Restaurant review: Pizzology Mass Ave

Pizzology has earned a good reputation in its first location and it is no surprise the second location is doing just fine as will the third location opening soon with name-to-remember Ed Sawyer  caretaking spot 3 in the Village of West Clay.

Having the restaurateur with the golden touch, Neal Brown, at the helm locks in high quality, locally sourced food and craft beer options.

Located in the old Aesop's Tables premium spot, Pizzology offers a window seat to virtually everyone and an outdoor eating area, which is always appreciated in this town. The decor is stark (as seems to becoming the norm) and playful.

The staff on ~ Every. Single. Visit. ~ was over-the-top professional, friendly, efficient and worked as a team. From the front door's hostesses to seating to ordering and the remainder of each visit the service was impeccable. No waiting for a check, no searching for a server who disappeared... because they were attentive and on-the-spot with refills, suggestions off the menu and the one time a server did not have an answer, he immediately found out and returned with it. I can easily say this is the hands-down best service I have seen in the casual dining group in a long time.

Ed Sawyer

Smack dab in the middle of the Arts & Theatre district, at 608 Mass Ave., makes it convenient for those attending live performances at Old National Centre, Phoenix Theatre, Theatre on the Square, and First Friday art patrons.

Hostess ~ Sara Brady

I stopped in several times. The first couple of times we ended up not trying the pizza somehow, so I went back with a fellow pizza fan and we tried one. Then (naturally) another trip was needed to try different toppings. Altogether I have tried out this eatery six times since they opened (May 20) through August 1.

So, let's get to what you really want to know...
Salads. I love a truly great salad. I do. These didn't hit the mark of greatness. And, oddly enough, the portions were rather small compared to all the other dishes on each visit.

This pizza is not going to be for everyone. It is Napolese style, so it is thin crust. If you are like me then you like a variety and this spot serves it hot with a nice selection of specialties.

Here is a key factor with Pizzology, however. The pizza, although fine, isn't my favorite selection on
the menu.

Whaaaaat? Yes, I said that out loud in front of God and everybody.

So what do I recommend you select off the menu?

Mussels. PEI mussels so tender and juicy they will call your name when you least expect it. Served as an appetizer built for two, this could easily be served as an entree. As the menu reads: Italian Mussels, one pound of fresh PEI mussels, salumi, garlic, white wine, olive oil, fresh herbs. No matter what else happens, request an extra order of bread sticks with this. You will thank me later.

Bottom Line: Go counter intuitive and order the non pizza items for the best of what Pizzology has to offer.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave writes food and wine magazine columns ~ Destination Dining and White Linen & Corks, is a magazine and newspaper journalist and photographer covering travel, food, wine & spirits, luxury, hotels, spas, et al, as well as a restaurant and performing arts critic. Catch her as Fox 59 Morning News Show's Travel & Leisure expert. Find her also at GottaGo.us, BroadwayWorld.com and FoodDigital.com. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.