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Bentz’s Pizza Pub (**1/2) ($)
28657 Co. Rd 13
Daphne, AL 36526
(251) 625-6992
In an area where there aren't many non-franchise pizzerias, Bentz’s Pizza Pub is a refreshing find. Bentz’s serves up a good thin-crust pie in a neighborhood pub atmosphere.
I confess that my first visit to Bentz’s, about a year ago, was disappointing. On that visit, I order a slice basic pepperoni pizza and found it to be rather “saucy” with a hard, but not well browned or charred crust. Well, a few weeks ago, I decided it was time to give Bentz’s another try, knowing that at some establishments, the individual slice is not the best example of pizza baker’s skill.
On this visit, my friend and I were greeted with friendly, but not overly bubbly or hovering service, in this relatively quiet, comfortable space, with a real neighborhood feel. After starting with a couple of cold beers, we ordered a whole pie, half cheese, half Canadian bacon and pineapple, and, after the first bite, I was impressed, considering that my previous experience had been rather disappointing.
The cheese on the Bentz’s pie was a very good quality, although seemingly processed to some degree, mozzarella. The cheese was mild, not overly salty or greasy and displayed a good hearty mozzarella flavor. In fact, the flavor was almost too cheesy, but remained subtle enough as the cheese cooled, as some cheeses will become apparently bolder as they cool and some of the components reconsolidate.
The sauce at Bentz’s is well blended and not overly present. It could stand a bit more oregano and basil, but that’s really a matter of taste. Bottom-line, the sauce served as adequate base for the flavors. The only real complaint I have with the sauce is that it had a slightly tomato soup-like sweet taste that was somewhat distracting; however, it was not at all acidic or too salty.
The crust was a strong point of the Bentz’s pie. I feel that only Papa’s Pizza (not to be confused with Papa John’s) in the Daphne area, makes better crust. The crust had all the basic, good characteristics, which with a little tweaking, could easily match Papa’s crust. The crust had a good neutral flavor (not bready or doughy) and was nicely browned, charred and approaching crispy. Although still a bit doughy bready in consistency, in spots, I think with a bit more working and adjustment to cooking time, the crust here would easily be as good as any in the area. As pointed out earlier, the service was prompt and pleasingly matter-of-fact. The napkins were substantial and utensils of good quality.
Overall, I would recommend Bentz’s as a good New York style pizza experiences the area, at this time. The pie could use some small refinements, but it is a good bet if you’re looking for a good basic pie in a very cozy neighborhood atmosphere. Enjoy!!!
28657 Co. Rd 13
Daphne, AL 36526
(251) 625-6992
In an area where there aren't many non-franchise pizzerias, Bentz’s Pizza Pub is a refreshing find. Bentz’s serves up a good thin-crust pie in a neighborhood pub atmosphere.
I confess that my first visit to Bentz’s, about a year ago, was disappointing. On that visit, I order a slice basic pepperoni pizza and found it to be rather “saucy” with a hard, but not well browned or charred crust. Well, a few weeks ago, I decided it was time to give Bentz’s another try, knowing that at some establishments, the individual slice is not the best example of pizza baker’s skill.
On this visit, my friend and I were greeted with friendly, but not overly bubbly or hovering service, in this relatively quiet, comfortable space, with a real neighborhood feel. After starting with a couple of cold beers, we ordered a whole pie, half cheese, half Canadian bacon and pineapple, and, after the first bite, I was impressed, considering that my previous experience had been rather disappointing.
The cheese on the Bentz’s pie was a very good quality, although seemingly processed to some degree, mozzarella. The cheese was mild, not overly salty or greasy and displayed a good hearty mozzarella flavor. In fact, the flavor was almost too cheesy, but remained subtle enough as the cheese cooled, as some cheeses will become apparently bolder as they cool and some of the components reconsolidate.
The sauce at Bentz’s is well blended and not overly present. It could stand a bit more oregano and basil, but that’s really a matter of taste. Bottom-line, the sauce served as adequate base for the flavors. The only real complaint I have with the sauce is that it had a slightly tomato soup-like sweet taste that was somewhat distracting; however, it was not at all acidic or too salty.The crust was a strong point of the Bentz’s pie. I feel that only Papa’s Pizza (not to be confused with Papa John’s) in the Daphne area, makes better crust. The crust had all the basic, good characteristics, which with a little tweaking, could easily match Papa’s crust. The crust had a good neutral flavor (not bready or doughy) and was nicely browned, charred and approaching crispy. Although still a bit doughy bready in consistency, in spots, I think with a bit more working and adjustment to cooking time, the crust here would easily be as good as any in the area. As pointed out earlier, the service was prompt and pleasingly matter-of-fact. The napkins were substantial and utensils of good quality.
Overall, I would recommend Bentz’s as a good New York style pizza experiences the area, at this time. The pie could use some small refinements, but it is a good bet if you’re looking for a good basic pie in a very cozy neighborhood atmosphere. Enjoy!!!
1 comment:
We ordered two pizzas at Bentz recently and both were horrible. Not worth paying for, and we definitely will not return. I'll stick with Papa's and Vinny's.
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