Cheap Eats: Cappy's Pizzeria

Photos:

You don’t need a flux capacitor and a lightning strike to go back to a time when life was a little less complicated. Just make your way to Cappy’s, housed in a 1935 building in Seminole Heights, and you’re already there. What could be simpler than a hot slice of pizza and some Donkey Kong or a few questions from Trivial Pursuit with your calzone? This joint makes it easy to get back in touch with the importance of the simple things…great conversations and a great slice of pie.  

The Décor: Even with a compact menu, Cappy’s is a feast for the eyes and the belly alike. The bustling kitchen blends right into the large, open dining room giving you a birds-eye-view of the pie slinging and oven baking. As you sit in oversized wooden booths, you’re surrounded by memorabilia from past decades including old local pennants on the wall above the kitchen, an old Vespa suspended from the ceiling and a model train chugging along around its track. Looking down, you’ll notice the tables themselves are conversation starters. Glass-topped, they are filled with themed kitsch from Barbies and action figures to board games like Monopoly.

The Food: For starters, many locals boast Cappy’s serves up some of the best pizza in town. And I’m one of them. If you never order anything else other than a New York cheese and a large Greek, you’ll be more than happy. The classic New York style cheese ($10.50 for a large) tastes like you just grabbed a slice from the city streets…piping hot and dripping with melted cheese. Order up a large Greek salad ($8.00) for the table to share and you can feel okay about eating another slice. The Greek, with a light house vinaigrette, is piled high with fresh cucumbers, radishes, black olives, onions and peppers all on top of lettuce and some potato salad you have to dig for. Change it up sometime and get the saucy, deep-dish Chicago style (medium, single-topping is $12.00) with rich, buttery crust – so thick you need to eat it with a knife and fork. Or choose your own fillings in a gigantic calzone for $6.50 (pepperoni and basil is mouthwatering).

Why it’s a cheap eats: Most of the time the check (brought to you along with some Super Bubble gum) is around $30 for four people. Of course, that depends on how many times you get up to grab a cold bottle of beer from the case up front or order just one more pitcher.

The Feel: If a restaurant could have a personality, think of Cappy’s as having one like your friend’s big brother. You know, the one that always listened to better music and looked stylishly laid back without trying. It’s definitely a cooler version of your good-old, standby neighborhood pizza joint. With the menus listed on throwback album covers such as Abba and Michael Jackson (think Thriller era) the retro vibe exudes from every nook and cranny. The crowd ranges from boisterous families to artsy couples whispering in the booths, along with a steady stream of those coming by for takeout…no delivery here. Meet up with old friends or bring new ones to get a flavor for the eclectic neighborhood and grab a seat on the gazebo-covered patio on a nice night.

Bottom line: Cappy’s gets it right time and time again with it’s simple pies and relaxed atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to throw back a few cold ones with friends or family on a weekend night or just want a good, no-frills meal during the week you can find it here.

Inside tips: As if it really were back in the day, only your bills are accepted here. Thankfully, for the newcomers or those of us too lazy to go to the bank first, there is an ATM on site so don’t sweat it.

****

4910 N. Florida Ave.

Tampa, Fl 33603

(Cross street is South St.)

Phone: (813) 238-1516

Hours:

Sunday – Thursday, 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Friday – Saturday, 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Add a comment