Best Pizza in SOWAL?

**DCollins** · 03-21-2012, 02:06 PM

What does everyone think the best Pizza in SOWAL is?

I've personally and unfortunately only had Bruno's and 30As (Which I wouldn't consider a Pizza place obviously.)

Collins

**kitlit** · 03-21-2012, 02:21 PM

Fat Daddy's. Hands down. I like cheese, with feta cheese on top. And, they have fantastic breadsticks. :o

**kurt** · 03-21-2012, 02:22 PM

Bruno's is quite good. It is one of the few thicker-crust pizza choices in SoWal. We are blessed with quite a few good choices.

**kyleg** · 03-21-2012, 03:08 PM

Fat Daddy's. It can't possibly get any better than that.

**Joyce Owen** · 03-21-2012, 03:11 PM

Spicy Noodle in Inlet Beach has pretty good pizza. Lots of carryouts the night we were there. We've done Bruno's and they are great for delivery when you don't want to go out. And Pizza by the Sea is a great locals place.

**kdp4th** · 03-21-2012, 05:28 PM

Bruno's is my favorite. I always get takeout or sometimes delivery...

**DCollins** · 03-22-2012, 08:11 AM

Yeah I agree that Bruno's is very good...I've never had Pizza by the Sea or Fat Daddy's, although I've heard Fat Daddy's is great and they have 1$ Beer!! Can't beat that!!

**SouthernBelle** · 03-22-2012, 08:40 AM

I tried pizza by the sea and will NEVER do that again, IDK how they stay in business. The first time I tried Bruno's it wasn't very good it was just okay-that was several years ago and they owner was out of town. Every time since then it has been good, and it is one of our favorites. Although they don't light a candle to my homemade pizza

**htjhs8** · 03-22-2012, 04:19 PM

PICKLE FACTORY.....just north of grayton-4way-stop sign (going north about two football
fields then left, next to grayton fitness center)(also provides take-out orders)......specializes
in thin/crispy, made when you order it, relaxed atmosphere, also outside seating, beer and wine,
close by and far away from hwy 98

**AirRocker** · 03-22-2012, 06:25 PM

We've had Bruno's, Fat Daddy's and Pizza By The Sea. All very solid. Looking forward to trying the Pickle Factory as well.

**Seagrovestateofmind** · 03-22-2012, 06:58 PM

Just saw that Bruno's is within .5 miles of condo we are trying to buy. Will definately have to visit.

**Django** · 03-22-2012, 07:18 PM

Pizza by the Sea for thin crust, Bruno's if you like thick crust. I like both.

**middlesister** · 03-22-2012, 07:24 PM

We have a tradition. First night in, tired from travel, happy to be there, Angelina's takeout pizza and some of their salads, we pick up a few bottles of vino and all is right with the world!

**Everytime** · 03-22-2012, 08:35 PM

We've tried several very good ones but Angelina's is our favorite.

**bobbob** · 03-22-2012, 09:12 PM

Fat Clemenza's is as close to Italy as you'll find near here. Real ingredients, real Italians, and a real wood-fired oven. Bud and Alley's Pizza Bar is also good.

**30A Eats** · 03-22-2012, 11:03 PM

I LOVE thin crunchy crust at Pizza By the sea. Thicker crust has to go to Brunos, Most Authentic and delicious, Pizza Bar at Bud and Alley's. Fat Clemeza's Brick oven is amazing. Jordano's used to be great (10 years ago) till they sold out to the new owners, and Service is terrible, delivery the worst! New owners wife acts as if she is doing you a favor, and is disrespectful. Eat in, or don't order. I don't go at all anymore. Sad as when in Miramar it was a fav. Go to Fat Clemenza's or Ciao Bella when in Miramar!

**30A Skunkape** · 03-23-2012, 06:30 AM

Let me give a plug to Amore. This was, in my opinion, the best in SOWAL when opened by the original owner/operators. The crew that took it over after the founders sold it ran it into the ground to the point that I didn't go for well over a year, but there is new ownership now and I am happy to say the good pizza and salads are back. It is a thinner crust, so if that is not your preference, this will not be for you. I also like Pizza Bar. Totally agree with posts above regarding Fat Clemenza's. I have not been to Pizza by the Sea since ownership changed-it was pretty good, but the masses of manic children running wild can test one's will, unless of course one has tykes they want to unleash while mom and dad chug wine and eat pizza. Spicy Noodle and McTighe's turn out average at best pizza. Cafe 30-A has a real wood burning oven and pizza is better than average, but I don't think anyone goes there for pizza and it is not a place to bring the little ones. Somehow I have lived here for five years and never tasted Brunos or Angelinas. I have had Fat Daddy's before and can't remember much about it other than the pizza I had had cheddar cheese on it. Shades makes pizza which is at best pretty uninspired to at worst a grease laden mess.

