Howie's Artisan Pizza — Restaurant in Palo Alto

Wow. I am still shaking by the incredibly horrible experience I just had with the female manager of this restaurant (she has a British accent, or something similar). I placed a large order over the phone, and apparently was given incorrect pricing. I was told that the plain pizza price included 3 toppings, and each additional topping was $2. I said, "really?" and he said, quite clearly, "yes." so i ordered three toppings, and said again, "so those three are included in the price?" and he said, "yes they are." I said, "wow, that's great!"

Fast forward to me, driving home after picking them up. I started going over the total in my head and realized, that place is expensive but there's no way it could have cost that much. So, I phone Howie's, explained what had happened to the guy who answered, and he found my order and understood the mistake. He just said, that's not actually how much the pizza costs, and I said that I was told that. He tried to just get me to drop it, but then offered to put the manager on. She must have told him to get rid of me, because he came back on the line after a minute and just repeated that the price info was incorrect. I said, "wait, I thought you were getting the manager?"

Then the awful manager came on. I asked her if he had told her the situation, and she said yes, that was not the correct pricing. I repeated the entire conversation that I had had when ordering. She actually told me "I trained all of my staff and there's no way any one of them could have told you this." I was speechless for a moment, maybe sputtered "What?", at which point she said "I don't believe you are telling the truth, there's no way one of my staff would have said that." At that point, I got upset, asking her what happened to customer service, and why would I make something like that up. (it was a matter of around $6). I wish I had never called--ignorance is bliss--since at this point she told me I wasn't welcome in their restaurant.

Do not give this place your money! Seriously, I would have been happy with an admission of a mistake. What harm would that have done them? Crazy...

Howie’s is a happy pizza place. Their pizzas are on a different level of flavor. I’ve had many pizzas from hole-in-wall joints, frozen, chain restaurants, homemade ones, to indie-artisanal creations. Howie’s is one of those truly artisanal pizzas. The ingredients may be the same as any other place, but you’ll notice a level up when it comes to their sauce. I think that’s where the difference is, aside from the distinct flavor that comes from the meats that they use. Each bite is a hearty mouthful. The only way to really tell is by going there and ordering one. I always get “The Works” and it has become my happy food, if you get what I mean. Their salads are also quite good, fresh and savory; a perfect complement to the pies and pasta fare that they offer. Service is friendly and efficient. That keeps me coming back, aside from the food. When you come in, it’s like being welcomed by old friends in the Cheers bar, (if you get the reference, you’re old😄✌️). My wife and I were even lucky enough one time to have our food prepared by the owner Chef Howie himself. The pastas are also very good, going from mild, familiar tastes, to bold, earthy flavors that make you understand what comfort food really means. Each bite gives you that satisfying deep breath of texture and umami goodness. If you haven’t been here yet… well I’m just going say, come on over. This location is quite busy with many different establishments around. Walk around and see for yourself. Lots of parking around the buildings in this town center, lots to see and try around here....

-bucatini carbonara ($18.50)

it's been so long since ive had a great carbonara dish at a restaurant - the one from howies was actually pretty good. the only downside for me (that doesn't really have a huge impact on the overall dish- more so what i wish was able to be change for improvement) was that it wasn't as creamy as id like and the ratio of the pasta along with the bacon was also a bit off. what made me a little disappointed was the service with the staff. originally someone had asked us to grab menus, sit down, then they'll stop by to take our orders. but we sat down for at least 10 minutes before someone (assumingly their manager/lead) asked "are we ignoring our customers now?" as the servers were just standing around. besides the hiccup with their service- overall this spot was super cute. there's indoor and outdoor seating -- and each spots' location has their own vibes. from what it seems it's definitely friends, family, and dates friendly - within the plaza theres also a lot of options for desserts, grocery running options, and some small businesses/boutiques!

8/10 would recommend yall to check this place/plaza out

thank you again to the staff that acknowledged my friend and i and went above and beyond to make sure we had...