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Category: Pizza
Neighborhoods: Rockridge, North OaklandThanksgiving closed,
12/7 closing early,
Xmas Eve & Xmas closed,…
Mon-Thu. 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Fri-Sat. 11:00 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Sun. 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
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Yum, I've been to two of the 3 Zachary's locations and this place was the first to open my taste buds. I have tried a lot of their pizzas and can't pick one to tell you to eat. I just know their pizzas' are goof from their crust to their sauce to their meat.
I'm like a little kid again going to this place getting to eat a pizza. Also, take note that a pizza takes 30 minutes to cook, it's a small price to pay for perfection and this place is as close to that as possible. I've heard a lot of people from Chicago say they go here just because it reminds them of real Chicago style pizza.
I have yet to try Chicago pizza but yeah if that's true I have to go to Chicago.
I confess, I've never had Chicago style pizza, but only because I cringed at the idea of diving into a deep dish, thick, doughy crust rather than the thinner ones like its numerous variations (Neapolitan and NYC style are my faves!). I also preferred a saucy over chunky texture although I like the rustic style and what seems to be the happy medium from both:California style pizzas... My preferential treatment was in for a multitude of delicious awakening at every tier of this dense pizza.
The Zachary Special pizza rose well above our plate. Constructed brick by brick of this thick buttery dough to support all that stewed tomato sauce-- a bright fire engine red lava exuding as you cut through the layers of bell peppers, onions and the spicy Italian sausage and pepperoni. As if that wasn't enough- unctuous stretches of cheese that seem to for miles and miles, that with just one bite!
The restaurant itself was boisterously loud, with a cacophony of shouted orders to go met with the repeating intermezzo of "are we next yet" by the propagating line outside the door. If you're out for a rowdy start to your night and play billiards or have a beer nearby-- make this a destination spot.
PS. Now I know why 'amore' has struck many in the eye-beholding this big pizza pie-- that's AMORE'! 4 Solid Stars only because I love my NYC pizza :-)
"Where can I get some authentic Chicago deep dish pizza?" I've asked this question to a number of people and consistently they respond "Zachary's!" with much fervor.
I had to try this legendary place for myself. As I gathered from the reviews on Yelp, I knew this was going to be a busy place. We placed our order via phone to get a head start. That wasn't a very good first impression, however. The guy on the other end of the line was pretty rude.
We prepped ourself for a similar experience at the restaurant. Surprisingly, we didn't get the rude treatment when we arrived. Although the place was buzzing with people, everybody seemed to be getting served and we got our table with only about 10 mins of waiting at around 6pm.
The "Spinach and Mushroom" deep dish was delicious. I think my favorite part was the magnificently plump tomato sauce that had you cleaning your plate so that not a single drip would go to waste. The ingredients were fresh and the crust not too buttery. Needless to say, I would advise you to come here with an empty stomach because you'll leave more stuffed than the pizzas they serve here.
As for the debate between Patxi's vs. Zachary's vs. Little Star. It's up to personal preference, really. Let's put it this way. They're all delicious and nutritious (questionable) but they don't hold a candle to actual deep dish in Chicago.
The BEST Chicago style pizza in the bay. It's always packed, I usually order ahead and pick up my pizza. There isn't much seating, and there is a wait.
Wait-staff is already friendly (even though they are handling a huge, cramped pack of hungry people). This is one of my favorite pizza places in the East Bay.
FOOD POISONING
I've loved Zacharys for over 10 years until last sunday November 9th 2009. I ordered two large pepperoni and sausage pizza's and me and four frriends ate the pizzas and got very sick from it. I called Zacharys the next day and they did nothing to help with a refund at all. I went into the Oakland store to talk to the owner and he offered me a "free slice coupon". He said it couldn't have been his pizza that made me ill. The day after we all got sick I saved a slice and another friend tried it thinking that it was fine, and guess what, he go food poisoning as well. I told the store owner this and he still wouldn't even refund me half the order!! I'm never going back here again and I suggest you don't either. Too bad, their pizza was really good ( when you didnt get sick)
So as a New Yorker, I am always going to be skeptical of pizza made anywhere outside the Metropolitan area. When Boyfriend drafted a list of must-visit Oakland food destinations, I immediately poo-poo'ed his inclusion of this pizza place. I was more than happy to see what all the burrito fuss was about, but I was not going to waste a meal in Oakland on sub-par pizza. However, when Boyfriend and his friend suggested we try it one night that I was feeling particularly jet lagged and hungry, my inhibitions were low enough that I warily acquiesced.
