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Gladstone Street Pizza
Category: Restaurants Pizza Pizza [Edit]
3813 SE Gladstone StPortland, OR 97202
Neighborhoods: Creston-Kenilworth, Southeast Portland
(503) 775-1537
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 5 pm - 12 am
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Dogs Allowed:
- No
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86 reviews for Gladstone Street Pizza
Review Highlights
"Thin crust pies are done right."
(in 18 reviews)
"but I have never been able to get into Apizza Scholls."
(in 13 reviews)
"...roof of my mouth is also perfectly burnt, New York style."
(in 4 reviews)
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86 reviews in English
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Review from Ana M.
12/17/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Dare I say...My favorite pizza in Portland?
There are all sorts of pies, and I appreciate them all for there unique qualities. For example some days I just want some good ole fashion greasy pizza. Other days I want something with a little more class. Then theres thin crust, thick crust. I'm dizzy with options.
When a friend told me Gladstone outshone Apizza Scholls, I was skeptical. I'd been to the Apizza mountain top and I knew better...or did I? I found myself eating more then pizza when I came to Gladstone, I had to eat crow. Theses thin crust beauties are magnificent! The margarita is my favorite, simplicity really shins when its good quality. I normally order a carafe of wine and a veggie antipasto plate to compliment my meal. They pickle in house and it's a treat.
Better still? I've always been seated right away. Why this place isn't swamped evades me. It's the real deal, and a solid option to your thin crust desires.Listed in: Date Night in PDX
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Review from Mariana O.
Portland, OR
2/1/2012
not a place to go if your alone and want a slice and salad. they seem to think that their "premium ingredients" warrant the prices but I didn't find the quality to be exceptional. Cesar salad was VERY plain. Crust has been too baked each time i have been. I don't mind some toastyness but this crust has been over cooked whereas the topping seem to be thinly distributed and undercooked. I really want it to be amazing but unless you want to shell out big bucks for ok pizza this is not the place for you. ingredients seem quality but the crust and portions of toppings just makes it feel over priced.
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Review from Erin S.
Portland, OR
1/22/2012
Amazingly flavorful crust, yummy ingredients (their basil comes right out of their garden!) and they make a marvelous ceasar salad. I love that there is no attitude here. Plus, they have a wonderful covered back patio. A+++++
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Review from Sam O.
Portland, OR
11/26/2011
We've known about this place for awhile, but have never gone until this weekend. We were surprised that when we got there, it was almost empty on a weekend eve! but within 30 minutes, the place was full. Anyway, we ordered drinks and a pizza, and there must have been something going on because our food took forever! However, they apologized, and without us complaining, comped us an app and a couple drinks, nice service!
Finally, the pizza arrives! Came out smokin hot with an almost too charred crust. almost. The pizza was delicious. really delicious. the crust was perfect. chewy, but enjoyable. Toppings were a great compliment.
After waiting too many times at apizza scholls and ken's, I think I may have found one better, or at least darned close.
side note: I can see how this pizza may not be the best for take-out, so try it in-house for your first one! -
Review from Rich P.
Portland, OR
11/27/2011
Excellent thin crust pizza. Always fresh, delicious tomato sauce, and crispy crust. Definitely returning here.
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Review from Olivia T.
3/21/2011
There's a saying that goes something like this, "Don't delay what you can do today until tomorrow."
I think that saying applied perfectly to my visit to Gladstone Pizza. I wished I visited this place back in 2009 or early 2010 when my fellow yeeps gave this place 4 and 5 stars.
Nothing bad about these pizzas from Gladstone Pizza. They are decent. All 8 of us had dinner there on Saturday night and shared 3 pizzas (Margherita, Pepperoni, and Meat Lovers). We also shared the Caesar and House Salads for appetizers. I like the Caesar salad better than the House salad. Both of them have similar looks but just have different dressings.
For the pizzas, I like the meat lovers the best. Not only because I'm literally a meat lover, but also this pizza has more cheese on it compared to the Margherita. Overall tastes were tasty, however I feel that I can have the same quality pizzas at other pizza places in this city.
The service was just so so. Our server had this "I'm not thrilled that you are here" expression on her face the whole time we were there. Just for a note, if you ordered 3 pizzas and mentioned the Yelp code for $5 off, they will only discount $5 for total combine of those 3 pizzas, not for every single pizza that you purchase.
Anywwhoooo...I will come back if there are more dinner gatherings at Gladstone Pizza, but I don't think I will make a visit there just because I want to eat some pizzas. There are other pizza joints closer, cheaper, with the same quality in Portland. -
Review from Holy-foo' X.
Portland, OR
11/26/2011
Ah-oooooo-gah! Ah-ooooooo-gah! Ah-Roooooooo-gula!
Do you ever have that sensation like you were the very last person in the universe to clue in to some "new" fad or or urban myth and so on? This is precisely my sense of dis-orientation when it comes to that little stink weed, Arugula. Sure, it's been around forever, but how, when, and why, exactly, did it become so trendy as a cause-celebre in the foodie landscape? Even as everybody "suddenly" is allergic to peanuts and gluten, now everyone's favorite stink weed (incl. First Lady Michelle Obama, if recent reports are to be believed, as accompanied by "steak" of no particular cut, apparently) is Ah-rooooo-gula! How on earth did this trend happen, and more to the point, how and why is it adorning my otherwise pretty tasty Gladstone pizza?
Just what the heck is the dealy-o with the Arugula, anyway? Can anyone even say?
We also sampled the Down South pie, chocked full o' red onions and Andouille sausage. Winner! I noted w/irony the heavy "sausage theme" going on throughout the pizza shoppe the night I stopped by there.... for there was a pretty cageful of angst-ridden, sulky little emo hipster boys scattered liberally throughout the building. Christ, what a sight for sore eyes were those gloomy brutes. Are these guys regulars there @ Gladstone, does anyone know? If so, uh, that is so not this kid's scene. I was looking forward to having a little pie, tossing the hoss (they had several brands on tap), and unwinding after 3 weeks w/o a night off. Instead, we modified our order for "take out" and took our leave of that sausage party, pronto.
