Re-Attempt #1 - Sam's Pizza

The Venue

629 Second Avenue SW,

Cedar Rapids, IA

(319) 366-8406

We originally attempted Sam's Pizza while they were still located on 6th Street SW.  Times change, and since we never actually rated this establishment, we should give it another around of rating. Sam's Pizza prides itself from getting their ingredients straight from the Windy City itself, on a weekly basis.  Sam's is one of the few pizza joints in Cedar Rapids that actually serve authentic Chicago Style pizza.  Their sole location on 2nd Ave. is shared with Mr. B's bar.  Sadly, we found it cramped, loud, and not a good place for children, as they did not have highchairs or the available space.  The restaurant section was minimized down to 4 tables.  I observed may people having carry-out, probably for this very reason.  The waitress was helpful, and prompt with her service refilling drinks as need be.  Their website has the menu on it, although the prices are not accurate.  Take a look at:  http://www.samspizzacr.com/files/Download/Menuforweb.jpg

The Pizza

Chicago Style:  Yes

Crust Thickness:  Two Thick and One Thin

Our group consisted of 12 participants; so we ordered three large specialty pizzas.  The Special, and the Chicago's Famous Stuffed Spinach were served with a large (16")Chicago Style stuffed Crust, whereas the BBQ Chicken was served in a large (16") thin crust.  Sam's Pizza is known around town for their authentic Chicago Style deep dish pies, although they come at a price and an hour wait.  So best to order yours in advance.

Special - Sausage, Pepperoni (added by request), Mushroom, Green Pepper, Onion, Black Olives, Green Olives (Large Chicago Style [16”], $28.00)

Chicago's Famous Stuffed Spinach - Spinach, Mushrooms, Onions (Large Chicago Style [16”], $28.00)

BBQ Chicken - White BBQ Chicken Chunks, Mozzarella Cheese, BBQ sauce (Large Thin Crust [16"], $25.00?)

The Verdict

Large (16"), Chicago Style Crust, Special ($28.00)

Large (16"), Thin Crust, BBQ Chicken ($24.00)

The Chicago style slices were cut into triangles, while the thin crust were cut into rectangular shapes.  The participants were tied 5 vs. 5 for the favorite pizza between the Special and the BBQ Chicken.  One of the biggest changes that several people noticed was that the sauce was noticeably sweeter than it was previously, which disappointed most within our group.  It was still good, but it needed a bit more zing (spice), and less sugar.  The cheese never failed to disappoint, with heap loads baked between the crusts.  The crusts were also very good, leaving a authentic taste of a local Chicago pizzeria in your mouth.  Some felt that both Chicago Style's were a bit on the sparse side when it came to number of toppings.  The great thing about Sam's is that even though they charge a lot for a large ($28), one piece will fill you up, or at least get you halfway there.  One thing to note is that the Chicago Style pizza's take an hour to cook, so calling in advance is advised.  If you are in the mood for a Chicago Style pizza and you're in downtown Cedar Rapids, head on over to Sam's.

Large (16"), Chicago Style Crust, Chicago's Famous Stuffed Spinach ($28.00)

Here are our ratings, where 1 = worst and 10 = best.
Overall = 7.46
Cheese = 9.08
Toppings = 7.33
Sauce = 6.67
Crust = 7.92

Venue = 3.67

Slice of the BBQ Chicken Thin Crust

Slice of the Special

Venue

We are so Hungry!

Attempt #27 - The Pizza Place

The Venue

126 Franklin St

Venue

Center Point, IA 52213

(319) 849-2559

The Pizza Place has existing in Center Point, Iowa for several years.  A manger suggested trying this establishment because of its fame for serving cracker crust thin pizzas.  It is located right on the main street in Center Point off of I-380.  The restaurant also serves Mexican Food over lunch hour, as well as pizzas.  They had around 8 specialty pizza's to order from, nothing too out of the ordinary...a taco, BLT, Meat Lovers, BBQ Chicken...  The restaurant itself had plenty of seating, with cafe style stools around the front counter, and a bar area in the back with additional seating.  Overall, it seemed like the perfect place to have a long lunch or a casual dinner. 

The Pizza

Chicago Style:  Yes

Crust Thickness:  Thin

Our group consisted of 5 participants; so we ordered two large specialty pizzas.  The Pizza Place has only one standard cracker thin crust with a maximum size of 14”.  Each pizza cost us around $15, with the Combo being the most expensive at nearly $17.  They come in large, circular hand-formed crusts.

Combo - Sausage, Ham, Pepperoni, Mushroom, Green Pepper, Onion, Black Olives (Large [14”], $16.75).

Taco - Ground Beef, Onion, Black Olive, Cheddar Cheese, Lettuce, Tortilla Chips, Tomato;  Sour Cream, Salsa, Jalapeños on the side (Large [14”], $15.00?)