If I was judging it on New York standards, I'd have to say that the pie at Zachary's is pretty weak. We ordered the thin crust because the Oakland natives I know all claim that the namesake Chicago pizza is the lesser of the two varieties offered, while it takes longer to prepare and is considerably more expensive. The pizza is a sad flat looking thing that is all kind of brown. The crust simply isn't puffy enough to be real pizza. However, while it is in some ways a pale imitation of the pizza I know and love, the pie at Zachary's also manages to be pretty tasty. We ordered a pie that was half pepperoni and half some sort of special involving some forgettable vegetable sausage combo. The pepperoni was much more delicious, and the cheese and sauce were tasty, even if I like a little more garlic with my tomatoes. All in all, despite appearances, the food was a solid three stars.
What bumps Zachary's up to a 3.5 rating, (rounded up rather than down in part out of goodwill towards Boyfriend), was everything else. I loved all the Zachary's posters hanging on the wall-- apparently they have an annual contest and aspiring artists of all ages and skill levels enter. The winners are displayed all over the dining room and there were some really exciting and fun designs. So COOL. Further winning me over was the service. Even though the restaurant was full when we arrived, we were encouraged to place our order while we waited to be seated, which meant that our overall wait was the same as if we had sat down immediately upon arrival. So SMART. I love it when things make sense. Our waitress was really friendly and accommodating. When we inquired about an unfamiliar beer, she brought us each a taste to try. So NICE.
While I remain unconverted to the dubious charms of Oakland pizza, I will concede that a pie at Zachary's, while different from pizza in the true sense of the word, manages to be tasty and filling. When you are at a restaurant this fun and cool, that is good enough for me!
To do it right: $15
This is a 3.5 star review, but fractions are hard.
Zachary's is good, not great, but good. The much acclaimed tomato-mushroom-spinach deep-dish is the best of its kind. It's also the only one of it's kind I've ever tasted. Ordering from here really necessitates a pickup, which is sometimes annoying. Eating here necessitates a wait, which is always annoying. Service is usually slow, but definitely friendly and accurate. Prices are fair, but always more than I want to pay. Also, not to be an old man or anything, but Zachary's has a healthy supply of high chairs and serves beer, so it can't be described as "low-key." What were you expecting though? It's still a fun time, with good deep-dish pizza.
Summary: If you want some deep-dish pizza, or haven't been, Zachary's is an absolute must. If you just want some pizza, it's just an option.
Gonna have to go with four stars here instead of five. Here's why.
The crust on my deep dish spinach mushroom was too thin and too dry. That's partially why the water from the vine ripe tomatoes was seeping onto my plate at times.
The best deep dish pizzas have a thick, buttery, almost velvety crust - crust so good you could eat it by itself. That's why they call it a pizza PIE - it's really like a pie crust, of sorts.
But the ingredients at Zachary's are still top notch. Gooey mozzarella, killer tomatoes, and fresh succulent veggies.
I went to Zachary's for the first time during my 2nd year at Cal. I've since graduated, but every time I go back to visit the campus, I make sure to get my friends together and make a stop here.
This is one of the most unique and best tasting pizzas I have EVER had. Granted it doesn't look too appetizing and looks like mush, but after your first bite, you'll be hooked. Deep Dish IS the way to go. The crust is made so savory and filling that every bite will leave you satisfied.
There's a reason why you're probably going to have to wait an hour for a table. There's a reason why they have you order while you wait. It's because this place is good and they know it.
I have not found a deep dish restaurant in California that can even begin to rival Zachary's. You might as well already be in Chicago to find something that can even begin to compete.
We love everything here. A blessing to Chicago natives. The best Caesar salad anywhere.
Zachary's Special.
Perfection in a deep dish pie.
Even better when you add sausage.
This is the only place I know that can actually afford to take the phone off the hook when they get too busy to answer takeout calls.
On that note, unless you enjoy frottage, or feeling like you're part of a pizza-starved flash mob, I highly suggest picking up a full or half baked to take home and enjoy in peace.
I did feel sort of like an ass the last time I called in, when I got all excited about the fact that they now take credit cards as opposed to their long-standing policy of cash only. I proceeded to gush to the guy on the phone how wonderful it is that they changed their payment options, and how I've been enjoying Zachary's since my family moved to Oakland in 1985, and oh my gosh that's so great, when did you finally make the switch?
Phone guy: Oh, I don't know. 3 years ago or so.