Really though, fellas, and this wraps into a word about the service @ Gladstones--- the girls were awesome working the counter; just fabulous--way too cute, surprisingly attentive, and then there was that one---La Castan~a--- the one with the Badonka-donk! Lord have mercy! Mine eyes have seen the Glory, yes sir. That just DEMANDS your attention, you know. You're out there, just minding your own business, then w/o warning--BAM! make a fellas' thoughts turn all gently romantic, Mix-a-Lot style: You can do side-bends or sit-ups, but baby PLEASE don't lose that good stuff. MMM! How can those emo-boys possibly be so sullen w/such an undeniable force of nature in the same building??? I'm flabbergasted. Talk about a conservation-starter! Sure it's an eyeful, but I bet it's plenty functional too-- she could probably carry 2 or 3 extra drinks to her thirsty clientele, just rest 'em on that curvy, swervy shelf... Please take no offense, nor any thought to criticize, for clearly these are the careless words of the smitten; for her pulchritude was mighty and blessed and deep; much too deep and heavey, 'twould appear, for those lovelorn hipster pups, so mournfully glowering in their beers...
The economy is in tatters, confidence domestically and abroad has never been shakier, but a heartfelt thank you to GSP for the powerful reminder that our national treasure is doing fine--- MORE than fine. But there's that phrase again: a sight for sore eyes ... -
Review from Chris B.
Portland, OR
4/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
Gladstone Pizza is good. The quality of the food was good, four or so different beer taps, service was great. No complaints. Good Pizza. We had the "down South". Plus, they happily gave us the "yelp discount".
That said. I was left slightly disappointed. I've heard this place mentioned in the same sentence as Ken's or Apizza Shcolls. That is a high bar to meet. So I guess it really is my fault for going in with higher expectations. It should probably be 3.5-4.0 stars. I think I liked it more than my wife did. For me the best indicator is next day leftovers. My wife almost never passes up "pizza for breakfast", but today, she did.
In a nutshell, great service, good pie, but not blowing your hair back. I'd happily go back if part of a group or found myself in the neighborhood, but probably wouldn't make a special trip. -
Review from Micah S.
Portland, OR
3/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
My wife and I went here recently for the first time, and GOOD GODS do they make a lovely pie. We tried their pesto base, and it is simply the best pesto I've had in the state of Oregon. Not just on pizza, but best pesto period.
We are a bit of pesto geeks, and always pick up a small tub from our favorite Italian deli in the Bay Area whenever we are visiting California, just to bring all the way back to PDX to share with friends. Up until now we just couldn't find a pesto in PDX we really dug. Gladstone Street Pizza's pesto is just as good!
Okay, I know...enough about the pesto...
The whole pie was grand. I'll eat "okay" level pizza in a crunch, but my wife will have nothing to do with anything less than an exceptional pie. At Gladstone Street Pizza she turned into the Tasmanian Devil of pizza consumption, which from her is an almost impossibly hard to win "11" result on the pizza scale. I almost lost a hand!
The couple that owns the place were the cook and server on the night we went, and they were both very nice.
The decor does need a bit of work to warm up the place, but I think that is mostly a reflection of the fact that they recently changed the business model over from being a cafe. I expect that the decor will probably improve with time. Still, for the time being some tall potted plans would be an improvement.
Over all, our experience and their fabulous pie was definitely worth 5 stars.
p.s. Did I mention we really liked the pesto? -
Review from Michael R.
Portland, OR
5/28/2011
OK, I've been dragging my feet. We live a short walk away, so this is a default place to go. Having said that, we'd go anyway. Thin crust pies are done right. We typically get a Margarita with a side of salad and a glass of wine and or beer. On nights when I've gone without my vegetarian wife I've rotated through single meat toppings and always been pleased.
Other toppings that go where here: pine nuts, roasted garlic, arugula. The arugula is added fresh on top after baking and its bitter bite adds a nice dimension.
The back patio - a tented gravel area - is very pleasant when the weather suits outdoor dining.
Gladstone is soon to open its other half with a full bar. This is going to be a nice treat and we look forward to it.
Wishes: that one of the four draft beers be a rotating tap. They have a nice selection for four taps, but I go often enough to wish for some variety. -
Review from Anna B.
It's officially Gladstone Pizza now, the coffee shop is no longer. I stopped by yesterday and caught the owner briefly, who let me know due to various reasons, they had to pull the plug on the daytime hours and are now focusing only on pizza, Wed-Sun nights.
He did mention the possibility of leasing out the cafe part, though, so perhaps the coffee shop will return at some point.
Still my favorite pizza in the whole city. Don't forget to mention the Yelp offer when you go, and there's a Check In offer as well, if you've got a fancy-pants phone and use the Yelp App.Listed in: Creston-Kenilworth Round-Up
3 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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10/19/2009
Is it weird to write two updates of one place in two days? I hope not. But I did go to this place… Read more »
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Review from Tamara C.
I've had this place bookmarked for a while now thanks to Anna B. and she is right on the money. This little gem of a pizza place serves up a fantastic thin crust pizza. I just can't believe it took me so long to get over there to check it out. Now that I know better, I can't wait to go back.
We got lucky and didn't have to wait for a table on a Friday night. I love that the server brought us a carafe of water right away and delivered terrific service all evening. She recommended the Margherita pizza and what a great choice. We also mentioned Yelp and got $5.00 off. Nice!
Our pie arrived piping hot and oh so beautiful. The thin crust was artfully crisped. They sauced it up just right too with the perfect dose of sass and zing. The basil was shredded so that it was incorporated into each nummy bite. We devoured the entire pizza...no leftovers for us.
