Poll update: Who's got the best pizza now?

I had to give a vote to Fraschellis...I've only had their pizza a couple of times because of the location but it was gooooood. Coals is great as well, love it.

I also like couple of bar pizzas that aren't even on the list...Saint's and Mr. Gs. I'm sure there are many more like them hidden around.

Only tried Papalino's as leftovers so probably didn't get a fair shake, but I wasn't overly impressed. Shamefully I have never been to NABC. I am going to make it a point to go soon.

Wow, that would have to be a whole lot of pizza eatin' in order to have sampled every pizza on that list. I have not. Better get busy!

There are two on there I havent sampled and that's only because I refuse to go the two (unnamed) places for personal reasons.

Coal's in a walk, for me...

...I like Papalino's fine, but I don't get the NYC comparisons. Seems like some people get caught up in all the special/local ingredients. I really couldn't care less about that when it comes to pizza.

Like mentioned, my main issue is their crust, and the inconsistent thickness. I've had several pies there, and each time, there are a few pieces that are so thick they aren't even foldable. It's great pizza, but it really doesn't remind me of floppy NYC style at all (and maybe it's not trying to be) other than the huge slices.

[Robin Garr]

Like mentioned, my main issue is their crust, and the inconsistent thickness. I've had several pies there, and each time, there are a few pieces that are so thick they aren't even foldable. It's great pizza, but it really doesn't remind me of floppy NYC style at all (and maybe it's not trying to be) other than the huge slices.

I think the issue here is that some people interpret NYC-style as the big, foldable slices with the "orange grease." That's New York pizza all right, but it's the style of the cookie-cutter street-corner pizzerias, many of which bear some variation of the name "Ray's" in honor of a long-ago progenitor.

Papalino's and Coals both pay homage to a more serious, older immigrant pizza that's firmly rooted in Naples, many (but not all) of the classics using coal ovens and a crust that's pretty much as you describe, but intentionally so. Does it help to think of it as a rough, handmade flatbread based on Italian bread?

But I cannot forgive the lousy pizza. Is this the same pizza that other people are eating, and comparing to real NY pizza? My problem was with the crust. I found that Papalino's crust was WAY too thick (nearly an inch in some places), spongy, and totally flavorless. I liked the sauce, but the crust was just horrible. Did I just get an undercooked pizza? Should I go back?

Blake, I've had Papalino's quite a few times and have never experienced a bad pizza. I'd say you caught them on a bad day...and recomend giving them another chance.

Seems like some people get caught up in all the special/local ingredients. I really couldn't care less about that when it comes to pizza.

I much prefer the quality, local, variety of toppings offered at Papalino's compared to cookie cutter pepperoni etc. at some of the big box / chain places. I think it leads to a better product...just like Coal's using DreamCatcher meats, etc.

DD

You forgot Windy City.

[Robin Garr]

You forgot Windy City.

Damn! I know I'd forget at least one, but why did it have to be such a good one?

Anyway, Eve, thanks for pointing it out. "Other" plus a post still counts as a vote.

I did not forget Windy City Pizza, as it is my very favorite Deep Dish pizza........I would walk over hot coals after running a marathon to get to that pie!!

I wonder how it is that a pizza place opens up and minutes later it is the greatest thing EVER! Let the newness wear off and then cast a vote? After all, it is how a restaurant holds up after the initial excitement wades that proves whether it can be truly placed near the top of the "Best Of", isn't it?

I went with Coal's, though Cafe Lou Lou should be considered, at least as an "Other" vote.

I went with Coal's, though Cafe Lou Lou should be considered, at least as an "Other" vote.

as should Red Hog Tapas

[Robin Garr]

I went with Coal's, though Cafe Lou Lou should be considered, at least as an "Other" vote.

as should Red Hog Tapas

And Caffe Classico. But: See the original post. To hold the ballot within the permissible space, I limited this poll to pizzerias, not restaurants that make pizza, no matter how awesome that pizza is.

I don't know if it qualifies due to distance and that it looks more like a bar than a pizza joint, but Rich-O's/New Albanian is the best pizza I've had in the region.

I don't know if it qualifies due to distance and that it looks more like a bar than a pizza joint, but Rich-O's/New Albanian is the best pizza I've had in the region.

It's an option, sportstime (NABC)

I had no idea that poll option was them. They have more aliases than entries on that poll!