the the New Haven 3. Plus there's a halfway decent university there, too.

Anyway, over here on the Peninsula, check out Speederia Pizzaria in San Carlos (mostly to go), Pizza Antica (pricey but tasty small pies at Santana Row, across from the Winchester Mystery House) and believe it or not, an homage to New Haven apizza in Sonoma of all places, The Red Grape Pizzaria.

[ravkesef]

Gosh I miss them. Out here I've found a few decent pies but they don't measure up to the the New Haven 3. Plus there's a halfway decent university there, too.

Anyway, over here on the Peninsula, check out Speederia Pizzaria in San Carlos (mostly to go), Pizza Antica (pricey but tasty small pies at Santana Row, across from the Winchester Mystery House) and believe it or not, an homage to New Haven apizza in Sonoma of all places, The Red Grape Pizzaria.

New Haven pizza in Sonoma--will wonders never cease????

[David in Boston]

the Upper Crust in Boston makes a fine pie.

Was in Harvard Square tonight and had two slices at their Cambridge location. Not bad pizza.:001_smile Then I went to see the new James Bond movie with the "worse movie title in history". Wish I could say something nice about the movie.

Still Daniel Craig is a great actor.

David

[big1096]

Ouch! That hurt!

I lived in Elkridge so I know what you are talking about.

Have you ever had crabs from Costas Inn there in Dundalk? Not bad, but I prefer the ones from Scooters in Elkridge.

Just a little ribbing for my friends in the lower Baltimore County area!

I have had crabs at Costas, and they were good. My go to place now is Lady Frances, also in Essex. (I'm noticing a pattern...I need to get out more!) I've never been to Scooters...

[ouch]

You'll note that there has been surprisingly little backtalk from NY'ers in regards to comments about their pizza, mostly due to the fact that we don't care what you think.

Having said that, I can attest to the fact that despite the proliferation of quasi high end, "artisanal" pizzerias (goat cheese and pineapple, anyone?) the state of the field has been in decline for quite some time. There was a time when you could wander into virtually any shop and be assured of a reasonably good to excellent slice. Now you may have to do some research, which I find insulting to my NY sensibilities.

What made NY the mecca for pizza wasn't shops with hundred year old, coal burning ovens, fresh mozzerella (I know a guy who will, in an amazing display of Pavlovian response, unconsciously smack you if you pronounce it anything other than mutz-ah'RELL), or wacky toppings, it was the little hole in the wall run by the stereotypical, off the boat proprietor who knew how to do it right.

Those are the places I miss.

[Confuzius]

Some of the worst pizza I've ever had was in Northern Italy. I was dissapointed, but I hear it's better in the south.

The best? We've got some great $0.99 pizza places in Montreal, but the best is still my dad's home made creations, not too shabby for an irishman.

[SRock]

Some of the worst pizza I've ever had was in Northern Italy. I was dissapointed, but I hear it's better in the south.

The best? We've got some great $0.99 pizza places in Montreal, but the best is still my dad's home made creations, not too shabby for an irishman.

I've been all over Italy (North, Central, South, and Sicily) and never had a good pie. However, what most of North America considers Pizza barely resembles what is called Pizza in Italy.

Also, I've had pies all over NY and while some where good, they weren't anything to write home about.

I'll also tell you this, don't buy a Pizza in Japan, way overpriced and typically not that good.

[Wishoot]

I've been all over Italy (North, Central, South, and Sicily) and never had a good pie. However, what most of North America considers Pizza barely resembles what is called Pizza in Italy.

Also, I've had pies all over NY and while some where good, they weren't anything to write home about.

I'll also tell you this, don't buy a Pizza in Japan, way overpriced and typically not that good.

Italy's idea of pizza is 180 degreees of our pizza. I found pizza in Italy very thin, dry, devoid of toppings and devoid of flavor. HOWEVER, the rest of the food in Italy is absolutly outstanding. The best I've ever had.

[SRock]

Italy's idea of pizza is 180 degreees of our pizza. I found pizza in Italy very thin, dry, devoid of toppings and devoid of flavor. HOWEVER, the rest of the food in Italy is absolutly outstanding. The best I've ever had.


I agree!!

