Favorite Pizza in SoWal

**BeachbumAggie** · 06-03-2009, 10:58 PM

We had Pizza Bar tonight; we enjoyed the focaccia to start then the proscuitto pizza. Hubby and I agreed that it was nice to have another good pizza option in the central part of 30A. We really like their red metal chairs, too-very cute!!

**Dia** · 06-04-2009, 07:13 AM

Originally Posted by jodiFL

Hot & cold?? wheres that?

Next to PJ's in Watercolor (on 30A - it used to be SugarPies)

I've had their chicken wrap & pizza - it was good!

**tsutcli** · 06-04-2009, 01:53 PM

Originally Posted by closer2fine

Next to PJ's in Watercolor (on 30A - it used to be SugarPies)

I've had their chicken wrap & pizza - it was good!

Try their meatball sandwich, it's great, combine with piece of pizza.

**robertsondavies** · 06-04-2009, 02:54 PM

Love the passion/travel poured into the Pizza Bar - so am entitled one criticism of opinion concerning seating. The seating on the beach side looks chic, but could not be more uncomfortable. Maybe that is by design to promote table turnover, and if so I understand although for the other hours when you want folks to linger over another montepulciano or chianti it is a downer
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**bluemtnrunner** · 06-05-2009, 05:50 PM

Originally Posted by robertsondavies

Love the passion/travel poured into the Pizza Bar - so am entitled one criticism of opinion concerning seating. The seating on the beach side looks chic, but could not be more uncomfortable. Maybe that is by design to promote table turnover, and if so I understand although for the other hours when you want folks to linger over another montepulciano or chianti it is a downer
Posted via Mobile Device

I can understand that criticism. I think it is designed to promote kicking your feet up and moving to a more laid back position. Definitely very comfortable once you have a couple of cocktails or a bottle of champagne and platter of sardines and cheeses and meats.

I'm so in love with Pizza Bar!

**scooterbug44** · 06-05-2009, 06:02 PM

Factoid: Americans eat 350 slices of pizza a second! That's 100 acres of pizza a day!

**Geo** · 06-11-2009, 09:55 PM

Last night for the first time in a while I went to the gym. Great workout. As I walked out of the gym I ran into Bobby J in the parking lot. He had just finished eating at The Pickle Factory and had rave reviews about the pizza. I was so intrigued by his impromptu (and unprompted) review that I decided to take the kids and a group there tonight. The short of it is- Bobby J was right. Sowallers- this place is GRAYT!

The moment you walk in the front double doors everything just feels right- the lighting, the music, the layout, the smells. Visible from the front door and the whole restaurant is their large pizza oven. It is quite handsome too. It really cozies up the place that their "kitchen" is right there out in the open for everyone to see. They really made the most of the space. There is a large dining table to accomodate a big group (we put all our kids at this table), a few couch areas with tables to accomodate smaller groups in a more laid back way (the grown ups in our party took this route) and a very straight forward but attractive bar with plenty of stools...

Some of us took our server's recommendation (thx Jeff) and ordered a salad that had strawberries in it. It was SO good after we passed it around that others ordered it too. I suggest asking them to add the walnuts to it. The dressing is homemade by the owner's mom (who was sitting at a table outside while we were there) and I plan on pestering them and ultimately wearing them out so that they share the recipe. OMG- best salad I had in a long long time! And I am not a salad guy. I especially liked that the salads were available in both half and full orders...

Our big group ordered several pizzas so everyone could sample as much as possible from the menu. If my memory serves me we had their Prawn pizza which had fresh basil on it. A "Classic Italian" which had a spicy sausage and mushrooms, the "Poor Man's Lobster" which also had prawns but with a white and buttery sauce (so it did kinda taste like lobster) and something for the kids (like half cheese half bacon and a few other ingredients. I personally ate several pieces of the first three I mentioned and WOW. The crust is thin (note: I am not a thin crust guy). I L-O-V-E-D each of them and would order any of the ones I tried again. That said, I am leaning toward the prawn pizza as my fav...

