Pizza Man Pub
by Jolene Carr

Noticing the juxtaposition between an early 20th century opera house upstairs and a lower level bar and eatery with a virtual sign flashing images of promised entrees, I was intrigued with Pizza Man's Pub before even setting foot inside.
The interior of the 26 year-old business is split between a small shop for takeout and a new pub/dining section added in 2007. Owner James Delia's eight high-definition televisions, featuring local games or NFL Sundays and professional hockey, basketball and baseball, make the pub a paradise for any sports savant while the enchanting vintage ceiling tiles and classic mahogany bar offer an atmosphere appealing to all customers.
Families and younger fans of the nightlife will appreciate the range of entertainment offered. Monday nights bring NFL trivia and a chance at SU ticket giveaways, with newly-added trivia on Wednesdays. Local musicians and music-lovers file in on Thursdays with guitars for open-mic night, while Fridays welcome parents after the Baldwinsville football game lets out and the 21-30 year-olds later on. Every Saturday the front tables are cleared to make room for acts like Elephant Shoes, McArdell and Westers, and Leonard James. On Karaoke Nights, participants are projected on the big screen and broadcast outside to draw in a bigger crowd.
The Delias give every customer some of the friendliest service around, with pleasant conversation to make you feel right at home. They hardly ever rely on advertisements for new activities or specials, since satisfied visitors spread the word and bring in new faces.
A wide variety of Friday night specials made it difficult for me to choose something to eat. Just when I thought I was sold on Mark's Famous Macaroni and Cheese Platter, a chat with Delia about his family recipes for sauce, dough, and sausage along with a tour of the kitchen filled with a tempting aroma made me switch to the pizza choices. I was impressed with the pub's mastery of Chicken Wing Pizza with a not-too-spicy taste, not-too-soggy texture, and my only regret was skipping something made with his famous sauce. There’s no secret what made them the 2002-2008 People’s Choice Award winners for Best Pizza in Baldwinsville.
Interested readers can visit Pizzamanbville.com for a basic menu, daily specials, and list of concerts featured through October. Lots of pizza shops will boast about their homemade ingredients, but not many reviewers will write that they've actually tasted “the best slice of pizza.”