[Confuzius]

Italy's idea of pizza is 180 degreees of our pizza. I found pizza in Italy very thin, dry, devoid of toppings and devoid of flavor. HOWEVER, the rest of the food in Italy is absolutly outstanding. The best I've ever had.

Very true.

[ex-bugonaut]

[QUOTE=Wishoot;882899]
I live in the Milwaukee area. We know how to do beer, bratwurst and cheese better than anyone, but we are lacking in the pizza department.

QUOTE]

The Silo in Lake Bluff, IL (part of the no man’s land between Milwaukee & Chicago) had excellent pizza when I went there years ago. Why not give it a try & let us know if it’s still any good?

[ratcheer]

I live in a city where I don't find much excellent pizza. As said above, The Mellow Mushroom is pretty darned good, but I don't really find anything that comes near to being as good as the best pizza I found in the 70's and 80's.

Tim

[OldSaw]

I gotta add one more. Chef Charle's in Elk Rapids, Michigan makes a great pizza. My wife and I usually make a special stop there when we go to Traverse City.

[kongjie]

(I know a guy who will, in an amazing display of Pavlovian response, unconsciously smack you if you pronounce it anything other than mutz-ah'RELL)

My mother drops the end vowels on mozzarella, prosciutto, scungilli, etc. Discussion of this phenomenon here (http://www.nytimes.com/2004/09/20/nyregion/20italian.html?ex=1229783912&ei=1&en=2d7630ba471f5d01).

[Lucius]

In DC, Papa Johns........... that is correct, I can't find nothing here. There is a run down joint outside of Andrews (not Jiffys or Jerrys) I can't remember the name but it was good way overpriced though.
Local DC chains that are pretty good are Armand's and Ledo. Ledo is not the best pizza ever but it is very good, imo and my preferred choice in the area.

[urr-lord]

2 local place's in milledgeville ga--Deano's good but a little high,the Brick a pretty good pizza though i prefer the calzone's.

[Wishoot]

I gotta add one more. Chef Charle's in Elk Rapids, Michigan makes a great pizza. My wife and I usually make a special stop there when we go to Traverse City.


You kidding me? I practically grew up in Charlivoix and I never heard about this place. How did I miss it?

[uberlegit]

My mother drops the end vowels on mozzarella, prosciutto, scungilli, etc. Discussion of this phenomenon here (http://www.nytimes.com/2004/09/20/nyregion/20italian.html?ex=1229783912&ei=1&en=2d7630ba471f5d01).

Good read, thanks for the link. I usually pronounce the end vowels, I find the people that drop them feel like they have something to prove -- at least in Maine... :rolleyes:

[OldSaw]

You kidding me? I practically grew up in Charlivoix and I never heard about this place. How did I miss it?

My brother-in-law lives in Traverse City and he tipped me off to it. It's in the strip of shops down by the marina.

I did a lot of sailing in Charlevoix this last summer. Great place.

[Wishoot]

My brother-in-law lives in Traverse City and he tipped me off to it. It's in the strip of shops down by the marina.

I did a lot of sailing in Charlevoix this last summer. Great place.

I miss it like crazy. I've been meaning to take my boat up there, but the fuel cost from Milwaukee to Charlevoix would kill me.

You have one lucky brother in law. I would love to find a way to move up to Traverse City. I like Wisconsin, but Northern Michigan is the best.

[NewYorkBuck]

NYC - Lombardis in Little Italy. Oldest pizzaria in the US - and consistently the best pizza I have ever had.....

[OldSaw]

I miss it like crazy. I've been meaning to take my boat up there, but the fuel cost from Milwaukee to Charlevoix would kill me.

You have one lucky brother in law. I would love to find a way to move up to Traverse City. I like Wisconsin, but Northern Michigan is the best.

We tried living in Petoskey and things just didn't work out for us, so we moved back to Green Bay. We are still leaving the door open for a Traverse City move when I graduate and get my teaching certification.

[Watchmen]

If you end up in Sacramento try:

Giovanni's for NY Style

Zelda's for Chicago Style

[JFA3189]

pizzeria regina on thatcher street in the north end of boston has awesome pizza.