Yup, its as good as everyone says it is. I've had a lot of Chicago style in Chicago and Zachary's is as good as or better than any that I've had. Even though the line runs out the door they take your order and start cooking it while you enjoy a beer. So when you sit down your pizza is right in front of you.
My only note is that sausage is a requirement, order a pizza without it and you will be sorry.
So Oakland cuisine does have something to offer other than bomb taco trucks.
I remembered this place from the YouTube video "Oak-land" "Isn't Zachary's the best?" "Yea.... it's pretty good." (Insert vicious hipster stare down) "I will cut you!" haha
So I went to Chicago this year and ate A GRIP of deep dish pizza, and dare I say it? Zachary's is better than the top top rated joints in Chicago. Hollerrrrrrrrrrrrrr
Unfortunately though everyone's shout out to the sausage left me jaded. I love me some meat so I thought the Zachary Special (Sausage, green pepper, onion, and mushroom) would be the fave, but the sausage wasn't seasoned or browned. Also, the green pepper was undercooked and crunchy.
Luckily though we had 6 people so we ordered another pie, the Spinach and Mushroom. I can see why this is Zachary's "Pride and Joy" Everyone agreed this pie was more flavorful and their fave of the two.
Service was great and refills were prompt. *Tips my hat*
Hi, I'm another 5 star Zachary's review.
Hey, don't be annoyed. Its not my fault this place's pizza is so friggin' good! The rumours are true! YUMMY to the extreme!
Order a small mush & spin deep dish. You'll and your companion will take half home and have another great meal the next day! Mmmmmmmmmmmmm!
We've been back twice now and there will be many more visits.
'Nuff said. Try this place. It (unlike many other restaurants) is actually one of the places that deserves the hype.
!!!!!!
Zachary's deep dish is the best pizza I've ever had (including in Chicago, NYC, and Rome). Spinach and mushroom is excellent. Thin crust is good as well.
Call 40 minutes ahead for take out, but you'll need to eat the deep dish immediately or it will get soggy. Refrigerated for breakfast is not bad.
I grew up down the street and didn't realize how spoiled I was on Zachary's!
Beware of long lines on weekend nights.
Best pizza
I love pizza, but I often find that most of the pizza places are flavorless. Not Zachary's. If you want good pizza seriously come to Zachary's.
Anna and Luis brought me here before I left the Bay Area. I miss you Bay Area. I'm so glad they brought me here, I was in Pizza heaven.
It was very busy and crowded, but I didn't mind it so much. They let you order while you wait, so your pizza will be ready when you sit down. We didn't wait that long. If you don't like crowds, call ahead and take-out.
My mouth is watering thinking about Zachary's pizza.
A weeknight nosh with the Absolutely Smart and Sexy Man (ASSM) lead us to Zachary's. When the ASSM suggested Chicago style pizza, I was a bit of a doubter. Silly me, the ASSM does not err in his food choices. Ever.
In addition to being an institution in a charming neighborhood that makes you think of white picket fences and slow food, Zachary's greats you with serene professionalism and attention to detail.
If that is't enough, Zachary's runs with a level of efficacy that our government should take notes from. Walking into a sea of people on a Wednesday night gave me pause. The fine staff at Zachary's moves so efficiently in allowing you to order your pizza even before you have a table that the flow is seamless. We enjoyed a fun beer while waiting for our table in a generous waiting area that provided plenty of space for us to whisper together quietly, always my favorite with the ASSM. There is no way of knowing what he might say next. (grin)
The tables are close together but the noise level isn't unreasonable. Our tiny table allowed me to look into his eyes while he was speaking, creating a private space where only his voice and thoughts matter.
The deep dish pizza with mushrooms was good, the ASSM's addition of sausage to this feast was even better.
Is there anything he can't do?
Don't let ASSM's improvements create doubt about the Zachary's pie, it was delicious. The sauce is fresh and full of real tomatoe flavor. The crust was crisp without being cardboard.
Service at the table was appropriate and the whole place is clean. The staff walk through the dining room insuring that the space remains neat.
The artwork is a real treat and the lighting is nonobtrusive.
This is now my pizza of choice. Straightforward and subtle with interesting options.
Just like the ASSM.
If we keep eating like this, I am going to have to really up my exercise level.
Let me say this in the kindest possible way. Get your shit together, Zachary's, or else I walk.
I've been eating your pizza since I was a kid. This is the first time I've been very very disappointed. My half baked deep dish was beyond soggy. There was a fucking river in the box, it was that watery. The pizza was *supposed* to be a Mediterranean. Umm, can you explain to me why I don't see any vegetables in my pizza? When you are charging me $21 for a fucking small pizza, I better see some fucking vegetables.
