Detroit style pizza. If you know, you know. The crispy…read moreedge, the stripes of sauce, the pillowy soft middle with toppings upon toppings ladled on top. New York and Chicago are still trying to catch up. But we are in the Pacific Northwest, nowhere near Loui's Pizza or Buddy's Pizza (Detroit pizza staples). So many times, what tries to pass off as "Detroit style" falls miles short. Then came "Ranch" where I stood outside and screwed up enough courage to try yet another Detroit style pizza. The interior was small, one wall lined with tomato sauce cans, the menu was bolted to a wall. The smell took me back and that gave me some hope. The pizza arrived at the table, the wife and I have varied tastes so we each ordered a quarter pizza. Mine was pepperoni, the wife had a veggie. The pizzas looked right, square, caramelized crispy edges, heavy toppings... and then on the side of the plate was this cup of ranch dressing. Duh! "Ranch" obviously has to have a good ranch, right? I dipped my pinky finger in the ranch and took a taste. You would not think one ranch can be so far ahead of the others, but ranch is the place for ranch, as well as pizza. My first bite brought a smile to my face, it was just, right in every way that a Detroit pie should be. I have been back to try their #4 pie with sausage and ricotta, and I am looking forward to more trips. If all that was not enough, the service was friendly, the food came out so quick (about 10 minutes) and the place was nice and clean.

Detroit Style thicc crust pizza. One of the best pizza spots in Portland. They got crispy and chewy…read moredown on that crust and dough. Got the pepperoni which also has mozzarella, basil, and sauce. They also give you ranch to dip the pizza in. Everything was delicious. Cute little shop. Great service from the folks working here. Hope to come back soon. You can a whole pizza or quarter (which is like a square personal pizza).

No matter where you roam, near or far from home, one question must always be answered: where can I…read moreget good pizza around here? If you're in or planning to be in Portland, Oregon, I respectfully and enthusiastically recommend you include Pizza Kat in your considered alternatives. A thin, flexible, and tasty-all-by-itself crust. Tomato sauce that adroitly walks the lines between sweet and acidic, and between supporting the other elements well, fading into obscurity, and overwhelming those other elements. The right amounts of the right cheeses. And fresh, tasty toppings. (Sweet Italian sausage not dominated by garlic and mushrooms worth eating on their own, for two delicious examples.) Even better, prices are reasonable, and delivery is available. We had some delivered to our hotel, and it arrived almost as hot and tasty as we would have expected were we at a table near the ovens. There are other pizzas worth eating -- including the thicker-crust "deep cut" slices available before and after select shows at Revolution Hall. But when you want the thin-crust version done right, Pizza Kat will leave your taste buds and tummy purring, without clawing the life out of your wallet.

I hate to write this review because I was genuinely excited to try this place, but with so many…read moregreat pizza options nearby, this one is an easy skip for me. Unfortunately, this was both our first and last visit. I don't think I've ever disliked a pizza before, but this may be the first one I would genuinely call bad. I enjoy wood-fired pizza and don't mind a little char, but somehow this pizza tasted noticeably bitter despite having very little visible charring. Whether it was the lack of sauce, the sauce itself being quite bland, or simply an imbalance of flavors, the end result just wasn't pleasant. The biggest issue is the value. A $25 cheese pizza doesn't need to be life-changing, but it should at least taste better than Costco's. In this case, unfortunately, it didn't. If your goal is to enjoy great pizza, I'd recommend one of the many other pizza spots in the area instead.

I am going to let you in on a little secret. I've been coming here for years, and this place is…read moreconsistently fantastic! This review is broken up into 2 parts. Pizza (Oven) and Cocktails (Shaker). The Oven part of the restaurant name. When it comes to food, I love pizza and that is what I am going to highlight here. They have a nice selection of standard pizza and 18 different additional toppings that you can add so it is super easy to get a pizza just the way you like it OR create something never before seen. It up to you! Don't forget to ask about the daily pizza pie they are currently offering. I am gluten free. I am not celiac. I actively avoid gluten. Their GF crust is a great option. I remember the first time I got it I asked the server if this was the GF crust and they said it was. I was like amazing! Note to self: Yelp does not support emoji in reviews. The Shaker part of the restaurant name For me, the craft cocktails here are spectacular! There is a half page menu with 9 well thought out drinks. It changes regularly. Is it seasonally? I don't know. There are tasting notes and even the actual recipe for the drink! I've never seen that before. If something doesn't suit your fancy, ask for something off menu. I've done it several times and always been pleased.

Came to this restaurant during our last trip to Portland and we had a great time. Rustic mix with…read moremodern decor. Inside was bright and inviting. We Went right before dinner rush, the restaurant was fairly empty. We were greeted and seated right away. Sat by the window. Nice street view to people watch. Service was very friendly and attentive. We ordered 2 pizzas, appetizers, cocktails, tea and dessert. Everything was good. Food came out fast and Pizza tasted yummy. However, both my husband and I had discomfort in stomach that night after returned back to hotel. Given that was the only place we ate that afternoon, cannot help, we can only assume there were something wrong with the food we ate here... but not 100% certain. Luckily we did not get too sick, so we just brushed it off. We walked to the restaurant, so did not pay much attention to the parking situation, but looks like there were street parkings only. Prices were not bad, and loved how creative some of the cocktails they have. Do recommend.

