Attempt #37 - Red's Public House

The Venue

112 2nd Street SE

Cedar Rapids, IA 52401

(319) 363-0275

Red's Public House has been located in downtown Cedar Rapids for a few years.  Not to be confused with Red's Alehouse (in North Liberty), Red's Public House still has a good bottled beer selection.  On Wednesdays, pizzas are only $6. 

Jerk Chicken ($6)

The seating is plentiful, since the bar is located on one side, while the seating is located in another section of the venue.  It appears that at one time they were two separate venues, until the wall came down, and then combined when Red's opened up shop (possibly?).   Red's has a website that is not set up, so their Facebook page is the prime way to contact their owners.  As of 6/19/14, they do not have a menu posted.  You can find their Facebook page here:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Reds-Public-House/111042532275571?sk=info.

The Pizza

Chicago Style:  No

Crust Thickness:  Thin

Pepperoni ($6)

Our group consisted of 5 participants; so we ordered three pizzas (the only size available, so let's call it a large).  They currently serve no specialty pizzas; however, you can request any toppings desired.  So we ordered a selection of make-your-owns.  Each pizza only came with only one thin baked crust. Each pizza costs roughly $6, since Monday's were $6 pizza nights.  The pizzas were: 

Pepperoni - (large thin crust, $6.00)

Jerk Chicken - (large thin crust, $6.00)

Onion, Green Pepper, and Tomato - (large thin crust, $6.00)

The Verdict

Onion, Green Pepper, & Tomato ($6)

The pizzas crusts only came in a rectangle shape matching on a rectangular plate.  They were cut into rectangular-shaped pieces.  The cheese was heavy considering the crust was very thin.  The sauce was light as well as the toppings.  If we were to return, I would consider ordering with more toppings on the pizza.  Some of the crust was a little too burnt on the sides and corners, which left a undesirable taste in our mouths.  The Jerk Chicken was not very spicy, which suited well for our group.  I do recall the jerk taste from my honeymoon in Jamaica, and they did a "sweeter" variation of it, with a hint of more of a BBQ flavor.  The veggie pizza (Onion, Green Pepper, Tomato) turned out to be the groups favorite.  The flavor was well balanced from the use of fresh vegetables.  So if you are downtown and hungry for some pizza and a beer, head over to Red's Public House. 

Here are our ratings, where 1 = worst and 10 = best.
Overall            7.20

Cheese            7.80

Sauce               7.20

Topping           7.60

Crust                4.60

Venue              7.20

Attempt #36 - Bob's Your Uncle

The Venue

Menu

2208 North Dodge Street

Iowa City, IA 52245

(319) 351-7400

Bob's Your Uncle has been around a long time, especially for a college town like Iowa City where businesses change almost at the blink of an eye.  Located right of Iowa Highway 1, lies a pizza joint as you head into Iowa City after passing interstate 80.  The restaurant offers a Gluten-Free menu in addition to their normal menu, with lots of options; however, Pizza is their main specialty.  The pizza prices are a bit pricier than some of the other local places, but they offer a thin/medium/thick crust with over nine specialty pizzas.  Each one of these pizzas is named after a famous University of Iowa athlete in the menu.  A short segment is written about the background of the pizza along with its paring with the particular athlete.  The venue itself consists of a bar area, a patio, and plenty of tables and booths for their patrons.  They had no trouble getting a party of six in for a Wednesday evening; however, the weekends may be a different story.  It would be best to call ahead for reservations, especially during football season or homecoming weekend.  Check out their menu online here:  http://www.bobsyourunclecomfortfood.com/menu.html

Large (16") Thick Crust,
Meat (Bobby Hansen; $24.95)

The Pizza

Chicago Style:  Yes

Crust Thickness:  All

Our group consisted of 4 participants; so we ordered one 10"pizza (medium) and two 16" pizzas (large).  They currently serve 2 specialty pizzas (a all meat and a veggie), so we ordered a selection of make-your-owns.  Each pizza only came with only one thin baked crust. We ordered them in the only size, 9"..  Each pizza costs roughly $10.  The pizzas were:

Taco (Jennie Lillis) - Refried bean & taco sauce instead of pizza sauce, ground beef, lettuce, tomatoes and taco chips (10" medium crust only, $15.95)

Medium (10")  Average Crust,
Taco (Jennie Lillis; $15.95)

Meat (Bobby Hansen) - Ground beef, Italian sausage, pepperoni, bacon and Canadian bacon (16" large thick crust, $22.95)

Supreme (Matt Gatens) - Supreme: Pepperoni, Italian sausage, mushroom, green pepper, black olives and onion (16" large thin crust, $22.95)

The Verdict

Large (16) Thin Crust,
Supreme (Matt Batens; $24.95)

The personal pizzas were cut into triangular-shaped pieces for the medium Taco and the larges were cut into rectangular-shaped pieces.  The thick crust was excellent, with plenty of bready goodness on the rim of the crust.  The sauce and toppings were good, but each of the three pizzas we ordered was a bit overcooked.  Our group preferred the Taco to be the favorite with the other two pizzas each receiving only one vote.  Most of us felt that the pizza was good, but a little on the pricey side.  I could easily see this place serving proud UI alumni, parents, and locals, but it seemed a little on the high end for the typical broke college student.  The upside is that the pizzas were filling.  So if you are in the area, and are hungry give Bob's a try.