I'm cranky now.
Zachery's has to be the absolute best pizza around. Their deep dish pizza is so good, it's scary to even think their could be a better place to get pizza.
The ambiance is nice, but the the pizza is great. Service has always been good. Sometimes it seems their a little to busy, but the food never disappoints.
Sorry gang, I know I'm the oddball here, but IMHO, the deep dish pizza here at Zachary's is not anywhere near as good as the pizza in Chicago and it's mediocre at best..
Next time you travel to Chicago, go to Giordano's or Lou Malnati's
THAT is what it should be like....
My main gripe with the pizza here is the tomato sauce. To me, it tastes like it just got poured right out of the can.. No spices, no flavors other than that acidic tomato flavor. Sorry...
I DO like their regular pizza, though, so they get 2 stars from me.
My sister introduced me to Zacharys. I'm so glad discriminating tastes run in the family. Whenever I have a serious pizza craving, I make it a point to stop by here. Now confession time, I've never had an authentic deep dish Chicago style pizza. But if this is what it tastes like, wow. You Chicago folks know how to do things RIGHT.
This place prides itself on the whole employee owned co-op thing. Makes no difference to me. I'd still buy the pizzas here if it were being operated by indentured servents. The pizza is THAT good. I skimmed through some of the reviews on people having some bad experiences. I will withhold any negative judgement until I get that nasty pie. Rock on Zachery's staff...
I WANT to give this place a 5. I really do. Pizza is tasty - authentic deep dish - served hot - drenched with cheese. BUT...
-1: Our pizza had SO much cheese and sauce that the toppings fell right off when I picked up a slice. I had to go fork/knife mode and it eat off of the plate to make sure that every bite had a share of crust + sauce + cheese + topping.
-1: For WHATEVER reason, bf and I had to fight over the bathroom when we got home. Gross, I know, but true. We don't know what ingredients did it, but damn, we made a run for home!
-1: Because there were only about 4 other tables occupied on an early Wednesday afternoon, and it still took up to 40 minutes to get our small pizza.
+1: Because despite all of that, their pizza REALLY IS VERY GOOD.
Four stars for the yummy deep dish (traditional) pepperoni pizza. The only thing was it took 30 minutes for us to get our order. And I know the place was packed with Cal fans, but it was just amazing to how long it would take for us to get our food. Whatever ... the pizza totally made it worth the right.
Warning: this is for dining-in only. You may call me Mr. Exception-to-the-rule. Or you may call me other things, such as snobby-head, or hoidy-toidy-head. This is my disclaimer: Zachary's pizza IS good pizza. It's unique. It's delicious. The staff are friendly. And they make a decent caesar. But it's not worth waiting 2 1/2 hours for, and certainly not amidst the dreadfully snobaliciousness of Rockridge.
So it's a good pie. But I just don't want to wait. And it's not the BEST pie, not to me at least... but I'm not from Chicago, and I don't need that kind of special iconic pizza. AND I am always wary of places posted lots of lovey-dovey artwork and awards on how great their food is (see my Barney's review).
So there you have it... nice people. Best pizza? Lanesplitter... or that other place I recently went to in Glenview. Yum!
I am not a fanatic of deep-dish pizza. But Zachary's has made me a believer. Oh, Lord, I believe!
What do you get at Zachary's? A small pizza easily feeds three people. The crust is baked to perfection, sturdy and delicious like a true pie crust. The cheese is melty and gooey, but unlike some deep-dishes, this pizza has just the right amount of cheese. No more, no less. And then there is the crown jewel of a Zachary's pie: the sauce. Rich with fresh tomatoes, it adds the perfect bite. Top it off with some sausage, and you're eating like royalty.
I was also really pleased with their spinach salad. Their soyrizo pie even sounded really tasty (soy-based imitation chorizo).
I loved the service at Zachary's; it was quick and friendly. The restaurant walls are hung with bright, colorful posters that local artists and students have made in honor of the place. They're definitely a part of the appeal and they add personality. Clearly, Zachary's has touched the hearts (not only the stomachs) of many of its patrons.
A perfect place to do lunch on a sunny afternoon in beautiful Rockridge.
Keep in mind that deep-dish needs to bake. Expect a 30-minute cooking time for your pie. If you're in a rush, call your order in ahead of time.
Chicago style deep dish Mmm. If you have 30+ minutes to wait, don't mind a crowd and love deep dish-- this is your spot!
