On the next to last day of a visit to Pittsburgh, we decided to give Proper Brick Oven and Tap Room a try, after pizza was suggested, not knowing what to expect, or having read reviews before, other than the fact that pizza might be had.

Fortune rewarded us, and I think we knew it the moment we stepped in - the whole place carried a subtle smell of a campfire, absolutely warm and inviting, from the very first. The mason jars used for lighting were really nice, no gimmick, they were delightful glowing jars in the sky. Our group of six was accommodated quite readily, though they did ask if we had reservations - and had not a concert been playing in the nearby theater, it could have been packed, so if you visit, consider calling ahead maybe?

We started with appetizers, bacon candy (which lives up to it's name - bacon, brown sugar, caramelized on with black pepper) and the substantial Pepperoni Pagnotta, which was enjoyed universally, and a very good price for the amount had.

All the drinks we had were locally sourced (well, Pennsylvania-ly-local, but a focus on Pittsburgh naturally!); a maple old fashioned, spring fling, cherry blossom daiquiri, and sunshine sangria were shared around, and we all felt we got worthwhile cocktails!

Now, we were advised their pizzas serve a bit more than one person each - so we ordered three; two carnivore (all the meats) and one Primavera (asparagus/prosciutto, garlic, etc); I was worried the carnivore might overwhelm with meat as I've found sometimes before, but I was wrong, I think, because every added meat was high quality, super delicious! The pizza sauce was sweet in just the right way, and the crusts, aided by the high heat of the wood fired oven, were perfect in their exterior crispness, and exactly right in their interior fluffy softness. I was only sad because I hadn't realized I had been missing out my whole trip - we would have come several times, had we known they were so good!

Finishing it all off, a shared slice of house made Oreo cheesecake and Pecan Bourbon Butterscotch Bread Pudding; I've nothing but praise for each, and for everything we had here. If you've got a chance to give it a try, I bet you'll enjoy every bite you take!