This particular pizzeria has a story to it that goes back to 2011, during the original pizza whore tour. There are a few legs to this story. SPOILER ALERT - THE STORY HAS A HAPPY ENDING!
It all started on 4th of July, 2011. I had realize that I had not had pizza yet for the day and didn't want to ruin my streak. I heard great things now from multiple people about this Ralph's in Nutley, so I just had to try it out. I headed on over there around 5:30pm and they had nothing but old looking, overcooked slices of leftovers. I could not let that be my experience at this legendary place, so I left.
Fast forward to later that summer. I headed over there with my buddy, Oppy for some lunch. To be honest, I was not blown away at all. Sorry to say. It was MUCH better than it looks though. A little too much of a burnt taste for me (and I was told that is the style they have.) Crust a little dry and the chicken on the buffalo slice was a little dry. It did grow on me as I got further into it. Middle of the pack for me. But glad I went. Oppy seemed to love it. He had the sausage and pepperoni slices.
Now we move forward even more. On Labor Day of 2012, I moved to Nutley with Kristyn. I figured that if I was going to live in Nutley, I should really give this place another look. After all, I don't want to miss out on a gem of a place in my new hometown. I went back a few more times, and each time, I have to say that I liked it a little more. It seems as if it was becoming a little bit of an acquired taste.
At this point, I can honestly say that although it is not my favorite pizza place, there are days where I absolutely crave this pizza. I have fallen into loving the Buffalo chicken slice, a sausage slice and then I usually go back up for another plain slice. They are not large slices, so I don't feel bad about the 3 slices.
Here is the real deal - the pizza is certainly well done. The crust is consistently crispy. In fact, the crust can be hard, NEVER DROOPY. When you order slices off the shelf, the slice is slightly dry, but when there is more sauce on it, it's actually perfect! The plain pie is a completely different experience when you order a full pie. There is something different about their fresh hot full pie that blows away their slices. I do think it's an acquired taste and I'm very glad that I acquired it. It is like no slice I've had before and they stay true to their concept of a slice of pie.
They are an award winning pizzeria and restaurant and I give 2 thumbs up!
Ralph's Website
COMMENTS FROM FACEBOOK:
Chris Opperman: Not as good as Bruno's or Mario's, but a solid piece of pie.
Brian Berlinski: The west coast sorely needs a proliferation of east-coast style pizzerias.
Sharon Klein Roché: I lived in Nutley for 2 years and only went to Ralph's once. I definitely didn't think it was worth the hype!
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