We should’ve known it wouldn’t always be so easy. As Downtown Devil reporter Brandon Kutzler put it, our Pizza Bracket 2015 began as a knowledgeable effort to combine two things that started out in Italy but are now ostensibly American: pizza and voting. But it’s not as innocent as we once thought.
Our simple indulgences in pizza have since grown more powerful than we could ever control. Ellen is passing it out to A-listers. Congress said it’s a vegetable. Mary Kate and Ashley can’t stop singing about it. But now in the second round, the stakes have been significantly raised.
Your educated picks made a big difference. Earlier on we knew that some restaurants would pass through comfortably, but a couple of races divided even our downtown-savvy staff.
Pizzeria Bianco’s boundless popularity easily brought it to the second round, and Boka’s modest simplicity didn’t stand much chance to Pomo Pizzeria’s Italian authenticity. Cibo’s wide acclaim brought it past the respected Focoso Pizza truck.
Other races were much more difficult to decipher. Federal Pizza’s and Forno 301’s tight race gave a rookie a chance to shine (and almost win), while La Piazza PHX lost to Pizza People Pub by only 6 votes. In cases like this, remember what Billy Joel said.
Let’s put our emotions aside for a few minutes, as it’s time for you to choose which pizza spot will make it to the FINAL round. As always, a reminder of our process:
THE LOWDOWN
Our bracket originally featured 12 of the most prominent pizza spots downtown. These are exclusively known for their takes on ‘za, which is why you don’t see other restaurants like Angel’s Trumpet Ale House or Hanny’s on here. Click on the names on the bracket above to visit each spot’s website.
First round voting is over, and the winners are now engaged in a 3-way battle. Only one from each side will advance to the final round, where downtown’s pizza king will be crowned once and for all (well, at least for the foreseeable future). Your votes matter, so use them wisely. If we somehow missed one of your favorite spots, please argue furiously on Facebook.
P.S. Here’s a quick tip on how we define our coverage boundaries of downtown Phoenix: Seventh Avenue to Seventh Street from West to East, and the southern railroad tracks to McDowell Road from South to North.
RULES
Some may love Cibo’s elegant charm, while others may find Grand Avenue Pizza Company’s chill atmosphere more appealing. Nevermind those factors. We are here to judge one thing and one thing only: pizza. The grease, the dough, the ingredients, that “it” factor. Keep that in mind as you pick those you wish to advance to the final round.
It is time to make your picks. If you still need to get more into the pizza mood, our friend Spongebob Squarepants will pep you up.
The final matchup will be announced next week.
MATCHUP NO. 1
Pizzeria Bianco: 623 E. Adams St.
If this bracket were seeded, Pizzeria Bianco would have to be ranked number one. Known nationwide for top quality pizza and massive wait times during peak hours (don’t try to make reservations), Bianco has received acclaim and awards from the likes of the New York Times, Rachael Ray and even Oprah.
The joint loves its wood-fired oven and homemade mozzarella. Bianco offers six pizzas with prices ranging from $13 to $18, from the classic Marinara sans cheese to more involved pies like the Rosa, which features pistachios.
The pride of Arizona pizza easily cleared its first hurdle. But will going to the final round come just as easy?
Pomo Pizzeria: 705 N. First St. #120
The outside of Pomo Pizzeria Napoletana is flanked by colorful vespas that may or may not bring out a strong desire to start wearing scarves that flap in the wind. The inside transports the hungry patron into a different city, if not country.
Each pizza is authentic to its southern Italian area of origin. Take the Quattro Stagioni pizza for example. Its bounty of Italian sausage, olives and mushrooms can feel like a proper meal.
The MVP honors, however, go to that crust, which has the smoky flavor and round crisp that can only come from a hand-built oven like theirs.
Prices are typically $13.95. There are a few outliers, including the Gamberi & Rucola. But hey, if you’re asking for sauteed shrimp on a pizza, then you’re committing to throwing down some money.
Federal Pizza: 5210 N. Central Ave.
While not technically in downtown, Federal Pizza qualifies for the bracket by being in the light rail corridor. Nestled in next to Postino’s Phoenix location, Federal needs to bring a high level of deliciousness to draw customers away from the warm embrace of bruschetta.
The restaurant’s expansive beer pairings and drive-thru (not to be used at the same time, mind you) bring a little extra pizzazz to the restaurant, but the top-quality ‘za is what’s most important here. Most pies come in between $13 and $15, with the topping-piled Big Star leading the way as a signature option.
Earlier we feared that Federal Pizza’s location may stop a few downtown-centric guests from venturing out. This showed in the race, with Federal making the cut only by a close margin.
MATCHUP NO. 2
Cibo: 603 N. Fifth Ave.
Cibo, known as one of the prime date spots in downtown Phoenix, has just about everything you need for a romantic night: Lovely outdoor seating, prime lighting and the setting of a quaint home-turned-restaurant. But we’re here to judge pizza.
You’ve got your white and red pizzas ranging between $11 to $17. One of the cheaper options is the go-to Margherita. (DD tip: Add ricotta cheese to this classic. The combination is both light on the stomach and rich on the tastebuds.) You’re looking at some crispy crust here.
Cibo’s pies are appreciated by college students, urban professionals and older patrons alike. We’ve even heard a rumor that the ASU Italian professors eat there.
Grand Avenue Pizza Company: 1031 Grand Ave.
It’s the craving. The drunk-at-2 a.m. pizza craving. Grand Avenue Pizza Company knew the craving and took it upon themselves to comfort the wandering souls, drunk and sober alike, who are up until the wee hour of 4 a.m.
The pizza joint offers slices of a different special every day as well as the staples pepperoni and cheese. Other classics come in whole pizzas, such as the Diana Ross, mixing pepperoni and sausage with some veggies, and Ono, the Hawaiian ‘za of ham, bacon, bell peppers and pineapple.
Slices are typically $3, while the daily special typically ranges upward. A 12” pie wavers between $10 and $18 while the 18” hovers around $18 and $28.
Pizza People Pub: 1326 N. Central Ave.
Although it started as the popular food truck Pizza People, the restaurant now hosts a brick-and-mortar restaurant called Pizza People Pub. We’ve heard mumblings that the physical location pales in comparison to the food truck. We call the taste buds of the naysayers into question.
True to its food truck roots, the physical restaurant has a variety of pizzas extending beyond the traditional. Take the Happy Mac, a pizza with macaroni and cheese, the Date Me, a pie that mixes prosciutto and Arizona dates, and the From Brussels with Love, a ‘za topped with brussels sprouts and bacon.
The crust typically lives in the middle of doughy and crispy. With a reasonable price point, the 10” pizzas waver between $9.55 and $11.25.
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