After all that if you can believe it, I even made room for a piece of vegan chocolate cake that I spied on the counter. It looked so dense and rich, all covered with chocolate icing. Resistance was futile. The only thing missing in my life at that moment was a glass of milk. I had to stop myself for my own good and made the server take the chocolate away from me. Even stretchy pants have limits!
Thanks to Gladstone Street Pizza I will be spending some quality time with my stair climber today. So worth it! -
Review from John F.
3/5/2011
My wife and I met some friends here for dinner. None of us had visited before but had heard good reviews through the grapevine.
First off, let me say that the service here is superior. The wait staff was attentive without being overbearing, regularly checked in with us to see if we wanted/needed anything, and always made sure we had at least two bottles of water on the table. That last bit's impressive because we literally stayed late and shut the place down. It's nice to be in a place where your'e not rushed out and served up until the crickets are chirping.
The drinks were pretty good too. They have carafes and bottles of house wine. Nothing exceptional, but pretty good for $4 glass and $9 a caraffe. Nicer bottles of Italian reds were also available. They also have three local beers on draft (Amnesia, Laurelhurst, and one other I can't remember).
Now for the pizza. Dang it was good. Our margarita had a nice crust that was firm but not too thin. I'm of a charred thin crust guy, but my wife and another party member really like this "in-between" size of the crust. Regardless, it had real depth of flavor. The ingredients were restrained and it made for a good, simple bite. My only recommendation would be to use more traditional balls of mozzarella rather than the shredded stuff. Another party member would add more oregano to the sauce. Our second pizza was The House that came with nice sausage and arugula on top. This crust was a little more pliable, and I think it could have used more time in the oven. Still, quite tasty and I like the contrast of fresh greens on top of a hot pizza.
If there's a downside to the place, I'd say it was the noise level. There are a lot of hard surfaces in the restaurant, which really amplified the boisterous group next to us, making it hard to hear each other sometimes.
That said, will I go back? Most certainly! -
Review from richard l.
Portland, OR
1/14/2011
I've got a thing for Pizza.
I do. It's one of my favorite foods. This place rocks. I am so glad they are only a walk from where I live because there are days when it's EXACTLY what I need.
The Crust is perfect. The toppings are fresh, local and delicious.
The beer is always great. The music makes me enjoy myself even if I was in a bad mood before I got there.
When I take friends they ALL agree this place is better then Apizza Scholls, without the wait or difficulty getting in.
But it won't stay that way, people are catching on to the gem on Gladstone.
Richard Ludt -
Review from Misty S.
Updated - 1/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
Ohh, I am mourning the loss of my neighborhood coffee shop. I loved being able to get in an afternoon walk AND get some delicious coffee while hanging out with some cool people. Colin, the barista, made a mean latte!
I have to still give Gladstone Pizza 5 stars though. Why? Their pizza rocks! Although I can't usually splurge on pizza (especially since we now have 2 gluten-free family members!), I know they do pizza right. I also know the customer service is top-notch and your pie will include lots of love baked in. Enjoy a margherita for me, will ya??1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/5/2010
I moved into the neighborhood about 6 months ago and was on the hunt for a new favorite coffee shop.… Read more »
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Review from Chelsea A.
Portland, OR
8/12/2010 5 Check-ins Here
I wish I could write two separate reviews for this place.
One entitled Gladstone Coffee (two stars).
The other Gladstone Pizza (five stars).
Coffee first: they never fill up my hot tea all the way to the top. Seriously there is an inch left between the water and lid of the cup. Tea is not coffee, I'm not putting any creamer in there and even if I was, ask. Then, when I do finally ask you to fill the water to the top, no attitude please. BUT, the rest of their coffee is very good. I mean really good, they do great espresso.
Pizza: is fan-fucking-tastic. Seriously, crispy (I'm a fan of a crispy crust) and the ingredients all have that fresh awesome taste to them. The people who work at night for the pizza are awesome. Super nice, very sweet and didn't look at me weird when I had no idea that I could sit outside. Great beers on tap and seriously wonderful pizza. -
Review from Chris L.
4/5/2010 ROTD 11/21/2010
We were in a rush that night.
Typical? Yes. I am notoriously early; while the TLB is notorious for being fashionably late. This Dr. Jekyll and Mr. How'd You Like to Hurry It Up relationship synergy usually produces this dastardly duo right on time to most scheduled events, but also takes a mental toll on me following the required bout of anxious pacing and constant watch checking before we finally leave for our destination.
So, here we are, trying to make it to Apizza Scholls for a pie, with the minute hand on my watch and the Audi's digital clock mocking me with their constant progression past the self imposed 5:30 arrival time. The evening's main event is at 7, so each precious second that passes not only represents a dying hope for a seat and a slice of pie, but also adds to my nervous foot tapping and aggressive driving.
"Would you stop looking at your watch?" "Can you maybe calm down a little?" "You're starting to stress ME out now" are the trifecta of statements that are sure bets to be spoken during our drive, and I can assure you this night was no different.
As we got closer to town, we came upon the decision to make new plans and find another not so crowded dinner destination to satisfy our daily recommended allowance of pizza.
"So we need to think of someplace else to go. What about Gladstone Coffee? I've heard some great things from the Yeeps about it; I'm just not sure where to find it?"
"Gladstone Coffee...for pizza? You sure you don't want to go to Starbucks instead? Sure, if they have good pizza I'm game. But where is it?"
"Well, I seem to remember that it is somewhere....hey, is that it?"
Yeah, it was it. The Pizza Gods were smiling on us, because almost magically we found ourselves at that instant driving by.
And damn, I'm sure glad we were.
The pizza is fantastic...the Canadian bacon was truly amazing. All ingredients are local plus they have a good selection of regional beers on tap. Service was fast, attentive and very friendly.
As someone who has previously equated pizza to sex and hook ups, I would definitely rank this up there with that attractive, but not overly glamorous hottie, who surprises you with a long night of baby crying, thunder flying, teeth shaking, glass breaking, rump roasting, bun toasting, wham bam, thank you ma'am interplanetary funkmanship, which leaves you with a funny walk, a smile on your face and desire for more..
