The Original Pinsaria — Restaurant in Bloomington

This was my second attempt to visit. The first time, I showed up on a Sunday without realizing they were closed, and I ended up walking in during their renovations. This time, I made sure to come during regular business hours.

I was greeted right away by the cashier, who was friendly and quick to explain how their ordering system worked. He even checked in while I was deciding, which I appreciated. However, after that, the hospitality seemed to taper off. For example, I didn’t realize where to get my cup until I noticed other customers with theirs. When I asked, he apologized and mentioned he should’ve given it to me when I ordered. Small details like that matter to the overall experience.

I ordered a 4-slice pinsa, a salad, and a drink for about $16.90. The portion was generous—definitely more than I could finish alone, so it could have been easily shared. Surprisingly, the highlight of the meal for me was the salad, specifically the vinaigrette. The pizza itself fell short. While I liked the crunchy oven-baked crust, it was a bit too crunchy for my taste. The sauce reminded me of canned ravioli sauce, with minimal cheese but very large basil pieces. I ended up finishing it more out of hunger than enjoyment.

I also noticed that some customers were served utensils, while I had to grab mine from the drink station. Not a huge issue, but again, it gave me the impression that the hospitality wasn’t consistent throughout.

Overall, it was an okay experience. The portions are good for the price, and the staff is friendly enough, but the food itself didn’t stand out. As someone who loves pizza, I wouldn’t necessarily come back here just for that. For me, it was decent, but...

More people should enjoy this place.

This was my second time going, first with my mom now with my girlfriend, at 8:00 on a Friday night. I enjoyed my first pizza and definitely wanted my lady to try it as well as we get stuck in the mode of going to franchises. There wasn't a soul there which does not reflect the quality of food or service provided.

Upon walking in the door we were immediately greeted by a tremendous person named Chris. It is self ordering but he took liberty into describing to my girlfriend each of the menu items offered and the quality they provide in each offer. He sold me right away as a strong employee owners and businesses need and should reflect. I don’t know his relationship to the restaurant but he clearly shared the same passion as an owner.

A personal pizza is $11 which it was a year ago so it doesn’t reflect recent inflation especially in franchised and fast food. For the same price as anywhere else, we got phenomenal food, atmosphere, and service. Our two pizzas were out in 5 minutes and gone in 10. We both enjoyed them so much we had to go online and see their other offerings. As a 21 yo college student who can be very picky and opinionated, all my stars were met. My only question was, why was it not packed? Please go in and sit down by yourself or with those close to you, you will not regret it.

Taste- 5/5 Time to table- 5/5 Atmosphere- 5/5 Service- 6/5

Thank you Chris! You’ll be seeing more...

This pinsaria (thin crust pizza) is good, but not phenomenal. I had the vegan pinsaria with vegan sausage, There really wasn't much sausage that I could see on the crust, in fact, very little of anything ( I would've loved to have a few more veggies on it). But, having said that, it was good. I'm not sure I'd make special plans to stop here, but we enjoyed our lunch. I really did like the crust. It didn't sit heavily on the stomach just as the reviews said, but the pizza itself wasn't worth the $40 for our 2 personal pizzas (in my humble opinion). Also, I didn't get my ice tea and had to have a coke instead because they hadn't changed over the ice tea which came out like water. I don't usually drink soda because of all the sugar. The other thing (little, I realize), but peeves me anyhow, is the tip thing. I don't think restaurants should ask for tips when no one is actually serving me. This is just extra profit for the restaurant which is already charging a lot for their food. If you wait on me and give me really great service, I will tip when I am done with my meal. I shouldn't be asked for a 30% tip while paying for the food I then have to go and pick up, get my own drink, and clean up on the way out. We both enjoyed our lunch, but again, not sure it is a 5 star restaurant. Good place for a nice little...