I wish this pizza wasn't so freak'n popular. Whenever I go to Barney's, I catch a whiff and think I gotta have Zach's. I hate lines and waits but love good pizza-- such an inner battle... It is the best deep dish in town, but the line turns me off 30+min is long enough to remind me that I don't need pizza pounds. 5stars for the pizza itself . I've had at least 6 varieties including one with wheat crust, and they are all good! No, I'm not an addict, I've only dined in once, but tried a variety at a Cal Alumni function. Yup, they do takeout!
Simply the best pizza...period. Ive been to the Rockridge and San Ramon locations are both are excellent although each offer different experiences; The San Ramon location is in a newer/modern retail strip center with a great deal of parking and a spacious dining room. The Rockridge spot is smaller and quaint. Service is great and the pizza is INCREDIBLE. The deep dish is literally like eating a rich, dense pie with a sweet tomato topping and perfect crust. Always get a larger size because the leftovers the next day are great!
I must admit, I am a little disappointed about my pizza. But let me preface this review. I have always wanted to go to Zachary's and get deep dish because that is what all the rave is about. I couldn't wait to experience the best pizza ever, or so I hear.
I was visiting a friend in Oakland and when I left it was lunch time and I wanted some Zachary's because I was so close. Yet, when I went it, there was only three types of pizza by the slice and one deep dish. Since, I don't eat pepperoni, the deep dish that day was out. Ouch. I tried the vegetarian. Although the pizza was good, it wasn't great. It was the thin crust and I had been looking forward to the deep dish, another disappointment.
Okay, so I can't rave about the deep dish, but I will have to be back to try it. The problem now is that the thin crust wasn't my fave so it will be hard to get the will power to travel back to Oakland for some deep dish. Though, I really do want to try it.
The spinach & mushroom Chicago style deep dish is what makes Zachary's Pizza. It is the most delicious pizza I've ever had and it doesn't even have any meat in it! I think it's because of the spices. In fact, it is so much better than their other pizzas with meat. Even the crust is flavorful and flakey.
Don't get discouraged by the ridiculous wait...trust me it's worth it and the indigestion that you're bound to experience after wards. Taking home a half baked pizza to cook instead of the ridiculously long wait is not bad either...just a different experience. Oh yeah, the leftovers (if you have any) are still good the day after. I prefer it warmed up in the toaster oven but the microwave is okay too if you have no other choice.
I used to drive all the way to this location whenever I craved Zachary's but thank goodness they decided to open one up in San Ramon (despite the controversy).
Great Chicago deep dish, but not worth the drive when you're in the city and can get delivery from Patxi's.
Quality ingredients, cool atmosphere, long wait.
I never thought I liked deep dish pizza. My dad's side of the family is from Chicago so I've spent a ton of time there and eaten my fair share of deep dish pizzas. Still, I was never a huge fan.
Years later, after always staunchly proclaiming, "I really don't like deep dish," I met Zachary's.
It was delicious.
I feel like deep dish is more like a savory pie or quiche than what I normally think of when I hear "pizza" but no matter how you slice it (ha! I love puns, sorry!), Zachary's is awesome. I think my favorite part of their pizza is the chunky tomato sauce - I feel like it's sweeter than others I've had in the past. I wonder if it's not as good when tomatoes aren't in season?
There's a bit of a wait as this is obviously not an undiscovered gem, but I think it's worth it.
The quirky artwork on the walls is cute too. It makes it feel neighborhood-y, which I like.
Anyway, if you like tomatoes and you like flaky pies, you'll love Zachary's.
3.5 stars
If you are a Cal student, you have to go to Zachary's at least once. It's an Berkeley institution, and one of those things you have to do while you're here at Berkeley like going to a Cal game and drunk puking.
Zachary's of course is known for their Chicago-style deep dish pizza. My friends and I went on a Tuesday night, and with the six of us, still had to wait for 35 minutes which is actually not bad for Zachary's since its ALWAYS freaking pack. The cool thing is that you can order your pizza ahead of time while your waiting, so that when you're seated, your pizza comes out in no time. We decided to get two large for the six of us, one chicken pizza and one seasonal sausage specials.
There was a time once where I thought Zachary's pizzas were awesome, but now that I have tasted better deep dish (i.e. SF's Little Star, see post below), I can only rate Zachary's as good. The cheese and tomato sauce sometimes feel too much that you can't really taste the toppings. One of my friends actually scraped off most of her sauce. The dough also tasted a bit doughy at times too, and their crust is only okay compared to Little Star. But this is really all nitpickings because Zachary's is still one of the best grubs around Berkeley! Not only is the food delicious but filling as well, two slices and I'm goood! Even with the six of us, we still had enough leftovers to almost make one full pizza to take home!
