4. Village Pizza

North St. Paul, Minnesota

We’ve all experienced the phenomenon of feeling let-down when a product or experience doesn’t quite measure up to the hype. The more pleasant flip-side is when your expectations are either low or completely unformed, and results in a great marvel. While I try to remain vigilant and hopeful at all times, nothing had quite prepared us for our first visit to Village Pizza.

It’s name is unremarkable. It’s location and exterior are unremarkable. There was no line forming outside. Normally, these are hints that portend something very good is happening inside, but somehow I missed the clues. Instead, we were left shocked, speechless, and gobsmacked that such a great pizza rested just a few miles from Swen’s home. Even more surprising is how it had flown beneath our radar for so long, despite being so close to Minnesota’s Miracle Mile of Pizza, Saint Paul.

We would probably never have known about it unless we got a tip from a friend-of-a-friend-of-a-friend. Today, I’d like to pin a Medal of Valor on that hero.

Every element was done flawlessly. The crust was firm, but not crispy. The sauce was flavorful, but not too much bite. The toppings were savory and plentiful. The cheese was distributed liberally. The waiter was celebrating 25 years on the job, was in a talkative mood, and lavished praise upon the kitchen staff and her boss. That might seem like a small thing, but we’ve met many disgruntled pizza-industry employees, and it was a refreshing change. We walked out feeling like we’d enjoyed one of the best pies in town at a place that felt good to support. A great pizza.

I can’t wait to get back.