So, we meet again. Two weeks of competition have brought out the most community involvement for our site so far this year, as passionate pie-lovers finally have their chance to support their favorite pizzeria. Downtown Devil has gotten comments on everything from why there weren’t first-round byes to why certain pizza spots weren’t included to begin with. To all those people, we leave you with the words of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
The two pizza spots advancing to the final round have been democratically chosen. This time around, it’s a battle between the newcomer and the veteran. It’s a battle between the traditional and the modern take. It’s a battle of the two syllables: Pomo v. Cibo.
Pomo Pizzeria, relatively new to the downtown Phoenix area, has been building a positive recognition for its time-honored recipes, served in a small, cozy joint. (Note: Some of us have been known to enjoy the Laura Pausini tunes they play.) It was a tight race, but Pomo did narrowly beat the highly acclaimed Pizzeria Bianco. All props go to that pizzeria, a favorite of Jimmy Fallon and many a celebrity when they visit Phoenix. From our votes, it seems people are looking to give another restaurant a chance to shine. Can Pomo be that spot?
Cibo, the romantic restaurant featuring gentle pizza recipes, dessert crepes and more string lights than Danny DeVito’s home in “Deck the Halls,” beat out its bracket by more than twice the number of votes for the other two competitors combined. Grand Avenue Pizza Co. and Pizza People Pub, like the other pizzerias gone too soon, are still beloved by downtown residents. This time around, however, two worthy competitors have arrived to the final destination.
Only one round is left to crown downtown Phoenix’s favorite pizza spot. With that in mind, let’s remember the golden rule of this bracket: It’s all about the pizza.
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, as are the 3-way battles of the second round. We have made it 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 pizza champ will be announced next week.
THE FINAL MATCHUP
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.
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.
Contact the editors at news@downtowndevil.com