Except Gladstone Coffee is doing it one slice at a time...Listed in: Funny Debauchery, ROTD's: Kind of like STD's
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Review from Ken H.
Portland, OR
10/31/2011
Based on Yelp reviews, I was hoping I'd finally found high-quality pizza in my new 'hood, but I was very disappointed in my takeout order. The large veggie pizza was reasonably tasty, but the thin crust was soft all over and mushy in the center... except around the rim, where it was so tough it was barely edible. Moreover, the small house salad was really small! I could have spent less money and been just as underwhelmed elsewhere.
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Review from David Z.
11/4/2010 1 Check-in Here
Great local pizza hidden in a coffee shop. I know, pizza in a coffee shop sounds odd, but that's what it is! Head to the back patio if it's a nice day for a relaxing escape.
I met up with esteemed Yelper Joshua C. to try this place out after hearing him go on about how great it is. I'm sure he'll love hearing this - he was right :P. We ordered a pesto pie with pine nuts and goat cheese and a classic pie with ham and peppers. Both were amazing, though the pesto was my favorite!
Get ready to spend just a bit more than you would at Pizza Hut, but trust me when I say it's worth every penny! Don't ask me why, but I haven't really tried many other pizza places in Portland. I know, I need to. Then again, it's hard to imagine it getting much better than Gladstone! -
Review from Tim E.
Portland, OR
6/11/2010
I was in a bit of a funk yesterday evening. A mix of continuous, assy rain and the doldrums of an allergy headache had blown my day. When I got home I had two food thoughts in my head--the Odesskaya sausage from Overseas Taste and pizza. I was thinking of maybe getting some Trader Joe's pizza dough and some of the aforementioned sausage and making a home-pizza. My wife caught me filtering my thoughts through the internets and suggested that we instead actually go out and get some pizza--maybe Scholl's or Ken's.
But I couldn't do the wait and noise and glut of people who I wish still lived in the suburbs. Suddenly a magical light flickered on above my head (don't worry, it was an imaginary cfl)--I'd read about this place on Gladstone, and the Yeepers say it's alright. Maybe the former suburbanites haven't discovered it yet!
Fortunately for me, they haven't quite caught on. It was nice and quiet inside Gladstone Coffee and Pizza (I can see how the name might turn some people off--I had to jump a few mental hoops myself). An hour later, I walked out satisfied. Not blown away, but satisfied and happy.
The service is nice, but if the place was busier, it would've probably been a bit annoying. But alas, I'm not here to review imaginary annoyance. I love the simplicity of this place. Only a handful of toppings to choose from, five local taps, and a few basic wines. And a Caesar salad.
We tried the salad, and the house made dressing had a nice tang to it. It wasn't remarkable, that salad, but it hit the spot. Satisfying.
The pizza was fine. Everything tasted so fresh. The sauce had a very nice flavor of fresh tomatoes, maybe slightly roasted before becoming sauce. That's what struck me first, that nice, light, fresh sauce. The crust was fine, had a good texture, not much in the flavor department, but sometimes I don't want the crust to stand out too much. I would have liked it to be cooked a touch longer to get some good char on the bottom. We had pepperoni and mushrooms, and it all tasted fresh and well-made. The pepperoni almost had a bacony pancetta flavor. I imagine it's locally sourced, because it tasted pretty fresh, too.
But I was really taken when a scant plate of giardiniera arrived with the bill. I love hand-pickled stuff, and I could tell these simple veggies went into the brine about a week ago. A nice, light brine. It was great touch to a delightfully simple, delicious experience. We'll be back. -
Review from Sasha R.
10/23/2010
YUM!!!
We finally tried Gladstone after a ton of great reviews and hearing about it from friends. This place was fantastic. We ordered it to go because we figured that it was always packed here, but that was not the case when we hit it up right before close on a Friday night. We ordered a delicious pie with pineapple and peppers and it was amazing. Nice thin crust, great sauce and just the right amount of cheese. Will be back for breakfast which looked amazing!!! -
Review from Joshua C.
Portland, OR
Simply my favorite place to eat PDX pies.
Sure there are other good Portland pizza joints that I frequent.
Apizza Scholl's.
Ken's Artisan.
Pizza Oasis.
W'yeast.
(To name drop a few)
But....Gladstone Coffee & Pizza (aka "GCSP" aka "Gladstone") is the combo that suits me best.
Love the
chill neighborhoody vibe,
slightly worn indie decor,
inner SE locale,
changing wall art,
graffiti anime style graphic work,
stumptown coffee,
weekend pizza brunch,
affable owners,
wonderful staff,
and perhaps most importantly
their pizza.
Along with their fabulous staff (Joanie's energy and laughter are infectious), John and Grace have created the sort of welcoming place that I feel comfortable kicking back in.
I love spending lazy Sundays here scarfing Margherita (tomato sauce, mozzarella & percorino cheese, fresh basil) and Basil Pesto (fresh basil pesto sauce, parmesan, mozzarella and chevre goat cheese topped with pine nuts and sun-dried tomatoes) pies. On the weekends there's even a delicious brunch pizza topped with egg! The Umbria with it's white sauce and prosciutto is nice, but lately I've been liking custom pizzas topped with fresh mushrooms and Otto's canadian bacon.
While I still need to find some authentic Italian and some Chicago deep dish, GSCP pies have the right balance of crispness, thickness, chew, taste, and toppings to satiate most of my pizza cravings-plus they serve decent coffee!
Gladstone Coffee & Pizza.
{dramatic pause to remember the smell of canadian bacon, mushrooms, and cheese from when I cracked open a just filled to go box}
Though not the overnight sensation one might suspect from all the recent buzz (the coffeeshop's been open for five years) this is a delightful hideaway well deserving of any accolades it receives.
