Stark Street Pizza Company — Restaurant in Portland

*Disclaimer: Pizza was great. Want Covid relief? Come here. Walking into this place yesterday (Christmas Eve) to pick up our family size pepperoni (complete with the tiny pepperonis that curl up and bake slightly crispy - the initial draw for us as these are simply the best) we were immediately greeted with a warm wash of sparkling classic brilliance, warm pizza smell and the most welcoming vibe a pizza joint could have. A Covid-defunct but patiently awaiting for their re-lease back into joyful public use set of well chosen upright video games sat in the front hall to signal we had chosen well. Entering the place of was like entering a hybrid 1950’s Italian family pizzeria the kids will love / mixed with the best place ever to grab pizza & beers with your buddies on any game day / possibly one of the most accidentally romantic spots in Portland to bring a first date XD. As we walked through, we smiled inside at the extensive, yet somehow non-cluttery lifetime collection of trinkets and random treasured items that lined the upper ceiling shelves (not to mention the huge stuffed bear inside of a glass case that somehow fit perfectly into the “from another time” ambiance). The staff was small (and tables blocked off but somehow still gleamed with more superior experience and life than this old virus could ever hope to damper), but bursting with genuine cheer and voices that sang (I know it sounds cheesy - I couldn’t believe it either, which is why I’m writing this review!) as they rang up our warm pizza and wished us a wonderful holiday. We literally didn’t want to leave. Overall, with it’s slightly upscale looking salad bar, nostalgic video games, and a warm, beautiful, clean and inviting pizza joint that feels like home...or rather, what “home” SHOULD feel like... this place has us signed up to become permanent patrons after Covid is over...until then some additional takeouts will be an absolute priority. Also, if it wasn’t obvious - the pizza was...

If I had to rate this place based solely on food it would definitely be a 4.5 star review, BUT this review will only be based on everything else. First of all, this was my first time at SSP and it was nice to have a lot to park in rather than the limited Street parking in the area. Walking thru the doors I noticed one huge no no and that's video games right inside the doors... Not a safe choice in my opinion. The decor is definitely retro and the lighting is turned way to low, but I like to see the food I'm eating and the people I'm eating it with. There are plenty of tables in the dining area with controlled access to the bathrooms (I'm guessing it's to keep the transients out), but it's only controlled in the dining area. You can walk straight thru to the party room from the front door and get full access to the restrooms without a code. The menu is extensive with gluten free options as well as a full salad bar. They have a nice beer selection along with non alcoholic beverages as well, but I found my beer to be less that cold. There wasn't many people on the Saturday night we went for me to judge wait time, but I'm assuming it's failry quick. The pizza was delicious, but the room was so stuffy and had no air circulation at all. Either their a/c was broken or was in desperate need of repair because it was as hot inside the building as it was out....we were actually sweating. The bathrooms, once accessed by a code on your recipe, was filthy. I'm pretty sure the toilets had over flowed from the massive amounts of water we had to step thru to get in...yuck! Overall I was not impressed. I really don't think I should have to run off bums so my kids could play video games...which a few we're broken and SSP does not refund your lost $. Sad kiddos for sure. This area, once thriving and safe, has become a homeless refuge and has legitimately hurt the businesses around the area. A shame I have to be looking over my shoulder when leaving this...

If you grew up in east county, then the feel of this traditional neighborhood pizza restaurant will be very familiar. Environment: Dark wood, a color scheme of red and black, the walls covered in brass, Victorian-style beer mirrors, and antiques. A huge trophy case houses at least 30 years of various amatuer and youth sport leagues sponsored by the restaurant (which I think is very cool). Booth seating in two long aisles are placed to allow unobstructed views of large overhead TV's playing various games. booth seating. Tables, counters, booths are all worn from use but still shiny and clean. The carpet has seen one too many spilled pitchers of soda and pizza ground in by high chairs and soccer cleats. Scene: think family pizza restaurant meets sports bar. Unpretentious and East County. Where my youth soccer team would have met up after a game. Service: Efficient, a bit disinterested but fast. Orders for eating at, taking out, or ordering delivery have always been accurate and relatively fast. Food: A good west-,coast pizza. The crust is thin and can have almost a cracker- like quality. The sauce is a little thin and perhaps a bit bland. The cheese is piled on generously. It is a nice, mellow blend. The meat and vegetable toppings are both plentiful and they do a nice job of not overcooking either meat or vegetables. My friend always gets the taco pizza. If you like this variety then I will say it is probably the best I've ever had. I generally get the Winter Hawk with a mild pepperoni, Canadian bacon, and pineapple. The pizza overall is simple, tasty but perhaps a bit lacking in Italian spice flavors that I associate with a top notch pizza. But I bet this is one place that adults and kids both are okay with dinner. It is reasonably priced. I think I paid around $35 (don't quote me on that) for a large specialty pizza and two sodas. Has video poker in separate area and video a couple of video...