Fong's Pizza coming to Cedar Rapids' NewBo district

[Mr Janny]

I refuse to call this "pizza" because it's good as anything but pizza. Anybody can throw anything on a crust, that doesn't make it great just because it's creative. If it was called "Fong's Whatchamacallit on Crust", then this post wouldn't apply, but it's not, it's called Fong's Pizza. If you're going to call something by one of the greatest foods ever invented, you better at least get the fundamentals right or the rest doesn't matter.

I'm a very plain eater so when we've gone to Fong's, I've ordered basically a pepperoni or sausage pizza. Yes, I know that isn't what they're known for but it's a great test of their namesake. As just "pizza" goes, it tastes slightly better than George's Pizza (if it's even still open), but considering that tasted like burnt socks soaked in grease, the bar was pretty low.

With that said, if you're a foodie or just like weird ****, I know a lot of people that would kill for "Fong's Whatchamacallit on Crust" (aka Fong's Kindabutnotreally Pizza-ish).

Having eaten there with you on a couple of occasions, I can vouch for the honesty of your take.

I like Fongs, but I can see how it's not for everyone.

 

[Cybyassociation]

I refuse to call this "pizza" because it's good as anything but pizza. Anybody can throw anything on a crust, that doesn't make it great just because it's creative. If it was called "Fong's Whatchamacallit on Crust", then this post wouldn't apply, but it's not, it's called Fong's Pizza. If you're going to call something by one of the greatest foods ever invented, you better at least get the fundamentals right or the rest doesn't matter.

I'm a very plain eater so when we've gone to Fong's, I've ordered basically a pepperoni or sausage pizza. Yes, I know that isn't what they're known for but it's a great test of their namesake. As just "pizza" goes, it tastes slightly better than George's Pizza (if it's even still open), but considering that tasted like burnt socks soaked in grease, the bar was pretty low.

With that said, if you're a foodie or just like weird ****, I know a lot of people that would kill for "Fong's Whatchamacallit on Crust" (aka Fong's Kindabutnotreally Pizza-ish).

Well here's your problem. It's time to sack up and be an adult Jeremy. Adults eat more than just cheese and pepperoni on their pizzas.

 

[knowlesjam]

Naso's Pizza...the first one on 1st Ave before it expanded to Marion, had the best hand tossed brick pizza. The Godwin family made a bunch of pizza's in Cedar Rapids (Naso's, Flamingo, Xavier's, Winifreds...). Solid pizza.

 

[wxman1]

Naso's Pizza...the first one on 1st Ave before it expanded to Marion, had the best hand tossed brick pizza. The Godwin family made a bunch of pizza's in Cedar Rapids (Naso's, Flamingo, Xavier's, Winifreds...). Solid pizza.

Never really had any of those until I married into a family that was good friends with Ron Godwin. As an entire family I don't think we have gone anywhere but the Flamingo and Nasos.

 

[knowlesjam]

Never really had any of those until I married into a family that was good friends with Ron Godwin. As an entire family I don't think we have gone anywhere but the Flamingo and Nasos.

First real job in high school was a pizza cook at Xavier's...my dad was a good friend of Ron's. Dad would have been happy to eat Naso's every night.

 

[baller21]

Not sure I understand the dislike for Fong's.

1. Both places have a good beer selection.
2. They have the best happy hour in town. On a side note, Eatery A also has a good happy hour.
3. If you just want to go for standard pizza, then stay home and order from Pizza Hut, Papa Johns, etc.. I like the Crab Rangoon or Thai Chicken.
4. Their Tiki drinks are pretty good.

Yes, I could do without the kids at the Ankeny location but that seems to be the norm about everywhere now.

Their happy hour is great. Where else can you get a pint of Todd the Axeman and a slice of pizza for 4 bucks? They even have happy hour on Saturdays.

 

[laminak]

How does the Ankeny Fong's stack up? Wondering how much the more they branch out the more the quality of the product suffers, if at all.

That is a good concern. Zombie Burger in the Coral Ridge Mall wasn't as good as their DM locations.

 

[cyfanatic]

No mention of Leonardo's pizza in CR? Feel it isn't quite at the levels it used to be at...but still good pizza (but not near the level of Zoey's)! If we are going to steal local restaurants from the DSM area then I say we get a Tasty Taco shop to open in CR!

 

[Cybyassociation]

That is a good concern. Zombie Burger in the Coral Ridge Mall wasn't as good as their DM locations.

Zombie Burger is not a part of Full Court Press. They usually do a really nice job of rolling things out. The Iowa Taproom has had high staff turnover, but has managed to stay busy and with the addition of part/event space, should continue to do really well.

 

[knowlesjam]

No mention of Leonardo's pizza in CR? Feel it isn't quite at the levels it used to be at...but still good pizza (but not near the level of Zoey's)! If we are going to steal local restaurants from the DSM area then I say we get a Tasty Taco shop to open in CR!