And like I mentioned at the beginning, simply my favorite place for PDX pie.
btw for a larger view of the collages check out my blog post (I'm biased, but I think this one's worth a look): http://www.pdxploratio... -
Review from Andrew C.
11/3/2009
If you can't tell by the sudden increase in reviews, a large group of us descended upon GSC&P the other night and filled the restaurant in ways it hasn't been filled before - so I heard. I'm always weary of the potential for a sugar-coated experience that can occur when you tell a business, "Hey, about 30+ YELPERS are coming in tonight." Business owners aren't stupid. They know what Yelp is and they know that a visit likely equals reviews. Some other businesses (which will remain nameless) have really turned up the charm when they received wind of our impending arrival only to fall flat on their faces during subsequent under-the-radar visits.
Why do I bring this up? Because Gladstone Coffee & Pizza is not one of those businesses. The staff and owner provided some of the most genuine and real-person service I've had in this -entire- city. Their attention to the group, acceptance of requests, splitting checks..etc might be second only to Andina in the Pearl and everyone knows how awesome those folks are. GSC&P is in the same league. They might even wear the same jerseys.
(Take note, apathetic hipster servers of Portland. You who haphazardly toss meals in front of your guests, crack the lid on PBR then feel entitled to the largest tip ever seen.)
Great service aside, why does this place have to be "so far away" from my house? It wouldn't be right to knock a star off for that considering in this equation, their location is the known and mine is the variable, but damn! My jealousy of people living in SE just went up about 5% for Gladstone Coffee & Pizza, alone.
Some great things are brewing down there, and it's not just cups of joe. Initially, I thought they were in dire need of a name change. Even for someone who is nutritionally adventurous, I scoffed at the idea of ordering pizza from a business that describes itself as a coffee shop. This, of course, was before I realized that "& Pizza" is the second half of their name as mentioned on their menus and front window.
DRRRRRRRR..... I CAN REEEEEDDDDD LIKE N UHDULTTT...
Leave the name what it is. The last thing Portland needs is another vague restaurant name that doesn't elude whatsoever to what kind of food they serve....
"Uhh... dude. let's start a new hip restaurant called "treebite-grasscamel... and we'll serve.. umm.... fried pub grub... and like.... cheesecake."
Bite me.
Getting back on track... For positives, they serve coffee. If you're into that. I steer clear from the Bean Juice. They serve pretty awesome pizza in personal slzes and in ...well... regular sizes. It's thin crust and the crust is awesome. When my sister was younger I think she used to call the end piece of crust the "pizza bone". GSC&P's pizza bone is like a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow, the surprise in the cracker jack box, the early bird who caught the worm. It's so good that it's cliche worthy in and of it self. In fact, the next time someone says something that prompts me to drop the cliche bomb, I'm just going to stare blankly at them and say, "Gladstone Pizza Bone".
There's a dessert menu in the works, too. We tried a key lime concoction with whipped cream and it was exceptional. (This coming from someone who wouldn't cry if key lime suddenly disappeared from the planet.)
So, all this good has been reported, there's got to be some bad, right? The only thing I can think of is the anchovy situation. It's not necessarily bad, it's just confusing. Apparently if you ask for anchovies (on a small pizza) they add them for free - however they're advertised on the menu (maybe as a side?) for $4.00. That's pretty steep for a side of bait fish. You can buy a hell of a lot of anchovies for $4 in a store. Belllieedat. So, I'm not totally sure where this charge comes into play or how many are received for that price tag - I recommend you ask before you order, because I know you're going to try GSC&P right after you read this, aren't you?
Yes, you are. -
Review from Andrew G.
This pizza ain't no joke.
We went in last night, based on a number of recent, glowing reviews, including Danni's ROTD (that was the impetus) and, aside from someone waiting for a pie to take home, we were the only people there at 6pm. I'm going to derail my review for just a moment here. For those folks that are sooooooo concerned about the secret getting out about this place and wringing their hands at the prospect of it becoming so crowded with folks that they become inconvenienced, to you, I say "check yo'self, foo'." Mo' customers = mo' money = mo' profit = mo' viability! TELL PEOPLE ABOUT THE GLADSTONE unless, that is, you want it to go away? You don't want that. No, I'm telling you. You don't want that.
Back to our show...the crust is divine, just as good as Apizza Scholls. It's very reminiscent of their pies, in fact. It just goes to show they do not have a mono-PIE-ly on good pizza. Having the Glad so relatively closeby may in fact cut into our patronage at AS. The only thing that AS might have on the Glad is the sauce has more flavor. I do wish Glad's was tangier. Minor quibble, though.
The owners, John and Grace, were very friendly and accomodating. We told them we would tell folks we know about their food. They're good folks and they're putting a lot of care into their creations. Go. You'll be Gladstone you did.
SPREAD THE WORD, yo.Listed in: Hey, Ma! I wROTeD a gooder!
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Review from Danni D.
Is it possible to have a transcendental pizza experience? I believe it is, and it happened last night.
The Bud and I stopped into Gladstone Coffee after reading lots about it on Yelp recently (thank you Kari M. and Anna B.). We chose to skip the fancier Neapolitan plate-sized pies for a more appropriate - ahem, larger - pepperoni pizza. As a carnivore, I believe a pepperoni pizza is the best pie to order when evaluating a new pizza joint. It is a menu staple that a place either does well, or does not. And let me tell you, this place, oh this place...
AMAZING.
The crust was thin, crispy, and slightly charred in all the right places. Crushed tomatoes were delicious, and cheese distribution masterful. The pepperoni, though, oh the pepperoni. Large, thin, bursting with spice and flavor, and everywhere.
This pizza is tremendous! Even when the first bite was so piping hot that I burned the roof of my mouth, that did not stop me from taking a second bite, again too soon. Yeah, it's just that delicious. I am a little embarrassed to admit that we finished the whole pizza. No, they are not small, we were just that enamored with the food.
