NE MLK & NE Sumner
It had a fake fireplace in front and cardboard for pizza dough. Enough said. Been there twice and I have found nothing positive to say other than there is plenty of space. I'm not into trashing places but this is awful. I wonder how it is rated so high in Portland Monthly.
There is a Pizza Hut a block away on MLK and Alberta. I would rather go there.
Mash Tun Brewery
While primarily a small brewery and pub, they do offer small pita pizzas.
On Alberta Street it would be difficult to try compete with restaurants specializing in Pizza.
Mash Tun does it right for what they provide. Make a basic pita pizza, nothing special but something to absorb the beer.
I wouldn't recommend this as a destination pizza place, but the atmosphere is great, the staff friendly, and the beer good. As you can tell, not gourmet, not greasy, not anything special. Will it hit to spot at midnight when you've had a few pitchers while playing pool and darts? Absolutely. And especially for $5.
Pyros Pizza
SE Hawthorne and SE 12
This blog wouldn't be complete without mentioning a Portland Food Cart.
Throughout my pizza travels I have experienced some good pies, greasy pies, horrible slices of cardboard, crappy discontent Portland Hipster waiters with advanced degrees, but I had never ventured to the carts for pizza.
Taking a friend's advice I tried Pyros. Daring to offer pizza from a cart with a brick oven, Pyros makes an incredible small pizza. The crust is amazing, with the almost burned area in top and fluffy in the middle.
The toppings were organic fennel sausage and basil. While you must stand by the fireplace or bundle up under the tents to keep from freezing, Pyros has homemade pizza down better than most restaurants.
To be fair, parking there sucks, porta poties are the only option for nature issues, but the prices are good and the different carts in that cluster give you options for sides.
This blog wouldn't be complete without mentioning a Portland Food Cart.
Throughout my pizza travels I have experienced some good pies, greasy pies, horrible slices of cardboard, crappy discontent Portland Hipster waiters with advanced degrees, but I had never ventured to the carts for pizza.
Taking a friend's advice I tried Pyros. Daring to offer pizza from a cart with a brick oven, Pyros makes an incredible small pizza. The crust is amazing, with the almost burned area in top and fluffy in the middle.
The toppings were organic fennel sausage and basil. While you must stand by the fireplace or bundle up under the tents to keep from freezing, Pyros has homemade pizza down better than most restaurants.
To be fair, parking there sucks, porta poties are the only option for nature issues, but the prices are good and the different carts in that cluster give you options for sides.
Sunshine Tavern
SE Division & SE 31st
We went looking for some fried chicken and waffles and we found them at Sunshine Tavern. What we also found was a nice restaurant with a long wait during peak times, a large shuffleboard table, and food which will stop your heart. My kind of place.
While there were families there I could tell that after the early dinner hours, this transforms into an adult area. Great date night restaurant.
If this place doesn't have a brick oven they sure do a good replicating one. The crust was done perfectly and while there were only 4 or 5 pizzas on the menu, there were some options to customize. These pizzas were very gourmet and tasty. From everything else on the menu I was expecting there to be a mountain of grease pooling in the pepperonis.
This pizza was filling but did not leave me wanting to come home and unbuckle my belt and have my cardiac episode on the couch. The fried chicken on the other hand accomplished that goal.
We went looking for some fried chicken and waffles and we found them at Sunshine Tavern. What we also found was a nice restaurant with a long wait during peak times, a large shuffleboard table, and food which will stop your heart. My kind of place.
While there were families there I could tell that after the early dinner hours, this transforms into an adult area. Great date night restaurant.
If this place doesn't have a brick oven they sure do a good replicating one. The crust was done perfectly and while there were only 4 or 5 pizzas on the menu, there were some options to customize. These pizzas were very gourmet and tasty. From everything else on the menu I was expecting there to be a mountain of grease pooling in the pepperonis.
This pizza was filling but did not leave me wanting to come home and unbuckle my belt and have my cardiac episode on the couch. The fried chicken on the other hand accomplished that goal.