Here are our ratings, where 1 = worst and 10 = best.
Overall            7.75

Cheese            8.75

Bobby and Jennie Slices

Sauce               7.00

Topping           9.25

Crust                7.75

Venue              8.00

Attempt #35 - A & A Pagliai's Pizza

Menu

Venue Outside

The Venue

302 E Bloomington St

Iowa City, IA 52245

(319) 351-5073

Large (14") Black Olive, Beef, Green Pepper ($18.45)

The atmosphere at Pagliai's Pizza is quite a throwback of a classic New York pizza joint.  The store is lined with several college-aged guys, tossing pizza dough and preparing pizzas while wearing classic white paper hats.  The restaurant has booths, and several smaller tables.  They offer frozen pizzas that you can take home, perfect for the University of Iowa crowd.  They do not take reservations, nor do they offer specials throughout the week.  Check out their menu online here:  http://www.pagliaisic.com/menu.html

The Pizza

Large (14") Broccoli, Shrimp ($16.70)

Chicago Style:  No

Crust Thickness:  Thin

Our group consisted of 7 participants; so we ordered 3 14"pizzas.  They currently serve 2 specialty pizzas (a all meat and a veggie), so we ordered a selection of make-your-owns.  Each pizza only came with only one thin baked crust. We ordered them in the only size, 9"..  Each pizza costs roughly $10.  The pizzas were: 

Black Olive, Beef, & Green Pepper (14" crust, $18.45)

Large (14") Palace Special ($20.20)

Palace Special - Sausage, Beef, Pepperoni, Mushroom &, Onion (14" crust, $20.20)

Broccoli, Shrimp (14" crust, $16.70)

The Verdict

The personal pizzas were cut into triangular-shaped pieces.  The crust was on the thin side, yet having a firm, crisp bottom.  The sauce was light, and the toppings were a bit on the sparse side.  The pizza was good, especially being thin crust.  It is easy to see why this pizza place is consistently voted as being Iowa City's #1 pizza restaurant year after year.   

Here are our ratings, where 1 = worst and 10 = best.
Overall            8.86

Slice

Cheese            7.86

Sauce               8.14

Topping           8.57

Crust                8.71

Venue              9.29

Attempt #34 - Backpocket Brewery

The Venue

903 Quarry Rd,

Coralville, IA 52241

(319) 466-4444

Backpocket Brewery - Venue

The Backpocket Brewery is located in Coralville, Iowa directly between two hotels and a up-and-coming swanky shopping district.  Beside from offering tours, they have a kitchen that is open until about 9pm. Seating can be difficult to find, so call ahead and make a reservation.  This is a very popular hotspot among many of the college students at the University of Iowa.  They have one section of high bar tables (about 6, seating four each), and another section of normal lower dining tables.  They also have an outdoor gas fire pit, lawn chairs around a few large outdoor tables, and two sets of bags on hand for the patrons.  They offer 'flights' which is a sampler o  A bit hoppy for my taste, but then again, I'm a Hefeweizen kind-of-guy. 

Inside the venue - Bar

f their in-house brew that they offer as well.

The Pizza
Chicago Style:  No

Crust Thickness:  Thin

Our group consisted of 9 participants; so we ordered 9 personal pizzas.  They currently serve 12 specialty pizzas, so we ordered a selection from among the twelve.  Each pizza only came with only one thin brick oven baked crust. We ordered them in the only size, 9"..  Each pizza costs roughly $10.  The pizzas were: 

Margherita Extra - Fresh mozzarella, basil, tomato ($9.00)

Meatza - Bacon, pepperoni, sausage, & meatball ($9.00)

Solid Combo - Sausage, mushroom, roasted yellow pepper & onion ($9.00)

Yo Adrian! ($10.00)

Weekly Special - Spicy! ($10.00)

Drunken Clam ($10.00)

Dessert Pizza - Nutella and powdered sugar ($8.00)

Yo Adrian! - Sausage, pepperoni, meatball, provolone, & giardiniera ($10.00)

Drunken Clam - Clam, bacon & lemon ($10.00)