[Duckster]

Gosh I miss them. Out here I've found a few decent pies but they don't measure up to the the New Haven 3. Plus there's a halfway decent university there, too.

Ah, you must be speaking of my alma mater: Southern Connecticut State University. :lol:

[Mottern Man]

Just a little ribbing for my friends in the lower Baltimore County area!

I have had crabs at Costas, and they were good. My go to place now is Lady Frances, also in Essex. (I'm noticing a pattern...I need to get out more!) I've never been to Scooters...

Try living in Prince Georges. :2guns:

Thanks for the pizza/crab tip though, I may have to take the drive to Essex.

Jerry's Seafood (not the sub joint) is a decent spot for crab (order the Crab Bomb :thumbup1:).

https://www.jerrysseafood.com/main.php

I have been to the Lanham location. The place is a little rundown and a little overpriced but worth it.


Sorry for the Hijack, back to pizza. :redface:

[TstebinsB]

Sal's Pizzeria, in Bed-Sty, Brooklyn
It's spelled Bed-Stuy though it's pronounced Bed-Sty. I forgive you. It was the Floridian in you typing. :tongue_sm


I've had pizza hundreds of times in NY, and believe me, it is highly overrated. It's good but far from great. The Apizza up in New Haven beats it hands down IMHO.
I don't know where you're getting your pizza from but there are plenty of great places. There aren't as many left as there used to be but they do exist.


My mother drops the end vowels on mozzarella, prosciutto, scungilli, etc. Discussion of this phenomenon here (http://www.nytimes.com/2004/09/20/nyregion/20italian.html?ex=1229783912&ei=1&en=2d7630ba471f5d01).
I taught myself Italian and I don't have any of the omissions in my speech because I learned technical Italian. Some Italians try to "correct" me with the wrong pronunciation. Sono una massa di idioti!

[Cheech]

I can't believe that only one person from California has had the courage to weigh in on this.

In the bay area, try Zach's in Berkeley.

Best part, you can eat it in a nuclear-free zone. Yeah, the pizza may be good in NYC, but there is no local ordinance against nuclear weapons. Yep, nothing deters terrorists like a $60 fine.

http://www.classicalvalues.com/NukeFreeBerkeley.jpg

Thought I was joking, huh?

[fili123]

Arturo's
106 W. Houston St., New York, NY at Thompson St.
MY FAVE.

[Wishoot]

Anything new and exciting out there in the pizza world since the last post?

[dreadpirate]

Best pizza is the one in front of me.

[Dr Roadrash]

I posted this question in another board and got some interesting feedback. In my ongoing quest to find the best pizza when I travel, I would like your feedback on what local joints offer the best pizza in your town.

I live in the Milwaukee area. We know how to do beer, bratwurst and cheese better than anyone, but we are lacking in the pizza department.

Lou Malnati's in the Chicago area (Buffalo Grove to be exact) is my top choice.

Milwaukee no good pizza? are you nuts!! How about Zaffiros and Lisas. The sausage mushroom onion at both is excellent.
Aaron

[Mendel]

Cottage Inn Pizza - Ann Arbor, Michigan

[Yanks27]

NYC Paulie Gees (Brooklyn)
DiFaro's (Brooklyn)

You can't go wrong with Totono's in Manhattan. Arturio's is also good (coal oven), Patsy's (way uptown - more for a slice, no atmosphere)

New Haven
Pepe's and Sally's Apizza (white clam pizza)

[Wishoot]

Milwaukee no good pizza? are you nuts!! How about Zaffiros and Lisas. The sausage mushroom onion at both is excellent.
Aaron

Tried Zaffiro's once. It was OK but nothing special IMO.

[tommyguns]

wishoot in fact lou's IS the best pizza in chicago with that crust amazing!

[Dtwitch19]

Antonio's Pizza in Amherst Mass. After you have their pizza, you will never want another from any other place.

[scottish steve]

Anything new and exciting out there in the pizza world since the last post?

If anyone's ever in Glasgow, go to the 3-in-1 take-away on the South side of Otago St and order a "large chicken tikka massala pizza with extra cheese". They make an acceptable pizza, but while they're doing that they make a great curry from scratch. At the end, they pull the pizza out of the oven and pour the whole curry over it, then add cheese on top and stick it back in the oven for a few mins. It might be the least pizza-like pizza you have ever tasted, but if you've got 3 drunken buddies with you, it's hard to beat. Approx 3,000 calories a slice!