New York New York
SW Barbur Blvd and SW Bertha
Went here for the first time in college for a sandwich and it is still a great place.
This is one of the few great New York style pizza restaurants. They don't do slices but I am more than willing to buy a whole pizza and bring home the leftovers for breakfast.
There is very limited parking but plenty of seating. The pizzas, sandwiches, and salads are perfect for lunch, friends, or a romantic dinner.
For SW Portland this is the only place I would go for pizza.
Check this out. You will not be disappointed.
Went here for the first time in college for a sandwich and it is still a great place.
This is one of the few great New York style pizza restaurants. They don't do slices but I am more than willing to buy a whole pizza and bring home the leftovers for breakfast.
There is very limited parking but plenty of seating. The pizzas, sandwiches, and salads are perfect for lunch, friends, or a romantic dinner.
For SW Portland this is the only place I would go for pizza.
Check this out. You will not be disappointed.
Good Neighbor Pizza
NE Dekum and NE 8th
Great place in an up and coming neighborhood. Lunch, dinner, kids, no kids, friends, a date, or a lunch meeting.
They do half combo pizzas and are
not a minimalist pizza place.
The pizzas are great, staff were friendly and had a few beers on tap. There are a few restaurants nearby such as Firehouse and Breakside Brewery.
If you find GNP full you can try the two other restaurants but I think this is worth the wait. They have a 25 block delivery radius so if you're in NE delivery is always an option.
The pizzas are good, getting up there in price but you can customize as you want.
Great place in an up and coming neighborhood. Lunch, dinner, kids, no kids, friends, a date, or a lunch meeting.
They do half combo pizzas and are
not a minimalist pizza place.
The pizzas are great, staff were friendly and had a few beers on tap. There are a few restaurants nearby such as Firehouse and Breakside Brewery.
If you find GNP full you can try the two other restaurants but I think this is worth the wait. They have a 25 block delivery radius so if you're in NE delivery is always an option.
The pizzas are good, getting up there in price but you can customize as you want.
Oasis Cafe
SE Hawthorne and SE 37th
I told Collin I would take him on a pizza adventure but I had no idea where we were going. I decided to try SE and figured Hawthorne to be a safe bet for good food.
As we walked the shops and eyed the Portlanders we stopped at the Oasis Cafe. I had never heard of this place but it looked friendly so little Collin and I stopped in for a slice.
We sat outside after we ordered and noticed several others walking in with young ones. The pizza was great for a lunch. The crust was browned to the point of being burned which worked well.
Going for a stroll on Hawthone? Stop by the cafe.
I told Collin I would take him on a pizza adventure but I had no idea where we were going. I decided to try SE and figured Hawthorne to be a safe bet for good food.
As we walked the shops and eyed the Portlanders we stopped at the Oasis Cafe. I had never heard of this place but it looked friendly so little Collin and I stopped in for a slice.
We sat outside after we ordered and noticed several others walking in with young ones. The pizza was great for a lunch. The crust was browned to the point of being burned which worked well.
Going for a stroll on Hawthone? Stop by the cafe.
Urban Hop Works & Bike Bar
HUB SE Powell & SE 29th
Bike Bar N Williams & N Shaver
Let's face it, I'm reviewing a brew pub where the beer comes first and the food second. Or am I?
Both Hopworks Brewery and Bike Bar were created to offer a great selection of organic ales, food, and a place where you can take the kids.
Let's start with the beer. At both locations you can do sampler trays (extra samples if you ask). Pints and growlers. The pizza is good but not gourmet and really nothing too exceptional.
However I'm reviewing the restaurant, not just what comes out of the oven. You can come to either location with your friends an sit in the bar, come with the fam and let the kids play in the small play area, or just sit in the dining area.
Regardless the beer is the main attraction but the food is pretty good too. They do get busy though. I remember waiting forever to sit, order, and get our food. We didn't complain but the waitress was in tune with how busy it was and she was great. She cut us a break on the bill and sent us home with some growlers of their finest. For that reason, we have been back several times.