Weekly Special - Spicy! Jalapeños, ham, sausage, chicken, onion, feta cheese ($10.00)

The Verdict

Solid Combo ($9.00)

Meatza ($9.00)

The personal pizzas were cut into triangular-shaped pieces.  The crust was on the thin side.  The sauce was light, and the toppings were a bit on the sparse side.  However, the pizzas were meant to serve one person.  They were baked in a brick oven, so the crust had a distinct take of being baked on brick.  Since this is in the Iowa City region, and this is a brand new trendy place to visit, right next to two hotels, I felt this was a little bit on the expensive side.  The Yo Adrian! was the most popular pizza amongst the 9 participants, and it is the most popular pizza overall, according to our waitress.  Cibo fusion in Cedar Rapids seemed to offer a wider selection of pizzas that were also cooked in the same manner, and yet it was a bit cheaper.  Others in the group loved the atmosphere, being able to order a smaller of various beers that are brewed in house.  After eating the pizzas, I was  not quite full, so , I would highly suggest ordering pizzas from Backpocket over lunch at some point with a brew. 

Here are our ratings, where 1 = worst and 10 = best.
Overall            8.06

Cheese            7.44

Sauce               6.33

Topping           8.44

Crust                8.56

Venue              8.78

Margherita Extra ($9.00)

Dessert Pizza ($9.00)

Dessert Pizza Slice ($9.00)

Attempt #33 - Sykora Bakery

The Venue

73 16th Avenue Southwest

Venue

Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404

(319) 364-5271

Oven

Large (16"), Hawaiian ($19.99)

Large (16"), Supreme ($19.99)

Since the great flood of 2008, the Sykora Bakery reopened, continuing their legacy of serving the Cedar Rapids, IA community with fresh baked goods for over 80 years!  Recently, after perfecting their pizza dough recipe, they decided to start selling pizza on Friday and Saturday evenings after 5pm, or you may be able to call a day in advance if you plan on ordering a pizza at another time.  The bakery itself is not very large, it has around 10 tables that seat roughly 20-26 people.  The pizza attempt marked an important departure of the Wissinks, one of the couples who have participated in well over two years (24 events) of pizza attempts with us.  Since time is limited, the owner of the bakery, John, sent his workers home, and worked himself so he could stay open on Thursday night from 5:30-7:30 for our attempt.  This kind act of hospitality alone earned the Sykora Bakery to have the #1 venue of the 33 places that we have tried so far.  Aside from the pizza, they sold bread loaves, cookies, pastries, ice cream, post cards, books, magnets, bottled water, pop, etc...  They had one high chair which was well used with three little ones, and had napkins, red pepper, and cheese on each table-ready to go for us! 

The Pizza

Chicago Style:  No

Crust Thickness:  Thick

Large (16"), Pepperoni ($16.99)

Our group consisted of 13 (1 of which, was a watcher) participants; so we ordered 4 large pizzas.  They currently serve four specialty pizzas, so we ordered one of each except for the Veggie.  Each pizza only came with only one crust, Sykora's thick, delicious homemade bready crust. We ordered them in the large 16" size; they also have a 14" medium.  Each pizza costs roughly $20.  The pizzas were: 

Supreme - Pepperoni, sausage, beef, onions, mushrooms, with mozzarella cheese  ($19.99 for the 16" large)

Taco  - Seasoned ground beef, green peppers, refried beans, lettuce, onions,  topped with tortilla chips covered with mozzarella cheese  ($19.99 for the 16" large)

Hawaiian - Canadian bacon, pineapple, and mozzarella cheese ($19.99 for the 16" large)

Pepperoni - Pepperoni and mozzarella ($16.99 for the 16" large)

The Verdict

Large (16"), Taco ($19.99)

Large (16"), Hawaiian ($19.99)

Taco and Supreme Slice

The pizzas were cut into triangular-shaped pieces.  The crust was on the thick and bready side (DELICIOUS!).  One drawback about the bakery is the price of a large pizza will set you back $20; however, if you factor in all of the bready goodness you are getting from it, it is almost as if you are getting two pizzas because the crust make the pie filling.  The sauce was prepared well, in house, one gallon at a time.  Since they are relatively new in the pizza business, they do not have the large scale demand to make a lot of sauce and have it keep, therefore they make them in smaller increments.  Their bready delicious crust is what sets this apart from the other places in town, as John pointed out to me.  The topping consistency was average, not as plentiful as some other venue's but not as scarce as others.  The favorite pizza of the group was the Hawaiian.  Half of the Hawaiian had sauerkraut whereas the other half did not.  I must admit that although I voted for the Supreme, the Hawaiian was the best Hawaiian pizza that I have ever had.   I would even consider ordering it standalone next time, as it fills up my wife, son, and myself quite well.   It may not be the first place to consider on getting a pizza, but when you are in the Czech Village in Cedar Rapids, give the Sykora Bakery a try along with your next batches of Kolaches.  If you call in advance, they may even make your pizza on an off day (Sunday-Thursday), like they did for myself!  I would defiantly give this place if you are like me, and enjoy a thick, bready crust!!!