**Lake View Too** · 03-23-2012, 06:59 AM

Originally Posted by 30A Skunkape

Let me give a plug to Amore. This was, in my opinion, the best in SOWAL when opened by the original owner/operators. The crew that took it over after the founders sold it ran it into the ground to the point that I didn't go for well over a year, but there is new ownership now and I am happy to say the good pizza and salads are back. It is a thinner crust, so if that is not your preference, this will not be for you. I also like Pizza Bar. Totally agree with posts above regarding Fat Clemenza's. I have not been to Pizza by the Sea since ownership changed-it was pretty good, but the masses of manic children running wild can test one's will, unless of course one has tykes they want to unleash while mom and dad chug wine and eat pizza. Spicy Noodle and McTighe's turn out average at best pizza. Cafe 30-A has a real wood burning oven and pizza is better than average, but I don't think anyone goes there for pizza and it is not a place to bring the little ones. Somehow I have lived here for five years and never tasted Brunos or Angelinas. I have had Fat Daddy's before and can't remember much about it other than the pizza I had had cheddar cheese on it. Shades makes pizza which is at best pretty uninspired to at worst a grease laden mess.

First of all, I can't believe you haven't tried Bruno's! They do not skimp on the sauce and I like the thicker crust. It's been solid for decades. Number two, given the wisdom and wit you consistently bring to Sowal, I was quite surprised to learn you have only been here for five years. I guess I learn something new everyday (but, of course, I forget a lot these days also...)

**30A Skunkape** · 03-23-2012, 07:35 AM

Originally Posted by Lake View Too

First of all, I can't believe you haven't tried Bruno's! They do not skimp on the sauce and I like the thicker crust. It's been solid for decades. Number two, given the wisdom and wit you consistently bring to Sowal, I was quite surprised to learn you have only been here for five years. I guess I learn something new everyday (but, of course, I forget a lot these days also...)

Aww, shucks. Well, any wit and wisdom I have can be chalked-up to the fact that I share the same birthday as Kurt. Maybe we need to have a Bruno's pizza party.

**DCollins** · 03-23-2012, 09:16 AM

Thanks for the responses and introducing me to places I have never tried. ie, Pickle Factory (near Hurricane?), Fat Clemenza's (dunno where that is!), and never actually tried angelina's, fat daddy's, or B&A Pizza Bar although SOWAL has been my second home for 25 years! Hoping to move down to Sowal pretty soon so these will DEFINITELY be on the list. Can't wait to make the move and live out my dream!

Collins

**30A Eats** · 03-23-2012, 09:31 AM

Just to throw another in the pot...Tho not in SoWal...I do like La Famiglia's pizza in Destin near the bridge! :)

**Teresa** · 03-23-2012, 10:05 AM

SO many pizza choices in SoWal!!! I really can't say which one I like best - there are several!!!

FYI, here is the latest SoWal.com poll:
http://sowal.com/bb/showthread.php/4...ght=pizza+poll

**Wavewatcher** · 03-23-2012, 10:22 AM

I love the "Poor Man's Lobster" and "Laughing Cow" at The Pickle Factory. Best thin crust pizza around, cozy atmosphere. The Thai Pizza is tasty also, a little spicy.

**Teresa** · 03-23-2012, 03:13 PM

I think we need at least two pizza categories for the purposes of voting for SoWal's best pizza!

Gourmet Pizza

Pizza Pizza (regular ole pizza)

**Winelover** · 03-27-2012, 02:55 AM

The Wine Bar at Wine world! Thin and crispy the best!

**Allifunn** · 03-27-2012, 10:57 AM

Ahhhh....the great SoWal pizza debate rages on! Skunky, I have not tried Amore in a long time, but it used to be my vote for best pizza! Fat Clemenzas is fantastic...but not close to 30A at all. Had Fat Daddys a few weeks ago, it was delivery, I was starved, so I loved it. I would have to go to the restaurant and have it fresh to form an accurate opinion. I do like Pizza by the Sea, but I agree with Skunky...lots of kids!! I enjoy Spicy Noodle's lunch buffet. Pizza Bar is great...but NOT this time of the year....crazy crowded! I have not had Bruno's or Pickle factory. I have eated at McTighes and the pizza was pretty good.