I have noticed a difference between the slices and the pies. The full size pizzas seem to be much higher in quality to the slices I get at happy hour. I have never been disappointed with their pizza and love the service and beer.
Despite not have top quality pizzas, I love both places and feel they deserve recognition for creating a place for everyone to hang out.
Bike Bar N Williams & N Shaver
Let's face it, I'm reviewing a brew pub where the beer comes first and the food second. Or am I?
Both Hopworks Brewery and Bike Bar were created to offer a great selection of organic ales, food, and a place where you can take the kids.
Let's start with the beer. At both locations you can do sampler trays (extra samples if you ask). Pints and growlers. The pizza is good but not gourmet and really nothing too exceptional.
However I'm reviewing the restaurant, not just what comes out of the oven. You can come to either location with your friends an sit in the bar, come with the fam and let the kids play in the small play area, or just sit in the dining area.
Regardless the beer is the main attraction but the food is pretty good too. They do get busy though. I remember waiting forever to sit, order, and get our food. We didn't complain but the waitress was in tune with how busy it was and she was great. She cut us a break on the bill and sent us home with some growlers of their finest. For that reason, we have been back several times.
I have noticed a difference between the slices and the pies. The full size pizzas seem to be much higher in quality to the slices I get at happy hour. I have never been disappointed with their pizza and love the service and beer.
Despite not have top quality pizzas, I love both places and feel they deserve recognition for creating a place for everyone to hang out.
Stark Naked Pizza
SE Stark St and SE 28th.
Whether you're on your way back from Portland Nursery or just want to try a slice for lunch, Stark Naked Pizza is a place to go for a true inner south east Portland experience.
Down the street from the upscale Ken's Artisan Pizza, SNP is nothing to scoff at. When you walk in you'll notice it's small, dark, but friendly. They serve pints, bottled beer, and have a booth with the Pacman video game as the table.
They play punk rock music, the staff have multiple tattoos and are friendly and laid back.
The pizza is good and you can consult with the guy behind the counter for suggestions to customize.
It's small but a good pizza, good price and fun. I don't think I would make it a date night, but for lunch or before a movie, definitely.
Whether you're on your way back from Portland Nursery or just want to try a slice for lunch, Stark Naked Pizza is a place to go for a true inner south east Portland experience.
Down the street from the upscale Ken's Artisan Pizza, SNP is nothing to scoff at. When you walk in you'll notice it's small, dark, but friendly. They serve pints, bottled beer, and have a booth with the Pacman video game as the table.
They play punk rock music, the staff have multiple tattoos and are friendly and laid back.
The pizza is good and you can consult with the guy behind the counter for suggestions to customize.
It's small but a good pizza, good price and fun. I don't think I would make it a date night, but for lunch or before a movie, definitely.
Blind Onion
NE Broadway and NE 34th
No kids allowed a it's a bar so we had to do takeout.
While I was waiting I surveyed the pub. It has a TV which would be good for watching the Blazer games and a few tables outside which are along Broadway. Not a great view.
The inside is nothing to rave about. It reminds me of a basement, musky, and dark. The pizza was ok but nothing I would drive 30 blocks to get. If it was between Blind Onion and Pizza Hut I would choose the Onion just to support local.
Perhaps if I went there with friends my experience would be different. However I'm not sure I would go there as there is nothing to walk to nearby.
You would have to specifically go there, park on Broadway to get your pie. Not a place you're going to stumble into.
Probably won't go back.
No kids allowed a it's a bar so we had to do takeout.
While I was waiting I surveyed the pub. It has a TV which would be good for watching the Blazer games and a few tables outside which are along Broadway. Not a great view.
The inside is nothing to rave about. It reminds me of a basement, musky, and dark. The pizza was ok but nothing I would drive 30 blocks to get. If it was between Blind Onion and Pizza Hut I would choose the Onion just to support local.
