(Tookout 01/16/21 SA @ 12:00pm): Based on their reviews, this pizza joint was famous in their local neighborhood!
Living during these COVID-19 times, my roommate and I have eaten a lot of takeout pizza as we have systematically been trying all of the neighborhood pizza joints and wherever we might be which was the latter case this time with Famous Pizza. I've seen their coupon menus https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=pbuOZ41qY4jgZhLSewEhHA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw littered about at a nearby rental property for years and finally decided to give them a shot as I worked in the Valley. According to the presumed male owner I met, they have been around for over 13 years. And, as a marketing professional I succumbed to their paper spamming - damn you! Would I consider them again since I was always in the area!?
PURCHASE
Potato Curls w/Marinara Dipping Sauce ($8.99): A pure impulse buy, these thick spud curls were lightly fried with a moist steamy inside and totally a meal on its own; I was pleasantly surprised https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=LxoYHZFg7cF4wk-tv5SR7Q&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw!
10pc Spicy Chicken Wings w/Ranch Dipping Sauces ($9.99): At $1.00/piece and truly an impulse buy, these were fine but surely nothing special or memorable https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=hlF2WzqHms-bbA0YjHoxtw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw.
Chicken Caesar Salad ($10.99): Crisp romaine lettuce, seasoned croutons, Persian cucumber, shredded parmesan cheese, chicken bits, lime wedges, and Caesar dressing on the side, this was a large simple fresh salad while the dressing was flavorful with a smooth texture; not my favorite Greek salad but served its purpose in getting greens inside of me and also a meal on its own https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=k2mCcolO2CFn0zjsCDN6Ow&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw.
Artichoke Hearts & Mushroom 2-Topping 14" Large Pizza (2/$21.99 Coupon Promo): My roommate's choice, I bit burnt on top with a decent amount of fresh toppings, the thing that stood out the most was the lovely fluffy pillowy crust I probably could've comfortably slept on it and then eaten it in the morning! I wished there was more sauce, but all was fine https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=HMwE2FupRQ9cYfev5alvyA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw.
Ham & Pineapple 2-Topping 14" Large Pizza (2/$21.99 Coupon Promo): My choice, I went Hawaiian and loved every bite. The same comments from above also applied and could never have enough toppings https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=3R5-8NnNK4FjXWqlEV7ghg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw!
SERVICE
During these COVID-19 times, they recommended online orders/payment for takeout although they also accepted phone orders and walk-ups (I did the latter). The older gentleman who took my order was friendly and efficient. I knew what I wanted, placed my order, and less than 20 minutes later everything was ready to go - great job!
PARKING (FREE)
Located in a strip mall with several businesses at the intersection of Victory Blvd. and Hazeltine Ave., I found a spot in the crammed lot. Otherwise, there was plenty of street parking along the aforementioned streets - 'nuff said.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
A quaint dining area (three tables) and a single old arcade game which were not in use due to COVID-19, the vibe was mainly a pick-up order kind of joint. The orange-painted walls were covered with generic pizza parlor food framed pictures https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=2CWlgX9feOGnFvp8MGMaHQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw. Decent natural lighting came in through the signage-covered front glass windows and front door while soul-sucking fluorescent ceiling lights covered the rest. There was one TV and no background music.
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
Famous Pizza was a nice surprise and another example where targeted marketing can work. Because of its proximity to one of my family's rental properties, I would consider another visit. Frankly speaking, I'd go back only for the cloudlike crusted pizzas (the other items were nothing special) as long as the prices stayed better than comparable and the ingredients continued to be fresh while the service was fast and friendly. Plus, it was always a pleasure to support a mom & pop small business. I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $60.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 4.0 STARS read more