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