The Iowan Pizza Chronicles: September 2019

The Venue

Venue Outside

921 Blairs Ferry Rd NE Suite 130

Cedar Rapids, IA 52402

(319) 862-1226

Bop’s Pizza is a new restaurant off of the busy Blairs Ferry Road near the Cedar Rapids, IA Target store on the North side of town. The owner, was the original owner of Ruby’s downtown prior to selling off his share of the business. Sadly, Ruby’s is no more, but the original owner re-purchased all of his equipment, and hauled it up town to start his new pizza place with his wife. Same great recipes as Ruby’s, some even claim that its better! Booth and table seating is present, they do not take reservations, so first come first serve.

Menu

The Pizza

Chicago Style: No

Crust Thickness: Average

Menu: https://bopspizza.com/menu

Participants: 18 (plus 12 children)

Pizza Ordered: 9

Sizes Offered/Ordered: 16” Large, 10” Medium, 7” Small

Crusts Offered/Ordered: Average

Pieces Cut: Triangular

Bacon Cheeseburger - Ground Beef, Bacon, Onion, Cheddar, Mozzarella, Diced Tomato & Pickle (Large, Detroit $25.75)

Taco - Seasoned Ground Beef, Refried Beans & Salsa Sauce, Cheddar Cheese, Shredded Lettuce, Diced Tomato, Onion, Nacho Chips & Sour Cream (Large, New York Thin $23.75)

Meatball - Bop's Homemade Meatball, Green Pepper & Onion (Large, Detroit $25.75)

Venue Inside

Mediterranean - Salami, Tomato, Artichoke, Spinach, Black Olive, Banana Pepper & Feta Cheese. Drizzled with Olive Oil (Large, Detroit $25.75)

Veggie - Mushroom, Onion, Green Pepper, Black & Green Olive, Tomato, Artichoke & Fresh Spinach (Large, Detroit $25.75)

Queen Margherita - Fresh Mozzarella, Roma Tomato and Fresh Basil (Large, New York Thin $23.75)

Bop's Combo - Pepperoni, Sausage, Mushroom, Onion, Black Olives and Green Peppers (Large, Detroit $25.75)

Pepperoni - (Large, Detroit $18.95)

Cheese - (Large, Detroit $18.95)

Large Detroit Crust Bacon Cheeseburger $25.75

The Verdict

Sauce: The sauce was great on the meatball, as well on the unique Bacon Cheeseburger. Sparingly, the ketchup and mustard taste went well together with the sauce and pickles.

Cheese: LOVED the caramelized cheese “crusts” on the Detroit style pizzas.

Crust: Bready, and doughy on the Detroit, the New York Thin was flexible, and chewy. It held the taco together well.

Toppings: High quality, the right amount.

Large Detroit Crust Bop's Combo $25.75

Final Comments/Considerations: Bop’s Pizza proved to me, to be exactly what Ruby’s had in store for its customers. A slightly better version of Tomaso’s with a bit cheaper price. Not to mention a great waitstaff who is flexible and accommodating. All the pizzas were warm, not soggy, and had plenty of flavor. The caramelized cheese crust was wonderful. So wonderful. Sadly, over the lunch hour, the only serve NY Thin, but if you can, I would be willing to call ahead and split a Detroit crust 1-topping pizza. Otherwise, try them out during dinner – personally, I liked the Bacon Cheeseburger, but the pepperoni always hits the spot as well.