1 Upper Crust Pizza
329 Old Santa Fe Trail
505-982-0000
The pleasure of eating at Upper Crust has a lot to do with its beautiful front patio. Sitting high above Old Santa Fe Trail, shaded by latillas, sipping a cold beer and crunching on a slice of pizza, life seems particularly good.
That must be why Upper Crust wins this category every year. The whole-wheat crust (it’s an option) gives a nice flavor and weight to the pizza’s foundation. It pairs particularly well with some of Upper Crust’s full-flavored toppings, such as anchovies, Kalamata olives, pine nuts, feta and sun-dried tomatoes. The delicate plain crust doesn’t interfere with the sweet-tart mingling of Canadian bacon, pineapple and mushrooms. We like whole wheat with the Meat Treat (do you really need details? It’s a huge pile of meat) and plain with the BBQ Chicken (so what if it’s not traditional?). Solo diners can buy by the slice or go for a calzone, a sub or a salad.
Sure, Upper Crust will deliver if you live or work nearby, but then you’d miss out on the experience of sitting out on the patio and watching the city go by.
2 Back Road Pizza, 1807 Second St., Bldg. 1, 505-955-9055
5 Bisbee Court, 505-474-8188
3 Il Vicino, 321 W. San Francisco St., 505-986-8700