**Iris** · 03-27-2012, 10:58 AM

I agree we need two categories.....regular ole pizza and gourmet.

Bruno's wins the regular ole pizza prize. They are very good and consistent. They don't skimp on any ingredient and are fresh as can be. You name the type pizza you want and Jeff will make it. A big plus is they deliver, they are open for lunch and everyday during the season and closed only on Sunday off season. A great place for pizza, beer and ballgames on Saturday afternoons.

Pickle Factory is our tops for the Gourmet category. The thin crust and toppings are as good as they get. The Kee Mao pizza is out of this world.....a Thai Pizza that I was afraid to order and one day I tasted it and now always want my own. It is truly Pizza that you Dream About. The Poor Man's Lobster is oh so good. Jeff goes to extremes to ensure each pizza is perfect each time you have it. They do have good plain old Peperoni Pizza, homemade sausage pizza and cheese pizza for the kids.

So my votes go to the two "Jeff's"......Jeff at Bruno's and Jeff at Pickle Factory.

**Teresa** · 03-27-2012, 03:32 PM

Far Clemenza is definitely in SoWal! Wood fired pizza with cooks who bring Italy to our town!

Agree that Fat Daddy's makes an excellent pie and good value.

Bruno's definitely On my favorite list. Delicious! Good value too.

**Teresa** · 03-27-2012, 03:34 PM

Enzos makes a wonderful Pizza!

**spartan1** · 03-28-2012, 12:26 AM

Pizza By the Sea!! I bet the new owners (of one year) have have had extra time to work on it this March on account of that school in northern Indiana not making the Sweet Sixteen.

Seriously though, Pizza By the Sea is my favorite. Probably the best thing to ever come out of that school...

**Allifunn** · 03-28-2012, 09:30 AM

Fat Clemenzas is a tad farther than some of the other pizza restaurants, but it is SO worth the extra miles!!

Suddenly I am craving pizza ....

**sunfun** · 04-01-2012, 06:09 PM

Jet's Pizza has the best thick crust pizza. They are known for their 8 corner thick crust pizza (Be careful it is addicting :). Try it! 850-654-JETS.
www.jetspizza.com

**Minnie** · 04-15-2012, 01:55 AM

Pizza by the Sea has always been our first meal when we arrive. However since the owner change, we tried them three times and were disappointed each time. Soggy pizza and as Skunky said, not their fault, but out of control kids, parent's fault.

So we are glad to hear Amore' has made a come back, as we loved it when Amory was there. We like Bruno's for carry out and Angelina's when someone in the group might want more than pizza. We have Pickle Factory on the list for our late April trip.

**Beach Runner** · 04-15-2012, 07:46 AM

Pizza Bar for best gourmet pizza -- authentic wood-oven pizza with gourmet toppings, not to mention the Caprese and the fillleto.

Bruno's for best take-out pizza.

**Lake View Too** · 04-15-2012, 09:08 AM

I have been a Bruno's devotee for about as long as I can remember. However, someone turned me on to a Pizza by the Sea pizza with pepperoni, bacon, and feta. I loved it (although I haven't liked their normal fare). Later on, I ordered a Bruno's with the same toppings combo. It just didn't get it. Later on, again, I had Pizza by the Sea do that combo, and it was divine! What's up with that?

**Jerry Lewis** · 04-15-2012, 09:22 AM

Originally Posted by sunfun

Jet's Pizza has the best thick crust pizza. They are known for their 8 corner thick crust pizza (Be careful it is addicting :). Try it! 850-654-JETS.
www.jetspizza.com

where's that?

**Jerry Lewis** · 04-15-2012, 09:25 AM

Originally Posted by Lake View Too

I have been a Bruno's devotee for about as long as I can remember. However, someone turned me on to a Pizza by the Sea pizza with pepperoni, bacon, and feta. I loved it (although I haven't liked their normal fare). Later on, I ordered a Bruno's with the same toppings combo. It just didn't get it. Later on, again, I had Pizza by the Sea do that combo, and it was divine! What's up with that?

Different ingrediants and technique which seperates any pizza joint and any restaurant for that matter.

I too have heard Pizza By The Sea is slipping. But how could it not Bryan was fanatical about his pizza. They may be using the same ingrediants which are top notch but the technique and consistency is what made them so good before.

**beachmouse** · 04-15-2012, 10:09 AM

Jet's Pizza is in the strip mall complex at the Destin Publix the next building over from Jasmine Thai and the Chan's Wine World.

