Leonardo’s
I don't usually write about restaurants on a whim, but when something really explodes my palette, it deserves a special blog entry.
I drove past this pizza place called Leonardo's at 10th and Lovejoy in the Pearl District and stopped in. I'm speechless. It is, no lie, the BEST pizza maybe not only in Portland but in the top 5 I've had in my life.
The toppings are so large it's like eating a sandwich. The ingredients are fresh and the crust is thick yet soft. What more can I say? Flat out, try this place. And here's a challenge: if any one person can eat a 23" Combo Grande by themselves and send in a photo of the experience, I'll send them a signed photograph.
I understand I'm just one human, but know that I know my pizza and you have to try this place at least once. If you don't you're missing the best pizza in Portland.
I give this a super size fries with all the the sauce you can hold in your hands. It's that good.
And if you haven't seen my other latest favs, click here with more to come soon.
December 20th, 2008 - 03:57
Ha wish I was in P-town so I could try all this stuff. Living out of state stinks!
Hehe seriously though, love reading your stuff Channing. Wish you nothing but the best this Christmas season. And here’s hoping you get back in your groove and get some PT…I know what you can do–I saw it at the end of last season. Points AND rebounds.
Merry Christmas dude….good luck against the Nugs.
December 20th, 2008 - 14:14
Is it better than Pizzaria Bianca in downtown Phoenix?
December 20th, 2008 - 15:26
Oh, man. If I wasn’t snowed in, I’d be there right now. *drools*
December 20th, 2008 - 16:22
have you tried apizza scholls, ken’s artisan, or tastebud farms? if you love pizza, they should all be checked out.
December 20th, 2008 - 21:59
Have you had Flying Pie? The Lake O location is good – but I prefer the original location on SE Stark (78th or so). That is the best pizza in Portland. But I must admit that I hadn’t heard of Leonardo’s – look forward to giving it a try!
Keep your head up, big guy – and keep working hard! (I know you will.) Your chance will come again. And you gotta be loving what this team is accomplishing! Go Blazers!
December 21st, 2008 - 08:55
Frye, I can’t wait until you get the opportunity you have been working so hard for! Slump my ASK! How the heck can you get in a SLUMP, when your playing less than 5 minutes a game. Give me a BREAK! Does anyone see what I see. If a team, and I hope it’s the BLAZERS, put you in the game and keep you in the game, to play and get in a groove, you’ll be back on TOP of your game. Your young, and dedicated to your game I just hope the BLAZERS are dedicated to you! And about the PIZZA, I hear ya! It’s the BEST….We love that spot.
December 21st, 2008 - 12:35
Ever been to Rocco’s, right across from Powell’s? Huge slices, and a great crust.
December 21st, 2008 - 15:02
I’m from Canada, but the best pizza I’ve ever had – anywhere – is A Pizza Scholls in Portland. You’ve got to try it.
December 21st, 2008 - 15:52
Channing, having lived in NY, would you really say this is the best?
Yes, there is pretty good pizza in P town, but there is still nothing better than picking up a slice in NYC.
And no one should say otherwise unless they have been there and had some themselves.
December 21st, 2008 - 17:28
A Pizza Scholls is the best, hands down. But the service is slow, I think on purpose. We call them the Pizza Nazis, like the Soup Nazi from Seinfeld. They know their stuff is good, and it’s almost like it’s our privilege to eat it. No kidding. They even have special rules, just like the Soup Nazi. Don’t even try to order a pizza with more than two toppings.
No pizza for you. Come back one year!
December 21st, 2008 - 17:29
So, I know that Portland is pretty much SHUT DOWN, because of the weather…. are you guys going to be able to FLY on, and make it to the DENVER game tomorrow?? I’m stuck in my house, all I can think about it tomorrow can’t come soon enough (to watch the game of course) how are you guys gonna manage?? :-\ ???
December 22nd, 2008 - 17:33
APizza Scholls on Hawthorne! Handmade dough, made daily – they run out NO PIZZA FOR YOU! Go early and be prepared to wait in line. Good selection of beers.
December 22nd, 2008 - 20:06
WHAT THE HELL!!!!!!!!
You didnt’ play AT ALL last game!!!!!
And now McMillian is putting IKE in and NOT you!!!?????
Ohhhhh I’m a bit UPSET!!!!!!!
WHAT is going on,… WHY him, and NOT YOU!?!?!?!?!?!
I’m SCARED, I’ve heard rumor of you being TRADED…I hope it is NOT ture, but it seems it might be a bit ture!!!!!!
CRY CRY CRY CRY CRY!!!!!!!!!!
December 26th, 2008 - 13:59
Channing, you need to go get the lunch special at Flying Pie Pizzeria. Seriously.
December 26th, 2008 - 17:44
They’re right about Apizza Scholls. The wait is long but it’s SO worth it. Far better than Rosco’s or even Flying Pie (which is great, and right near my place so I go there often). Go to Apizza Scholls, you’ll love it.
