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Filippi's Pizza Grotto
Category: Restaurants Pizza Pizza [Edit]
82 Broadway(between Casselman St & D St)
Chula Vista, CA 91910
Neighborhood: Chula Vista
(619) 427-6650
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 11 am - 10 pm
Fri-Sat 11 am - 11 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
75 reviews for Filippi's Pizza Grotto
Review Highlights
"I've been coming here since I was a kid."
(in 3 reviews)
"...fun, casual, and outstanding antipasto salad and pizza."
(in 4 reviews)
"My favorite Italian eatery in South bay."
(in 14 reviews)
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75 reviews in English
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Review from Andre M.
San Diego, CA
9/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place has been around since I can remember. The place has not changed one bit. The layout and tables have not changed.
The pizza is always good. What makes the pizza stand out from other places is the amount of cheese they put on. They are not cheap on the other ingredients as well. You really get your money's worth.
They have various locations and every one of them makes the pizzas the exactly the same.
Great place to go. -
Review from Wana L.
11/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
Cool points:
-Plenty of space for large and small parties
-Service was on point for the most part
-Their pizza sizes are great for large parties and sharing
-Portions were pretty big, my clam chowder soup was served in a large bowl
-Decent lunch menu with decent prices
No cool points:
-Food quality is not so great, their Meat Lover's Pizza was just "meh"
-My friend had a sandwich and that was just "meh" also
I've definitely had better food before,and I was not impressed with their alfredo pasta. I wouldn't go out of my way to eat here again. -
Review from Johana T.
San Diego, CA
Horrible, horrible, horrible service! Ugggh... we sat down at 9:04 and it is now 9:17 and the server JUST came... after literally passing right by our table 4 times and not even acknowledging we exist... same as the other 2 servers that passed by us.. and we are one out of 3 tables in the WHOLE restaurant.
So this rude waitress named irma (older lady with short, shoulder length, blonde hair) came and took our order.. no "hello", no "sorry for the wait", no "hi, ill be your server today".. nope... she didn't even tell us her name, I read her name on her book she has to take orders (but then I thought I heard someone call her emma.. so who knows which of the 2 she is). She's not even wearing a name tag. Unprofessional.
So anyway she took our order and left... never once did she come fill our empty sodas.. only until the food came out (and that sat on the kitchen line for almost 5 mins because she was too busy gossiping with another lady) did she notice that we needed a refill. She dropped the food off and later on the check. Never even attempted to conversate with us. I am so terribly dissapointed with this service that I don't think I will ever come back to this location. And ill be sure to inform all my friends and relatives of what to expect from these people... they all had the most bitter looks on their faces.
Its so sad that once a great restaurant came down to this... I wonder what the first generation of owners would think of this??? So sad.. I'm sure this is not how they pictured their business would turn out.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/26/2011
living in Chula Vista for the past 3 years, I've came here about a dozen times.
The pizza is good and… Read more »
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Review from Sabrina T.
San Diego, CA
9/25/2011
The lasagna is to die for, the full carafe of rose' is a deal, and the meat lover's pizza is pretty damn good too.
BUT
- the waiters prioritize their favorite customers
- water glasses are ignored
- napkins are hardly given
- it may take a while to get silverware if the table didn't start out with it
- I hate 2 waiters badly enough to cut what I originally would have ranked four stars
One good experience:
A friendly and very attentive male served us waters and fresh bread with butter. Our food order was accurate and he frequented our table to make sure we were doing okay. He even influenced my order by excellent upselling skills. I tipped him a whopping $8.00 even though we were just two people with a relatively cheap bill.
One bad experience:
A rude and expressionless female server ignored us while she stared blankly at the wall from her little server corner next to the soda fountains and register. She walked by us four times without a "hi I'll be right there". When she finally acknowledged us, she curtly asked "what are you having today?" Again, no greeting or introduction or anything. What's more annoying is that my water glass was bone dry throughout the entire duration of our meal. Finally when the check came she had the nerve to circle the tip suggestions at the bottom of the bill. Who the fuck does that expecting to receive anything higher than 2 cents? I left her nothing and dramatically drew a fat line across the whole tip section to further my sentiment. Since this experience I've been too prideful to go back and face her in fear that she might spit in my food or even worse, serve us again. -
Review from Desi N.
San Diego, CA
2/4/2012
I came here with my close family-friends one evening and had a great time! We all ordered very different entrees. I remember having the egg plant parmesian and the anti-pasto salad which were both very delicious! The service was excellent! I recommend Filippi's :D
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Review from Andy D.
San Diego, CA
1/5/2012
I had know problem with the server the few times I've been here. All I can say is that their pizza is delicious!
