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Post by Pastafarian on Mar 15, 2018 8:14:04 GMT -5
This isn't going to be lovingly made in a brick oven crafted in the fires of an Italian volcano, it's easy to find, relatively uniform, and won't break the bank. When you just don't feel like making it yourself or driving across town, who makes the best takeout/delivery pizza?
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Post by Deleted on Mar 15, 2018 8:20:12 GMT -5
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Post by Pedantic Editor Type on Mar 15, 2018 8:24:40 GMT -5
Local Chicago-area chains. Aurelio's or Home Run Inn, probably, for thin crust.
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Post by pairesta on Mar 15, 2018 8:30:39 GMT -5
I haven't heard of any of the ones after Little Caesar's, which in turn makes me want to throw in a vote for Mellow Mushroom, a multi-state franchise extending across the southeastern US all the way to Texas. Funky, hippie vibe, with neat combos like portabello mushrooms, pesto, and goat cheese. I have a soft spot after subsisting on the local outlet during my grad school days in Georgia, then when they came to Texas a few years ago I went for nostalgia's sake, fully expecting them to suck, but instead was delighted to find that nope, they're still actually pretty good.
That said, I guess Pizza Hut of the ones posted, for similar reasons (Meatlover's was a weekly order in college). Although the last time I had one, I got pretty sick afterwards and haven't gone back since.
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Post by Pastafarian on Mar 15, 2018 8:39:46 GMT -5
For someone who grew up in CA and ID and currently lives in western Canada, I'm going to have problems confirming or denying your assertion.
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Post by Pastafarian on Mar 15, 2018 8:41:56 GMT -5
I haven't heard of any of the ones after Little Caesar's, which in turn makes me want to throw in a vote for Mellow Mushroom, a multi-state franchise extending across the southeastern US all the way to Texas. Funky, hippie vibe, with neat combos like portabello mushrooms, pesto, and goat cheese. I have a soft spot after subsisting on the local outlet during my grad school days in Georgia, then when they came to Texas a few years ago I went for nostalgia's sake, fully expecting them to suck, but instead was delighted to find that nope, they're still actually pretty good. That said, I guess Pizza Hut of the ones posted, for similar reasons (Meatlover's was a weekly order in college). Although the last time I had one, I got pretty sick afterwards and haven't gone back since. A few of them are Canadian, and Round Table is a West Coast chain. I probably should have stayed more broad but I was listing places I have personally tried.
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Post by Pastafarian on Mar 15, 2018 8:44:04 GMT -5
I haven't heard of any of the ones after Little Caesar's, which in turn makes me want to throw in a vote for Mellow Mushroom, a multi-state franchise extending across the southeastern US all the way to Texas. Funky, hippie vibe, with neat combos like portabello mushrooms, pesto, and goat cheese. I have a soft spot after subsisting on the local outlet during my grad school days in Georgia, then when they came to Texas a few years ago I went for nostalgia's sake, fully expecting them to suck, but instead was delighted to find that nope, they're still actually pretty good. That said, I guess Pizza Hut of the ones posted, for similar reasons (Meatlover's was a weekly order in college). Although the last time I had one, I got pretty sick afterwards and haven't gone back since. I haven't had Pizza Hut in ages, but last time I did I remember thinking it was way too greasy. But maybe that was just the particular place I ordered from. In any case they aren't huge up here so it's usually easier to order from elsewhere.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 15, 2018 8:44:11 GMT -5
For someone who grew up in CA and ID and currently lives in western Canada, I'm going to have problems confirming or denying your assertion. Let me put it this way - New England in general has exceptional pizza that could rival NY any day of the week. This stuff is pretty good. Not amazing, but good.
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Post by Pastafarian on Mar 15, 2018 8:46:19 GMT -5
For someone who grew up in CA and ID and currently lives in western Canada, I'm going to have problems confirming or denying your assertion. Let me put it this way - New England in general has exceptional pizza that could rival NY any day of the week. This stuff is pretty good. Not amazing, but good. I have heard that there are places in Boston (and I want to say Rhode Island maybe?) that have mind blowing pizza. I'd love to visit some day!
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Gumbercules
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Post by Gumbercules on Mar 15, 2018 8:51:38 GMT -5
Let me put it this way - New England in general has exceptional pizza that could rival NY any day of the week. This stuff is pretty good. Not amazing, but good. I have heard that there are places in Boston (and I want to say Rhode Island maybe?) that have mind blowing pizza. I'd love to visit some day! YUP Grilled pizza came about here, I think at Al Forno's. But enough places do it now that you can probably get better ones at other establishments. For a while, those thin crust, grilled pizzas were my go-to option, but there's a place that's been around for 2 or 3 years now; Figidini. They do neapolitian dough pizza, which has the perfect chewiness and char on it. It's better than pizza I've had in Italy. In New Haven there's Frank Pepe's, and word is that they're opening a location in RI.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 15, 2018 8:54:38 GMT -5
I have heard that there are places in Boston (and I want to say Rhode Island maybe?) that have mind blowing pizza. I'd love to visit some day! YUP Rhode Island, my fair state (MA), and especially Connecticut.
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Invisible Goat
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Post by Invisible Goat on Mar 15, 2018 10:56:50 GMT -5
Does anyone here listen to Doughboys? Podcast about chain restaruants/fast food hosted by 2 white dude actor/comedian guys (Nick Wiger and Mike Mitchell), so I realize that sounds insufferable, but it's really funny, though also long-running with lots of in-jokes.
Anyway they are doing a March Madness pizza tournament so this is very timely. Final 4 are Dominos, Blaze, Little Caesars, and Costco.
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Post by Jimmy James on Mar 15, 2018 11:09:53 GMT -5
I haven't heard of any of the ones after Little Caesar's, which in turn makes me want to throw in a vote for Mellow Mushroom, a multi-state franchise extending across the southeastern US all the way to Texas. Funky, hippie vibe, with neat combos like portabello mushrooms, pesto, and goat cheese. I have a soft spot after subsisting on the local outlet during my grad school days in Georgia, then when they came to Texas a few years ago I went for nostalgia's sake, fully expecting them to suck, but instead was delighted to find that nope, they're still actually pretty good. That said, I guess Pizza Hut of the ones posted, for similar reasons (Meatlover's was a weekly order in college). Although the last time I had one, I got pretty sick afterwards and haven't gone back since. Came in here to talk up Mellow Mushroom as well. The Kosmic Karma was a go-to for a while. It's a different experience than the typical New York style, but good in its own way. Lately I've taken to making pizzas in cake pans, using Peter Reinhardt's focaccia recipe. Lay down a bit of olive oil before putting the dough in the pan, and let it soak up into the crust. While actual Pizza Hut is disappointing, this seems like a close approximation of what I remember it being like when I was seven, especially when you'd go to the restaurant and get it hot and crispy out of the pan.
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Post by Powerthirteen on Mar 15, 2018 11:10:52 GMT -5
C'mon everyone, this is *franchise* pizza, not *chain* pizza, it's different.
I was surprised how not-garbage Domino's was last time I ordered from them. The "Brooklyn" crust avoids the "sea of grease" problem you usually get at generic pizza places, and the bacon actually tasted like chunks of bacon.
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Post by Powerthirteen on Mar 15, 2018 11:11:59 GMT -5
I haven't heard of any of the ones after Little Caesar's, which in turn makes me want to throw in a vote for Mellow Mushroom, a multi-state franchise extending across the southeastern US all the way to Texas. Funky, hippie vibe, with neat combos like portabello mushrooms, pesto, and goat cheese. I have a soft spot after subsisting on the local outlet during my grad school days in Georgia, then when they came to Texas a few years ago I went for nostalgia's sake, fully expecting them to suck, but instead was delighted to find that nope, they're still actually pretty good. That said, I guess Pizza Hut of the ones posted, for similar reasons (Meatlover's was a weekly order in college). Although the last time I had one, I got pretty sick afterwards and haven't gone back since. Came in here to talk up Mellow Mushroom as well. The Kosmic Karma was a go-to for a while. It's a different experience than the typical New York style, but good in its own way. Lately I've taken to making pizzas in cake pans, using Peter Reinhardt's focaccia recipe. Lay down a bit of olive oil before putting the dough in the pan, and let it soak up into the crust. While actual Pizza Hut is disappointing, this seems like a close approximation of what I remember it being like when I was seven, especially when you'd go to the restaurant and get it hot and crispy out of the pan. If you want fantastic pan pizza, another recipe you could try is Kenji's self-stretching pan pizza slice.seriouseats.com/2013/01/the-pizza-lab-the-worlds-easiest-pizza-no-knead-no-stretch-pan-pizza.html
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Post by pairesta on Mar 15, 2018 11:33:21 GMT -5
I haven't heard of any of the ones after Little Caesar's, which in turn makes me want to throw in a vote for Mellow Mushroom, a multi-state franchise extending across the southeastern US all the way to Texas. Funky, hippie vibe, with neat combos like portabello mushrooms, pesto, and goat cheese. I have a soft spot after subsisting on the local outlet during my grad school days in Georgia, then when they came to Texas a few years ago I went for nostalgia's sake, fully expecting them to suck, but instead was delighted to find that nope, they're still actually pretty good. That said, I guess Pizza Hut of the ones posted, for similar reasons (Meatlover's was a weekly order in college). Although the last time I had one, I got pretty sick afterwards and haven't gone back since. Came in here to talk up Mellow Mushroom as well. The Kosmic Karma was a go-to for a while. It's a different experience than the typical New York style, but good in its own way. Lately I've taken to making pizzas in cake pans, using Peter Reinhardt's focaccia recipe. Lay down a bit of olive oil before putting the dough in the pan, and let it soak up into the crust. While actual Pizza Hut is disappointing, this seems like a close approximation of what I remember it being like when I was seven, especially when you'd go to the restaurant and get it hot and crispy out of the pan. There was a chain called Mazzio's that seemed centered on Oklahoma and Missouri that we'd eat on family vacations. Deep dish, absolutely SOAKED with butter or oil; couldn't ever tell. But as a teenager it was exactly what I wanted from pizza at the time. Part of the reason I went Pizza Hut is because their deep dish eventually had similar qualities. And yeah, so hot it'd burn your mouth hot but that was the key, because if it cooled even a little the grease would come back out and nobody wants that.
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Post by 🔪 silly buns on Mar 15, 2018 13:36:11 GMT -5
Oooh! Look at you "take out" fancy pants, over here! I just get frozen pizza from the market. Frischetta > DiGorno's
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Post by nowimnothing on Mar 15, 2018 15:23:05 GMT -5
I know it is not for everyone, but Pizza King/Sir Pizza has my vote. Thin crust, small cubes of pepperoni, crumbly sausage and big chunky vegetables. Just look at it!
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Post by Pedantic Editor Type on Mar 15, 2018 15:56:27 GMT -5
I know it is not for everyone, but Pizza King/Sir Pizza has my vote. Thin crust, small cubes of pepperoni, crumbly sausage and big chunky vegetables. Just look at it! Is Pizza King SUCH an Indiana thing? That's the only state I've ever seen it. There were a few in Fort Wayne and one near my college campus.
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Post by MyNameIsNoneOfYourGoddamnBusin on Mar 15, 2018 16:13:53 GMT -5
Jet's Pizza--it's Pizza Hut on steroids, basically Huh . . . I just looked them up because I always assumed they were local-only. Apparently they're pretty much a nationwide thing. Never really cared for square-shaped, but I guess they were all right (I also have to challenge Wikipedia's assertion that they're Detroit-style which in my mind requires the "toppings" to be below the cheese).
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Post by nowimnothing on Mar 15, 2018 18:21:17 GMT -5
I know it is not for everyone, but Pizza King/Sir Pizza has my vote. Thin crust, small cubes of pepperoni, crumbly sausage and big chunky vegetables. Just look at it! Is Pizza King SUCH an Indiana thing? That's the only state I've ever seen it. There were a few in Fort Wayne and one near my college campus. I thought so too, but according to wikipedia it was spun off as Sir Pizza regionally.
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Post by ganews on Mar 15, 2018 19:40:02 GMT -5
Square-cut pizza is an abomination unto the Lord. Unless you have an edge piece, it is unpleasant to eat hot because you're sticking your fingers into hot cheese and sauce.
Papa John's used to have the Tuesday student deal when I was in college, a large one-topping carryout for $5. I ate it once a week for three years.
When I was growing up, there were only three restaurants in town: Pizza Hut, Dairy Queen, and Tastee Freeze. I think we got a McDonalds when I was 10. Anyway, Pizza Hut still tastes like it always did, somehow.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 15, 2018 20:26:09 GMT -5
tolerabilityindex.freeforums.net/thread/5594/papa-johns-manager-amaFor all those who are pizza crazy. My choice for the poll was other. This place called Pizza Patron in texas. It has little caesar pricing, but is just as good as any of the non cheapo pizza chains, if not better. It isn't the best pizza I can get in San Antonio, but it certainly is the most bang for my buck. The only problem is they don't deliver.
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Post by dLᵒ on Mar 15, 2018 20:41:16 GMT -5
[The unmentioned are ones I haven't eaten at] - Pizza Hut: weirdly sweet, and I get a craving for them about once every four months. Of the top four probably my fave?
- Domino's: hard for me to say since they always tend to be on the other side of town, and I think I've had it maybe three times since they reworked themselves uhh, a decade ago?
- Papa John's: their red sauce just really puts me off, it's like chewing on tinfoil made of herbs. I'm thankful BBQ chicken seems to be the alternate option when big groups order. Also I'm just going to leave the politics out of this because I have stuff to say about the other big four.
- Lil Caesars: their new stuff is the most surefire way to give me horrible constipation, and since it's premade-to-go why not just embrace your inner trash and get a 7-11 'za
- Round Table: I don't think I've eaten there this millennium; I loved them as a kid (thought it was just one location) and was devastated when they closed, so I was surprised to see them in Vegas. Although everyone told me it's not worth it so I've never bothered (same thing with Peter Piper Pizza)
Other pizza chains here: Marco's was our jam two places ago, it's a shame that one open by my parents and they just kinda randomly decided to hate it (same with In-n-Out, they're weird like that); Grimaldi's appears to be Texas based, I like it even though it can be a bit too charcoal-y; pizzaREV and/or Blaze Pizza (soCal based) I know I've eaten there, but it must of been so boring I forgot; there's also Happy's and Aurelio's but they're up yonder. And can't forget Cici's and those two cops randomly killed by the Joker-wannabe, Bundy ranch rejects. It's funny, around here in Vegas pizza is the one thing we're not chained out on, but on the other hand all the mom-n-pop places are very prone to being bland and samey due to just using Restaurant/Sysco par-bake crusts and canned sauce. Also very prone to having an overloaded menu with wings, subs, pasta, etc. Does anyone here listen to Doughboys? Podcast about chain restaruants/fast food hosted by 2 white dude actor/comedian guys (Nick Wiger and Mike Mitchell), so I realize that sounds insufferable, but it's really funny, though also long-running with lots of in-jokes. Anyway they are doing a March Madness pizza tournament so this is very timely. Final 4 are Dominos, Blaze, Little Caesars, and Costco. I was listening up to the Chuck E. Cheese's episode, and they mentioned going there without kids, and at that point I had to turn it off and I haven't listened since.
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Post by Floyd D Barber on Mar 15, 2018 22:30:02 GMT -5
We are fortunate to have 3 very good local/regional pizza chains nearby. I usually get thin crust at these places. I like some thick crust pizzas, but to me they are really different things, like a good thick bar/ cookout style burger is a different thing than a thin flatiron grill Culvers/ Steak N Shake style burger. Both are delicious, but totally different. I seek thick crust pizza at different places.
