Dig into a Deep Dish Bay Area Classic
Zachary’s
1853 Solano Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94707
(510) 525-5950
www.zacharys.com
After a day walking around downtown San Francisco, my pizza craving kicked into full gear. Since we were already in the city, a quick drive down to 18th Street to grab some slices of pizza from Pizzeria Delfina would fulfill that craving. So, that’s what Rose and I did. I thought that this trip to Pizzeria Delfina would be a quick one. I only wanted to order take-out this time. Looking for parking was a total nightmare during this visit. We literally circled the block too many times to count. I thought to myself, just to head back home. We could always get our pizza fix the next time we were in the city.
While on the Bay Bridge with my mind on pizza still, another thought hit me. We were close enough to Zachary’s in Berkeley to make a quick stop.
1. It’s not often that we’re out in the Berkeley area, especially for food. And 2. I still wanted pizza. Maybe not dining at Pizzaria Delfina was meant to be (so I thought… Or maybe that parking totally sucked today).
Zachary’s is no stranger to notable awards and achievements it has gained through the years. I, on the other hand, was unfamiliar to Zachary’s. I knew that it was different in that they were known for a Chicago deep dish stuffed style pie, but that was it. Since the opportunity was there, we made sure to make a stop.
Thankfully, parking was a breeze. The first thing we noticed when we stepped inside the restaurant was the line of customers waiting to be seated. Of course long lines at restaurants usually equals good food. We dashed to the counter to order a classic Zachary’s Special to go. The server asked us if we wanted the pie fully or half baked. We still had a long drive back home and wanted to experience a fresh-hot-out-of-the-oven pie, so we opted for the half baked version.
We rushed home after we got the pie and quickly opened up the box. Your eyes would have lit up the same way ours did. I threw it into the oven so that we could try it. This thing was heavy, unlike the Neapolitan pizzas we were used to. After a quick 15 minutes we begin to slice it up.
The tall towering crust that surrounds this pie will leave you in awe. Thick chunks of sausage, crisp slices of onion, and fresh green bell peppers, were mixed into the oozing cheese within each slice. The pie was deep, so you were sure to get plenty of the ingredients with your slice. There was plenty of sweet tomato sauce to go around.
I couldn’t have asked for a better first time experience with a Chicago style pie. If you haven’t, Zachary’s is your best bet in the Bay Area to give it a shot.
It’s a spot for dates because…
This just may be your chance to enjoy an authentic Chicago style pie on the west coast.
Zachary’s gives you two ways to enjoy their pies. With the option of getting the pies half baked, you can still experience a freshly baked Zachary pie by finishing it in your oven at home. If you’re not in a rush just dine in to experience their award winning pies. Go ahead and see their awards scattered against the walls. Just make sure to get there early. You will sure to see the crowds of customers waiting to grab a seat.