Perhaps if I went there with friends my experience would be different. However I'm not sure I would go there as there is nothing to walk to nearby.
You would have to specifically go there, park on Broadway to get your pie. Not a place you're going to stumble into.
Probably won't go back.
Lovelys Fifty Fifty
N Mississippi and N Mason
Want a good date night with some quality gourmet pizza then this is it.
You're probably not getting pepperoni pizza here or individual slices for that matter. You can expect chantrelle mushrooms, kale, and artisan cheese at this restaurant. You will see some kids here but not a place where they will be running around.
In the evening this is where adults come to have a serious gourmet pie. While this is an upscale dinner, the pizza sits in the $15 region. Not bad considering the quality.
There are three highlights to Lovelys which set it apart.
1) nice dining area. You could impress a date here.
2) brick pizza oven. To get perfect crusts for non Chicago style pies you nee a brick oven to compete.
3) the home made ice cream. The salted carmel is the best. I don't say that lightly considering Salt and Straw
and Ruby Jewel are right down the road.
If you're looking for a casual dinner or want to show a significant other a fantastic gourmet pizza, this is the place
Want a good date night with some quality gourmet pizza then this is it.
You're probably not getting pepperoni pizza here or individual slices for that matter. You can expect chantrelle mushrooms, kale, and artisan cheese at this restaurant. You will see some kids here but not a place where they will be running around.
In the evening this is where adults come to have a serious gourmet pie. While this is an upscale dinner, the pizza sits in the $15 region. Not bad considering the quality.
There are three highlights to Lovelys which set it apart.
1) nice dining area. You could impress a date here.
2) brick pizza oven. To get perfect crusts for non Chicago style pies you nee a brick oven to compete.
3) the home made ice cream. The salted carmel is the best. I don't say that lightly considering Salt and Straw
and Ruby Jewel are right down the road.
If you're looking for a casual dinner or want to show a significant other a fantastic gourmet pizza, this is the place
Escape From New York Pizza
NW 23rd and NW Irving
We took a break from the east side to visit the west. We were careful not to venture too far west as I believe Beverton/Hillsboro to be devoid of good food. (they have good food but not nearly what the east side has to offer).
Escape from New York was the premiere pizza place when I was a child. I remember it as being in an expensive hip area of Portland and was one of the few alternatives to Pizza Hut/Round Table/Domino's/Godfathers.
We were fairly disappointed in our visit. First of all, in the true Portland manner, we used a combination of the Streetcar and Bikes to get to our destination. Parking there is horrible but part of the experience.
The restaurant was packed during lunch and plenty of folks ordering takeout. I usually take this as a good sign. The cash only constraint surprised me as even the carts are now taking cards.
The pizza was edible and in the traditional New York style of folding the greasy slice in half.
What we got however was a thin almost tasteless slice of dough which I got to eat in a crowded room with some photos of the Brooklyn Bridge. The pizza was not a puddle of grease but rather a slice which looked like it had sat under the heat lamp in a 7-11. At the rate they were pumping out pizzas to accommodate the lunch crowd, perhaps it was an issue of sacrificing quality for quantity.
The reality is that this place is established and located in a very popular high traffic area with little competition.
If you put this place on Alberta St near Bella Faccia, Al Fornos, Via Chicago you would see them have to step up their recipes.
It's still a nice place to stop in, but not somethig I would drive to and god help me, find parking near NW 23rd.
My opinion, location location location.
We took a break from the east side to visit the west. We were careful not to venture too far west as I believe Beverton/Hillsboro to be devoid of good food. (they have good food but not nearly what the east side has to offer).
Escape from New York was the premiere pizza place when I was a child. I remember it as being in an expensive hip area of Portland and was one of the few alternatives to Pizza Hut/Round Table/Domino's/Godfathers.
We were fairly disappointed in our visit. First of all, in the true Portland manner, we used a combination of the Streetcar and Bikes to get to our destination. Parking there is horrible but part of the experience.
