Bertucci's: The Price is Right
Bertucci's has always been one of my favorite pizzerias. Despite its chain restaurant label, Bertucci's manages to shine with good customer service and an even better brick oven pizza. I walked past their Dupont Circle location at 1220 Connecticut Avenue, NW late this afternoon, before noticing a sign in their window... $10 for a one-topping large pizza on Mondays and Tuesdays. After confirming that today was Tuesday, I decided to grab a late lunch/early dinner. After all, 10 bucks is 10 bucks.
Walking in at four in the afternoon, has its advantages. For one thing, I had the whole place to my self. I also had the undivided attention of my server, who couldn't have been nicer. He set me up with a Diet Coke ($2.49) and some of Bertucci's Heavenly rolls (gratis) while I waited for my pizza. The atmosphere here is very nice... soft rock/pop music plays at a comfortable volume in the background, and the restaurant is clean and well designed. Another thing I like about Bertucci's is their use of portable pizza stands, that free up precious real estate at your table. Smart.
 |
| Bertucci's complimentary |
I didn't have long to wait for my pie, which arrived piping hot. I'm a big fan of Bertucci's pizza, but limiting myself to one topping may have been a mistake (I'd have loved to have added onions and red peppers.) 10 bucks is a steal; but next time, I'll be sure to ask if I can get extra toppings for a few dollars more. The sausage is to die for (nice and big, bursting with flavor) but some slices only had two pieces. This drew unwanted attention to the cheese (pedestrian) and paper-thin crust (much thinner than normal.) The sauce is always delicious, thanks to chunks of real tomatoes (especially towards the edges.)
 |
| Bertucci's Brick Oven Pizza with sausage |
After polishing off two rolls beforehand, I could only manage three slices of pizza; but my server was nice enough to take the rest and box it up for me (I'm dumbfounded when some places hand you the box, to do it yourself.) I do wish he had checked in on me sooner (my soda was empty) but other than that slight oversight, service was spectacular.
One perk of buying from a chain (especially Bertucci's) is that they usually offer special deals and coupons on their website. Sign up for their E-mail Club, and you'll get a $5 coupon off your next order; or create an online ordering account, and get 10 bucks off a $20 purchase. Who can argue with free money?
Atmosphere: B (Even better when you have the whole restaurant to yourself.)
Service: B+ (Perfect, except for a missed soda refill.)
Crust: D- (Way too thin.)
Toppings: C+ (2-3 pieces of sausage and subpar cheese doesn't cut it.)
Value: A (A large pizza with one topping for a tenner? Pay-dirt!)
Overall: B (I should have ordered at least one more topping... that's on me. Great price, and pizza's usually better.)