The service was impeccable. Jeff 1 made the pizzas and Jeff 2 (they are both really nice guys) served us. Half of us grown folks drank Stella in the bottle and the rest did the domestic route. I believe I heard them say they will be carrying draft beer soon. The kiddies had lemonade which was served with a lid. The staff and the venue were very accomodating to our kids...

The prices were reasonable considering the product was top notch. I personally have gotten sticker shock from a few other thin crust pizza joints on 30-A but felt like I got what i paid for walking out the door of this gem...

About the only complaint I have about this place is its name- The Pickle Factory. My concern is that folks not in the know are going to miss out on the fact that this place serves what I believe could be the best pizza on 30-A. But on the other hand- perhaps that will be a good thing and this place will remain a well kept secret. We'll see...

Strongly recommend!!!
Do yourself a favor and try their pizza.
-

2 cents, Geo

**tistheseason** · 06-12-2009, 07:17 AM

Where is it located?

**Allifunn** · 06-12-2009, 05:05 PM

283 Near Fire. On the left before you get to 30A. I think it is near or beside House Of Klaus (which is also good food...burgers and sandwiches, seafood too, I think)

**Bobby J** · 06-12-2009, 10:15 PM

Geo nailed it. That place is really good and the atmosphere is right on. The place just has a good vibe. The pizza. Excellent!

**joho** · 06-13-2009, 02:41 AM

Cool.

**Miss Kitty** · 06-13-2009, 06:58 AM

Thanks for the report , Geo! Did you ask why they are calling their restaurant the Pickle Factory? Inquiring minds would like to know!

**Green Knight** · 06-13-2009, 11:32 AM

Restaurant Business is tough enough to begin with in this day and age so it is quite curious why a Pizza Place would have a name like that...confusion of customers is not the way to start a successful place..Certainly is not going to help drive your walk in business either..that would be like me opening a Mexican Restaurant and calling it The Snow Cone Shop

**Bobby J** · 06-13-2009, 06:04 PM

Originally Posted by Green Knight

Restaurant Business is tough enough to begin with in this day and age so it is quite curious why a Pizza Place would have a name like that...confusion of customers is not the way to start a successful place..Certainly is not going to help drive your walk in business either..that would be like me opening a Mexican Restaurant and calling it The Snow Cone Shop

Be good and better then everyone and they will find you no matter what you name it. Stinkys? Red bar? Shortys? The fact people are talking about the name tells me it is already working.... The odd name made me want to try it out. I was beyond impressed. I also think he will let the Pizza do the talking not the name. If you know the Fehr family you will learn they tend to be good at whatever they do.

**avalon** · 06-13-2009, 09:42 PM

I am thinking "Pickles" at Seaside can not be happy about the name. Glad to hear the favorable reviews, we will give the pizza a try.

**Bobby J** · 06-13-2009, 10:50 PM

The only problem I see this place having is not enough room for all the people they will be serving once they taste their pizza!

**ray** · 06-14-2009, 12:06 AM

I ate there today. the waitress was slow and awful. i ordered a salad and she forgot and i had to remind her 10 minutes later.she was day dreaming and doing nothing(ironically they have a waitress wanted sign on the door). The pizza was very good and is similiar to pizza bars.Owners seemed very nice and kep asking people if they liked the pizza.I asked the younger owner why the name and he said his older partner had pickles factory pizza store in bangkok.As bobby said the place is very very small and as far as tables theres only 2 tables and a sofa with a table. theres probably about 10 seats at 2 bar type setups.It was also very hot in the restaurant as the oven overwhelms the small area.I forsee it as local hangout as its just far to small for many tourists to use it.I hope they make it threw the slow winter as they have a good product.

**rdelong43065** · 06-14-2009, 08:02 PM

I picked up a take-out pizza today after work and I am very impressed. The place looks very comfortable inside and there a few tables out side as well. I really like the pizza. Just had a regular pie with extra cheese. The crust is nice and thin and chewy. just how I like it. The sauce has a little bit of spice in it. Not hot, but you can tell. I ate the whole thing all at once. I didn't even leave crumbs in the box! The price was very good. A 12-inch pie with the extra cheese was just over 10 bucks. I'll be going back again and again and again.

