Pizza Fino

Pizza Fino
8225 N Denver
Portland, OR 97217
(503) 286-2100

Pizza Fino recently opened up in the middle of downtown Kenton on Denver Ave. I hate to say it, but our initial taste test didn't go over very well. The pasta was flavorless, they forgot to include a slice in our carryout order, and the slice we did have was greasy and salty. Our initial desire was to rename the establishment Pizza Disappointo, but we've decided to give the place a second chance, since it was their first day.

The digs were nice, though. This place was actually nice and I liked the way they divided the place between the large back room (for diners) and the front (for boozers and carryout orders). Unless they improve next time, however, we won't bother going back.

The Best Pizza in Portland is in our own backyard!

Sparky's Pizza
7536 NE M L King Blvd
Portland, OR 97211
(503) 285-5656

If you haven't been to Sparky's Pizza yet, you really need to try it. Citysearch has somehow decided Hot Lips is the best pizza in town, and while I have to admit they're good, they got nothing on Sparky's specialty pizzas.

If you go to Hot Lips, you have to try their Sicilian Deep Dish--it's good stuff. The problem is, if you buy slices like we do, you're bound to be disappointed. Hot Lips is always out of the Sicilian Deep Dish, resulting in our being forced to eat the substandard thin crust stuff. Not to mention, Hot Lips is more expensive. You want a whole Sicilian Deep Dish? You're looking at $22+ for the pizza alone. Granted, Hot Lips really knows how to use gourmet ingredients, but the thin crust is really not that incredible.

Sparky's on the other hand, is really, really good. The crust is perfect, without going overboard on the whole East Coast pizza ideal. Yeah, sure, thin, crunchy, floury crust is good, but we're not in New York, people. Get over it.

Where Sparky's really shines is in the way they use plenty of fresh ingredients and real cheese. Yep, I said it. REAL cheese. If you want a great dinner, try the large Santa Fe. For a mere $13.99, you get the large pizza, breadsticks (you should get a side of Marinara or Ranch, depending on your preference - additional cost: $.25), and a 2-liter of soda. It's more than enough for two (maybe even three).

This place gives Hot Lips a run for the money and beats it on several points (especially price). I hope Sparky's gets their kudos on Citysearch next year because they really deserve it. Although, I'll bet they won't get many votes because they're in the middle of the northernmost part of the hood. That's unfortunate for all the fools out there who don't know what good pizza really is.