Pete Zaaz

With its unusual pizzas and friendly staff, Pete Zaaz is a restaurant to root for. As our pal Howard noted, however, the pies aren't terrific: we found the crust dry, stiff, and bland. But the flavor combinations --- in particular, the baked potato (with creme fraiche, white cheddar, bacon, and green onion) and the pretzel parm (with fried chicken, smoked gouda, and garlic chip bechamel) --- are interesting enough to earn Pete Zaaz our semi-seal of approval. We don't quite heart you, not yet, but we like you enough to try you again someday.