When it comes to pizza in Milwaukee, it doesn't get any better than Pizza Man.
Since moving to Milwaukee several years ago, I think I've eaten at Pizza Man at least a half a dozen times, and that's not including the times Dave and I have carried out one of their hot, mouth-watering pizzas on a Friday night to enjoy at home.
There was date night back when he came to stay with me for the weekend and we first experienced Pizza Man; there was lunch with Dad when I was still in college; there was Brewers Opening Day two years ago; and there were several times when the Lake Park Bistro crew would head over after a late shift for an end-of-the-night wine and pizza fix.
The latest visit was last night with Mom and Dale. We'd told them numerous times how utterly fantastic this pizza was, but they never quite got around to paying a visit. So Dave and I took matters into our own hands and got them a gift certificate for Christmas. They generously offered to share the love and take us with them when they used it – and we happily agreed.
Located at the corner of Oakland Avenue and North Avenue on the East Side, Pizza Man is a hugely popular restaurant that first opened in 1970 and boasts one of the most extensive wine lists in the city. The place is small, dark and cozy, with a small bar that seats about eight in the main room and wine bottles stored from the floor to the ceiling behind it. Servers and hosts work speedily, scooting between the 20 or so tables that fill the two rooms, and the smells of tomato sauce, fresh veggies, fish, garlic and bread all mix in the air.
Pizza Man offers entrees such as lasagna, orange roughy, ribs, and steaks, but I wouldn't be able to tell you how they are since I can never pass up the pizza when I'm there. The pizza, I can say with confidence, is hands down the best pizza I've ever had. And I've had a lot of pizza in my day!
The crust is thin and perfectly crispy, the sauce is fresh and tangy, and the toppings choices are nearly endless. We usually go for the safe but delicious pepperoni and mushroom combo, but some of the more interesting toppings include cream cheese, crab, scallops, BBQ pork, and pineapple.
Deep-dish pizza is another option, and the menu states that guests can expect to wait about 30 minutes while it bakes. Dave and I tried it one time and weren't too impressed – the thin crust is definitely the way to go.
Pizza Man also makes the best garlic bread I've ever eaten. Long, crisp, buttery, garlic bread topped with a generous amount of parmesan cheese and – if you decide to go all out – melted mozzarella cheese. Seriously, I'm salivating just thinking about it.
The restaurant offers a pretty wide selection of appetizers, and from experience I can say that the brie plate, escargot, mushrooms, and breaded eggplant are all very tasty.
Last night we all shared the cheese bread and a 16-inch pizza and, while I had every intention of photographing our pizza before we dove in, my stomach temporarily blocked my brain and I didn't remember until one lone piece remained. Pizza Man pizza looks like pizza, though, so you're probably not missing much by not seeing a photo of our pie.
You are, however, missing A LOT if you've never tasted it!
Pizza Man doesn't take reservations, so be prepared to wait for a table, especially if dining on a weekend. We waited about an hour last night around 8:00 p.m., but the hostess took my cell phone number so that we could leave and have a drink elsewhere while we waited. We walked down to Twisted Fork, but of course, being right on the East Side, folks have plenty of options within a block or two – BBC, Von Trier, Vittuchi's, etc.
Once we made it back and were digging into our dinner, we all definitely agreed: this was pizza we'd wait for ANY day.
Dude, Cush is right next door. :^P
I want pizza really bad right now, but my personal favorite is Marty's. But eating at would be a rough date unless she's from st'Allis.
Posted by: Andre | January 14, 2007 at 06:35 PM
True - Cush is right next door. I've never been to Cush, though, so I didn't mention it. I've just heard it's a bit ... rough.
Perhaps I've heard wrong?
And Marty's is good, but it's no Pizza Man.
Posted by: Erin | January 14, 2007 at 07:39 PM
Cush is rough, but mostly just in appearance. I feel weird saying it now because I think they pulled one of their advertising slogans from me... But I like it because it is easily one of the most racially eclectic bars I've ever been to in Milwaukee.
Posted by: Andre | January 15, 2007 at 10:12 AM
Over-rated!
Try Scotty's Bar & Pizza on the corner of Clement and Howard in Bayview. It's a crappy bar, but the pizza is the best in Wisconsin and a tap beer is $1.00.
Posted by: alba | January 15, 2007 at 10:34 AM
I am in agreement w/ Alba on the overrated part.
Don't know about Scotty's, but I myself am partial to Cranky Al's on North. FYI: Cranky Al's only takes cash so be sure to hit the ATM if you plan on ordering from there.
Posted by: Audra | January 15, 2007 at 02:21 PM
You people are crazy! The only pizza that has come close to Pizza Man in my mind is Next Door Pub in Lake Geneva.
But hey, guess that's what makes the world go 'round!
Posted by: Erin | January 15, 2007 at 03:05 PM
Balistreri's on 68th is the best pizza ever.
Posted by: COurtney | January 15, 2007 at 04:49 PM
I'm with Erin on this one... Pizza Man owns all. Zaffiro's is pretty good though. Hmm...
Anyway, I can't believe someone compared Marty's to Pizza Man... now that's just laughable!
Posted by: Mark | January 15, 2007 at 06:09 PM
I like Sbarro the best =)
...kidding of course. CHAINS ARE BAD hehe.
Posted by: Christi | January 15, 2007 at 06:47 PM
I've been craving a slice from Villa Pizza at Brookfield Square since before Christmas. Otherwise, I make my own (using Boboli crust -- I know that's totally cheating).
I was planning to make chili this weekend, but now I'm going to have to make pizza too! Erin, got any other food mentions so I can start my meal planning for next week now?
Posted by: Farrah | January 15, 2007 at 07:39 PM
"Most people, when they come to New York they go straight to the Empire State Building. That's very touristy - I come here, great places to eat... We have Bubba Gump Shrimp and Red Lobster down there. Ya know, this is the heart of civilization right here!"
Posted by: Andre | January 16, 2007 at 09:28 AM
A close second to Pizza Man for those on the south side is Papa Luigis by the airport. It's the same type of pizza without the long hike to the east side.
Posted by: Sandy | January 16, 2007 at 11:32 AM
I had a piece of pizza from Villa Pizza on a long overdue shopping trip to Brookfield Square over the weekend. I don't know why I was craving it (it wasn't good at all!)
Posted by: Farrah | January 22, 2007 at 10:45 AM