A-Pizza Mart -- Shot through the Heart

A-PIZZA MART
5026 University Way NE
Seattle, WA 98105
(206) 517-4000

INTRO:

I hadn't been to A-Pizza Mart since about 2000 or 2001.  I went in one day for a small pizza for lunch between classes at the UW.

It was the typical pizza delivery that caters to the college crowd: A good price for pies, if you're up late.

Well, the place has changed quite a bit and it's showing a lot more moxie and personality.  It has veritably been transformed into a bar / lounge with decent pizza and cool clientele, to boot.

I showed up around 4:30 and, having staved off lunch, I was pretty hungry.  I asked what they had for happy hour and was shown this lovely menu:

THE DRINK:

The only beer on special is Rainier, but that's ok with me... can't argue with $2 / pint or $9 / pitcher.  There are good deals on a number of cocktails, also.

THE FOOD:

Now, I was hungry, but even in light of my hunger and desire for anything to fill the gullet, the pizza was good.  I opted for the pepperoni, because I get only one topping for the happy hour price of $5 for a small.  It was good.  It took me a good 1 1/2 hours to eat it... a great deal for a small pizza.  The dough was ok, but the sauce was really good, with a fair amount of garlic and spice, which I like.

Now, it wasn't STELLAR pizza, but it was good.  Better than Ragazzi down the road, and a much better place to chillax and have a beer along with the pie.












THE AMBIANCE:


The place has one long bar, a big U-shaped booth, a couple of easy chairs, and 3-4 tables with enough for 5-6 people per table.  Really cool decor... very much a hipster / indie place... it reminded me of a divey Chinese restaurant lounge mixed with the smells of good pizza.

There are a number of paintings on the wall, some really nice light fixtures, xmas lights throughout (all year 'round), LPs lining the tops of the walls, and more.  Lots to look at and a very comfortably low-lit, alternative-vibe place.

OVERALL:

I'm looking forward to going back with some friends and splitting a large pie with a pitcher of Rainier for only $14.  The bartenders Cam and Chris were cool, friendly, and I've heard the other 'tenders are just as neat.

I recommend this place: 4/5 OVERALL

BONUS:

They have a few special nights that all start after happy hour ... usually between 9-10pm: