Pizza Pizza

A few weeks ago Leigh Hornbeck of the T-U's Saratoga Seen blog wrote about the "Pizzeria Coming Soon" place on Broadway finally coming.  The aptly named Pizza on Broadway opened at the end of July and it looks like a clean and bright addition to the broadway business strip, especially considering we've been looking at windows covered with paper (for two plus years) with a note about an arriving pizzeria which was a false promise.  Well at least the "soon" part was false. 

Anywho, Leigh and the three commenters liked the pizza, although one commenter thought it was expensive.  Never missing a chance to try a new pizzeria (or an old one for that matter), I ordered a pie from there recently.  The good news is that it arrived at my door in less than 30 minutes (Take that, Domino's!) and they got my special order right (I am rather particular about my pizza).  The bad news is that I didn't like it much - it wasn't bad, just not so good either.  This is of course just one person's opinion, and I should qualify it by saying I like my pizza crust thicker and this place apparently specializes in the thinner New York style pizza.  Even with that qualifier considered, the flavor just wasn't there for me and yes, the commenter on the Saratoga Seen blog was right that it was a bit more expensive than other area pizzerias.

I decided to compare prices of the pizzerias in the center portion of the city.  So, at the risk of offending the good folks at Consumer Reports, I'll rate the pizzerias and list the prices of a 16" cheese pie as well as the cost of extra ingredients.  I will also add my comments, although I haven't tried all of them yet.  I will try them all someday - hey it's a tough job but I will sacrifice for my loyal readers.   OK from least expensive to most expensive:

D'Andrea's Pizzeria - 33 Caroline Street.  Many people complain about their sweet crust, but I sort of like it.  Maybe that's because I'm usually eating it at 2AM on my way home from Gaffney's.  Anyway if you're OK with the sweet crust and you're not in the mood for a dough boy.... Large $9.99 Toppings $1.29 Each

Spring Street Deli - 132 Spring Street.  Hey what can I say about a pizza/deli/salad/breakfast sandwich place that is steps from my house.  Well I can say their pizza is just adequate, but their egg sandwiches are the absolute best.  Their salads are pretty good also.  Large cheese pizza $10.00 and toppings are $2.00 each. 

Saratoga Pizza House - 146 South Broadway (across from the Diner) - I haven't had their pizza, but I did get a quick dinner there once.  It was OK, but not great.  I do like Alexandra's Ice Cream which is attached to the pizzeria.  According to a quick internet ratings search it seems that the Saratoga Pizza House has some likeable things on their menu, but a few commenters described their pizza as "bland" and "forgettable".  I'll still give it a try - again all in the interest of your knowledge.  Pizza $10.50 toppings $1.50 or $2.00 depending on which ones you choose. 

Esperanto - 6-1/2 Caroline Street.  Yes they do have pizza - it's not just the Dough boy place.  I think I had their pizza once - been eating dough boys ever since.  That's not an indictment of their pizza, just an endorsement for the best late night food this side of Mighty Taco in Buffalo.  16" (Called a medium although most others call a 16" large) $10.50 toppings $1.25.

Domino's - 86 Washington Street.  Nothing great but it will work if you're hungry.  The McDonald's of pizza I guess.  I miss Papa John's.  Large $10.69 toppings $1.25.  Discounts available if you cut the ubiquitous coupons or order additional pies.  Gotta love chain restaurants adding to that little obesity issue. 

Mama Mia's - 169 Ballston Ave (Price Chopper Plaza) - I had lunch there but not the pizza. For what it's worth I have some friends that say they like all of their food - guess I'll have to visit again.  16" Pizza $10.95 and their web site does not have prices and I don't remember the price for additional ingredients. 

Inferno Pizzeria - 72 Henry Street (Corner Caroline).  A recent arrival to the Spa City earlier this year, this local restaurant chain seems to have a following in the Albany area.  I haven't tried it yet because I've walked in there three times and the slices looked pretty dried out each time.  I'll try a fresh pie one of these days.  16" 11.99 toppings $1.99.

Pizza on Broadway - 384 Broadway near Brindisi's.  Again a nice bright spot finally filling what was becoming a depressing location.  See opening paragraphs for comments.  $12.99 with the first topping being $2.75 and additional toppings $1.00.  I don't like that pricing system - don't charge me a graduated rate on toppings. 

Pizza Hut - 22 Congress Street (No Dining Room) or the full restaurant at 8 Ballston Ave.  Kickass web site, it's a shame the pizza sucks.  The good news is that with one slice you can get your monthly requirement for sodium.  Oh Papa Johns, why did you have to leave me????  $13.99 Large, toppings $1.79 each.

Marino's Pizza - 46 West Circular.  It doesn't reach greatness, but probably the best in Saratoga in my book.  It better be the best, it's the most expensive.  Large $15.00, toppings $1.25.

OK I hope this is useful or at least interesting.  I didn't consider all restaurants that have pizza, just the more traditional pizzerias which were walking distance from Broadway. Let me know your opinions and if I missed any.  Happy chowing. 

Comments

[Nancy C.]

Agree that Marino's pizza is great, BUT they are cash ONLY! Taking credit is a cost of doing business and they need to move into this century!