cappy’s pizzeria
Last Friday night we were in the mood for pizza and wanted to try a place we hadn’t been to before so we decided on Cappy’s Pizzeria on Bay to Bay in Palma Ceia. I had received generally positive feedback about Cappy’s after my review of the Gourmet Pizza Company a few months ago so I thought it was worth giving this independent pizzeria a try.
Last year, Cappy’s moved from its long-time location on SOHO into an old two-story bungalow on Bay to Bay. I like the location and the funky style of the place. We had expected the restaurant to be busy, since it was a Friday evening. What we didn’t expect was that the place would be packed with little kids and families. Our wait for a table was made more bearable, though, by Cappy’s cool “serve yourself” beer case. This fits perfectly with the vibe of the place, minus the rug rats.
After about a thirty minute wait, we were seated. Cappy’s menu smartly keeps things simple. We decided upon a small Greek salad to split as a starter, an order of cheese bread, and a medium-sized deep-dish “Cappy” pizza. “The Cappy” is their name for a supreme. After placing our order, I looked around and noticed that most folks were eating Cappy’s New York-style pizza and not the deep dish Chicago-style, but at this point I still thought we were in okay shape. How wrong I was.
First out was our Greek salad and cheese bread. While the Greek salad was delicious and better than I expected, the cheese bread was a little disappointing. While the bread tasted fresh, it could have used some garlic and other seasonings to make it a little more interesting.
As for our pizza, not only was it drenched in sauce, which overwhelmed the flavor of the toppings, but the sauce itself was pretty bland. The toppings also seemed non-existent. For the above average price, I expected more. I’m no expert on deep dish pizza, but this certainly wasn’t a pizza I’d wait in line for again. I’m guessing that Cappy’s New York-style pizza is what brings people back.
Whatever the case, Cappy’s might have the best New York-style pizza in the world, but their deep dish makes me cautious to go back. Cappy’s is only open at night and cash-only. I’d wait until after 7pm on the weekend, otherwise you may feel like you’ve stepped into Chuck E. Cheese. Parking is tight. There is also a second Cappy’s location in Seminole Heights. The Seminole Heights location did flawless on its last health inspection, while the Bay to Bay location didn’t do nearly as well.
I still have Eddie & Sam’s NY Pizza in downtown Tampa on my list to check out. What other local pizza joints do you think I should try?
Bottom-line: I can’t speak for the old location in SOHO, but I like the vibe and atmosphere of the Bay to Bay location. We didn’t have a good experience with their Chicago-style deep dish pizza, but maybe you’ll have more luck with their New-York style pie.
Inspection Scorecard: Last Inspection – December 2006 – Violations – Critical (8), Non-Critical (3).
Tags: palma ceia, restaurant, review, seminole heights, tampa
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January 25th, 2007 at 5:12 pm
People seem to be pretty split on Cappy’s. I LOVE their deep dish pepperoni- best pizza ever. Their NY is also excellent, my favorite is w/ feta and artichoke hearts. You should really check out the SH location- it is a great place.
January 25th, 2007 at 5:41 pm
i tried the old soho spot a few times, but they closed so early, like 9pm and chairs up, it was only rare visits. i dont like the cash only policy. crazy. not customer friendly nor are the prices any lower to reflect the savings to the bottom line of the owners by not using visa etc. im among the somewhat mystified by the cult that seems to like this joint. the ny pizza ive had was average, barely flavored. havent tried bay to bay and may never, even though i live around the corner. i still say cellini on lower bayshore is the best pizza in town, or was. admittedly, i havent been there in awhile.
January 25th, 2007 at 6:44 pm
We love Cappy’s. And now that they came to Seminole Heights, we do go there from time to time.
January 25th, 2007 at 9:58 pm
Agreed- cash only is a love-hate thing. Cappy’s prices aren’t high, but a little more than I expected.
The SH location sounds like it’s doing well. Will keep in mind for future. Only other place I’ve eaten at in SH is the Taco Bus one weekend.
Any idea what the cross street for Cellini- bayshore and..?