The shop is large with great-sized tables, big enough to spread stuff out and get comfortable. Unfortunately I forgot to check out the patio. The chairs are eclectic, and I'm reasonably certain I had some of the wood-armed avocado green chairs in my home growing up. I think I had a muscle memory the moment I plopped down into my seat.
The Bud and I talked for a while with the owner, John. He is passionate and enthusiastic about what he is doing here, and I think the rest of us are finally catching on to his craft. We discussed that the oven only has so much capacity before you lose the all-important high temperature point, and he does not want to sacrifice quality for quantity. I think this is an excellent business model and I hope he sticks to it. His pizzas are simply phenomenal.
They have a pretty solid selection of micros on tap, spanning the beer color and weight spectrum. They also have very reasonably priced house red and house white wines, served in small juice glasses. I like drinking wine in juice glasses. It adds to the charm of this place.
For those who are worried this place will be "discovered," yeah, it's coming. But c'mon, John absolutely deserves to be known in this town. His pizza is too good to be suppressed!Listed in: Five by Five, ROTDs
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Review from Kimberly V.
Portland, OR
1/19/2010 2 Check-ins Here
One of my first jobs was at a Domino's Pizza near the airport in Honolulu. Two of my friends worked at a branch and they seemed to have a lot of fun. Of course, they both worked at another location. As soon as I learned a cheese collection technique that involved scooping the runoff from the trough that caught it and sprinkling the runoff on the pie, I knew that the fun to be had when working at a pizza restaurant only existed on TV.
Another job I once held involved serving slices to fratty types long into the wee hours after the bars closed in the Marina. The position boasted constant contact with a blazing hot oven and various slurred vernaculars I learned from numerous patrons. Of course, I got to drink on the job and met my boyfriend from the experience. On the other hand, it took a year after I left that job to really want pizza again.
I bring this mini-resume up to illustrate a point: I have no delusions about pizza. I know how easy it is to make, how low the overhead costs are of running a halfway functional pizza parlor, and how even the most disgusting of pies will taste like heaven after a few shots of whiskey. So I don't expect a lot out of the pizza I eat, but I don't really seek it out that often, either.
Luckily, Gladstone Pizza and Coffee - if you're like me, you're all "There's coffee?!?" - came along and un-jaded my outlook. How can a thin slab of dough covered in nothing but tomato sauce and cheese with some basil leaves here and there, for the sexy, taste that good? Do they put crack in it? Or do they trust in the freshness and local sourcing of most of their vittles and forgo the narcotic route to bring you nothing short of a moan-inducing meal? I've eaten Gladstone's margherita pizza a few times now with different groups of people, and even the most pig-headed carnivore (see what I did there?!?) swoons at the taste.
Personally, I'm sure the microbrews on tap probably help. And during happy hour, with a cold $10 pitcher of pilsner from Hopworks or a red beer from Laurelwood, you can forgive all past pizza transgressions committed against you. -
Review from Cam T.
11/2/2009 33 Check-ins Here
You know, you really should post a review for that amazing thin crust margherita pizza we had.
[no! don't do it! that place is TINY, there's only 5 tables for god's sake. the ravening hordes will find out about it & then we'll never get to eat there again!] Yeah, every time I think about that crispy, chewy crust, slightly sweet fresh marinara & bubbly caramelized cheese I start drooling.
Don't forget about the sharp zing from all that fresh basil! I can't believe it's just $18 for a gigantic pie the size of a beach ball.
[don't do it. tell them that the basil was wilted & that you could lube up at least 3 cars with all of the oil pools from the cheese! we'll be stuck eating Pizza Hut at this rate. stop reviewing all the good places!!!!] Mmmm, sharp aromatic basil. And that luscious garlicky Caesar salad. Who knew I liked anchovies?
Well, the fact that you couldn't really taste the anchovies probably didn't hurt. Oh & when you write your review, don't forget about the desserts.
[grrrrr. why don't you open up your own Yelp account? then you can blab about all the quaint sweet scrumptious spots to the hoi polloi. backseat reviewer.] Mmmm, the velvety mouthwatering tangy Meyer lemon mousse or the innovative handmade chocolates from next door? Who knew celery salt would make peanut butter, milk chocolate & raisins taste like an awesome Ants on a Log without all that [shudder] healthy celery.
Man, those guys were so nice. Wouldn't it be great to do the happy dance every day at work?
[i've seen you dance, pink boy.] More importantly, should we try the Margherita di Bufala next time?
Erm, so does bufala mean, female buffalo? Does that mean that the places that use buffalo mozarella are milking...[gulp] boys??
[there's absolutely nothing wrong with a little creative wordsmithing. just change the review to say that the pizza reminds youof Jean-Pierre Jeunet's Delicatessen. it can't be any weirder than bufala.] Sigh. Okay, I'll start working on the review.... -
Review from Matthew E.
Portland, OR
I am not ashamed to admit that I have eaten a whole pizza from here by myself. Granted it wasn't all in one sitting but it was pretty damn close! I had the pizza margherita - super thin crust with a nice chewy outer ring and just the right amount of toppings and fresh basil. Past visits I've had the Caesar also, which was good, but needed croutons (the only reason I really eat salad is for the croutons.)
All in all, I'll definitely be back, maybe not for a whole pie by myself, but who knows? -
Review from Don B.
10/31/2009 1 Check-in Here
Gladstone Coffee?
There needs to be a name change here.
Gladstone pizza is more appropriate.
Identity crises aside, this little neighborhood-y spot is a classic Portland hidden gem. Upon walking in you're greeted by a very coffee-shop vibe. A mish-mash of mismatched tables and chairs, a couple of chalkboards sporting a menu of coffee drinks, a slick La Mazorcco machine, and, uh, a nice big pizza oven in the back? Yup. By morning, Gladstone Coffee fits its name perfectly, making allegedly very tasty drinks with locally-roasted Stumptown coffee (I didn't actually try the coffee), and by night (Weds-Saturday) they offer a full menu of Neapolitan-style thin-crust pizzas as well as some other tasty fare.