The restaurant was packed during lunch and plenty of folks ordering takeout. I usually take this as a good sign. The cash only constraint surprised me as even the carts are now taking cards.
The pizza was edible and in the traditional New York style of folding the greasy slice in half.
What we got however was a thin almost tasteless slice of dough which I got to eat in a crowded room with some photos of the Brooklyn Bridge. The pizza was not a puddle of grease but rather a slice which looked like it had sat under the heat lamp in a 7-11. At the rate they were pumping out pizzas to accommodate the lunch crowd, perhaps it was an issue of sacrificing quality for quantity.
The reality is that this place is established and located in a very popular high traffic area with little competition.
If you put this place on Alberta St near Bella Faccia, Al Fornos, Via Chicago you would see them have to step up their recipes.
It's still a nice place to stop in, but not somethig I would drive to and god help me, find parking near NW 23rd.
My opinion, location location location.
Sizzle Pie
SE 6th and E Burnside
Just onto the east side of Burnside, an area which has historically been dubious but is freshened up by Portland's weird scene, lies Sizzle Pie.
We went not knowing what to expect and had actually intended on going to Ken's Artisan Pizza however Ken's hour long wait was not going to happen with Collin.
Sizzle Pie plays heavy metal music, is staffed by tattoo ridden, pierced rockers, wearing leather and is open till 2am.
My neighbor, who looks as though he could be a roadie for Metallica works the counter and definitely personifies the place, speaks highly of the slices.
We went in, wondering if the music would stop the moment we crossed the threshold. No one paid us any notice and we ordered not knowing if there was any substance to this scene.
We still hold this as one of the best pizzas we have had. The slices are thin...very thin so take that into account.
Despite having to eat three or four slices, Sizzle Pie really does an incredible job making great meat/veggie pizzas.
My recommendation is the truffle oil pizza. It looked like a cheese puzza and I was wondering how truffle oil would taste on a slice. Simply amazing.
Just onto the east side of Burnside, an area which has historically been dubious but is freshened up by Portland's weird scene, lies Sizzle Pie.
We went not knowing what to expect and had actually intended on going to Ken's Artisan Pizza however Ken's hour long wait was not going to happen with Collin.
Sizzle Pie plays heavy metal music, is staffed by tattoo ridden, pierced rockers, wearing leather and is open till 2am.
My neighbor, who looks as though he could be a roadie for Metallica works the counter and definitely personifies the place, speaks highly of the slices.
We went in, wondering if the music would stop the moment we crossed the threshold. No one paid us any notice and we ordered not knowing if there was any substance to this scene.
We still hold this as one of the best pizzas we have had. The slices are thin...very thin so take that into account.
Despite having to eat three or four slices, Sizzle Pie really does an incredible job making great meat/veggie pizzas.
My recommendation is the truffle oil pizza. It looked like a cheese puzza and I was wondering how truffle oil would taste on a slice. Simply amazing.
Atomic Pizza
N Killingsworth and N Gay Ave
In an area where we rarely travel, Atomic Pizza hosts everything you could want for lunch.
A good selection of pies (named after various N Portland specific areas).
Individual slices are offered as well as are sandwiches and salads. The pictures on the walls are historic shots of Portland and the aura is that of a basic restaurant.
There is not much to come for on this street and the restaurant is good but not noteworthy.
In all a pleasant experience and a well priced pizza but nothing too exceptional for dining in. A great deal for take out assuming you live close by.
In an area where we rarely travel, Atomic Pizza hosts everything you could want for lunch.
A good selection of pies (named after various N Portland specific areas).
Individual slices are offered as well as are sandwiches and salads. The pictures on the walls are historic shots of Portland and the aura is that of a basic restaurant.
There is not much to come for on this street and the restaurant is good but not noteworthy.
In all a pleasant experience and a well priced pizza but nothing too exceptional for dining in. A great deal for take out assuming you live close by.
