Home Slice Pizza
28 S. St. Clair Toledo, 43604
419-724-7437
Mon-Tue: 11a.m.-11p.m. Wed-Thur: 11a.m.-12a.m.
Fri: 11a.m.-2a.m. Sat: 2:30p.m.-2:30a.m.
Sun: 2:30p.m.-11p.m.
www.facebook.com/toledo.homeslice
Some time ago in this column I referenced my Pizza Posse, comprised of three families who absolutely love pizza in any shape or form. We introduce each other to a different pizza place around town every few months. Recently, we meandered downtown to a pizza joint none of us had experienced before. Home Slice Pizza is just steps from Toledo’s fabulous Fifth Third Field, and a couple blocks from the home of the Walleye.
Always home, even if your team isn’t
Guilty as charged. I am going to say, with some degree of certainty, that many of you out there are like me when it comes to restaurants downtown. Sometimes, they are simply off our radar unless we’re going to the theatre, to cheer on the Walleye, or to watch the Hens at home.
Restaurants are growing in number downtown. And guess what? Just like Home Slice Pizza, they are home even when your favorite team is not! Toledo is the twenty-minute town. That is one of the things I love best about living here. I can get anywhere in 20 minutes or less. So what are you waiting for? Get downtown, Toledo!
Home Slice has many fans
According to manager Matt Brown, area resident Ed Knight opened Home Slice Pizza about nine years ago. At that time, they were the only New York style pizzeria in Toledo. Chicago is known for the pizza pie, that deep dish pizza you might want to attack with a fork. New York style pizza has an ultra-thin crust and is cut in large triangular slices that most people fold in half before devouring.
According to Mr. Brown, the top seller is their Soprano, basically a deluxe pizza. Brown added, that the potato pizza with potatoes, bacon, cheddar and ranch is quite popular. I am anxious to try that on our next visit. The spinach artichoke dip pizza and buffalo chicken pizzas were home runs with our crew. The flavors of each of those pizzas were perfectly blended and you couldn’t eat just one slice – or even two for that matter. Keep in mind that the pizza is very thin, so though an XXL pizza might sound huge, you will eat it all. I promise. Since our group is all about sampling everything, the kids opted against ordering the personal size pizzas, but those are an option if you have some picky eaters in tow. And if your little ones need a little assistance with drinks, just ask your waiter for a disposable cup with a lid and they’ll be happy to oblige.
I should mention we started our meal with some awesome cheese bread and concluded the meal with Home Slice Cinnabread. Though we had tunnel vision for pizza only, their large menu also includes eight types of subs and sandwiches as well as calzones and stromboli. They offer salads of course, but who would want to fill up on rabbit food with all of that pizza to delve into? Can you say, ‘feeding frenzy’?
Fun atmosphere
The downstairs has a few small tables, but the real fun is upstairs. I love the attributes of the old building and the interior brick walls add to the rustic feel. There’s even an outside deck for additional seating. The bar boasts lots of craft beers and a large selection on tap. By the time we were heading out, live music was just starting. We enjoyed a couple songs before heading home to get the younger ones to bed. They’re already asking to go back.
Hopefully you’ll have a chance to meet Winfield. You can’t miss him as he’ll be the lively waiter/bartender sporting the cat t-shirt. Our Pizza Posse comprised of Team Uno, Team 2, and Team Yellow say thanks for an entertaining visit, Winfield!
Bottom Line: Sometimes, you just can’t beat great pizza, fun, and the idea that you are supporting local business. Home Slice Pizza is just steps from Fifth Third Field. It offers delicious New York style pizza, a relaxed atmosphere, entertainment, and a lively wait staff. Don’t wait for a special event to bring you downtown. They’re home, even when your favorite team is not.
Karen Zickes is a mom of three active children and freelance writer who resides in Holland, OH.
She can be reached in c/o [email protected].
THE SHORT COURSE
Kid-friendly: Yes
To avoid wait: Toledo game days can be very busy
Noise level: Moderate
Bathroom amenities: No changing station
High chairs? Yes
Got milk? Yes
Kids’ menu: No—but personal size pizzas are available
Food allergy concerns: No peanut oil is used. They do not offer gluten free pizza on the menu but if you call well in advance they may be able to provide a pizza with gluten free crust.
