Cheap Eats: The Deck

(Credit: Jacqui Anderson)

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Pizza is a simple food--dough, cheese, and tomato sauce. And, if you just look at the ingredients, it seems as though it would have a pretty universal taste across restaurants. This, however, couldn't be further from the truth. If you ask someone their favorite, you'll see that the debate is ongoing for which place is the best. Now, Tampa is not exactly known as a popular pizza city (unlike Chicago and New York) but there has to be some place to satisfy your steamy, cheesy pie cravings. For me, it will always be The Deck.

The Spot: A former house in Hyde Park, The Deck Pizza and Pub is a little hidden if you don't know what you're looking for. Most college kids and locals coming from McDinton's are well aware of it's location as you can tell by the Friday crowds. There are a few tables on the inside and, suprisingly, they do have a deck if you'd like to sit outside. The open kitchen and bar is inside which has Miller and Bud Light on tap and a small window leads to the outside for to-go orders.

If you've come for the game, you can still keep watching with flat screen TVs located inside and out. Or, if you want to be entertained with conversation, just talk to the staff who are more than welcoming.

The Pizza: This New York-style thin pizza is crisp on the bottom and soft on top. Not too greasy or soggy, yet still malleable if you like to fold your slice in half. The cheese is flavorful and the dough is fresh with a nice taste of oregano sprinkled on top. Trust me, you'll fall in love.

Of course, they don't only have pizza. You can scour the whole menu from cheesy bread and wings to subs and calzones. But, you'll be disappointed if you don't devour a slice of the pizza at least once. They don't deliver, so you'll have to eat here or take it home. It's also good to know that it's after-hours friendly in case you are having a late night.

Why it's a cheap eats: Simple. It's cheap. And, it's even cheaper if you go on Wednesday $1 pizza night. That's $1 a slice. And $5 for a cold pitcher. Make sure it's a plain cheese pizza though, because the deal doesn't work with toppings.

The Feel: The restaurant isn't dressy and you don't have to be either. This is a pleasant change from the other upscale restaurants and bars in the surrounding area. The service is usually quick except on the busy nights like Friday and Saturday. And, dollar pizza night is usually pretty packed as well.

The Bottom Line: If you're dying for a good pizza, your search is over. The Deck is a must try. It's family friendly during the day, and tends to the college crowd with the munchies at night. But it's not the crowd that really matters, it's the amazing food. So give it a shot, and if you think you've found a better pizza place outside of New York City itself, I'm up for the challenge. Good luck.

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The Deck Pizza & Pub
2202 W Platt St
Tampa, FL 33606
813-250-1525

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