December 27th, 2008 - 09:35
Yep, Meghan is right,… Flying Pie is the BEST… order the “Ms. Piggie”,.. the Portland location has a basement… which is quiet and cozy… I’m SURE all your fans will leave you alone down there!!
December 27th, 2008 - 13:25
Channing, I’m from the east coast too but I go to Portland State. I tell you what, Hot Lips is bomb pizza man. Their pepperoni? Can’t get enough of it. Head over to the PSU campus on SW 6th and grab a slice. I don’t know where the other shops are but that’s the only one I have been to. You will definitely enjoy yourself.
And that 23″ thing? Give me some time to get up there. I’m about the same size as you and can probably put that baby down.
December 27th, 2008 - 13:29
Frye Man,
I’m telling you now that Hot Lips is some of the best pizza I’ve had up in Portland. I’m originally from the east coast like you so I know what pizza is supposed to taste like. I thought I wouldn’t be able to find anything, until I went to Hot Lips. I go to the one on the Portland State campus (SW 6th and Hall) since I’m a student there and I tell you what, I never had Leonardo’s, but this has got to be close or better.
Oh, and that 23″ challenge you got? Give me some time to go there and I’ll put it down. I’m your size and can probably take that down!
December 28th, 2008 - 00:39
We ate at Leonard’s this evening because of your review, and we weren’t disappointed–chewy crust, loads of toppings, lots of flavor… Fan-freaking-tastic pizza! Thanks so much for the recommendation!
(By the way, the server said that quite a few people had come in because of your post here–despite the recent grossness of the weather here in PDX. She was over-moon-excited about the unexpected review.)
December 28th, 2008 - 21:48
Yo Channing! We loved this place (leonardos) – it used to be on the corner of Miller and Barnes road by our house then it moved to the Pearl (ugh) along with the Mudpie… Have you been to Skyline diner for a burger or clam strips? It’s just an old cool diner out on the corner of Skyline and Cornell road. Let us know what you think if you go. We love having you on our Blazers!
December 28th, 2008 - 23:34
Chicago Style vs. New York Style.
Thick crust vs. Thin.
It’s a matter of preference. If you like thin crust, clearly many people prefer A Pizza Scholls.
Sounded like Leonardo’s was THICK style, Chicago style. In which case, SERIOUSLY CHANNING, you gotta go check out FLYING PIE PIZZARIA on 80th and SE Stark, backside of Mt. Tabor. When I was a kid, I could hardly get a slice in my mouth, the pieces were so thick with toppings.
Word.
December 28th, 2008 - 23:58
wait… no one brought up what has been the indsputed champion of portland pizza for a generation: escape from new york.
none of this flash-in-the-pan, we’re-out-of-pizza, you-cant-even-pronounce-the-names-of-our-boozhy-toppings crap. just straight up new york pizza.
that is all.
December 29th, 2008 - 10:21
Have to agree with the last one. Escape From NY is as close you can get to real NYC pizza without being there. They even have the people who work there that act like they are allowing you the privilege of eating in their little hovel. Just like I remember from my youth.
December 29th, 2008 - 14:14
Sorry bud, tried Leonardo’s per your advice. After trying it, I would say that comparing Leonardo’s to APizza Scholls or Ken’s or Tastebud is like comparing a Kia to a Ferrari.
leonardo’s is a 4-5 out of 10 while those 3 other places are an 8 or 9 out of 10
January 2nd, 2009 - 14:00
I am here right now on their free wifi waiting for my calzone. Good luck with the Hornets tonight.
January 9th, 2009 - 18:40
I found the pizza a bit heavy (very doughy crust) but still delicious.
January 22nd, 2009 - 12:07
You are the best. So dedicated to our community. Wish there were more athletes out there like you. You are right about Leonardo’s. It is delicious. The best pizza out there. There is one in Vancouver (down by Nautilus)also. It has been there since I was a kid. Keep smiling man. GO BLAZERS!!!!!
January 25th, 2009 - 19:59
First of all Channing, Leonardo’s doesn’t have a 23″ pizza, in fact the largest pizza that they offer is a 16″. Secondly, you are definitely correct about their pizza, it is profoundly amazing!! Any one in Portland needs to check out this place, the food is amazing, the environment is wonderful and the people who work there are extremely friendly. Third, I ordered the 16″ combo grande and with a great deal of effort, time and digestion, I was able to finish it. So I will be posting the pictures and look forward to that autographed picture!!
January 25th, 2009 - 20:06
How or where do I post the photos of me devouring that pizza?
January 25th, 2009 - 20:51
Since I can’t figure out where to post the pictures, here is a link to where you can see them!! Feel free to email in order to get my address for where you need to send the autographed photo!! I’m so excited!!
http://www.portlandpeople.org/loren/view_album.php?set_albumName=The-Channing-Frye-Challenge
p.s. My girlfriend Erin wanted me to make sure to mention that she is the one who found out about the challenge, talked me into doing it, pushed me through it and funded it.
March 27th, 2009 - 11:40
My wife and I went to Leonardo’s last night based upon your recommendation. Joan wanted us to let you know that you are entitled to free pizza for the not-so-foreseeable future.