Chris Doughs Pizzeria & Bar — Restaurant in Bel Air

I’ve been here far too many times since they opened (7 or 8 I think), and it makes me happy to have a pizza joint with a bar within walking distance of the house. Every time I’ve gone, the food improves, and I was all-in the first time I went. During the soft opening, people complained that they couldn’t get pizza because they ran out of dough. That should be a signal of freshness, because if they’re willing to wait for the dough to do what they expect while making it, in exchange for losing business, I’m good with that. I had pasta and a meatball sub in those instances. Both fantastic. I’ve had the pizza 4 times now, working my way down the pizza menu. Tonight’s pie was phenomenal. I got the 3-cheese with Roma sausage, and it was delectable. Right amount of crunch of the crust combined with the savory cheeses and big slices of Roma fired off my tastebuds. When you combine that with an ice cold Boh from the bar, football on the TV, and attentive bartender service, it couldn’t be beat. I’ll admit, it took them some time to get everything squared away, but they’re in the sweet spot now. This is now my favorite local spot. It is starting to feel like a true community gathering place, as some folks sat next to me tonight that I met the last time I came in.

If you got turned off during their soft opening because they didn’t have pizza available or due to the long wait, give them another go. They’ve got it figured out now, and it’s a delight.

Side note: I tried to go Saturday night at 9:30PM, and they were closing due to lack of business. Understandable, but sad because there’s not much open at that hour at the area. Please, support this new local business. They deserve it. You’ll probably catch me there next Sunday during the NFL late afternoon game. It’s the perfect...

A expensive restaurant that happens to serve personal pizzas. With the anticipation of the opening I really want them to be good. I realized they just open however they had a year to perfect recipes. It’s hard to really enjoy pizza in the area because I compare everything to NYC pizza. That said I ordered a mozzarella pizza with tomato sauce 12.95 and added pepperoni 2.95 with a side of fries 5.00 and a coke 3.95. Unfortunately surround pizzerias are cheaper with better recipes. Again they were short staffed and the wait was a bit longer. My pizza arrived on a dinner paper plate ? And its appearance was good. They used the same pepperoni that both pizza John’s and dough roller use. First bite … there was a weird taste the mozzarella was mixed with another cheese that had a bite and then the sauce had a funky aftertaste. I think it was tomato paste ( maybe they didn’t blend the sauce well enough) the French fries were cold and the portion small. I was going to order a meatball sub however the neighboring table ordered one. 15.95 it’s appearance looked to be 7 inch sub and the meatballs looked dry. I’m glad I didn’t order it. Over all like everyone. I had high hopes and maybe this is just opening week jitters. This is not the place for a pizza party. Rather pricy. 35...

We’ve been so excited about Matthews opening, and it has quickly become one of our favorite spots in the area. Since they opened just a few weeks ago, we’ve already been back 4–5 times, and every experience has been excellent.

The pizza is truly outstanding—crispy edges, fluffy center, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. We’ve tried three different varieties so far, and each one has been fantastic. The salads are fresh, vibrant, and far from the typical “side salad” you get at most places. And the meatballs? Absolutely the best we’ve had—tender, well-seasoned, and full of flavor. Everything we’ve ordered has been consistently delicious, which speaks volumes about the quality and care they put into their food.

As for the atmosphere, it’s welcoming. It does get crowded during peak lunch and dinner hours, so expect a bit of a wait if you go then. But if you visit outside the prime rush times, seating is usually quick and easy. Either way, it’s well worth it.

Matthews has definitely raised the bar for pizza and casual dining in the area. We’re thrilled to have them here and can’t wait to keep working our way through the menu. Highly...