Re-Attempt #2 - Sip 'N Stir

Menu

The Venue

1119 1st Ave SE

Cedar Rapids, IA 52402

(319) 365-9067

We originally attempted Sip 'N Stir  Pizza 29 months ago.  Since our last (unrated) visit, they have not changed much, a slightly better table layout, a little bit higher prices [inflation], and a dead crowd on a Monday Night.  This is perfect for our pizza ordering extravaganza!  The waitress was very nice and helpful, and the flat (regular) crust pizzas were quick to prepare, and serve.  Their website has the menu on it, although the prices are not accurate.  Take a look at:  http://www.sipnstir.net/uploads/Pizza_Menu_White_GD.pdf

The Pizza

Chicago Style:  No, but they have a deep dish crust

Crust Thickness:  Two Thick and Three Flat (Regular)

Medium (13"), Super Taco, Flat ($15.50)

Our group consisted of 9 participants; so we ordered five medium, 13", specialty pizzas.  The Chicken Kicker and Asian Chicken were served in deep crust, whereas the Dudley Special, Special, Meat Deluxe, and the Super Taco were served in the flat (regular) crust.  On Monday's the deal is buy 1 Regular price pizza, and get the second pizza of equal/lesser value half off.

Meat Deluxe - Sausage, Pepperoni, Beef, & Canadian Bacon (Medium, Flat [Regular] Crust [13”], $17.00)

Super Taco - Refried Beans, Chicken, Mozzarella, Pepper Jack, Onions, Topped w/Lettuce, Taco Chips, Tomato, Black Olive, Cheddar, Taco Sauce & Sour Cream (Medium, Flat [Regular] Crust [13”], $18.75)

Dudley’s Special - BBQ Sauce, Chicken, Pineapple, & Onion (Medium, Flat [Regular] Crust [13”], $15.50)

Chicken Kicker - Ranch Dressing Sauce, Seasoned Chicken, Bacon, & Onion (Medium, Deep Crust [13”], $18.75)

Medium (13"),  Dudley’s Special, Flat (15.50)

Asian Chicken - Fajita Chicken, Provolone, Teriyaki Chipotle, Sip Cole Slaw (Medium, Deep Crust [13”], $18.75)

The Verdict

From my memory, the pizza was much better than the original attempt we made back in 02/27/2011; however, we ordered specialty pizzas this time instead of the $7 medium two-topping pies like we did the first time.  This surely had a big impact. 

The Super Taco was the crowds favorite, receiving 7 out of 9c votes; whereas the 2 last votes went toward to the Meat Deluxe.  The deep crust was not a big hit, some commented on the blandness of the dough.  The flat crust was cooked thin, with a nice snap when taking a bite on the bottom layer.  I would almost call it a cracker crust.  Many attribute the Super Taco's success due to the carefully layered "sauce" of refried beans instead of normal sauce.  The Asian chicken was the most bizarre pizza on the menu, since it had cole saw on top of it.  The meat deluxe contained a predictable nice variety of meats, but a little light on the sauce.  The specials do provide a nice discount when ordering multiple pizza's which helps out on the wallet.  So, if you are on 1st Ave. and you are looking for a good taco pizza, try the Super Taco; or for a good meaty pizza, then try the Meat Deluxe pizza at Sip 'n Stir.

Medium (13"), Chicken Kicker, Deep ($18.75)

Here are our ratings, where 1 = worst and 10 = best.
Overall            7.50

Cheese            6.44

Sauce               6.56

Topping           7.67

Crust                7.33

Venue              6.78

Medium (13"), Asian Chicken, Deep ($18.75)

Medium (13"), Meat Deluxe, Flat ($17.00)

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