Restaurant - DeAngelo's Pizzeria
Location - Baton Rouge, LA
Meal - Lunch
Date - February 9, 2010
The Set-Up - More often than not, a mid-morning medical appointment at the Oschner Clinic on Bluebonnet Blvd is followed by lunch at DeAngelo's Pizzeria about a mile down the street. From a humble start in a small space in a strip mall, DeAngelo's has grown over the last twenty years into one of Baton Rouge's most popular restaurant chains. Founder Louis DeAngelo, then about twenty years old, borrowed money from his family and brought their recipe for New York-style pizza to Baton Rouge, a market where Pizza Hut was still the best choice if you didn't want to eat pizza in a bar.
Today, there are four DeAngelo's restaurants in Baton Rouge proper, two in nearby Denham Springs and Prairieville, LA and two more across the state in Lake Charles, LA. I've been a loyal fan of DeAngelo's pizzas and pastas (not to mention salad and garlic bread) for the whole run.
The Meal - I know what I like, and that's what I eat. On this day I got my standard 10" pizza on regular crust with pepperoni, anchovies and roasted red peppers. Kay went with soup and salad - probably the Isabella, which features Asiago cheese and a wonderful shallot vinaigrette dressing. It's probably my favorite salad anywhere. Kay often gets pizza with a whole wheat crust. Kallie, though not with us on this trip, is a fan of the crawfish diavolo. I also enjoy the Little Italy Foccaccia-Latta - Italian meats and vegetables on wrapped flat bread.
Drinks - Along with making the best salad in Baton Rouge, DeAngelo's serves the best iced tea. At dinner we usually choose from the wine list, which is a very nice one for a restaurant that started as a pizzeria.
Ambience - DeAngelo's has upgraded their restaurants over the years to the point that they about the nicest pizzerias you're likely to find. Despite the sign at the Bluebonnet restaurant, they're trying to move away from the pizzeria tag to be known as Louis DeAngelo's Casual Italian Dining.
Service - DeAngelo's uses the team approach as well as any restaurant in Baton Rouge. Essentially any member of their staff, including managers and hostesses, will help with any request.
The Check - Our bargain lunch (one small pizza; one soup and salad; two soft drinks) came in at less than $30, including tax and tip. Ordering entrees and wine can push the bill up, but at any meal DeAngelo's provides good value.
The Scoreboard (one-to-five scale)
Food - Five - The best pizza and salad in Baton Rouge.
Drinks - Five - If iced tea can be a five, DeAngelo's qualifies.
Ambience - Five - Many DeAngelo's restaurants feature works by local artists.
Service - Five
Price/Value - Five - As you can probably tell, I really like DeAngelo's.
Overall Assessment
Special Occasion
Favorite - The menu isn't quite special occasion worthy, but based on the dozens of meals I've eaten at DeAngelo's over the years, favorite definitely describes our relationship.
Very Good
Good Enough
If Hungry Enough
Keep Driving and Looking
Other Info -
7550 Bluebonnet Blvd. (Bluebonnet Village Ctr)
Baton Rouge , LA 70810
Phone: 225-761-4465
Other Baton Rouge locations are on Jefferson Highway, Coursey Blvd (at Hickory Ridge) and Lee Drive (at Burbank).
Hours:
Monday 11am to 9pm
Tuesday to Saturday 11am to 10pm
Sunday 11am to 9pm
Louis DeAngelo's Casual Italian Dining
Monday 11am to 9pm
Tuesday to Saturday 11am to 10pm
Sunday 11am to 9pm
Louis DeAngelo's Casual Italian Dining
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