Al’s Arcata Pizza Guide
Pizza Review and Photos by Alexander Woodard
Greetings fellow pizza enthusiasts. Before your eyes is a review of every pizza establishment (to my knowledge) within Arcata. Tackling this stressful task may have shortened my lifespan by a few years, but was well worth it. The community may now rest easily; informed on their local pizza joints.
Sports Fans
The Jambalaya Arcata is my go-to for New York style pizza slices and an amazing selection of beers on tap. The restaurant/music venue features plenty of HD television screens and the friendly staff is always more than willing to find a game if kindly requested.
Hidden Bargain
Smug’s Pizza is tightly tucked between the Arcata Theater Lounge and Renata’s. BEWARE they are cash only, but is well worth it. A slice costs $3 BUT the second is ALWAYS only $1.50.
Delivery Kings
Not only does Dutchy’s have reasonable priced individual slices at their walk up window, they deliver for free! The crust is heavenly and pizza is never greasy and their daily options are always elaborate (see photo). Prices on whole pies range from $15 to $25 and NEVER disappoint.
Late Night Fix
Don’s Donuts, Pizza & Deli. If you’ve been there, you’ve been there. The chicken masterpiece is great after a night of partying. The donuts - and large menu in general - are always difficult to avoid during the day for a decent priced quick bite. On the plus side, Don’s is open 24-hours a day.
Pizza For A Party
If you are looking to supply pizza for a group of 10 or more, or want an alternative to catch a sports game, Westside is the spot. The menu always has specials on two-pizza deals as well as a lunchtime special on slices Monday-Friday from 11am to 3pm. $4 will getcha two slices and for an extra dollar they throw in a fountain drink.
Take & Bake
Bryan Phillips holds out a veggie-combo pizza at The Jambalaya Arcata. Slices top out at $4.35 and 22 ∙ OSPREY whole pies are $20.66 (max) out the door.
It sounds like an odd concept, but at Papa Murphy’s, expect to get a pizza that you have to cook in your own oven. Aside from that, the toppings and customization options are almost endless. At $15 for a large combo pizza, it may want to skip your mind, but DON’T LET IT. Papa Murphy’s also has a 10% student discount.
Pricey Slice
Arcata Pizza & Deli slices can hit nearly $6. With that said, you get what you pay for - gourmet pizza with plenty of options for all. The blackened chicken is a mouth watering slice and the rest of the menu’s choices almost seem endless.
Where’s Pauldo?
Paul’s Live From New York was another go-to favorite of mine. At the moment, they are relocating and have yet to open the new establishment on Samoa Blvd. The former Arcata location always played sports games and had the biggest slices in town. Keep your eyes peeled for their re-opening! ◘ ◘ ◘
TOP: Jackson Stafford pulls a fresh pie from the oven at Smug’s Pizza. BOTTOM: Ryan Cantor of Dutchy’s Pizza holds out a tomato pie with spinach marinated in balsamic vinegar and mushroom. This particular gem is just $3.25 plus tax.
FALL 2015 ∙ 23