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Review from Carlos C.
San Francisco, CA
1/7/2012
As a former Chula Vista resident, I tended to drift more towards the downtown San Diego: India Street location. I'd not been in this location in well over 20 years. I came here with my family , while I was in Chula Vista for a visit. Although it was busy and there were nine of us in our party, we were seated promptly. The server came to our table after a few minutes to take our order. All I can saw is WOW!, once I had the first bite of pizza, I was reminded why Filippi's has been here for decades. The pizza was delicious with some serious extra cheese on both the pizzas we ordered. It wasn't long before I was full. As far as the cost, it was very reasonable for what we paid.
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Review from Dana K.
San Diego, CA
1/27/2012
Not impressed!!!! My husband and I don't understand why there is always such a long line for this place. You would think with all the money they make that when they serve a meal they would use fresh ingredients and not canned vegetables. I ordered the chicken parmesan and it had canned mushrooms on it. GROSS!!! They don't know how to make garlic rolls either. Sour dough bread with butter melted on it with garlic powder is disgusting.
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Review from jamie c.
Las Vegas, NV
12/27/2011
Love Love this place food is fantastic our waitress Randi was great so funny and really made our visit worthy of the five stars will definitely be back when were in town
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Review from C J.
Brooklyn, NY
9/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
My friends in SD have a tradition of going to this place (I think mostly the one in downtown SD). I found it average, nothing special, but the cheesy pizza definitely hits the spot.
The waitress was good and friendly. I'd probably go to the downtown location for a better ambienance. -
Review from Laura Z.
Fallbrook, CA
1/16/2012
i wish i could give it a zero. i ordered the linguine with clam sauce and it was vile; unbearably salty and disgustingly fishy. my bf asked the waitress to get the manager, and we watched her tell the manager we wanted a word. the manager stood about ten feet away, having a casual conversation with another customer, deliberately ignoring us for at least 20 minutes. i felt like leaving without paying, as i didnt take more than two bites of my meal, but didn't have the heart to stiff the waitress. never again...
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Review from lori a.
San Diego, CA
12/1/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I love their pizza sauce so much! It's great to have a place like this that's been around since the beginning of time. You know it's good because it never changes. It doesn't have to!
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Review from Joshua L.
9/4/2011
My wife and I came here for dinner. Another random place I chose without the help of Yelp unfortunately. Overall, the place wasn't terrible. It's a home town family restaurant. Nothing fancy at all. A little pricey but seems to be pretty decent. We ordered the 12 inch King's special or soemthing with a lot of toppings, a small salad to share, and a child's ravioli dish for our daughter and a bottle of Merlot. The wine was like $12.99.
Overall not bad. The waitress could have been better and the pizza could have been seasoned better with a little more flavor. The worste part was the crust. It was inedible. Thick, gummy and tasteless. We found out after dinner that we had the option of ordering thin crust. I guess I could have asked before ordering but shouldn't the waitress make it known to new customers? Anyway, not bad. I guess I might give it another shot.
In all fairness it seemed like everyone else around us was enjoying themselves. Also, what was interesting is that a lot of people (even just couples of 2) ordered a pizza and individual pasta dishes to boot. I could not even imagine how anybody could eat all that food. -
Review from Beto F.
Chula Vista, CA
9/12/2011
I live about a two second drive away from this spot but unfortunately it is just one of those places that doesn't immediately come to mind when craving pizza. I've gone numerous times for different meals of the day and let me just say, lunch time here is absolutely awesome.
The lunch portion menu offers smaller portions of classic dishes and are plentiful. comes with a small salad or soup etc. for about $10 a person you can get a very good portioned, very delicious lunch.
while the service isn't great it is good & so is the food so really, what more could you ask for from an italian spot?
next time you're in the neighborhood, stop by and try the ravioli. Arnold Palmer style, half & half. (half cheese/beef) -
Review from Lilia C.
Kenmore, WA
4/1/2011
This Filippi's is getting 5 stars from me because it has the best pizza of all the Filippi's in San Diego. I lived in the South Bay for about a year and would order a large pepperoni for take out at least once a month because it is to die for. So much cheese!!! Absolutely delicious. Even after moving to Mira Mesa I try to get down here whenever the opportunity arises because the pizza is that good.
The salad is a good starter and I haven't tried anything else on the menu because their pizza is the only reason I ever go here. None of the other Filippi's even come close. I've dined in a few times but always for lunch or late dinner - it seems like a place that gets extremely crowded and loud during the main lunch/dinner times and especially on the weekend. Order to-go if you don't want to deal with waiting for a table, service, or dealing with noise. -
Review from Msal M.
