Bottom line: This is a 4.5 that rounds up to a 5.
(I'll preface by stating that this may not read coherently until you get to the finale, but I'd like to think you'll agree that I tie this up and leave no loose strings).
Kurt Koffka said "The Whole is OTHER than the sum of the parts" (More famously, he was subsequently and incorrectly translated to say "The Whole is GREATER than the sum of the parts", but let's put the Gestalt principles on hold for a moment...)
This quote is pertinent to how I perceive ideal pizzerias. The parts being the pizzas (and other menu items) themselves, the service, the decor, the ambiance, the clientele, etc.
What struck me tonight, as I entered Decent and hadn't even sat down, let alone taste the pies, was that "The Whole" was very comfortable - very true to what I conjure when I reminisce of all the great pizzeria experiences of my past five decades.
Pizza, after all, is "The People's Food". A decent pizzeria should rebuke the notions of white linens and the more "nouveau" ingredients sometimes find in certain upscale joints. This is not to say that there can't be certain unexpected ingredients, but - I think we can all attest to those particulars that needn't apply as pizza toppings (Duck, corn-peas-carrots, nuts of any kind, Fenugreek, Cardamom, Salmon, Epoisses - these are actual toppings I've witnessed over the years - none of them belong on a pizza. They're all meant to be consumed elsewhere - not in a pizzeria, and NOT on a pizza).
Back to my treatise on "The People's Food"...
This "People's Food" is often best enjoyed in a social setting where one can relax and feel relaxed. Where pretense is left at the coat check just outside.
Beer and Pizza go together like Martin & Lewis. That means Beer needs to be free-flowing.
The clientele need to all be completely absorbed in their company, and not worrying about looking about the room and "being seen".
The venue itself, being comfortable, needs to have booths, tables and bar stools that are inviting - that make you want to park yourself down and not worry about leaving anytime soon.
Decent scored high marks across the board - and underscored that at a certain point, pizza ceases to be "good" or "bad" and is simply what it is. If it's pizza YOU like, then it's good pizza to you. If you prefer other pizza, then it's not "bad" pizza, it's just not your favorite - but nonetheless you respect the art.
I stress "at a certain point". There is still a minimum threshold that any pizzeria wanting to take itself seriously must cross over.
Is Decent Pizza the pizza I would choose over all else in Tallahassee? - It's not. But... - I'm not making that life-or-death end-all, be-all list right now. Right now, I'm just telling you that this is GREAT pizza, and the folks who make it clearly take pride in their work - and it showed in the four pizzas we ordered tonight. I will say this - My favorite pizza remains at the top - but now, 2nd place is shared.
I'll end with this. I didn't even order pizza tonight! - I just had a slice of the medium cheese that we ordered. My stromboli was the best stromboli I've had in Tallahassee. Hands down. Unequivocally so. It was truly exceptional.
So - the sum of the parts here are all really great. The Whole (Decent Pizza itself - the tangible and intangible combined) is a great experience that took me to another place. Dare I say... "That happy place."
Decent Pizza - you are exceptionally comfortable and inviting, and your food is top quality. Thank you. ...
Read moreI recently had the pleasure of dining at "Decent Pizza" in Tallahassee, Florida, and it's safe to say that this place stands out in the realm of pizza joints. From the moment I walked in, I could sense the passion for pizza-making that permeated the air.
The decor, a mix of modern and rustic elements, created a trendy yet cozy atmosphere. The dimmed lighting added to the ambiance, making it an ideal spot for a casual dinner or a night out with friends.
Now, onto the star of the show – the pizza! The menu boasted a creative selection of toppings, allowing you to customize your pizza to your heart's content. I opted for a combination of caramelized onions, feta cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. The result was a burst of flavors that danced on my taste buds with each bite.
The crust was a perfect balance of crispy and chewy, providing the ideal foundation for the toppings. The cheese was gooey and tantalizing, and the sauce had just the right amount of zest and sweetness.
What impressed me further was their commitment to sourcing fresh, local ingredients. Each bite felt like a celebration of the region's culinary offerings.
The service was exceptional, too. The staff were knowledgeable about the menu, offering recommendations and ensuring a pleasant dining experience.
In conclusion, if you're in Tallahassee and craving a uniquely delicious pizza experience, look no further than "Decent Pizza." They've mastered the art of combining fresh, quality ingredients with innovative toppings, resulting in a truly exceptional pizza that lives up to its name. I can't wait to return for another...
Read moreIf you're hungry this is the place to go the portions are large in The taste is very good our server was handling about six tables at a time for the group I was in she did an excellent job. She was friendly attentive and knowledgeable. Our group has been to other restaurants but it's kind of a challenge handling that many blind people, because not every blind person understands what it's like to be a server. The food was hot and fresh you place your order then you have a seat and wait for your name to be called and you're supposed to go back to the counter and get your food she was bringing it out to everybody it was only one person I know that she forgot who it was but she did a really good job of keeping track. I will be returning to this place and not just with the group it's not in the area of town that I usually go to or am near but I'll make my way there. The door's aren't automatic but I think a wheelchair could enter this place with no problem so I would say if it is accessible and their tables with chairs around it so the chair could be removed for a wheelchair. And as I said before they are very helpful and friendly and the prices were very good I know that's important I forgot I left that for less the prices were very reasonable for the quantity of food you get I wish I could remember my service name but I don't remember her name and the pizza is more than...
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