**Grayton Girl** · 06-14-2009, 08:12 PM

After spending the day yesterday working out in the yard and doing other spring cleaning type chores, we decided that we just couldn't cook dinner. We were lamenting where to eat and trying to think of some place that wouldn't be just full to the brim with tourists when I recalled the the wonderful reviews of the Pickle Factory. Thanks to Geo and Bobby J, our family decided to try this new place, and boy, were we ever happy.

Now we have some great pizza around here, but the pizza at the Pickle Factory was about the best we have had in awhile. Mr. Grayton Girl absolutely LOVED it. Here's why:

The pizza was so good. The crust is thin and crispy and hot. We had the Prawn Pizza and also the Italian Pizza and both were delicious. There were many large shrimp on the Prawn Pizza and it came with lots of fresh basil and garlic. Tasty. My son and husband enjoyed the classic Italian. Everything was incredibly fresh and the crust was perfect!

Additionally, the transformation of the Thai Cafe is amazing. The owners have actually turned this take-out place into a little restaurant with very pleasing decor. It is very small, but there were probably 3 different seating areas that would satisfy 3 large groups and there is seating at the bar (where we chose to sit). The art is interesting and the walls are a nice green, I think. The place has a very warm and cozy feel.

Jeff #1 and Jeff #2, the owners, were accommodating and nice. Jeff #1 had a pizza place of the same name in Bangkok, Thailand.

The ovens were working and it was a little warm inside, but not enough to bother us at all. We are really looking forward to going back. It's a real find.

**Geo** · 06-15-2009, 08:22 PM

Follow up-

Went again tonight. Happy to report the first time was no fluke. Still GRAYT!

**30abob** · 06-16-2009, 08:43 PM

I read Geo's review last week and put this place on my list of "places to try"; Bobby's 2nd bumped it to the top of the list. They're both right on!

My family, minus 1 - that leaves 5 of us, just ate an incredible meal. We had 5 beverages and split 3 pies... the total bill before tip was $43.71! We had the Alla Vodka, Classic Italian, and Margherita pizza's; all 3 were excellent. Our favorite was the Alla Vodka, when you go - and you should, make sure to order this pie. The two Jeff's and O.J. provided great, prompt service to go along with the great food.

As we were leaving my 8 year old son says to Jeff #1, "Great idea putting liquor on pizza!" Luckily Geo pulled up as we were about to leave so I could introduce myself and thank him personally.

This is definitely on my family's list of SoWal places where we want to be regulars!

**Geo** · 06-17-2009, 10:28 AM

Originally Posted by 30abob

I read Geo's review last week and put this place on my list of "places to try"; Bobby's 2nd bumped it to the top of the list. They're both right on!

My family, minus 1 - that leaves 5 of us, just ate an incredible meal. We had 5 beverages and split 3 pies... the total bill before tip was $43.71! We had the Alla Vodka, Classic Italian, and Margherita pizza's; all 3 were excellent. Our favorite was the Alla Vodka, when you go - and you should, make sure to order this pie. The two Jeff's and O.J. provided great, prompt service to go along with the great food.

As we were leaving my 8 year old son says to Jeff #1, "Great idea putting liquor on pizza!" Luckily Geo pulled up as we were about to leave so I could introduce myself and thank him personally.

This is definitely on my family's list of SoWal places where we want to be regulars!

Grayt meeting you, 30abob. I was just passing through the lot (had some oysters at Hurricane Oyster Bar) when I saw the Pickle Factory staff outside so I stopped to say hello and that's when you walked up. I loved it that you told them right there that the reason you were there is because of what you read here on SoWal... Powerful medium you have here, Kurt!

**30ABandMan** · 06-17-2009, 07:26 PM

We have a new favorite Pizza place! We went in this evening, had the Sausage pizza and two teas. Cost under 22 bucks and the food was great! Great atmosphere and cool guys running the place. I know we will be back and I wish you guys well in business.

A big thanks to GEO for letting us know about this place!