Pizza A Go Go
Located on N Williams and N Cook St
Genius idea putting a pizza place on Porland's busiest Bike route as well as the street which leads to Emanual Hospital.
While not much to look at on the outside, Pizza A Go Go has bar stools, a few tables, a modest outdoor area a few (and I mean a few microbrews). Slices and Pints are offered as is takeout. Ordering a simple pepperoni can run over $20 and during the dinner rush can be a 45 minute wait for pickup.
The quality of the pizza is good and it's a great place to stop in while you're on the bike lane. With the limited seating you're taking a chance of not being able to sit and having to wait for a full pizza for takeout. There is not much in walking distance with little ones however if you're on a bike or car you can always go up the street.
Bottom line: good pizza but expensive and limited seating makes it a gamble with kids.
Genius idea putting a pizza place on Porland's busiest Bike route as well as the street which leads to Emanual Hospital.
While not much to look at on the outside, Pizza A Go Go has bar stools, a few tables, a modest outdoor area a few (and I mean a few microbrews). Slices and Pints are offered as is takeout. Ordering a simple pepperoni can run over $20 and during the dinner rush can be a 45 minute wait for pickup.
The quality of the pizza is good and it's a great place to stop in while you're on the bike lane. With the limited seating you're taking a chance of not being able to sit and having to wait for a full pizza for takeout. There is not much in walking distance with little ones however if you're on a bike or car you can always go up the street.
Bottom line: good pizza but expensive and limited seating makes it a gamble with kids.
Bella Faccia
Located on NE Alberta and NE 30th
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This wonderful gem is perhaps one of my favorite stop ins. For one, you can bring kids without hatred being spewed from the eyes of hippsters.
While located on Alberta near other fine restaurants and destinations, Bella Faccia is a pleasant place to stop, enjoy a slice, pie, pint (or growler), and watch the world go by. There are no kid areas, TVs, or amenities to distract you from the purpose of this place (eat pizza, drink beer and talk to your friends.)
There is limited seating on the sidewalk and a perfect outdoor dining area in the back complete with lighting and a trellis.
The pizza is take out, dine in, or by the slice. The happy hour is perfectly priced, good selection of local beers, slices, salads, and gelato.
Drawbacks? Not sure if I can think of one. Takeout is easy and quick (20 minutes from ordering time at peak hours), if you order a pint and slice the guy at the counter asks you if you want to leave your tab open in case you want more (beats having to wait at the counter again)
As long as you understand this is not a romantic date destination but rather a place to stop in as you wander Alberta Street.
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Mississippi Pizza
Located on N Mississippi a block North of Fremont, Mississippi offers cheap pizza by the slice as well as full pies.
One of the backbone restaurants on the avenue, the pizza pub boasts the cozy Atlantis Lounge and small stage for local bands.
On Saturday afternoons there are little people's music events where the kids can sing along while parental units eat a slice and have a beer.
There are a few local brews on tap as well as PBR.
A little known secret is the whole wheat pizza dough you can buy for a few bucks to make your very own pies.
The quality of the pizza is good but by no means the best in Portland. Veggies, fancy meat, cheese and pepperoni is about as creative as it gets however we keep Mississippi Pizza as a favorite. The real draw is the family friendly atmosphere during the day and the quirky Portland vibe at night.
Our vote: a must
One of the backbone restaurants on the avenue, the pizza pub boasts the cozy Atlantis Lounge and small stage for local bands.
On Saturday afternoons there are little people's music events where the kids can sing along while parental units eat a slice and have a beer.
There are a few local brews on tap as well as PBR.
A little known secret is the whole wheat pizza dough you can buy for a few bucks to make your very own pies.
The quality of the pizza is good but by no means the best in Portland. Veggies, fancy meat, cheese and pepperoni is about as creative as it gets however we keep Mississippi Pizza as a favorite. The real draw is the family friendly atmosphere during the day and the quirky Portland vibe at night.
Our vote: a must
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