Near the heart of Davis Square stands a place that combines two of the greatest past times in this country: Pizza and Bowling. By what seemingly brings together the ultimate childhood memory, Flatbread Company fairs as a somewhat decent place to induldge with the two. However, this place only had candlepin bowling, a smaller version of the familiar ten pin.
Our party arrived at the time suggested by this establishment, but had to wait 45 minutes before we got to eat. The bar area to wait in was a bit snug, but having a taste of some of the local brews on tap is definitely recommended if you drink. Mind you, there was nine of us, so seating us all together was probably a bit of a challenge on a Friday night, but not impossible. Having a large group will effect when you sit, so be prepared to wait.
When we were finally seated, right off the bat, our server was not doing the best she could. She asked half our table first what they wanted to drink, brought their drinks, then asked the other half, and then brought theirs. In addition, she would forget what were drinking and would bring the wrong drinks. Also, when we got plates, they were still wet and one wasn't cleaned properly, which was a bit unsettling. However, getting the famed draft Root Beer was probably the highlight of the night, as it stood out as the best thing.
Since it was a large group, we got a large salad, which was filled with the brim with feta and fresh veggies. Everything was good and fresh, but it didn't stand out, as there was not much dressing to be had. Next, we ordered 4 flatbreads; Nitrate-free Pepperoni and Mushroom, Shepherd's Pie (exactly as it sounds with mash, corn, carrots and meat) Mopsy's Kalua Pork and the Coevolution. Each with it's own flavor, each flatbread had a good amount of toppings and tasted pretty good, whether it be cheese, peppers, olives, mozz, onions, mushrooms, pork or pepperoni. The odd one of the group was the Shepherd's Pie. It was the special of the night and it had everything you would have in a pie, but the carrots were almost like an afterthought. It wasn't a bad taste, it just seemed strange. Kudos for the creativity of Flatbread Company on their flatbread pizzas and the overal feel of the place, but it is a once in a while kind of place. Every pizza was filling, but they weren't by any means stand out meals. The novelty of the place is in fact that they are served on flatbread, creating an organic spin on the traditional pizza. That is commedable, but by no means groundbreaking as it never added or took away from the meals.
Finally getting to the candlepin, everything was enjoyable, as it was fun to be with friends and half a laugh while knocking those pins down. Before we headed over, our table had ordered a few desserts, which was hard to focus on while we were bowling. The desserts, specifically the sundae with pumpkin ice cream was not at all exciting. Having a somewhat ok dining experience and good times of bowling was frustrating to say the least.
Overall, Flatbread Company is good place to hang out in where large groups can relax together for some good company and eat some decent food. However, they do not take reservations it seems. With an attempted "hip" approach to pizza, beer and bowling, this place does it well enough, but nothing stands out to make this place a staple in the surrounding areas. The root beer on the otherhand, was by far the best tasting thing there. Combined with candlepin bowling, it makes the night a little better. read more