The Verdict

Large (14"), Taco ($15.00)

Large (14"), Combo ($16.50)

The slices were cut into rectangular shapes.  Taco was voted to be the favorite among our participants.  With the jalapeños and salsa on the side, the Taco was appeasing to those with a mild palette; yet those who preferred the spicy could also benefit.  Sour cream and salsa had to be asked for.  The service was good, with the waitress checking on us multiple times for drink refills.  Overall, the cracker crust was disappointing, since it was a little soggy in the middle, and it was a bit tastless.  The sauce was spread thin as well.  The prices were a little cheaper than what you would pay in Cedar Rapids though.  So, if you are in a hurry, and want a cracker thin crust pizza, check them out.

Combo/Taco Slices

Here are our ratings, where 1 = worst and 10 = best.
Overall = 7.30
Cheese = 8.20
Toppings = 8.20
Sauce = 6.00
Crust = 5.60

Venue = 7.60

Large (14"), Combo ($16.50) 2

Attempt #26 - Cappy's Pizzeria

The Venue

7037 C Avenue NE

Cedar Rapids, IA 52402

(319) 826-2625

Cappy’s Pizzeria is a new family owned pizzeria that was inspired by the owner’s friends who own their own separate pizza restaurant down in Tampa, Florida.    The recipes were provided, the dough and sauce is homemade, and you’ll be wanting to come back for more in the hipster pizzeria.  In a way, it reminds of a undiscovered Zoey’s (similar limited seating), and Chicago style pies.  However, the restaurant has a much more family feel that sets it apart from Zoey’s.  On their menu, they exclusively focus in on Pizza, offering two gourmet options-the Cappy (Sausage, Ham, Pepperoni, Mushroom, Green Pepper, Onion) and the Veggie (Green Pepper, Onion, Black Olive, Mushroom, Tomato).  The waitress served our dinner plates were us from a hutch that was located right in the main dining area, so that laid some home-away-from-home charm.  You can take a look at their menu at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cappys-Pizzeria.

The Pizza

Chicago Style Slices

Chicago Style:  Yes

Crust Thickness:  Average

Our group consisted of 4 participants; so we ordered four large specialty pizzas.  Cappy’s has two types of crusts, New York and Chicago Style (deep dish).  The deep dish’s maximum size was 14”, whereas the normal crust maximum size was 16”.  Each pizza cost us around $23.  They come in large, circular hand-formed crusts.

Cappy - Sausage, Ham, Pepperoni, Mushroom, Green Pepper, Onion (Large, Chicago Style Deep Dish Crust [14”], $23).

Veggie – Green Pepper, Onion, Black Olive, Mushroom, Tomato (Large New York Thin Crust [16”], $22.50)

Bacon, Spinach, Tomato (Large New York Thin Crust [16”], $19.75)

Feta, Chicken, Artichoke (Large Chicago Style Deep Dish [15”], $21.75)

Large (14"), Chicago Style Deep Dish Cappy ($23.00)

Large (14"), Chicago Style Deep Dish, Feta, Chicken, Artichoke ($21.75)

Large (16"), New York Style Veggie ($22.50)

Large (16), New York Style Bacon, Spinach, Tomato ($21.75)

New York Verses Chicago Style Slices

The Verdict

Nearly everyone in our group seemed to think that the Chicago Style beat the New York style hands down.  Both styles of pizzas’ slices were cut into classic triangular shapes.  If you take a look at the slice comparison picture, you’ll notice that the Chicago is a bit thicker, and that the New York is heavy on the cheese and light on the sauce (thus making it a bit soggy).  I did enjoy the edges of both styles of crust, since those were very much like fresh breadsticks.  The Cappy was tied along with the Feta, Chicken, Artichoke as our most popular pizza. Some felt that the Feta could have used more sauce (which is a great tasting marinara sauce).  The New York pizza’s toppings tended to lack flavor, we would have like more toppings and sauce on both pizza’s (bacon anyone?).  The overall prices were a little steep, but that’s what you would expect with competition right down the road (Tomaso’s, Zoey’s, Cranky Hanks, Pizza Ranch, and Pizza Hut).  I would have to agree that the Cappy was the shining star.  Even my wife, who swears by Tomaso’s, even acknowledged that she liked the Cappy better than Tomaso’s classic Detroit style Pepperoni after the attempt.  The Feta, Chicken, Artichoke was nearly as good.  It could have used a bit more sauce, but the rich distinct taste of the Feta and Mozzarella was delicious when paired with the bready crust and tasty sauce.  With either pizza, you can’t go wrong.  So anyways, if you haven’t gotten up to the North East side of Cedar Rapids to check out Cappy’s yet, you’re missing some delicious Chicago Style goodness.    

Closeup of New York Thin Slice

Here are our ratings, where 1 = worst and 10 = best.
Overall = 7.88
Cheese = 7.50
Toppings = 7.25
Sauce = 8.75
Crust = 8.75

Venue = 8.38

Closeup of New York Thin Slice