Based on feedback I’ve gotten, it sounds like Pizza Suprema up on BBD and County Line is a winner.
January 26th, 2007 at 8:55 am
cellini is at bayshore and interbay in a small plaza
January 26th, 2007 at 12:05 pm
While the pizza at Cappy’s is not awful I have always thought it was highly overrated. And I’ve been to both locations. I’ll eat there if my friends want to go there, but I’ve definitely had better. Same with Eddie and Sam’s. Two great pizza places, although they are across the bay are Queen’s Pizza and Country Pizza Inn. Several locations of both throughout Pinellas although I think Country Pizza Inn on North 19 and Queen’s on Belcher Road are better than the others.
January 26th, 2007 at 12:52 pm
DAF- thanks for the two ideas (Queen’s and Country Pizza Inn- I’ve heard of the latter before). What about Pizza Suprema- ever been?
thanks-
January 26th, 2007 at 1:42 pm
Try New York, New York Pizza Bar and Grill in Ybor City at 7th Av. and 15th St. (2 doors east of the Blue Shark). Their thin crust New York, New York Supreme Pizza is wonderful and reasonably priced. Best part?!! They are the only resturaunt in Ybor that delivers!! They are open from 11:00 am until about 1:00 am. in the morning.
January 28th, 2007 at 10:28 am
Eddie and Sam’s – Hands down, the BEST NY style pizza around the bay area. I hail from Brooklyn, so I’m always on a quest for the best NY style. Made with NY water, it’s what makes the difference. Their store is very reminiscent of being back in NY, you will not be disappointed.
Also tried deep dish from Cappy’s, and I have to say I won’t bother next time, their NY style is a bit better.
Also, if you like Gourmet Pizza, try Sally O’Neils Pizza on Howard, it’s where Gourmet got all their recipes from anyway
January 28th, 2007 at 9:47 pm
I’ve heard this before about Eddie & Sam’s using NYC water- gotta try this place for lunch sometime and put it to the test
Have been to Sally O’Neal’s once- thought it was ok, like Gourmet Pizza Co better, but last time we were there the dough tasted off. Pizza Suprema is also on my list now.
thanks again-
February 25th, 2007 at 7:09 pm
Reading all the negative reviewer’s comments on Cappy’s Chicago style pizza makes me laugh. I have tried Chicago style pizza all around this country and Cappy’s is the closest to what you’ll find in the windy city. Too much sauce! Are you kidding me… Thats like saying the Chicago style pizza has too thick of a crust… If you like New York style pizza THEN ORDER NEW YORK STYLE….If you like Chicago style, then go to Cappys. Best Chicago style pizza outside of Chicago.
February 25th, 2007 at 7:45 pm
Glad to hear the Cappy’s Chicago style is so authentic.
I still won’t make the mistake of ordering it again, but nice to know it’s at least an accurate representation of the real thing
March 16th, 2007 at 2:22 pm
[...] has checked out a couple pizza joints, including 12th seeded Cappy’s in Palma Ceia and #1 seed Gourmet Pizza Company in Soho. My personal favorite is Babe’s Pizza, which is not [...]
April 2nd, 2007 at 6:06 pm
[...] original plan for dinner on Friday had been to try out Cappy’s again. This time we planned to order Cappy’s New York style pizza. The place was crowded when we [...]
May 11th, 2007 at 3:04 am
The best NY style pizza in Tampa is at Stephannno’s Pizzeria and Italian Eatry in Seminole Heights. They are located on Florida Ave, just four blocks South of Sligh Ave.
May 11th, 2007 at 3:04 am
The best NY style pizza in Tampa is at Stephannno’s Pizzeria and Italian Eatry in Seminole Heights. They are located on Florida Ave, just four blocks South of Sligh Ave.
July 16th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
Have not been impressed with the quality of the pizza at Cappy’s, and have been quietly waiting to discover a new or different pizza place to become my favorite. Stephano’s was quite good, located close by on Florida, but the quality inconsistent. Status: still looking. (I live near Lowry Park Zoo)