Here are our ratings, where 1 = worst and 10 = best.
Overall            8.73

Cheese            8.91

Sauce               8.09

Topping           8.91

Crust                9.09

Venue              9.55

Attempt #32 - Papa Juan's Stefanos

Venue Outside

The Venue

5505 Center Point Road NE,

Cedar Rapids, IA 52401

(319) 393-0258

Within a small strip mall, there is a Mexican/Italian place that many of the local Cedar Rapids/Hiawatha restaurant know of.  Of our group of 10 participants, none of us have been this place.  It is very spacious, and has a relaxed feel to it.  A large bar is present right when you walk in, and on the left there is a dining area that looks as if you can even rent it out for a small party.  The Italian entree's is highly praised as being some of the best in town.  The owner apologized to us in advance, their oven only fits 2-3 pizzas at a time, so there was a small wait in between our 6 pizzas.  He also mentioned how he would have liked to purpose a 45 gallon mixer for the kitchen, so he can make homemade dough; however, there is not enough space so he has to settle with frozen crusts.  The large room on the left was very cool looks, with a giant tree roped with white lights, and presents surrounding it.  They had a large Santa display along with other fun teddy bears for the holidays up.  The restaurant had high chairs and plenty of space on a Thursday night, which is perfect for those who has kids.  You can find their menu online at:  http://www.papajuansstefano.com/papa-juans-stefanos-american-pizza-menu.htm

Menu

The Pizza

Chicago Style:  No

Crust Thickness:  Average

Our group consisted of 10 (1 of which, was a watcher) participants; so we ordered 6 pizzas.  They currently serve five specialty pizzas, so we ordered one of each.  Each pizza only came with only one crust. We ordered them in the only size, a 12".  Each pizza cost roughly $13.  The pizzas were: 

Chicken Alfredo - Our homemade Alfredo sauce with red onions, diced tomatoes, green peppers, and sautéed chicken covered with mozzarella cheese ($12.99)

Taco - Seasoned beef with salsa, green peppers, red onions, cheddar cheese, and sautéed chicken covered with mozzarella cheese  ($12.99)

Drunken Chicken - Out homemade pizza sauce covered with chicken sautéed in Jack Daniel's bourbon and topped with red onions, tomatoes, mushrooms, and mozzarella cheese ($12.99)

Chicken Boom Boom - Our homemade Alfredo sauce combined with our new boom boom sauce gives pizza a kick in the feathers.  Some like it hot and this is it!  With chicken, bacon, pepper jack cheese, jalapeño and mozzarella cheese ($12.99)

BBQ Chicken - Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce with bacon, green peppers, red onions, cheddar cheese, and sautéed chicken covered with mozzarella cheese ($12.99)

Pepperoni - Pepperoni and mozzarella ($12.99)

The Verdict

Chicken Boom Boom ($12.99)

BBQ Chicken ($12.99)

The pizzas were cut into triangular-shaped pieces.  The crust was average...it reminded some of Jack's self rising pizza crust.  It was good, but not $13 good.  The sauce was prepared well...one can easily taste the their Alfredo sauce was homemade by its freshness.  The topping consistency was plentiful, as it should be.  As typical Mexican restaurants go, they served chips and salsa as a appetizer.  The favorite pizza of the group was the spicy Chicken Boom Boom.  It is NOT as spicy as the Union Station's Hot Head (which is a good thing for most!), and it yet very cheesy and spicy with lots of flavor.  The BBQ Chicken came in as a close second favorite.  The sweetness of the BBQ sauce was terrific.  I had a hard time deciding!  The Drunken Chicken would be perfect for those who like to drink bourbons and other whiskeys.  The Taco was pretty good too, the pizza had lot of shredded cheddar cheese on it paired with Doritos, which was very tasty.  The pizza size is perfect for a family of four, considering that chips also come with the meal.  The wait staff was friendly, and helpful, and the owner was a terrifically nice guy.  Although most probably don't come to Papa Juan's for the pizza's, they are definitely worth a try, if you have the chance. 

Here are our ratings, where 1 = worst and 10 = best.
Overall            7.56

Cheese            8.00

Sauce               7.22

Topping           8.11

Crust                6.00

Venue              8.67

Drunken Chicken ($12.99)

Pepperoni ($12.99)

Chicken Alfredo ($12.99)

Taco ($12.99)