**Charlene58** · 06-18-2009, 04:22 PM

Wow.. what a perfect review of this restaurant. We went this past Saturday evening.. five adults.. the pizza was fantastic and let's not forget the fresh
spinach salad with the basil dressing, outstanding.. Definitely will be
a regular at this wonderful establishment. Hats off to Jeff 1 AND Jeff2..

**New Yellowfin** · 06-18-2009, 08:07 PM

We so totally agree with the positive reviews here. Having been many times to the thai take-out place , I was blown away when I walked in the "new" space. They have done a good job of offering a unique product, not just another "me too" pizza. These pies are good and distinctively their own.

However, no one has posted their phone number. It is 850-428-4662. But remember, cash or check only.

**Grayton Girl** · 06-19-2009, 08:22 AM

We made a repeat visit to The Pickle last night and brought 2 other families with us. All total we had 7 adults, 3 teen boys, 5 younger kids and a baby. When we arrived, there were only a couple of folks at the bar, so we were able to seat ourselves comfortably inside.

(As an aside, I was happy that we didn't have to wait, but I was surprised that so few folks were there. I know that this will change as the word gets out, but I really couldn't believe they were so empty.)

Upon sitting down, everyone immediately commented on the beautiful transformation of the Thai Cafe. It really is nice inside, cozy and comfortable and the music is great. We were greeted - by name (they remembered us from last week)! - by Jeff and Jeff, chatted with OJ, the pizza chef, and enjoyed seeing Sadie again, our sweet and attentive waitress.

Our table ordered an assortment of salads - the House, the Spinach, and the Strawberry and Poppyseed - all of which were delicious. At $3.95 for a small salad, these were pretty big and all the ingredients and dressings were spectacular. I had this Thai ceviche shrimp appetizer, which consisted of 3 shrimp in a spicy clear sauce. Hard to describe, but it was really good. I was expecting the shrimp to be more "cooked looking," but they were almost raw in appearance. I will say, though, that it was fresh and tasty and really good. I like to try new things and love that the owner knows Thai food, so I am hoping that he will continue to add Thai inspired items to the menu.

Regarding the pizza, we had all different kinds - a vegetarian pizza, the Pickle Factory Special (which comes with sauerkraut), the Alla Vodka, Classic Italian, pepperoni, etc. All were wonderful. The younger kids devoured their pizzas and ordered more. We all had either wine or beer or tea or soft drinks, plus refills and our entire bill was only around $140. That was for 15 people! Salads, pizza, drinks, refills, etc.

We have definitely found "our spot" and wish Jeff, Jeff, OJ, and Sadie the very best as the summer progresses. My goal is try every pizza on the menu!

**SGB** · 06-19-2009, 09:04 AM

I can confirm Grayton GIrl's report! The place looks great and just has a wonderful feel. The transformation from all its previous restaurants to the current restaurant is amazing. It doesn't even resemble the old place. I can't attest to the quality of the pizza since it was all gone by the time I finished my salad (jk Grayton Girl!), but it looked great and every piece was devoured by our crowd. The spinach salad was awesome (ask for light on the dressing). This place is going to be packed in the future, so you better get yourselves down there before it's a major wait.

**beach ho** · 06-28-2009, 02:22 PM

Hubby and I went to the Pickle Factory last night for what I consider to be the "best" pizza along 30A. Thin, thin crust and lots of wonderful, yummy toppings. Thanks Jeff for doing such a great job on your pizza.

**Susan Horn** · 06-29-2009, 09:18 AM

Great pizza, also great salad (I had spinach salad with fantastic basil vinaigrette) and great atmosphere. Could use a bit of fabric or other softness here and there to absorb echo-noise. But then, LOTS of places feel that way to me b/c I have ridiculously sensitive hearing....

**believer** · 06-30-2009, 05:44 PM

Went there the other night and the food/ service was great. I just do not like thin crust pizza personally. My wife loves thin crust. Im strictly a NY style pizza guy. I have to express how great the food was even though I would rather have a thicker crust. I started with the shrimp ceciche and was shocked that it was the best shrimp ceviche I ever had. Thanks to all the Jeff's and staff who reallly know how to give you a great meal, just too thin for me.