Chula Vista, CA
11/11/2011
The host and bus boys were great, but the waitresses were terrible. My waitress forgot our drink orders and disappeared. I had to track down another waitress to find ours and remind her, it also took her way too long to bring the garlic bread. But the worse was the entree. We ordered the ravioli and lasagna which was excellent, however, our waitress was so slow to bring it out that it stayed out too long in the kitchen and got cold. I was too embarrassed to ask her to take it back and risk probably never seeing the plate again. The one shining star is the pizza which was great - and actually the right temperature.
I really used to love this place but I guess the current management has just decided to let the place die. With the current market as bad as it is and with the abundance of competition at reasonable prices, I don't see how this place will make it another year. I hope management steps in to change things and brings back what once was a legend in Chula Vista. Very sad. -
Review from Jerry P.
San Diego, CA
5/8/2011
Been going to Filippi's for darn near 40 years. So, I guess that makes me a minor authority regarding this eatery.
Pros - Family friendly, fun, casual, and outstanding antipasto salad and pizza. I also enjoy their linguini with white clam sauce. This is a local family owned business and that means a lot to me personally. No, this isn't Bacci's, but then you won't have to empty your life savings to eat here. And if you really want to be a food snob, feel free to go where a maitre'd will seat you at a plush table. For family, this is a great place.
Cons - The darned place is always busy. Don't get me wrong, I am thrilled for their success. I just wish we could get in and eat a little quicker. -
Review from Gloria K.
La Jolla, CA
11/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
Ugh too loud in this place. Thought we were going to spend a nice quiet dinner as a family. So loud no where near a nice dinner. Food was ok but never coming back to this barn
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Review from Michelle J.
Los Angeles, CA
3/22/2011
Undeniably the best pizza in town.
I frequent this spot every chance I
get whenever I am in SD which is
almost my second home.
I love walking around Little Italy
especially with a gelato on my hand.
Indeed always a great workout after
my visits to Filippi's.
This is my perfect Saturday or Sunday. -
Review from Dominick F.
San Diego, CA
9/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
you'd think that because of the location it wouldnt be that great inside, but thats not the case at all..plenty of that italian family owned ambience, whish is great for dates. Not as nice as their location in little Italy, but its closer to home. Service is on point and friendly. Pizza can take some time to get on to your table, but its worth the wait because its good! Fresh, tastey, cheesy goodness..love takin a slice off and watching the cheese hold on for dear life haha. Their lasagnau and pastas were meh for me...didnt have any flavor. So i stick to the pizza and bread sticks..might give their pasta another shot..maybe it was just an off day for them when I went
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Review from chi c.
Orange, CA
7/17/2011
Just went here, ordered The Works pizza. It's pricier than say pizza hut, but oh well, I was hungry. The pizza was done in about 10 minutes, which was nice considering the cashier said it would be about 20. I'll probably call ahead next time but the wait wasn't long at all. The only downside is when I picked up the first slice the cheese and toppings fell off. It was still very hot so it burned to put the toppings back on. I shared a couple of slices with a homeless guy that I just met and he loved the cheese...not sure if it's because he probably hadn't eaten for awhile, but the cheese was good. Maybe it needs to cool so that the cheese sticks to the crust because after that first one the toppings didn't slide off.
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Review from Antonio H.
San Diego, CA
9/28/2011
If you want the taste of innocence, small town innocence that is, then go to Filippi's pizza grotto. The first time I came here, I knew this was the essence I was looking for, it had something no other place had: A combo plate of Lasagna, Spaghetti & Ravioli & Marinara sauce. It hits the spot, right down to the cheeses.
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Review from Monica T.
National City, CA
8/17/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Love the pizza here. Been coming here since I was a kid grade school..... :)
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Review from Leonel L.
San Diego, CA
2/20/2011
I did not try the pizza, which seems that everyone here gives it good reviews, I on the other hand tried the lasagna, and ravioli. First off the service was good to us (probably because we were in the busy intersection for customers and servers). The portion was big (since the price was a in the teens) but I must say there sauce is pretty bland, the meat wasent really there and it was more pasta and sauce then anything else... the bread was ok, pretty hard n dry unless it was soaked up with butter... I will have to try the pizza because this plate did no justice for this restaurant. The salad was good... if ur into meaty lasagna then pass this plate up... and try something else from....
-Njoy
leo/. -
Review from John M.
San Diego, CA
This place serves up really good pizza, pasta and salads. I have been at this location many times as well as the location in Jamul. If you're looking for some good Italian style pizza, Filippi's will deliver that taste to you taste buds.
