Big Mario's v. Z Pizza

Comparing Big Mario's Pizza to Z Pizza is like comparing an organic salad to a delicious T-bone steak.

Big Mario's Pizza, located right next to Caffé Vita, has the look and feel of a no-trim classic pizza joint. The layout is simple: the first portion of the unassuming rectangular restaurant is a to-go window. This means one walks up to the fogged glass displays of pizza and chooses from one of the simple, tasty options they have.

There is not a sit-down feel to Big Mario's, a nice change from some of the more formal pizzerias which make what should be a casual fun experience a bit stuffy. Further in the restaurant is a row of booths across from an bar that serves the best selection of micro brews anyone could ask for washing down their pizza.

I immediately walked over to that respective part of the restaurant and ordered the classic combo of a pepperoni pizza and a cold pint of beer. As soon as I took the first bite it was as if someone was throwing a surprise party for George Clinton in my mouth. The best part: everyone was invited. The pizza, like an MTV spring break special, was hot, oily and delicious. An added bonus—Big Mario's is open until 4 a.m. Thursday through Saturday, meaning more of the late night ambiance that only Capitol Hill can deliver and it is dog friendly. While I was eating, a pug dog was sitting on a bar stool next to me. More simply put, Big Mario's is cheap, fun and delicious.

Going into Z Pizza after Big Mario's was a dramatic shift to say the least. The first thing that struck me—it was completely empty at 6 o'clock. Not a good sign. All over the walls were cheap looking Warholian pop-art depictions of avocados. The sterile look and overall tackiness of the restaurant was almost enough to make me leave. It was Z Pizza's creative menu that made me stay.

I decided to order only a small Thai pizza. To my surprise this somewhat over priced pizza, $10 for a very small pie, was actually pretty good, though the beer selection left something to be desired. I suprisingly really enjoyed the pizza, pop-art avocados or not. The ingredients popped, tasted fresh and left me more than satisfied.

But Big Mario's pies can't be beat.

WINNER:

Big Mario's

 On the one hand we have a well-priced pizza joint that doubles as a great cocktail lounge. On the other, we have what some might call a presumptuous restaurant that is barely saved by a fairly solid pie. Given the factors of price, taste and general mood, I must unequivocally choose Big Mario's Pizza as the victor.

John may be reached at  jbeaton@su-spectator.com