Had my share of Leonardo's in the A-Frame...great pepperoni pies!

 

[wxman1]

No mention of Leonardo's pizza in CR? Feel it isn't quite at the levels it used to be at...but still good pizza (but not near the level of Zoey's)! If we are going to steal local restaurants from the DSM area then I say we get a Tasty Taco shop to open in CR!

Honestly have never had Leonardo's. Probably since I grew up in Marion and now live on the far NE side there isn't much reason to go to that side of town.

 

[laminak]

Honestly have never had Leonardo's. Probably since I grew up in Marion and now live on the far NE side there isn't much reason to go to that side of town.

At least make the trip once for their black walls and red vinyl seats.

 

[CysRage]

I'm not sure why people say there isn't good pizza in CR. Zoey's is the best Chicago style pizza outside of Chicago I've ever had. Several other places have Chicago crust as well that is very good. Here is my ranking:
1. Zoey's-best Chicago style outside of Chicago IMHO. The crust is fantastic.
2. Cappy's-also very good Chicago style
3. Ruby's-most underrated pizza place in town. Great New York and Chicago style. The few times I've went, nobody was there though.
4. Tomaso's/Roscoe's-love their Detroit style, apparently Roscoe's is the exact same pizza as Tomaso's, the Roscoe's owners left the Tomaso's franchise
5. Needs pizza- I like Needs but it's overrated, Ruby's is only a block away yet everyone goes to Needs over Ruby's

 

[knowlesjam]

I'm not sure why people say there isn't good pizza in CR. Zoey's is the best Chicago style pizza outside of Chicago I've ever had. Several other places have Chicago crust as well that is very good. Here is my ranking:
1. Zoey's-best Chicago style outside of Chicago IMHO. The crust is fantastic.
2. Cappy's-also very good Chicago style
3. Ruby's-most underrated pizza place in town. Great New York and Chicago style. The few times I've went, nobody was there though.
4. Tomaso's/Roscoe's-love their Detroit style, apparently Roscoe's is the exact same pizza as Tomaso's, the Roscoe's owners left the Tomaso's franchise
5. Needs pizza- I like Needs but it's overrated, Ruby's is only a block away yet everyone goes to Needs over Ruby's

Honestly, I've not had the chance to try any of the "new" CR pizza joints as the rest of my family moved out by 2000. We have plenty of good spots here in Omaha, but appreciate the list above if we do make it back to CR...I'm always up for a good Chicago style pie.

 

[JayV]

We really don't. Add in Tomaso's and Urban Pie (only had it once but it was good) and ther are plenty of good pizza options.

Tomaso's - yes.
Urban Pie - not so much

 

[Gonzo]

At least make the trip once for their black walls and red vinyl seats.

And a pitcher of RC Cola.

 

[urb1]

Fong's is really good, if you've have several beers before you go there. Otherwise, it is okay. Not bad, but definitely, not great.

 

[NickTheGreat]

I refuse to call this "pizza" because it's good as anything but pizza. Anybody can throw anything on a crust, that doesn't make it great just because it's creative. If it was called "Fong's Whatchamacallit on Crust", then this post wouldn't apply, but it's not, it's called Fong's Pizza. If you're going to call something by one of the greatest foods ever invented, you better at least get the fundamentals right or the rest doesn't matter.

I'm a very plain eater so when we've gone to Fong's, I've ordered basically a pepperoni or sausage pizza. Yes, I know that isn't what they're known for but it's a great test of their namesake. As just "pizza" goes, it tastes slightly better than George's Pizza (if it's even still open), but considering that tasted like burnt socks soaked in grease, the bar was pretty low.

With that said, if you're a foodie or just like weird ****, I know a lot of people that would kill for "Fong's Whatchamacallit on Crust" (aka Fong's Kindabutnotreally Pizza-ish).

I really like Fongs for what it is. But if i'm really craving some down and dirty pizza, it never comes to mind. If I"m in the mood for some Thai peanut or crab rangoon pizza? Sign me up.

Some friends of mine went once with us and we not impressed. But they're not very adventurous eaters either. They'd have rather had Casey's pizza, they said.

 

[Jer]

Having eaten there with you on a couple of occasions, I can vouch for the honesty of your take.

I like Fongs, but I can see how it's not for everyone.

Last time we were there I had something non Pizza (can’t remember what, maybe a sandwich) and it was good. While the food might not be my favorite (I’m admittedly very picky) I eat there without hesitation whenever it means family getting together.

 

[Jer]

Well here's your problem. It's time to sack up and be an adult Jeremy. Adults eat more than just cheese and pepperoni on their pizzas.

I’m allergic to dairy (and lactose intolerant to boot) so I have to order without cheese or take it off. The fewer things I order, the less likely places are to screw up and accidentally put the cheese on