The pizza's have a ton of cheese and toppings on them, I challenge any party of 2 or 3 to attempt to finish any one of their large pizzas.
Go for it! -
Review from John T.
San Diego, CA
4/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
Have always loved this place as the pizza is the best. Have grown up eating here for 24 years and usually frequent it at least twice a month but that changed tonight. We went in and it was busy but there were numerous open tables and we were seated immediately. The waitress came up to take our order and we ordered the same thing we have been for all those years, a large antipasto with no anchovies and a large pizza with pepperoni and peppercinis to which the waitress replied "She didn't know if they could do that" to which I told her that is all we ever order there and she went to ask someone. She came back a minute later and said they were to busy to accommodate my request. She said sorry and at this point was actually very apologetic, which I only believe was so because we were getting up to leave. As we left she said we could talk to the manager if we wanted because she didn't think it was cool that they wouldn't do it either but at this point they already lost 4 lifetime customers and we will never be back. This is some
Of the worst customer service I have ever experienced, busy or not this was not too much to ask as I have ordered this exact pizza 100 times. So disappointed that I lost a place to eat due to their lack of caring about their customers -
Review from Jennifer Z.
San Diego, CA
11/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
I ordered the lasgana and it was just ok. The cheese in the middle wasn't even melted all the way though and I was expecting more flavor in the sauce. I also ordered the hot wings which had a lot of breading on them and not really hot. My son got the kid ravoli meal and he liked it. I guess in the future I will stick to the pizza which I have never had a bad experience with, but wanted to try something different. Our server was very nice, but slow.
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Review from Stephanie K.
San Francisco, CA
12/1/2010
Came in here with my husband and a friend of ours. I was dying for something amazing, but I wasn't all that thrilled with the somewhat limited selection of toppings.
We were seated right away, and let me tell you, this place is really big. They have everything kind of in sections so it felt a little like a maze. It did have a very Italian restaurant feeling with the signature red and white table covers, the fake hanging grapes, and the empty wine bottles on the walls.
The wait time wasn't too bad, maybe standard pizza making time. They really stack on the cheese though ! You would think we ordered a deep dish. Wasn't bad, but I'm not all that crazy about the place. -
Review from Hilda G.
Chula Vista, CA
10/7/2010 4 Check-ins Here
I LOVE their ceaser salad and sourdough bread. YUMS! SERIOUSLY TO DIE FOR!!! My husband can't get enough of their pizza and I just gobble up their salad. The restaurant has decent parking and an oldschool atmosphere. It's definately been around for a while :D We like to pick up our order for movie nights.
Only reason it's not a full 5 stars is that the environment is not my favorite. It's a bit loud and we always seem to be seated by the kitchen. I LOVE ME SOME BOOTHS and they DON'T HAVE ANY.
Food: Excellent but on the heavy side
Service: Super friendly -
Review from Nina.Love P.
Chula Vista, CA
6/27/2011
i looooooooooooooovvvvvvvvvvvveeeeeeeeeeeee
the pizza, just dislike when my toppings fall off other then that i love it :) -
Review from Felicia L.
Long Beach, CA
8/18/2010
I love this place! I have been coming here for several years now, and I'm not even a local! I'm from Riverside haha.
Whenever I come to visit my friends, we come here and get a pizza, salad and pasta. Everything is pretty good here.... also I love the ambiance of the restuarant. It has the vintage Italian feel with dim lighting, red painted walls, and Chianti bottles hanging from the ceiling.
One thing to mention is that they have a separate to go place in addition to their dining room, which is very convenient for those who are ordering take out. -
Review from Wilmer G.
San Diego, CA
4/16/2010
As a fan of Chicago style pizza, I like my pizza hearty with a lot of ingredients. In that regard, FPG's pizzas fit the bill. I ordered a "Fit for a King", which is their version of a pizza with the works. It was loaded down with fresh ingredients (except the sausage, which unfortunately is of the frozen pre-made variety) and a LOT of cheese! The crust was not quite up to Chicago standards; I would have preferred a thicker and more flavorful crust and a little more sauce, but the pizza was definitely hearty enough to force me to eat the first couple of bites with a fork and knife, always the sign of a good pizza!
Another upside is that the food is very reasonably priced ($20 for a 12" pizza and a soda). This location has a large room in back that is more brightly lit than the rest of the restaurant, and it seems to be the place that they like to seat the large families with kids, which is a great idea.
3.5 stars...I might feel generous enough to round up after a future visit after I've tried some of the other food. -
Review from Jesse F.
