Okay, before I go any further I need to tell you I am a bit of a Pizza Snob. I grew up in the Chicagoland area and I know how real Chicago Pizza tastes and looks. I am not talking about the Chicago Pizza all the tourists seek out, I am talking about the pizza from the neighborhood pizzarias, and every town and community in Chicago has their own. The one in the town I grew up was called Dominick’s, but every suburb has one. Glen Ellyn had its Barroni’s; St. Charles had Salerno’s. It is a very unique thin crust pizza and while each suburb thinks there is the best it is all basically the same.
Therefore, my biggest curse where ever I move to is finding good pizza. Tallahassee has been no different. While I do not think any place can live up to my hometown pizzaria, I have found one I think I frequent more often then most. Barnaby’s
Now before I start, I will say I remember we had some Barnaby’s pizza places in the Chicagoland area and the signage seems very familiar. I will need to research that a little more and get back to every one.
My first impression of Baraby’s is a one of those restaurants built in the 1970′s going for that English or Tudor style. I am not sure when it first opened but I am guessing it has not changed much, if at all over the years. You walk in and you get the feeling they are going for an English Pub type theme. You sit down at your table and there is a menu. You have to look hard, but at the back of each table is a number on a formica plaque mounted into the booth or wall. Remember this number.
There is a menu on each table and you need to fill it out. You then take it back to the counter to order and pay for your pizza. Now, make sure to get cash. I do not quite understand this set up, but for beverages you need to go to the counter at the other side of the building. They only accept cash. If you have small children, do not forget to ask for some pizza dough at the counter. They will give you a plate and it will help keep the kids busy while you wait.
When your pizza is ready they will call your number. It did not seem like it took too long. You go up to the counter and grab your plates and napkins and bring it back to your booth.
We ordered a medium cheese and a medium cheese and sausage. The crust is thin and the edges are crusty. The pizza has a fair amount of cheese and toppings and the crust can accomadate it. I like the sauce they use; however, my wife thought it was a little on the sweet side.
I have to tell you that this has come the closets to that hometown Chicago style pizza I miss. Based upon my appreciation for pizza I will drive to the other side of town to get pizza at Barnaby’s.
What’s Cooking Tallahassee’s Rating:
Atmosphere: C
Taste: A
Presentation: B
Service: B
Cleanliness: C
Price: $
I’ve been a couple of times. It must be a NY style vs, Chicago style thing, because Barnaby’s is one of my least favorite in town. Have you checked out Mike’s Stone Baked Pizza?
http://www.williamkristoph.com/2012/06/29/tallahassee-eat-mikes-stone-baked-pizza-update/
Either way, fun to find another Tallahassee Food blogger!
Thanks for the feedback. I will have to try Mike’s Stone Baked Pizza and report back. There is something other than Chicago pizza? Hahaha.
I think that is fast food because you wait on yourself reminds of sizzler, Just saying but if it is good well that is worth it they should at least bring it to the table. Looks good in the pic.
I cannot put it in the same category as Sizzler, but agree it would be nicer if they brought it to you. Thanks for the comments.
[...] What’s Cooking Tallahassee? has a new review up for Barnaby’s. Personally, I’m not a fan and never have been, but I know it has a huge following. Let the [...]