For real Pizza, Little Italy on Byres Rd isn't bad at all- thin, freshly made dough, not too much sauce or cheese and good ingredients. Very light and tasty. And they do good coffee too.

[ValidPowerDetector]

Ocean Pizza in New London, Ct.

I remember from my Navy days, it was THE best!

Also Napoli Pizza in Vallejo, Ca. ain't bad.

[xXClockwork]

Best pizza is the one in front of me.
Haha Agreed.

[DanNYC]

Very happy to see a lot of praise for the New Haven 3. (Pepe's being my favorite. With a bottle of Foxon Park Birch Beer) Growing up only about 15min away, I often make the argument to everyone that they will not find a better pizza.

And that says a lot from someone dating a girl who originates from Chicago and living in NYC!

[Comet]

Amellio's Pizza in the McGill Gheto in Montreal. Great wood oven pizza

[saf]

In Chicago try Spacca Napoli or Coalfire neither are Chicago stlye but both are top shelf.

[Tkocloser]

Imo's in St. Louis along with a Schlafly's beer, also a proud STL product. Best pizza and best beer in the world. To be clear, I have never rejected pizza or beer, so we are talking degrees of good here.

[rickboone1]

Sal's in Queens.

[chicagotrim]

Being a New Yorker living in Chicago has not been easy...I have constant battles with my Chicagoan Inlaws. I do not like deep dish(nor do they), but even the thin crust to me is...meh. Its funny that its cut in squares(at most places) like your in 3rd grade. I will say that PIECE Chicago is excellent(however the owners are from New Haven)
I have also been to Pepe's in New Haven and think its top notch pizza
But my favorites in NY
Grimaldi's
lombardi's
Spumoni Garden(L&B's) in Brooklyn
Difaros Brooklyn
Johns

[djmike523]

I live in the Milwaukee area. We know how to do beer [] better than anyone, but we are lacking in the pizza department.


Hmm . . . well, beer is made in Milwaukee, I'll give you that!


On a serious note, I find a local pizza parlor - Dino's Bocce Club, est. 1946 - to be my go-to because, well, its local. Its also really, really good. Other than that, the second best pizza I've had was in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea (go figure; good pizza in Florida!); can't remember the name, but it was DELICIOUS brick oven pizza. In the Sea Ranch Village Shopping Center.

[Sqratch]

Santarpios in Boston ma. Hands down!

Wait. Lu malnatis in chicago just can't be beat.

[Wishoot]

Santarpios in Boston ma. Hands down!

Wait. Lu malnatis in chicago just can't be beat.

Lou Malnati's is my favorite Chicago pizza.

[DeusVult]

Two great pizza joints in St. Louis: Guido's Pizzeria and Tapas (on the Hill) and Serra's Pizzeria (west edge of the city - Maryland Heights). Guido's is surrounded by a lot of restaurants about which people have raved. Serra's is a hole in the wall and hard to find. But you can google them; both highly recommended. I'm a pizza snob. Oh hell, here's the links:

http://www.guidosstl.com/

http://serraspizzeria.com/

[Legeis]

I posted this question in another board and got some interesting feedback. In my ongoing quest to find the best pizza when I travel, I would like your feedback on what local joints offer the best pizza in your town.

I live in the Milwaukee area. We know how to do beer, bratwurst and cheese better than anyone, but we are lacking in the pizza department.

Lou Malnati's in the Chicago area (Buffalo Grove to be exact) is my top choice.


If you ever get to Mempis Tn. BBQ Pizza at Colettas. One of a kind.

[barrycv]

Lou's is my fave for deep dish locally. For something definitely different & a bit quirky, go to Lincoln Park & get the pizza crock at CPOG [Chicago Pizza Oven & Grinder]. In the vacinity of Goethe & Clark (just north of Park West).

I've had pizza in Italy - quality varied from place to place, but definitely different from what we have here in the US (whether it be deep dish or thin). I wouldn't call it horrible, but certainly not the best I ever had.