Chicago, IL
7/12/2011
I've been eating at Filippi's for almost 30 years, so at this point it's more than a meal, it's a family tradition. If your looking for the greatest pizza of all time you should probably take a trip to New York or Chicago, but if you're looking for a decent, greesy, cheesy slice of goodness, this is the spot. I usually go with the double pepperoni and sausage pie. They use Anise in their sausage, which a lot of people in my fam don't like, but it's my favorite part. Gives the sausage a nice kick. Whenever I'm back home in SD this is the spot I hit up. 619 original.
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Review from Alissandra L.
San Diego, CA
3/9/2008
It was dark.
I liked the marinara.
I liked the cheese ravioli.
I liked the pizza.
He didn't like the philly cheesesteak.
He got sick afterwards.
I liked the wine.
He didn't drink wine.
We didn't like our waitress.
Some guy across from us kept staring at me.
I didn't like it.
Filippi's was alright.
Maybe I'll go back.Listed in: I Love Pizza.
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Review from Ace D.
1/5/2009 1 photo
This was my home town location for excellent pizza! How can I forget the days when the leftover pizza was boxed and sitting cold in the refrigerator? I love the taste of cold pizza in the morning!
The taste hasn't changed much. I have tired the other locations from the original to Claremont Mesa location. The service may not be the best, but you don't come here for that do you?Listed in: Best Pizzas Spots
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Review from Tania N.
San Diego, CA
Updated - 7/7/2010
I LOVE this place. It doesn't matter which location I go to, I know I can count on the quality of the food. The service can be hit or miss, but whatever. The food is worth it.
I love the pizza. Great parking lot and it does get busy in the evening, so go early or go a little later.
I really like the fact that they're still around.
p.s. Love this place so much that I'm going to have my rehearsal dinner at their LIttle Italy location.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/3/2008
I love this place & I love their pizza. The sauce they use is great and the prices are out of this… Read more »
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Review from Juan C.
San Ysidro, CA
2/4/2010
FPG has been around for decades, and for good reason. Their food is good, downhome, italian. No fancy stuff here, and its not needed. Their lasagna is delicious, the spaghetti and meatballs are well done and classic, and their pizza is very tasty. Yes, you have to like a lot of cheese on your pizza to enjoy FPG, but what's pizza without cheese? My only complaint is that the slices are a little too bread heavy, but that can't take away from the overall great flavor and freshness of the pizza.
I have memories going back at least 23 years of this place, and I know its been there much longer than that. All of their locations are good, but I like their Chula Vista location best. -
Review from Ruben L.
3/31/2008
I'm not quite sure what the hype is about this place, but I have to say I wasn't too impressed. I'll grant you the pizza wasn't awful by any means, but for all the rave reviews I've heard of this place, after trying their house special, I can't say I was blown away.
Now perhaps the ambience adds a different perspective based upon the location you visit (I've seen the Filippis out on India St. and the one in PB, and they look to be a lot more "fun") but this place seemed pretty dingy. It was dark inside, the servers didn't seem all that happy to be working, and the decor looked to be out of the 80's.
Based on this places reputation, I might be inclined to check out one of the other locations, but I doubt I'll be heading back to this place anytime soon. You'd be better served going to Zorba's (greek food) about a block down from this place. -
Review from Jose R.
Chula Vista, CA
9/12/2009
Have been there many times in many years. Never disappoints.
Today it was antipasto salad which I've never had before, now will always order. Then the fit for a king pizza with olives, mushrooms, green peppers, sausage and of course pepperoni always fresh tasting, plentiful cheese and crispy crust. Service as always very good because they seem to have the correct number of employees for the place.
As I said never disappoints.
Note: Our medium pizza (3 of us ate 2 big slices and took 2 home still) was $16 dollars with 5 toppings. Don't know where yelper Memo got his 2 topping for $21. -
Review from Andrew M.
Los Angeles, CA
11/5/2008
First off, I hate pizza.
Not because it is not good but because 85% of the places that make "pizza" can't make pizza.
If you want to know how to make great pizza, listen up.
Step 1: Get real ingredients. Do not skimp on the cheese or the meats or the dough... wait, that's what a pizza is made of!
Step 2: Cook properly. Brown the cheese just enough
Step 3: Serve right away
When I was working on a project in Chula Vista, someone recommended this place so I went.
I wasn't expecting much but to my surprise, I fell instantly in love.
The joint is casual, filled with a lot of families and locals who probably grew up eating this stuff since they can remember.
Ordered their most popular pizza called "The Works" which is pepperoni, sausage (the best) and mushroom.
OMG. The end.
The Good:
Awesome ingredients
The Bad:
Nothing
