Good Pizza Near Esplanade (PHX)?

[Random987]

I need a good pizza place near the Esplanade for a group of 8 to 12 people. It doesn't need to be gourmet or fancy, just good simple Za. It is a birthday request. Thanks

[misohungrychewlow]

I have to check in -- it's my 'hood and I love pizza and I'm from southern CT, pizza central. Pizza Heaven serves up a solid pie at a good price/quality point. Their neighbor, Manhattan Pizza is in a similar niche but a very different vibe. Pat's does an honest New York pie from a tiny, funky space. Spinato's does Chicago thin crust in a homey environment, especially if you like eating with cops (often a good thing). AJ's on Central used to make terrific pies -- anyone had one lately? A Slice of Sicily and Mamma Mia's on Indian School serve up good New York pies. There's an Oregano's at 10th and Camelback. I use the NYPD at 20th & Highland occasionally -- they do a decent job (usually underdone) -- the white pies are pretty good and re-heats from frozen very well.

Parlor is a mile south of me. I look forward to exploring the menu. I hope to be strolling there regularly -- I'm hope they make it. The roots are real. I lived in south Tempe for 15 years and witnessed the birth and careful growth of Nello's. I'm not a Chicago pie guy but they could be counted on to provide a good meal over time and -- at least at the time -- the family had a good thing going with the customers and the staff. All I'm saying is -- Parlor has promising bloodlines.

[rxenergie]

AJ's pizza is consistently good and is usually the place that we get our to-go pizza from in CenPho. Please be aware though that sometimes the kitchen can get backed up and may require one hour advance notice on orders. Bonus that, if you ask, they will give you a pizza club card and your 11th large pizza is free.

[JK Grence the Cosmic Jester]

I just remembered one that pretty much everyone I know has been telling me I NEED to go to... Pizza Heaven. It might be a little distant for you (a bit over 2 miles from Esplanade), but it could well hit the spot if people prefer something a bit more traditional than The Parlor's gourmet list.

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Pizza Heaven
5150 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85014

[drewb123]

pizza heaven is a dsippapointment its like the same people who think spinatos is good.

[rxenergie]

I have to agree completely with your thoughts. I think Spinato's sauce is too sweet; often under cooked so that the pizza sticks to the box when getting to-go. Also, Pizza Heaven, in the two times I've had their food, left me desiring something better.

[drewb123]

I am not one to rec chains but NYPD delivers the closest thing to real NY pizza in the area. You may want to make a reservation

[avandelay]

Drew, you should try Pat's Pizza Plus at 12th Street and Glendale. I think its quite a bit better than NYPD. Its a tiny hole in the wall and so probably not great for a night out but the pizzza is outstanding.

[drewb123]

avandelay- have been to pat's I really like it but NYPD is closer. Not by much but its still closer :) My husband is more of the pizza eater I'd rather eat anything but....

[silverbear]

I'm a Pat's fan -- when I want takeout pizza. It's not a place I would choose for eating on the premises unless I'm alone or just with immediate family or close friends. Some really original pies on the menu.

[winedubar]

yipes!!!! i think i'd rather have delivery pizza from zpizza than nypd. it couldn't be less like ny pizza. i think slices off mill is closer to ny pizza. and yes, i used to live there (nyc, i mean)

[drewb123]

personally i thinks zpizza is nasty.

[silverbear]

Best best is the Parlor, which just opened half a mile west of the Esplanade. Location is on the north side of Camelback between 20th and 18th streets. It serves a variety of creative pies in 8" and 12" configurations. You can also customize your own pizza with toppings of your choice. Good salads and drink selection too.

[Random987]

That looks great. I hope it's not too "artisanal" for some of my friends.

[silverbear]

Fear not, there's a basic pizza with pepperoni for the unadventurous.

[Random987]

I imagine 25% of the group will order that!

I can't seem to find a phone number for them to see if they accept reservations.....

[hohokam]

Maybe try the number listed here:

http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/22/144731...

[silverbear]

Contact info (shamelessly lifted from http://www.eateraz.com

)

The Parlor
1916 E Camelback Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85016
[phone]
www.theparlor.us