**Smiling JOe** · 06-30-2009, 06:10 PM

I enjoyed it so much yesterday, that I went back for seconds today.

Beer - enough choices to find one to suit your needs -- love the Fire Rock Ale
Ceviche -- great, (but be warned -- it's spicy)
Blue Crab Bruchetta -- fabulous! (be warned -- it has garlic, which I love)

pizzas-- very thin crust, which is my favorite type -- doesn't leave me feeling like a stuffed pig when I eat a whole pizza.
Laughing Cow Pizza -- somewhere near the top of my list of their pizza
Margarita Pizza -- good
Pepperoni Pizza -- good
Pickle Factory Special -- straight from Thailand -- maybe wins the award for most unique toppings, but with great flavor.
Poor Man's Lobster Pizza -- my personal favorite!
Red, White and Blue Pizza -- I don't really like blue cheese for the typical stinky cheese reasons, but this pizza wins me over. The blue cheese is fairly mellow after being cooked.

That's a quick review from someone who has eaten more than his share of pizza.

The food was great, the beer was cold, the a/c is now working fine, Jeff1 and Jeff2 are cool, Jeff1's dad is cool and has fun toys, one of the pizza guys also plays guitar and sings, the atmosphere is cozy and fun, I hope they stay busy enough to make a bunch of money and stay in business, but I also hope that it stays quaint, fun, and unknown to most people -- maybe that name will help.

**Minnie** · 06-30-2009, 07:19 PM

Sounds delicious, can't wait to try this one.

**ElledgeL** · 07-20-2009, 08:05 PM

This is my first post. Until now, I have been accused of being a "SOWAL Stalker." I will try and list my pizza experiences in alphabetical order.

Amore - was much better with the original owner. Too much cheese.

Anglelina's - 23rd St location is far better especially with a coupon.

Bruno's - was one of the first....the cinnimon bites are good. Go on their anniversary when it is about $5 bucks. Or order during off season when it BOGO (but order early for delivery because they cut off delivery when they get too many. And that can be within 5 minutes of talking to them the first time.)

CBs at Silversands - ok pizza but I will not go back. Was in there a few weeks ago and my friend and I only wanted a slice of pizza. It was dead. We asked about a fresh pizza in the slice area and was told that it would be minutes. We waited and waited, then finally ordered a pizza. Within 10 seconds a fresh one came out and we stopped out order. We then asked to each get a slice and the waitress (who has waited on us many times and has been there forever told us we couldn't have the hot pizza we must take the cold.) Would any of you go back?

Enzo's - Can't make the pizza thin and the worse Lasagne I have had in my life and the waiter didn't even ask if I liked my food with most of it on my plate. When I asked him about the wine selection he told me he didn't have a clue. At least he was honest.

FCs in Miramar Beach - Similar experience as the prosciutto listed in another comment earlier but ours was this salami. Large deli sheets covering a limp pizza.

Hot and Cold - Haven't been, can't get past the name. Not better than SugarCakes(?)

Mc T's in BMB - Not a fair judgement, went a couple of weeks ago the day the cook quit. The waitress would not ask the current cook if he would make it thin. "You will get what he makes" was the quote.

Pizza By the Sea - Was better when if first opened. The buffet kept different and hot pizza out.

Pizza Bar - We thought we had found it. Thin, fresh, tasty ingredients but not consistent. GIve it a break they are new. And then there is -----

The Pickle Factory - consistent, the freshest of ingredients, and the perfect crust. We have been there 3 times since Jul 3 and they just get better. Have tried five different kinds and all are wonderful. Went with neighbors last week and they agreed with the ranking or thoughts of the pizza places n SOWAL.

If you have't tried the Pickle Factory and you prefer thin pizza or even if you don't it's a must

DD · 07-20-2009, 08:09 PM

I only have one comment.

You can never have too much cheese.