Monical's which has been around since I was a kid, and makes what is for me the default pizza. Most of their locations square cut their pizzas, which I find perfectly acceptable for thin crust. It allows me to eat one or two edge pieces, then go right for the crustless pizza heart. It seems to me that the edge pieces seem to reheat better anyway. Pizza Man is a breakaway from Monical's that has been around for maybe 25 or 30 years now. They serve basically the same pizza as Monical's, with perhaps a slightly less crispy crust. Still outstanding. Pizza Man locations tend to have salad bars, while Monical's usually have side salads. I believe both Monical's and Pizza Man restaurants are probably franchises because there are minor variations in the menu from store to store. Joe's is a local chain that has been around about 20 years now. Their pizza, again, follows the same basic form as the others, but Joe's also excels in their Italian dishes in a way the other brands don't. Their baked mostaccioli is a particular delight, as is their Italian sub.
Among the places listed, I get Little Ceasars most often. Every few weeks I get a craving for a basic $5 pepperoni pizza. I can make two meals out of it.
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Post by Desert Dweller on Mar 16, 2018 1:07:02 GMT -5
I voted for Round Table out of nostalgia. I haven't been since I was a kid, but I loved it then.
Of the major nationwide chains, I'd vote for Dominos. The changes they made about a decade ago give the pizza a better crust and better sauce.
Pizza Hut is okay, but I don't go there very often. I find that there are great local places which can make better pizza for the prices Pizza Hut charges. (Are they more expensive than Dominos for you all, or is that just here?)
I hate Papa Johns. Cannot stand their sauce at all. Simultaneously too tangy and too sweet. Doesn't taste remotely like pizza sauce to me.
Given that I am now in the delivery area of the University district, I am getting coupons for local pizza places hung on my door several times a week. I am starting to try these out. We shall see how this goes.
My work sometimes does big department orders from Venezia's, the place made infamous by Breaking Bad. They have locations in Arizona and New Mexico. They deliver to us the GIANT pizzas, just like from the show. Except, they are pre-sliced, of course. They are pretty good, I must say.
Oh, and PS. In that March Madness poll, the answer is Costco. They actually have a pretty good pizza.
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Post by The Spice Weasel on Mar 16, 2018 3:36:06 GMT -5
Jet's Pizza--it's Pizza Hut on steroids, basically Second day Jet's deep dish made uber crispy in the toaster oven is excellent.
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Post by nowimnothing on Mar 16, 2018 6:45:13 GMT -5
I agree about the the deep dish vs thin crust, they are two different things, cannot really compare them. I had Giordano's last year in Chicago and was not too impressed. My go to deep dish when I was a kid was Godfather's. I thought it had gone out of business, but I have since driven past a few, but I am kind of afraid to go back in lest I ruin my fond memories.
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Post by Pastafarian on Mar 16, 2018 7:19:42 GMT -5
I agree about the the deep dish vs thin crust, they are two different things, cannot really compare them. I had Giordano's last year in Chicago and was not too impressed. My go to deep dish when I was a kid was Godfather's. I thought it had gone out of business, but I have since driven past a few, but I am kind of afraid to go back in lest I ruin my fond memories. I'd forgotten all about Godfather's! Wasn't that Herman Cain's pizza? What is it with right wing nutjobs and pizza places anyway?
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Post by Pastafarian on Mar 16, 2018 9:07:42 GMT -5
While we are talking pizza (and this could likely be it's own poll) what do you all think of the extras at these places, stuff like bread sticks, cinnamon twists, etc. I've only tried Papa Johns and Dominos, oh and i guess Panago too, but no one here knows what that is. I think I like Dominos "Cinna Stix" better than the Papa John's equivalent. I don't often order the cheese bread, because that is what pizza is for, though recall Papa Johns was decent . I miss Dominos Buffalo Chicken Kickers (see my post on unpopular opinions about boneless wings).
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