09/19/09

Could be almost perfect, but...

by ACJ

The food here is generally really nice, and worth queuing for. However, living nearby, I often notice the staff outside the restaurant smoking and it is very off-putting - makes me think, do I really want to be served food by people who have just been putting cigarettes in and out of their mouths? It isn't a good advert for a food place!

• Pros: Pizzas are usually very delicious
• Cons: Some of the staff are not respectful of customers

08/31/09

More to great pizza than a wood fired oven

by nookk

There's more to great pizza than just having a wood fired oven.

I love a good thin crust pizza, and expect some char to present on a good pie. But this place is putting out enough carbon on the crust that they could be used at the Mt Tabor crits as wheels.

Something is wrong when the crust is burnt and the cheese isn't melted.

They also need tone down the sauce on the calamari, it overpowers the subtle flavors. Actually just don't serve any calamari with the dish because the flavor is lost, the sauce and crostini alone would be fine.

It is a shame to see such great ingredients so poorly handled.

• Pros: Great Crust
• Cons: Too bad it's incinerated

01/11/09

Tasty pizza amidst the hustle and bustle of a busy restaurant. mmmmm.

by caitlynpdx44

After reading the last few reviews on here, I feel I must defend one of my favorite restaurants in Portland.

I noticed that all of the reviews that complained about a 'snobby' staff came off rather snobby themselves and in turn, probably just couldn't handle someone handing them the attitude they were no doubt dishing out.

Ken's Artisan Pizza is a great place to eat. It is very busy at any given time, in fact, I have never been there when there wasn't a wait. Even right at 5pm when the doors open.

I have never had a problem with the staff. Ever. Even during the holidays. They are sometimes quick at the table and short in conversation, but nothing short of efficient and polite.

Their pizza is delicious. Thin, chewy crust, amazing sauce and light toppings. It's not your average pizza.

I would argue, incomparable to other pizzas... so stop trying.

In conclusion: If you want pizza unlike anywhere else, simple and satisfying go to Ken's. Expect a wait, a joyfully busy place and to quite possibly be seated next to someone you don't know.

It's a fun place.

• Pros: Chewy, simple, delicious pizza. Accommodating staff. Caesar to die for. yay.
• Cons: Parking can be hard. Wait seems long when you're hungry for Kens!!!