I've been a bit critical of NY style. Don't get me wrong - I'm not trying to start some flame war here - some of it is pretty good, but the reason it has that taste is the water. There's some unique mineral content in there that gives a unique (good) taste to the dough. Nothing wrong w/ that, but it isn't anything about the style (process, hardware, whatever) that makes it good. At least deep dish is something that is put together in a more unique way that makes it what it is. NY is just a member of the 'lucky water' club.

[JPDyson]

In order of pretentiousness, from the Raleigh-Durham area:

1. Lilly's Pizza - Local/Organic/Hipster. I rarely leave without shaking my head, but the pie is awesome. Dante's Inferno is highly recommended. They just opened a store closer to me (which makes their second).

2. Amante's Pizza - Really not pretentious at all, but they do get a little more "experimental". It's a smallish chain with a handful of restaurants. The Ameatza is a treat if you dig meaty pizza.

3. Randy's Pizza - A slightly bigger chain, big/thin slices you have to fold at least once to eat, and I have it on good authority a New Yorker would not be insulted by it. Because I know a guy from New York, and this is one of the very few places he's not insulted by the pizza. I tend to get a slice with pepperoni. Far from inspired, I know, but it just seems right.

[Wishoot]

In order of pretentiousness, from the Raleigh-Durham area:

1. Lilly's Pizza - Local/Organic/Hipster. I rarely leave without shaking my head, but the pie is awesome. Dante's Inferno is highly recommended. They just opened a store closer to me (which makes their second).

2. Amante's Pizza - Really not pretentious at all, but they do get a little more "experimental". It's a smallish chain with a handful of restaurants. The Ameatza is a treat if you dig meaty pizza.

3. Randy's Pizza - A slightly bigger chain, big/thin slices you have to fold at least once to eat, and I have it on good authority a New Yorker would not be insulted by it. Because I know a guy from New York, and this is one of the very few places he's not insulted by the pizza. I tend to get a slice with pepperoni. Far from inspired, I know, but it just seems right.

Thanks Josh. I'm heading to the R/D area for Christmas. I'll give one of these places a try.

[smalltank]

Beverly Hills, Ca..Mulberry Pizza...:thumbup:

[malocchio]

Albany calif....solano ave....little star pizza !

[fortcon]

I'm from Washington (State, for those of you wondering), and wherever I can find it, Pizza Pipeline is the king of pizza. Extra sauce, extra cheese and extra pepperoni, the sauce has a spicy note to it that it refreshing. I struggle to consume anything else without shedding tears that it's not pizza pipeline.

[BrewCommando]

When in Detroit, http://tomatoesapizza.com/about/ is worth seeking out. The Classic with bacon and onion is our family go-to pizza.

[deezyrocks]

Sicily's pizza in Flint MI is the jump off!

[packersfan117]

Wick's in Louisville, KY. It's hands-down the best pizza I've ever eaten. It's a thick crust with amazing sauce and only the best toppings, and comes in absolutely massive sizes to feed a huge group. It's not greasy either, as a lot of places are.

[Cheeva]

That's about the best Dallas has. I don't think Dallas, or Texas for that matter, has any pizza that can rival Chicago and the Northeast.

Sadly, all true. :frown::frown::frown:

[The Nid Hog]

In order of pretentiousness, from the Raleigh-Durham area:
1. Lilly's Pizza - Local/Organic/Hipster. I rarely leave without shaking my head, but the pie is awesome. Dante's Inferno is highly recommended. They just opened a store closer to me (which makes their second).

Thanks for the tip. I haven't tried Lilly's yet, but overall I've been deeply disappointed in NC pizza. It's hard to find something even adequate. Pepper's is the most popular place in Chapel Hill, but funny toppings don't make up for a poor pizza. There's supposed to be a new place opening in Durham in a couple of weeks by a crew with a lot of experience--it'll be called Pizzeria Toro.

My favorite pizza places are John's in New York and Pequod's in Chicago. Haven't been to Pequod's in years but John's was still good the last time I was in New York. Kind of far afield but Savoy in Tokyo makes a fantastic pizza too.