**DuneLaker** · 07-20-2009, 09:05 PM

I didn't realize SoWal had so many Pizza choices. I need a map! I'm not exactly sure where all of these are located. I've got a few favorites like the Pizza Bar and Pizza by the Sea, but would like to try out a couple on your list. Is the Pickle Factory near Fire Restaurant just north of 30A and the four way stop in Grayton Beach area?

**liquorqueen** · 07-20-2009, 09:21 PM

Yes...it's where the old Thai restaurant was outside of Grayton, kinda across from Fire. Very good, very thin pizza.

**SWGB** · 07-20-2009, 09:49 PM

DL, they actually left quite a few out.

Fat Daddy's, Spicy Noodle, and Onano (not sure if they do pizza).

Hot and Cold is okay for something quick, it has improved since it was Sugar Pies.

**GoodWitch58** · 07-20-2009, 10:01 PM

Originally Posted by SWGB

Hot and Cold is okay for something quick, it has improved since it was Sugar Pies.

Maybe...but, this has to be the most unimaginative name for a place to eat...I admit I have not been there--just can't get past the name

**rdelong43065** · 07-21-2009, 12:07 AM

Originally Posted by goodwitch58

Maybe...but, this has to be the most unimaginative name for a place to eat...I admit I have not been there--just can't get past the name

Just pretend the name is "Oh My Goodness, This is the Best Pizza Ever" and you'll be fine.

I hate everything and I just LOVE this pizza. I've been there religiously every week since they opened.

**Dia** · 07-21-2009, 07:11 AM

Originally Posted by goodwitch58

Maybe...but, this has to be the most unimaginative name for a place to eat...I admit I have not been there--just can't get past the name

Hot & Cold and Bruno's are our favorite pizza in Sowal.

**Jdarg** · 07-21-2009, 07:57 AM

Originally Posted by rdelong43065

Just pretend the name is "Oh My Goodness, This is the Best Pizza Ever" and you'll be fine.

I hate everything and I just LOVE this pizza. I've been there religiously every week since they opened.

Now this is the funniest pizza review that I have ever read!

**Green Knight** · 07-21-2009, 08:29 AM

Originally Posted by DD

I only have one comment.

You can never have too much cheese.

What this poster said.....Amore is great...I loved Gugleiamo's Pizza but unfortunately they closed the SoWal Location a few years ago....The Daughter runs Ciao Bella but I tend to avoid going to SSO at all costs...

**NotDeadYet** · 07-21-2009, 08:29 AM

"You will get what he makes" was the quote.

Pardon me for laughing, but this quote just cracks me up. At least the waitress was honest, LOL. This is probably the unspoken philosophy of more than a few restaurants.

**30ABandMan** · 07-21-2009, 08:37 AM

For my taste and money, I love the Pickle Factory. I told a couple of friends about it the other night and they went. They started txting me very ugly things and said they were headed to get somewhere else since they were still hungry and hated the food! Haven't heard much from them since then and probably won't invite them to meet us there.

**kkddbb** · 07-21-2009, 09:16 AM

sure glad i dont own a pizza joint in this town with all these critics around. ill bet your pizza joint is the best though. let the small business smear merchants continue their rants. ill continue to support them all and keep my thoughts to myself.

**SGB** · 07-21-2009, 09:41 AM

Originally Posted by Green Knight

What this poster said.....Amore is great...I loved Gugleiamo's Pizza but unfortunately they closed the SoWal Location a few years ago....The Daughter runs Ciao Bella but I tend to avoid going to SSO at all costs...

Gugleiamo's is back in their old location near 98 BarBQ. Haven't tried their pizza though.

There is also Jordano's pizza on 98 on the way to Silver Sands. We like their vege pizza.

**beachFool** · 07-21-2009, 10:26 AM

I like the pizza at McTighes, fwiw.

**rheffron** · 07-21-2009, 04:49 PM

Does Pickles deliver in BMB?

**Smiling JOe** · 07-21-2009, 04:57 PM

The name IS bothersome UNTIL you walk in the door, then you see this little gem of a place which transitioned a very uneventful place into a really groovy place with lots of good pizza. I love it, and hope the name helps to keep at least two open seats for me.