**iloveflorida** · 04-15-2012, 10:46 AM

My twins ask to go there every night. Crisp thin crust pizza and sandwiches are awesome. Great outdoor patio
with friendly service and owners. Highly recommend!!!!

**DCollins** · 04-16-2012, 09:38 AM

I was down for the weekend and got to try a few new places. Friday when we got there we tried Pickle Factory. We got there around 9 pm and the workers and owner were sitting outside talking. I asked if they were open and they jumped right up and said absolutely! So we went inside and it was not like I was expecting, in a good way. It was dark and had couches to sit on and a bar and a very unique atmosphere. We got the crab pizza and it was pretty good...they also give you a side of pickles (imagine that) and they were quite good! Will go back eventually, but after I try Pizza by the Sea and Fat Daddy's of course!!

**seanderson1027** · 04-16-2012, 06:06 PM

Being a 'local' for 4 years, I've been a regular at Pizza By The Sea. It was always good. However this past year, it's a 'hit or miss' place. Last week it was a hit-great pizza. Today it's a real miss.... burned pizza crust (once again--why do they even serve it?). I can't recommend anyone going there for a good pizza - I just don't know what they'll get for a pizza. And I'm not sure if I'm going to be a 'local' customer there for very much longer..... so disappointed. Told the staff but no refund or credit toward a next time.

**rdelong43065** · 04-16-2012, 08:34 PM

Originally Posted by Teresa

Enzos makes a wonderful Pizza!

Enzo's pizza is good when the oven is working or they actually have the ingredients on hand to actually make a pizza or take your order and then a half hour later come out and tell you you're not getting a pizza. Other than that, its good. I'm not bitter though...

**rdelong43065** · 04-16-2012, 08:42 PM

Bubba's Pizza up on the west end of Panama City Beach on 98 (across from the Tom Thumb) is pretty good and the prices are unbelievable. All the pies are thin crust and 18 inches. You can get a regular pie for under 10 bucks. The style is more Jersey or Pennsylvania where the sauce is swirled over the cheese. The cheese steaks are huge and inexpensive as well. They deliver to parts of 30 as well.

**makeitagreatday** · 04-20-2012, 02:49 PM

Oddly enough, I scanned the thread and to no avail did I find anyone mention McTighes Irish Pub in Blue Mountain for GREAT PIZZA! I am sure few would expect an Irish Pub to host a great pizza, but definitely a go to place if you have not tried it.

***this is not a paid endorsement***

**Zebraspots** · 04-20-2012, 03:17 PM

Pickle Factory gets my vote for great pizza. Laughing Cow is my absolute favorite, but I also like the Italian sausage and mushroom.

And the fact that I can actually get a decent beer for a couple bucks doesn't hurt!

**Teresa** · 04-20-2012, 04:29 PM

I have heard about McTighes pizza from a few folks!

I love their fish and chips! some of best fries ever (don't get me started on the bad french fry craze that has slowly but surely crept into SoWal).

**Iris** · 04-22-2012, 07:14 PM

Originally Posted by Teresa

I have heard about McTighes pizza from a few folks!

I love their fish and chips! some of best fries ever (don't get me started on the bad french fry craze that has slowly but surely crept into SoWal).

We should have this conversation on the French Fry Quest......Someone told us last year that 98 BBQ had the best fries and they are really great. I will put up Edward's Fine Food and Wine as the best on 30A. But don't get me wrong, 98 BBQ Fries and their BBQ are both worth the little drive. They are just different dining experiences. Will try and get myself to Pickles in Seaside, but am having a really hard time remembering my last chili dog...but I will try it because they have the two 2 ounce patty burgers (the way to my heart).

**Beach Runner** · 04-22-2012, 07:46 PM

Iris, you rock!

**ray** · 04-22-2012, 08:09 PM

enzo's is awesome thin ny style pizzq. there problem is a bad location which makes business tough so they run out of things. i've gotten pizza at mctiques a few times and it pretty good.

**Teresa** · 04-23-2012, 09:01 AM

Originally Posted by Iris

We should have this conversation on the French Fry Quest......Someone told us last year that 98 BBQ had the best fries and they are really great. I will put up Edward's Fine Food and Wine as the best on 30A. But don't get me wrong, 98 BBQ Fries and their BBQ are both worth the little drive. They are just different dining experiences. Will try and get myself to Pickles in Seaside, but am having a really hard time remembering my last chili dog...but I will try it because they have the two 2 ounce patty burgers (the way to my heart).

ok, I'm in. Let's go on a Quest for the perfect french fry in SoWal! (or surrounding area - I will drive long distances if necessary)!