[roklein]

If ever in the northern NJ area of Bergen County, try Kinchleys on Franklin Turnpike in Ramsey or Nellie's Place on Franklin Turnpike in Waldwick. The best thin crust around.

[maxman]

The best pizza I've ever had as at Woodstock's in San Diego.
I can't remember what exactly made it so good, but I do remember every delicious bite.
That was more than 10 years ago.

[rebos]

In order:

Grimaldi's in Brooklyn.

Prima Strada in Victoria, BC (with Buffalo cheese)

I ate nothing but Pizza in Italy and nowhere was anywhere close to the pies on offer at Grimaldi's and Prima Strada.

[Ethan.Bassist.]

I'll basically eat any pizza that is on the table.

But lately, when I want pizza, and want it enough to go out and buy one, I go to Little Caesar's and get the $5 Hot-n-Ready pizzas. OMG, so good. I'm not a huge eater... I'm like 6' 1" 145lbs... but I will put away at least 3/4 of a $5 pizza... and then the rest a while later. I douse it in tabasco and go to town. It's awesome. If I'm paying anything more than $5 for a pizza, it better be damn good. hahaha... how bourgeois of me :)

[Penguinetti]

Hands down by far is Pepe's Pizza on Wooster Street in New Haven, CT. It's basically 'Little Italy' of New Haven. Anything on Wooster street is tasty.




If other CT'ers are in Groton try out Ciro's on Long Hill Road....Good stuff!!!


How could it possibly be better than Chick's Pit Garbage Truck Special?

Next time I head down to the Subase, I'll have to check those out. Although when I'm in Groton, I go for Chester's BBQ.

[rebos]

Whew!

I looked this whole thread over in the hopes of finding at least one other vote for Grimaldi's. For me, they are #1. It's been too long since I've had a slice.

If you are in or around Brooklyn try them out: http://www.grimaldis.com/


Being a New Yorker living in Chicago has not been easy...I have constant battles with my Chicagoan Inlaws. I do not like deep dish(nor do they), but even the thin crust to me is...meh. Its funny that its cut in squares(at most places) like your in 3rd grade. I will say that PIECE Chicago is excellent(however the owners are from New Haven)
I have also been to Pepe's in New Haven and think its top notch pizza
But my favorites in NY
Grimaldi's
lombardi's
Spumoni Garden(L&B's) in Brooklyn
Difaros Brooklyn
Johns

[SALBONE]

My favorite pizza places in San Jose are:
A Slice of New York (Marguerita, and Sicilian are my favorites...oh, and their house calzone)
DiMaggio's (where the Stromboli was invented)
Piz'za Chicago (I get the Untouchables which is a BBQ chicken deep dish)
BJ's (I know its a chain, but boy are they good--and they have craft beer!)

Pizza, just like BBQ, is very much discussed and argued, especially from individuals that are from the region they originate from. That said, I really don't care for many of the California-style pizza offerings.

[Teddyboy]

Nah, if you're going to do Brooklyn, DiFara's is a must. Google them to read some of their great reviews. They opened when I was a teen and apparently the same brothers still run the place. But John's and Lombardi's are also good. Another superb, and the oldest continuously running pizzeria in NYC is Totonno's in Coney Island (although they have opened a branch in Manhattan in the east 80s). Make a day of it! Check out Coney, the aquarium, stroll on the boardwalk to little Odessa and then back to Totonno's for dinner. You know, I may actually do this myself.

[garyg]

Being in Day-Twah has some advantages, pizza wise. Aside from the obvious chains born here (Dominos & Little Caesars), seems we are situated centrally enough to have some great pies from all the corners. Tomatoes Apizza for example, where the owner trained in New Haven, makes great thin NY style pizza. We have the thicker Chicago style chains like Uno's, and Detroit style which is semi thick & square - Buddy's Pizza.

Then there's the Green Egg pizza from the backyard ..

I could live on pizza, except for my arteries ..

[showard]

Down here in Bryan/College Station TX it is Mr. G's piazza in downtown Bryan. Owned by an Italian gentleman who also owns a great Italian restaurant in College Station. It's brick oven fired and has the best crust I've ever had- not thick, not really thin, just perfect. And with the correct amount of toppings......well it's perfect.