- amazing detroit style pizza - the shroom is a classic…read morepizza flavor which id recommend! the cheeses crust and airiness from the dough is to die for! - the italian was also loaded - you can also order online and pick up! - it's inside a bar

This pizza is so good! We came in about 11:15pm, the place was packed. They had a live DJ playing…read moresome good hits. Lots of college age crowd great spot for under 30. Thankfully we got a table pretty easy. I really wanted to get their mushroom pizza but they were sold out of almost everything. I managed to snag the last cheese and ricotta with arugula. Also got their buffalo chicken special of the day and a bbq chicken pizza. ALL THE PIZZAS DID NOT DISAPPOINT. Every single one was delicious. 100% recommend and can't wait to be back!

Portland is a tough place for pizzerias since the variety & quality is so good throughout the city…read more But for 25+ (35?) years, this little slice-or-whole-pie place in NW 23rd has churned out the tied-for-best pizza in the city. It's true NY style, thin enough to fold if you're walking, the perfect amount of oily, with only the freshest of mozzarella. Slices are available at the counter (and a few stools if you're just having a quick lunch) all day. For a whole pie, call ahead to schedule (503-22-SLICE has been their number since I moved here decades ago) and they'll give you a time generally 20-35 minutes in the future depending on how busy they are. Staff are just like NYC: no suck-up, extra sarcasm, and if you stand at the register for 5+ minutes fumbling with your wallet, they might make a snide comment. But it's endearing grouchy, not really mean, and it adds to the "flavor" of the whole place. Parking in NW 23 is usually very hard. Being a friend to run in while you drive around the block, then enjoy how your car smells HEAVENLY on the way home!

We used to stop here for a slice when we were in this neighborhood shopping in Portland. It was…read moregreat, go in, select a slice, then walk out with a hot piece of pizza. We hadn't stopped in years, but we were in the neighborhood and hungry, so we stopped. I walked in and was asked if it was for "here, or to go". Since we were going to be sitting at a table outside, I said we were sitting out there and didn't know what that was considered. The guy on the other side of the counter said something like, "You think the city puts those tables there and keeps them clean?" and some other rude remarks. Maybe they are trying to be New Yorkers and play the part? I don't know, I was jut put off by it. I waited for them to heat up the slices and then went outside to eat with my wife. The pizza was just "ok" and nothing like I remember. Between the attitude and the quality of food, we will not be returning.

All around excellent and authentic, unpretentious and original. Very happy with every dish both…read moretimes we went there

The food was delicious, I really enjoyed the Alaskan halibut with seasonal veggies and a side of…read morepolenta, we had excellent service, and the lovely ambiance was the cherryon top.

One of the best pizzas I've had in Portland! I ordered food…read moredelivered thru GrubHub. It arrived on time and looking great. I prefer thin crust Neapolitan style pizza so I got the large thin crust vegetarian. It was delicious! The crust was perfect, thin, buttery and crisp. The toppings were fresh and tasty. I also ordered a large roasted cauliflower and a large roasted broccolini. Both these dishes came bathed in garlic, olive oil and parmesan. They were so good. The Star also offers deep dish pizza and Detroit style pizza, if you prefer those. They also offer sandwiches, salads and appetizers. As a vegetarian, I appreciate all the meat free items on the menu. I'll be trying some of those soon. I highly recommend the Star Portland!

It would be easy to write this place off as a multi-location (only 5) spot from California, but the…read moretruth is that it's actually great, and one of my favorite 'comfort' restaurants in town. The pizza is solid, credit to them for doing deep dish and thin crust, as well as having a great GF crust offering. Along with fresh, high quality toppings. Special shout to their very tomato-y red sauce. Also love their goddess salad for a lighter, vegetable starter. And I have to mention their baked wings. Actually so much better than deep-fried buffalo wings, why don't more places offer these?! Service is always friendly, the drink menu solid, and appreciate the cushioned seats so I want to stay awhile. All-in-all just a great regular go-to spot for an elevated but approachable pizza night out.

Tried Life of Pie Pizza on NW 23rd and went with the all-meat pizza…read more Loaded with toppings--pepperoni, sausage, and the works--this thing was definitely hearty. The crust had a nice chew with a bit of crisp on the edges, and the sauce balanced everything without getting lost under all the meat. It's a solid spot if you're craving a rich, filling pizza that doesn't hold back. Not light by any means, but that's kind of the point here. Good flavor, good portion, and hits best when you're hungry.

My wife and I used to live down the street from this place for four years, so we've had many…read moreexperiences here. They charge a premium, but the food is consistently hit or miss. For example, when the Arugula Salad is made well, it is fantastic. However we have had repeated experiences where the greens are not fresh, or the dressing is forgotten, or there is no cheese. We have had repeated issues specifically with takeout orders, over many years. Additionally, if you dine-in, there is an entire bottle of oil on the table that you are encouraged to use on your pizza. It is delicious, and really completes the pizza flavor profile! They used to automatically include two small containers of oil per pizza if you ordered to-go. Current policy appears to be to not include any oil with the pizza (unless explicitly asked) and to only provide a maximum of two oils (even if multiple pizzas are ordered). I don't know if there is an oil shortage or what, but this is silly for a place that charges so much for their pizza. Life of Pie is a typical Portland restaurant that expects you to tip before you receive your food (and also expects you to bus your own table). To me, this expectation alongside with the inconsistency of the food for the price, is disappointing, and does not encourage people to go out of their way to return. When the food is good it is a solid place, however I would expect much more consistency for the price they command.