Pioneers Pizza Punta Gorda — Restaurant in Florida

We decided to check out Pioneer's pizza after hearing a good review from someone that knows restaurants. We ordered a large pepperoni pizza, a meatball sub, medium bone in wings (they have deep fryers) and breadsticks.

The first impression is...well, impressive. Some groovy vibe with an incredible mural that tells a story, lots of TV's, a bar tucked into one side and a nice looking kitchen area. We went for lunch at about 11:30 so we were seated quicky and ordered drinks.

I always complain to my family how many pizza restaurants seem to fail at making simple garlic knots or breadsticks and they arrived after about 5 minutes and these were very good, with a really nice acidic and flavorful marinara.

The medium wings then followed about 5 minutes after the breadsticks and now I was concerned that my expectations were getting too high because they were incredible, I usually have low expectations for wings at a Pizza restaurant but they had flavor and heat with just enough crisp.

Pizza arrives and at first glance my built up expectations continued to grow because that looks pretty good. I know pizza is subjective to taste, crisp, chew and a product of your environment but I will tell you it's all good and this was almost Jersey style with a VERY nice crispy outer crust and the inner pizza had a firmness with a little chew, I thought the sauce was okay but it didn't do much to let me know it was there other than supplying moisture, it lacked identity, make it sweet or make it savory...

The meatball sub arrived at the same time as the pizza and did not disappoint, I think it was the same marinara as the breadsticks which is fantastic, perfect amount of cheese and a good bun.

A definite...

My wife and I took our grandkids to Pioneers Pizza Punta Gorda last night around 7:45 pm. Normally we have received fantastic service. Understanding they were busy, we waited behind another couple to be seated. Another party of about 5 showed up behind us. We could see three tables that were empty. A young hostess, would come to the desk, fiddle with some paperwork and then walk back off. The first couple asked her at one point about how long to be seated. The young hostess, stated there were several groups standing outside to be seated ahead of us. When we walked in, there was no one waiting outside so I told her that and she angrily told me if I was going to be disrespectful to her, than I can just speak with the manager, in which I stated I'd like to speak with the manager. The couples in front and behind me got disgusted with the hostess behavior and left without being served. The hostess did go talk with another employee by the kitchen and I assumed that was the manager. My wife and I waited another 8-10 minutes for the manager, who never showed, I understand getting good help is difficult in these days but if you're in a customer service industry, training the hostess is paramount to the success of the business. Of the three groups who departed prior to service, she cost the restaurant probably $250-$350 in that short instance. My wife and I departed, went to Pizza Gorda, (also packed with customers) onTaylor St., immediately got seated and served with a smiling and friendly staff. Gladly put out $105 for...

We have had most of the pizzas of interest in PG, but we had not yet been to Pioneer Pizza. We were told by an acquaintance of my wife that they did not like the food. They are wrong. Pioneer Pizza has great pizza, and the fun atmosphere is family friendly but also good for those wanting good food in a low-key relaxed setting. Our server,Hannah, was super. She knew the menu, made suggestions, and was prompt and attentive. What else can you ask for. She got a few larger tables right after us, and our service never suffered at all. She is great. Thank you! Reasonably priced, great food, great service. Works for me!! Lesson? Get smarter friends! Cheers

UPDATE 9-29-2024 Since our last rime in, we have picked up weekly and continue to be impressed with everything. Sunday, we stopped after a day of running errands, and we were blown away again!! Erica was our server and ambassador of goodwill!! She was super busy running all over the dining room and did not miss one step with our or any other orders we observed. We tried a new starter, and OH MY, this was INCREDIBLE!! The Meatball Sliders are everything and then some. Imagine a wonderful, tender, flavorful meatball (3oz each) with whipped ricotta and mozzarella on a house made garlic knot. Seriously. In some places, they would try to impose a law for being too good! We had a Cesar Salad that we split and of course an XL pizza because, we WANTED leftovers for the next day. What a great group of people. What great food. WE WILL SEE YOU...