[Daiku]

If, for whatever reason, you find yourself in Erie, PA, I recommend Stevo's Pizza. It really is authentic New York-style pizza transplanted to the Great Lakes.

[Jclifton]

Wick's in Louisville, KY. It's hands-down the best pizza I've ever eaten. It's a thick crust with amazing sauce and only the best toppings, and comes in absolutely massive sizes to feed a huge group. It's not greasy either, as a lot of places are.

Wick's is amazing, definitely one of the things I miss most about Louisville.
Blue Highway in Gainesville, Fl is also a favorite.

[RedRocks]

Wagon Wheel Pizza, Main Street, Monticello, Utah!

Susie has been hand tossing her dough for almost 30 years! She has employed over half of the kids in town at one time or another (both of my boys, and my wife included). Pretty darned good pie, one of the best I've ever tasted - and believe me, I have tasted a BUNCH!

~Frank

[aw561838]

Sicily's pizza in Flint MI is the jump off!

Sicily's?! Ha! Everyone know's Luigi's is the best pizza in Flint.

[ValidPowerDetector]

When I was stationed in Groton, we loved Ocean Pizza in New London.
Wonder if it's still there

[smalltank]

Salad pizza @ California Pizzas Kitchen
Gluten Free pizza @ Dominos Pizza

[Acmemfg]

Pizzeria Regina-Boston North End, no gimmicks. Just good

[PMT]

Caro Amico in Portland, OR, Portlands first pizza since 1944, hand rolled dough in the shape of a square, when you get out of your car, the aroma hits you before you close your door

[eelhc]

I'm a big fan of thin crust New York Style pizza. Although the best I've had is actually in Vermont.

American Flatbread. The original at the Lareau Farm in Waitsfield, VT.

http://americanflatbread.com (http://americanflatbread.com/)

Fresh, local ingredients and a wood fired oven. My favorite? the Wagon Wheel (basic cheese pie).

[Rushman2112]

There used to be a great place here at the top of Orchard Road called Modestos. They have a wood fired pizza oven and did a killer diavolo pizza, thin crust, which I had with extra Parma ham, slathered all over the top once cooked. It used a really good spicy salami, and with a slop of chilli oil all over, with a cold Heineken, it was great sat outside of an evening watching the tourists.

We moved from the area and stopped going to Modestos and I hadn't been for a couple of years when I found myself in Orchard Rd in need of food, and I tried it for old time's sake.

It was rubbish, the salami was utterly insipid, so I called the waiter over and asked him what had happened. It seemed that despite it saying clearly (and still saying now) "spicy" salami on the menu, bloody tourists were coming in with their kids, ordering it and then the little brats complained it was "too spicy". So they changed the salami. <EXPLETIVE DELETED>

Modestos crossed off the list.

[The Count of Merkur Cristo]

The Mrs. and I really like the hand-tossed brick oven pizzas from Castiglias Italian Restaurant (locally owned and operated by the Castiglia family from Naples Italy), in downtown Fredericksburg, VA. :thumbsup:

http://d.wapday.com/animation/ccontennt/1341-s/pizza_parlor_chef_dough.gif?__sid=WTKAZAOMMWWD&lang=en"You better cut the pizza in four pieces because I'm not hungry enough to eat six". Yogi Berra

[mcgils]

Pizzeria Regina-Boston North End, no gimmicks. Just good

+1. Has to be in the North End though, not one of the satellite locations.

[Wishoot]

Rediscovered a new fav in the Milwaukee area: Calderone Club in Fox Point. Thin, crispy crust and toppings of absolutely outstanding quality.

[dreadpirate]

Any Chicago style pizza.

[Wishoot]

Any Chicago style pizza.

As long as it's Lou Malnati's....

[Moneysuckle]

In Houston, Fuzzy's Pizza and Star Pizza - both Excellent!


Pink's is my favorite pie in Houston. Long ago, Valian's was the spot.

[Bird_Flu]

Pittsburgh has two great IMO pizza joints, Fiori's in Beechview/Brookline and Bado's pizza grill and Ale house in Mt. Lebanon are my favorites. Great hand tossed crust, sauce, cheese and fresh ingredients.