We stopped in with a group on Friday night to try out this now-infamous pizza and were pleasantly surprised. With topping options like Mozzarella di Bufala, Boqerones, andoullie sausage, and similar, the menu alone drives one to salivate. We started with a family-style caesar, and it was the highlight of the night for me. Rarely do I find a caesar that matches my recipe - garlicky, anchovy-y, tangy, and not creamy at all. Delicious. I could eat this all day.
For pizzas, rather than split a large, Hilary and I decided to each order a smaller Neapolitan personal-size pie each. I went for the anchovy and onions, and Hilary opted for the margherita di bufala. While both were quite tasty, hers was the easy victor. I couldn't help but eye the large pizza delivered to the table next to our,s, however, with a bit of envy. I definitely will be checking one of these out on my next visit.
The truly stand-out part of these pizzas, at least on this visit, was the crust. The crust was amazing. The sauce and toppings were nice as well... definitely very thoughtful sauce, high quality cheese, and a myriad of gourmet options. I will be coming back very soon to try more, you can count on that.
All of this goodness is paired up with some authentic home-style service, a great local beer list, and a quaint, neighborhood feel. If the other pizzas on the menu are as good as they look, I can see this rating jumping by at least one star.Listed in: Pizza, Italian Food - Portland
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Review from Matt M.
10/18/2009
I have a dilemma. I don't want anyone else to know about this place but I want everyone to know how good it really is.
It = Pizza
HO
LEE
CRAP
It's the best pizza in Portland and I say that without New York actually being my favorite style of pizza. IKNORITE?
Where did this guy come from? The crust is awesome. The sauce is awesome. The ratios are perfect. The pepperoni is awesome.
I dare any East Coast satanist doppleganger to try this and not like it. I DARE YOU! -
Review from Michelle H.
Portland, OR
10/22/2009
Are you sitting down? No, really, I think you should sit down for this. I have something to tell you.
Okay, are you sitting now?
I officially have a soft spot in my heart for thin crust pizza. And this little night time shop on Gladstone was the one responsible.
It's true. Hell has frozen over. Pigs have wings. On any given day if you sat a slice of Pizza Oasis pizza and a slice of Gladstone Coffee's pizza in front of me, I'd probably choose Gladstone (or eat both because I can).
The shop sells coffee by day and pizza by night, so don't let the name fool you. Had I not known about the pizza sold from within, I'd have no idea and just walk on by. John should really work on getting that name changed. Inside, it feels like a cross between a coffee shop and a pizza joint. At least it's that right balance. Somehow, the pizza ovens mask the smell of the coffee beans at night. They don't sell pizza by the slice, but you can get a gigantic pie ($18-20) or one of the smaller Neapolitan ones ($10-12). Of course, the gigantic pies are a way better deal.
Simplicity in toppings as usual with thin crust, but it works out so well here. It is the perfect combination of cheese to sauce. I even liked the pepperoni. I've never had such an amazing slice of pepperoni before in my life. It's definitely not the norm. I usually can't stand too much of it, but this is different--almost Canadian baconesque. I devoured three pieces (2x pepperoni, 1 margherita) after doing nothing but eating all day. I wasn't even ravenous when I stepped foot in the door.
The service is awesome. They realized we were going to devour a ton of water, and dropped off a pitcher. The owner, John, chatted us up for quite awhile too. It resulted in a sampling of some amazing mozzarella. I'll never say no to free cheese.
An amazing experience punctuated by some amazing tunes going on overhead. I'm sold.Listed in: The Only Pie Better Than Cake
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Review from Kari M.
10/19/2009
A group of friends and myself were on a bit of a non-stop eating bender last night. After a stop at some food carts, followed by a snack filled visit to a fellow yeeps house, we decided we needed to pile something else on top of it all.
That something was the best damn pizza I've had in this city. We ordered 2, gluttons as we were at the moment. The Margherita and a pepperoni.
Wow. The crust was awesome, and I can attest was still delicious when I wolfed it down cold the next morning for breakfast. The pepperoni was the best I've had, and the pies spilled out over the edges of the pans they were brought on. These were no dainty little things, 2 HUGE pizzas, under 20 bucks a piece.
While my buddy Anna had been singing the praises of this establishment for quite some time, I am always taking others' pizza recommendations with a grain of salt. As we walked through the door, she stated simply that this was her 3rd time entering Gladstone coffee THAT DAY. I think it calls out to her like a lover in the night.
I can see why. If I lived right around the corner, I'd no doubt be queueing myself up to star on the next season of The Biggest Loser. SO GOOD.
While I'm glad at the moment I know the best place in Portland for pizza, New York style, I'm a little sad as I know it won't stay a secret for long.Listed in: FOOD! NOM NOM NOM
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Review from Joe M.
11/2/2009 1 Check-in Here
I missed out on the big group pizza feed but went the next day with a couple of my friends. It was not packed when we arrived and we were warmly greeted by the owner. He guessed my friend's costume right away which I thought to be impressive. I ordered the 12 inch pepperoni pizza and an oatmeal stout. The beer was delicious and refreshing which also went with the pizza very well.
The pizza arrived promptly and I was impressed by the size. The pepperoni slices were huge and the crust was perfect; not so thin and yet not so thick. My friends were amazed by the size itself and it could have easily fed 2 people. I gave one slice to my friend to try and he loved it. The cheese had a lot of flavor and was not there simply for its melted looks. The freshly grated Parmesan cheese and cracked black pepper simply was a bonus too.
The cafe is not very big but not too small either. The service and hospitality was very enjoyable and felt very homey. One lady came in to casually chat with the owner and she recognized my best friend. The owner then realized who he was too since the lady teaches at Portland State and my friend was one of her best students. It's certainly a small world when it comes to Portland.
