Almost 49 years ago, Capn’s Galley Pizza and Pipes opened its doors for the first time. Over the next 15 years, eight more similar stores were opened in Northern California and Washington. In 1979, the restaurant in Santa Clara was remodeled with a sports car racing theme and then in the new millenium, the pipe organ was retired and the restaurant became Pizza Party to best reflect the current atmosphere.
But do not let the historical reputation sell you. The pizza speaks for itself. The crust is soft and springy, and crisped to a golden brown on the bubbly edges. The not-too-sweet sauce is added in just the right amount. Next, a gooey blend of melted cheese is layered atop the sauce. And finally, chunky, fresh ingredients are mounded on each pizza. The topping amounts are extremely generous and seem to voluntarily spill off of the platter as they are served to the plate. The entire pizza is presented together atop the crust in a symphonic medley of flavors.
The salads are fresh and generous. The ingredients are fresh and crisp. The menu includes appetizers, desserts and ice cream, sandwiches and pasas. Also, gluten-free and vegan substitutes are available.
Pizza Party is definitely a place to bring the whole crew. The arcade room, air hockey table, video games, slot toy machines, kids play house, books, butcher paper, crayons and coloring books provide hours of entertainment. In addition, one free mini pizza per child is earned for every $7.50 of purchase. There is also a high definition big screen TV in the dining room, which can play your personal event.
Pizza Party is doing their part to help out during a low economy. The rewards program is beneficial. Last year over $20,000 in certificates were given out. And if you are the adventurous type (or are simply training to be a food eating champion), the Belly Buster Challenge may be just the thing for you. If you can eat the 20″ Belly Buster in under one hour, you will receive your entry fee in the form of a refund, one free XL pizza per month for a year, your picture on the Wall of Fame, a free T-shirt and a certificate for your next Belly Buster. There are numerous photos on the Wall of Shame and 27 on the Wall of Fame. And their guarantees cannot be beat. If you don’t like your pizza, it’s free. And if you get a bad pizza from anyone else, Pizza Party will replace it for free.
The staff is amiable and accommodating. Everyone is treated like family. At Pizza Party, you can dine in, get your pizza to go, fundraise for your favorite program or get your next meal catered or delivered. I, for one, have frequented Pizza Party more times than I would care to enumerate. As a busy mother of four, I have added Pizza Party to my mobile phone contacts list.
Pizza Party
(408) 248-5680
3581 Homestead Road
Santa Clara, CA 95051
www.PizzaPartyOnline.com
Entrées range from $7 – $12
Note: All reviews are conducted anonymously and are typically based on one visit. The Santa Clara Weekly pays for all meals. For comments, questions or suggestions, email April Jones at AprilJanetJones@yahoo.com.