There are a bunch of ways to get a pizza. You can get your pizza via take out, delivery, super fast and highly customizable chain shops, or by the slice, but there is something unique about a pizza joint. I’m talking about the place you go after the Friday night softball game or for a kid’s birthday party. It has to have most, if not all of the following characteristics.
Room for large groups - where families and teams can spread out.
Claw machines/arcade games - entertainment while you wait.
Beer in a pitcher - the way nature intended.
Unbelievably loud atmosphere - the authentic soundtrack of a pizza joint.
Long bench seats - classic family-style seating.
Pebbled plastic cups - you know the ones.
Television on the wall - probably playing sports. A great reason to yell in a restaurant.
Kids sprinting full speed - the ultimate sign of a family pizza place.
They may sponsor your local youth soccer or High School Football team.
The Riverside Lineup
Romano's Mission Grove
285 E. Alessandro Blvd.
Romano’s Mission Grove is more than a Pizza Joint but it meets enough of the qualifications to make the list. It’s a proper Italian restaurant, concert lounge, and sports bar. The inclusion of an arcade and seating for kids parties make it an easy add.
Tommy Salami's
17040 Van Buren Blvd.
Tommy Salami’s is new to the neighborhood but not to the pizza game. The latest Romano’s spinoff wouldn’t have made the list a couple of months ago. The addition of an arcade/party room has them on the list. The pizza is excellent but the sandwiches are a standout in a town where we take our sandwiches very seriously.
Capone's
7207 Arlington Ave.
Capone’s has been at it since 1988. This is a Pizza Joint in the most classic sense. Long bench seats, bar seating, pizzas too big to cut into triangles, Enzo’s does it very well. I watched the liveliest Dodgers crowd outside of the Chavez Ravine, at Capone’s, during last year's World Series. Bring your “Let’s Go!” and “Yeah, Baby!” to Capone’s
Enzo's
10170 Indiana Ave.
Enzo’s is a staple for the Arlington South/Presidential Park crowd. The breadsticks are reason enough. Enzo’s is always generous with their toppings and can't miss with their pasta dishes.
Papa Joe's
5115 Jurupa Ave.
There are a couple Papa Joe’s around town. Pizza is good no matter which you choose but if you want to give your kid a few bucks for the token machine and have them disappear while the grown-ups talk. It’s the location on Jurupa you’re looking for. One of the better Pizza Joint Arcades, it’s bigger than looks from outside and the ultra casual environment is great if you want to get the family out of the house but don’t want to make it too big of a deal.
Getaway Cafe
3615 Canyon Crest Dr.
The Getaway is the college bar you see in movies. It’s on campus, has a pool table, a pop-a-shot machine, a great beer selection and one of the better pizzas in town. It is located next to Sub Station and across from the Athletic fields. It has a great patio and a perfect bar food menu for those looking to eat other than pizza.
Residents challenge March JPA's promises of jobs and community benefits at April 8 meeting, citing lack of details and fears of warehouse-dominated development.
