Attempt #19 - Happy Joe's

The Venue

5070 Lindale Drive Northeast

Cedar Rapids, IA 52401

(319) 393-0017

Four of the Five Participants (plus one extra) Undertaking 3 Large Pizza's

Happy Joe’s is a regional chain that is found of the Midwest, especially Iowa.  With locations in six states, you may have one of these establishments near you.  For kids, they are fun, with ski-ball, racing, and other games where you can win tickets (prizes).  The pizza side of the restaurant was also quite classy, as to attract those of us without small children.  It was very clean, and the staff was friendly.  Coupons can often be found in the Sunday newspaper and in other advertisements around the local community.  On Monday, we found out that the price of the Larges were $13.99, where was such a great deal.  We are plenty to take home!

Take a look at their pizza menu here, http://www.happyjoes.com/menu.php.

The Pizza

Large (15"), Pan Crust, Combo Pizza

Chicago Style:  No

Crust Thickness:  Thin/Average

Large (15"), Pan Crust, Taco Supreme Pizza

Our group consisted of 5 participants; so we ordered three large specialty pizzas.  Each of these large pizzas cost us $14 a piece.  They come in small (9”), medium (12”), and large (15”).  The Crust comes in Pan or Thin. 

BLT - Both hickory-smoked and Canadian bacon with mozzarella, provolone and cheddar cheeses. Baked, then topped with mayo, lettuce and tomatoes (Large, Thin crust, $13.99).
Combo - Pepperoni, sausage, salami, beef, mushrooms, green peppers and onions (Large, Pan crust, $13.99).

Taco Supreme - Our famous Taco Joe pizza is loaded with refried beans, taco-seasoned beef, and sausage, topped with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, black olives, onions,  and taco chips. Served with taco sauce (Large, Pan crust, $13.99).

The Verdict

Large (15"), Thin Crust, BLT Pizza

The pizza was cut into narrow slices.  The ingredients were excellent, and the cheese and toppings were well balanced while the sauce was spare.  Some felt that the pizza was the best that they have had in a long time; however, the pizza could have been served warmer.  The Combo was the least favorite of the pies, with one participant wondering if it was slightly undercooked.  The Taco and the BLT were VERY well liked along all the participants.  The thin seemed to be the general consensus as the crust of choice.  I felt that the Pan was similar to the thin, except that it has a large lip at the edge of the pizza.  Because of the special, we got a great deal at Happy Joe’s.  I would recommend it to anyone who wants a good “taco” pizza; however, if you are in the mood for a more traditional style of pizza (pepperoni, sausage, marinara sauce), you might want to try some of the other pizza places in town first.  But if you are in the mood for a BLT, Taco, or another non-traditional pizza, and want a fun place for the kids, head on over the Happy Joe’s.

All Three Pizza's - Sliced Up!

Here are our ratings, where 1 = worst and 10 = best.
Overall = 8.30
Cheese = 7.00
Toppings = 9.20
Sauce = 6.00
Crust = 8.20

Venue = 6.40