Monday, July 15, 2013

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)