If someone told me 3 years ago that I'd be doing something on Main St. other than grabbing the occasional coffee at Community Bakery, I might have guffawed. Or scoffed. Or more likely just raised an eyebrow. Now the epicenter of a growing revitalization of downtown that has seen the return of Bruno's, the emergence of South on Main, and the Loblolly Soda Jerk in the Green Corner Store, Main Street (and particularly South Main, SOMA) recently welcomed the brick oven workings of Piro.
Set just south of South on Main, Piro features a wide variety of delicious pizza, fresh salads, Italian tapas (primos?), and, just as importantly, boasts a large beer and beverage list. They also source many of their ingredients locally, giving every bite a fresh taste. Great sit down, beer and pizza kind of place.
Menu: ★★★★☆
Lots of options on the pizza and salad side of things, extensive beer and beverage offerings, something for everyone.
Food: ★★★☆☆
Pizza was good-- brick oven pizza is incredibly delicate and can lose a lot of moisture if it goes just a few seconds too long, and that was unfortunately the case with our H.A.M.Cetta. Otherwise delicious. Our Funghi just lacked a little punch that a dash of seasoning might have cured, but was otherwise great. The star of our dinner was actually the burratta appetizer. Big hunk of creamy, soft, mildly sweet/salty cheese with a tangy basalmic drizzle and plenty of toasted sourdough.
Atmosphere: ★★★★☆
Great location, easy parking. Interior is modern with rustic accents, nice bar area, plenty of two tops for a quick lunch date or evening out.
Service: ★★★☆☆
Wait staff was friendly and helpful. We brought the young one, and were in need of a high chair. As I stood by our table waiting on the high chair to arrive, I watched as our waiter stopped and talked for a while with some of the other wait staff. It was an easy mistake to make, but is frustrating as a customer. Won't keep me from going back.
Set just south of South on Main, Piro features a wide variety of delicious pizza, fresh salads, Italian tapas (primos?), and, just as importantly, boasts a large beer and beverage list. They also source many of their ingredients locally, giving every bite a fresh taste. Great sit down, beer and pizza kind of place.
H.A.M.cetta |
Menu: ★★★★☆
Lots of options on the pizza and salad side of things, extensive beer and beverage offerings, something for everyone.
Food: ★★★☆☆
Pizza was good-- brick oven pizza is incredibly delicate and can lose a lot of moisture if it goes just a few seconds too long, and that was unfortunately the case with our H.A.M.Cetta. Otherwise delicious. Our Funghi just lacked a little punch that a dash of seasoning might have cured, but was otherwise great. The star of our dinner was actually the burratta appetizer. Big hunk of creamy, soft, mildly sweet/salty cheese with a tangy basalmic drizzle and plenty of toasted sourdough.
Atmosphere: ★★★★☆
Great location, easy parking. Interior is modern with rustic accents, nice bar area, plenty of two tops for a quick lunch date or evening out.
Service: ★★★☆☆
Wait staff was friendly and helpful. We brought the young one, and were in need of a high chair. As I stood by our table waiting on the high chair to arrive, I watched as our waiter stopped and talked for a while with some of the other wait staff. It was an easy mistake to make, but is frustrating as a customer. Won't keep me from going back.