Tommy’s Pizza, located at the corner of Lane and Neil Avenues, has a solid reputation for quality pizza pies. Without exception, every single person I’ve spoken to has given Tommy’s high marks. But does it really measure up? Let’s find out today as we take an uncompromising look at one of the cornerstones of Ohio State’s pizza industry.
Look, if you’re like me then you’re lazy as hell. How many of you are actually industrious enough to contemplate picking up your pizza instead of waiting for delivery? We`re a society of television remotes, cruise control, and electric-powered wheel chairs. That said, if there’s one glaring defect in the way Tommy’s does business, it’s their lack of delivery service.
This, of course, is forgiven the moment you try the pizza. My co-masticator Brian comments, “The distinctive thing about Tommy’s pizza is the crust. It’s heavier than most thin crusts yet manages to stay crisp.”
My father, the hillbilly genius that he is, would tell me, “Son, that crust’s like a sore peter. You can’t beat it.” The sauce, cheese and toppings are all of a high caliber as well. You might rightfully ask, “Is the pizza delicious enough to warrant the price and aforementioned drive?” No.
Now put down the torches for a moment and hear me out. Tommy’s pizza is great when your group decides to dine out and is in the pizza mood. Fortunately for the pizza, beer and Thundercats set, the OSU community is ringed with any number of pizza chains that will deliver a comparable product straight to your couch for less money. God bless America.
Unbeknownst to many, Tommy’s offers a number of items besides pizza. I ordered the lasagna for $8.25 and was a little disappointed. There are allegedly three cheeses in it, but I had trouble finding cheese at all. There were, however, generous amounts of mediocrity in every nook and crevasse. The noodles were cooked a little too long, leaving them limp and flaccid. Hell, while I’m complaining, the tomato sauce at Tommy’s is good but could use some garlic and oregano to tone down the sweetness.
The lasagna came with a small salad and dinner rolls. Neither was particularly breathtaking. The salad was your standard bagged iceberg lettuce and tomato wedge with industry standard rolls.
Co-masticator Josh tried the Italian sub and comments, “The breath this thing gave me will render me gameless with the ladies for at least three days. It is a great sub, though, and really hot and spicy. The sub buns here are crispy but not rock hard. Mine came stuffed with a ton of meats and vegetables.” Personally, I think it’s a poor man who blames his lack of game on his sandwich.
One of the best things at Tommy’s is their cheesy garlic bread. While it definitely could use a bit more garlic, the bread comes overflowin’ with provolone. Hey, that rhymes. Seriously though, if you’re willing to drive out to get your pizza you owe it to yourself to try some garlic bread too.
Tommy’s offers a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, Happy Hour specials from 3-6 p.m. and non-smoking seating.
Hank Mylander is a junior in information systems from Westerville. All questions and concerns can be e-mailed to [email protected].