The place closed at 9 but the owner said we could stay as long as we wanted while they were closing down. We left shortly after and gave a good tip. I can't wait to go back! -
Review from Rachel H.
Portland, OR
STFU. it was even better second time around!
john introduced himself and explained how, after 20 years as a chef, he spent a year making pizza every day to figure out how to make the perfect pie.
also? i thought i was being facetious about the NY water thing, but turns out: http://www.exploreli.c...
so extra points to gladstone for making such a fantastic pie without the magic water.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/29/2010
the trip to new york is overrated, smelly and dirty? man, i hope i don't end up flying whatever… Read more »
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Review from Jenny C.
12/16/2009
The short version:
Go directly to Gadstone. Do not pass Go, do not collect $200.
The long version:
My initial thought when told about dinner at Gladstone Coffee + Pizza was "Really? Way out there?" Off the beaten path from the typical town favorites, I wondered if it was the misguided hand of lady luck that pointed the way to SE Portland for dinner out with friends. But arriving on a brisk fall night to the inviting glow of a small and humble neighborhood storefront I instantly sensed they I was in for a treat.
The menu offers a series of classic pie options mixed in with a few specialties. While they're not dirt cheap, they are affordable for their quality of ingredients and their sheer enormity. After pouring over the list my group settled on the Basil Pesto which turned out to be a phenomenal blend of chevre goat cheese, pine nuts, sun-dried tomatoes, and mozzarella on a basil pesto sauce. Were there leftovers? Oh yes. Did they stick around long enough to become cold breakfast leftovers the next morning? Heck no.
The something utterly genuine about this place. From the mismatched decor to the bizarre mix of tunes overhead (Andrews Sisters to Hip-Hop, really?) it's obvious that Gladstone intends to be anything more than what works for them. No hype, no gimmicks, just a sincere and dedicated staff that makes sure you have a fine meal and a great time.
So while you might think that relatively obscure pizza off the worn urban path might be kind of a drag on your night (like going straight to jail in Monopoly) it's really more like being the first one to land on Boardwalk.
Jackpot. -
Review from Rebecca R.
Portland, OR
6/5/2011
I absolutely love this place. The food is artisan, the service really friendly and unassuming. Dont EVEN get me started on how cool the out door, back patio is!
This place definitely deserves 5 stars. The fact that they are never packed is a bitter sweet fact. It is great for us, we can always have the table that we want and the food comes really fast. It makes me really sad that they do not have a line out the door. This place pays attention to the food, the service and the atmosphere!
I suspect that the price point may not be ideal for a neighborhood mostly comprised of 20 somethings. This is the ONLY reason that I can see that the place is not going off the hook. Please go to the Gladstone Pizza, you wont regret it. Yes, you may have to pay more than you would at a place like "Dominoes", but this is like comparing apples to oranges. It would be like complaining that the Mexican food that you bought from a locally owned authentic Establishment costs more than Taco Bell. This is true Italian style pizza. -
Review from JG D.
Portland, OR
7/21/2009
Pizza anxiety. It's like being 6 years old and waiting in line at an amusement park. You can see all the other kids inside, riding on YOUR rides, eating YOUR cotton candy, and having all of YOUR fun.
So while every other chump in Portland is standing in line around the block at Apizza Scholls (and praying to god that they don't run out of dough before they get seated), rest assured that you can now outwit them all.
Just take a short jaunt down to SE Gladstone, grab a table, and order a very similar, high- quality pizza....without all the anxiety. -
Review from Kelly M.
Portland, OR
7/9/2007
When I used to live around the corner from these folks I was pumped to see the arrival of a new coffeeshop to the neighborhood, complete with all the trappings of Stumptown coffee, a selection of pastries and bagels, comfortable couches and cute decor.
Since their opening two years ago, I have moved out of the neighborhood, but Gladstone Coffee appears to be going strong, amplifying their menu with beer, wine, granitas, and a few choice sandwiches. -
Review from Kyle R.
Salem, OR
2/8/2010
Seriously, I have been shocked and floored with all the high Yelp reviews since having eaten at Gladstone Coffee and Pizza on Saturday. I originally went due to the numerous 5 star reviews. So let me just say that I was EXTREMELY disappointed with the place, from head to toe.
But let's start with the good:
1. The male cook was very friendly and attentive to us. So was the only other female employee.
2. Uh...that's it.
The bad:
1. Pizza. The quality was not good. The dough was way beyond bland. The sauce was below average. The toppings were average at best. I have no clue why people are ranking this as one of the best pizzas in Portland. Seriously people, I am floored. It's making me rethink Yelpers smarts. There was not one special thing about this pizza. In Salem, we have Straight From New York Pizza -- and it was similiar in style/consistency. But SFNY Pizza is not great...and this place did that style WAY WORSE.
2. Building itself. It's kind of a whole in the wall and VERY DARK. And not "nice" dark, but dank and depressing dark. I thought rain would start falling from the ceiling.
3. Clients. The place is meant for coffee. Not pizza. So it's kinda weird to be eating pizza next to people on their laptops drinking coffee. And plus the smell of pizza and coffee ain't the best.
4. Creepy vibe. Besides the friendly staff, we did not feel comfortable in the place. The strangest vibe of a restaurant that I've ever been in. I think it came down to the mix of BAD pizza and coffee. Seriously.
In the end, if the pizza was as great as it was advertised, I would eat at a table in Hell for it. 'Cause me loves pizza! :-)
But no, seriously -- totally not worth it -- and totally worth 1 star. I tried people, I tried. But yeah.....don't go. -
Review from Martha R.
5/28/2010
Please visit this place - the pizza is good. But the best part about it is that the people that work there are awesome, the atmosphere is quaint and cute, and they have a nice big outdoor area in back. It has a special something that cannot be put into words.
When you want to go out to dinner for pizza - forget Apizza Scholls - go to Gladstone Coffee and Pizza. Probably no wait, and there's a little something special waiting there to meet you.