My friends and I came on a Tuesday night (party of 6) and waited about 35 minutes. Not complaining though since I've seen worse. The hostess was kind and thoughtful enough to tell us that our table might be a little longer since the table before us took some time to leave. Good service!
We ordered two deep-dish pizzas: the sausage special for the night and the chicken. Both were yummy, although I felt at times overwhelmed by the cheese. I love my cheese but I don't want to eat chunks of it in every bite. Nonetheless, good service, great price, and amazing pizza!
To those of you living in the Bay Area, I definitely recommend Little Star. I personally think it has better flavor in its pizza, and the crust there is unbelievable!
It's true that thin crust pizzas can be tasteful and have at times crust that is hard to cut with mere mortal tools, thick crust pizza is where it's at. Nothing tastes better and gives you a sense of absolute fullness than a big fat piece of deep dish, thick crusted pizza.
Here at Zachary's, the food is piping hot, amounts are generous for the prices (particularly compared to the ludicrously overpriced Dominos) - and what's more, they actually taste good too! Ok, so not as good as Di Fara Pizza in Brooklyn, NY - but still pretty darn good.
The atmosphere was great and the service was, eh... It could've been better.
Hands down my the best Chicago style pizza that I've ever had. I've tried Patxi's and Little star and I don't think they come close. The ingredients, and crust are amazing. The slices are thick, full of flavor and they offer great combinations. My favorite is the sausage, spinach and mushroom.
It does take a long time to get seated, and I'd recommend you order to go and pick it up.
Love, love, love, love the crunchy crusts. The deep dish pizza is filled with fresh tomato sauce and lots and lots of cheese. We wait about half hour before we get our pizza but it is so worth the wait. Small size is more than enough for three people. If you live in SF, "Little Star Pizza" in SF is just like Zachary's.
I absolutely hate pizza. I grew up with a momma workin the kitchen makin home cooked meals!
But why the 5 stars?! Well the boyfriend decided he was hungry and took me Zacharys and I thought YUCK pizza I'll just gnaw on the dough. After ordering the special chicken stuffed pizza (w/o mushrooms cause i hate monkey ears!!!!) I was a changed woman. This pizza was soooo yummy! It was flavorful with fresh ingredients cooked to perfection. It made a pizza outer out of me!
The actual eatery is really small so plan ahead on time wise especially the weekends! Or you'll be stuck on solano looking like a crazy hungry man/woman!
I mean, seriously, there's not much to say about Zachary's that hasn't already been said. Absolutely incredible, fantastic, mouth-watering, utterly delicious, killer, delectable pizza.
The only problem? EVERYONE ELSE THINKS SO TOO. -1 star for like, you know, being popular and successful. God, what jerks.
Expect a long, irritating wait (that you will probably forget about when you take your first bite). Expect to have someone cart you out in a wheel barrow (because you WILL eat that much). Also expect to have a knife fight over the last piece.
Let me set the scene:
My dearest childhood friend is, unbeknownst to her, being set up for a marriage proposal through a odd scavenger hunt in which she "happens" upon people she knows, wearing t-shirts with clues, at locations that hold romantic memories.
I am one of these t-shirt wearing people she knows, assigned to the very romantic (if your stomach is a direct gateway to your heart) Zachary's Chicago Pizza.
After "accidentally" running into her, we dig into an onion and sausage deep dish extravaganza. Mouth full of herby (real word?) tomato sauce and rich crust, I forget my mission. My sole task, to remove my sweatshirt, revealing aforementioned clue-t-shirt, is totally forgotten.
Eventually, after every last crumb is gone, I remember my instructions. Now, awkwardly, with no pizza distraction between us, I remove my sweatshirt. The game, despite my lack of concentration, goes on.
The moral of the story is: never ask (nor expect) a person to complete a task, however simple, with a half-eaten Zachary's pizza in front of them.
Without a doubt the best pizza anywhere.
The crust and sauce are definitely their crown jewels......thick and piled with ingredients you need a fork and knife to eat it. Our favorites are the spinach/mushroom and of course the pepperoni.
The wait can get really long but that is what makes Zachary's, Zachary's and is well worth it.
Bottom line....as good as it gets!
Neighborhood: East Solano Ave
Category: Pizza
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