Address: | 2200 Walker Ave, Greensboro, NC 27403, USA |
Phone: | +1 336-275-0220 |
Site: | sticksandstonesclayoven.com |
Rating: | 4.5 |
Working: | 11AM–12AM 11AM–12AM 11AM–12AM 11AM–12AM 11AM–2AM 11AM–2AM 11AM–12AM |
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Zac Goldstein
For Sticks & Stones, “local pizzeria” is more than just a geographic identifier – it’s part of a much deeper philosophy. The restaurant prides itself on procuring fresh, often organic ingredients from North Carolina-based farms, markets and creameries. The communitarian approach extends to baking pizzas in wood-burning ovens and using pizza boxes made from recycled paper. The eclecticism doesn’t end there though. Everything on the menu is named for a Ryan Adams song. This odd touch may delight fans, but will likely confuse, if not annoy, the non-listener. Throw in a sparse-but-intimate ambiance (wood tables/booths and low lighting) and a consistently friendly wait staff and you’re left with an establishment which is anything but forgettable. The food nearly comes close to matching the distinction of Sticks & Stones’ other intangibles. Pizza topping combinations include everything from fried eggplant, wild mushrooms and caramelized garlic (A Kiss Before I Go, sure to become a favorite) to sopressata, arugula, mozzarella and pine nuts (New York, New York) and, of course, you can always make your own. The local ingredients are high-quality and the flavor combinations work well, though the crust (thick and bland) is lackluster. Salads are bolstered by touches like pumpkin seeds (Peaceful Valley) and honeyed walnuts (Dance All Night). In keeping with the considerate ethos, Sticks & Stones does not price its way out of the community. Large pies feed three and run $20 or less. That may seem like sticker shock for those used to chain prices, but you get what you pay for. Salads will set you back $4.25 to $7.25 depending on the size and small plates vary considerably. The biggest drawback here, by far, is the susceptibility toward crowding. Go here on a busy night and expect to wait: for a table, for your food, for your headache to go away (the acoustics here leave something to be desired), et cetera. Of course, that assumes that you can even find parking: the small lot fills up quickly. As I mentioned in my Mellow Mushroom review, what makes a “good” pizza is largely a subjective affair. So to is what makes a good pizza place. Cozy yet quirk-laden, Sticks & Stones may not be everyone’s cup of tea (or can of sauce, as the case may be), but the fried eggplant alone makes it worth investigating.
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Todd Theissen
To say that this was a truly memorable pizza experience does not do our meal at Sticks & Stones justice. From the moment we arrived, without reservations on a busy night, we were treated as if we were the most important people in the place. Once seated, our incredibly pleasant, loved his job, waiter was quick to take our drink order and bring them soon after. His information about portion size and knowledge of the menu was very helpful and it served two very important purposes, it kept us from totally over indulging on the incredible imaginative pizza menu and, left us room for amazing deserts at the end of our meal. Pizza crust was thin, crisp yet puffy around the edges and held up well under the delicious, local and organic ingredients. The atmosphere was artsy and eclectic (as in decorated by talented art or design students from local UNC-G) as were the staff. Sticks & Stones is a must if youre in Greensboro for a visit or on business!
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Dena Roney
Visiting from Maryland to see my daughter, a veteran, whod just arrived home on military leave from South Korea and witnessed the most reprehensible behavior ever by the owner of this establishment. He stood on the corner opposite from this restaurant yelling very loudly and disrespectfully at my daughter to get off of his lot. Assuming we were not welcome, we parked on the street and dined at the adjacent restaurant, EMMA KEYES, which happened to be an EXCELLENT choice with great food and fast and friendly service. It was later determined that the man is also the owner of FISHBONES restaurant (where he was standing in front of) as well. This despicable behavior went on anytime someone parked on the lot and in some cases before they fully stepped out of the car. Very disappointing because the reviews about Sticks and Stones is what brought us to the restaurant to begin with.
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A Private User
This is a great place, Ive been eating here as our friday night out. Theyve got a great waitstaff and beer menu, the bar in terms of liquor is a bit light on selection but the craft beers are where its at! This place also has some of the best eclectic pizzas in the triad. DO NOT come here for pepperoni or other generic style pizzas, youll be disappointed. The apps are even pretty good, their goat cheese/chevre truffles are amazing, the rosemary fries were ok but the pizzas are where its at. They are the closest to true Italian style pizza, not the NYC style we americans are used too. The crust is great, being wood fired and all and the ingredients are all top notch. Pistachios on your pizza? Done and done. Fried Eggplant, done, fennel, done, pine nuts, done. Come here to end your week with a killer beer and some good pie.
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Ishrah Lionspell
Went here with my sister and was really sketched out at first because of the night time enviroment outside, however when we entered we were very delighted by the calm atmosphere. The people that entered werent very loud or obnoxious and the amazing staff there were kind. The places interior looks awesome as well. Good vibes! The food and drink selections are well done and pricing isnt bad. Came to near closing time and they still served is pizza, but by slices. Soo delicious. The pizza was AMAZING and the appitizers are to die for. I plan on returning. Gots me a new pizza place! The only thing that put me off a bit was the water stain above the kitchen. Looks pretty, bad but looks old. Just hope that gets patched because its a bit unappealing. Regardless, this place is a must try.
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Bala Morrill
When we called to inquire whether the dairy cheese had animal or vegetable sourced rennet, the girl who answered the phone snootily retorted that she did not know and that their was no way to find out. When we asked if their was anyone else there who might know, or if it would be possible to check with the kitchen to get a more clear idea of the ingredients, she just insisted that not only did she NOT know but that nobody else who was working there would know either. We were very disappointed that a place which supposedly carries such great veg and vegan options would be so rude and unhelpful when asked a very simple question about their products.
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Olivia Mungal
Fantastic atmosphere and creative and delicious clay-oven pizzas. One of my favorite local spots! Makes for a fun night on the town, or even a nice date night spot, as well. Sticks and Stones is a popular local spot thats always busy, so getting a seat or service can be tricky, but the food is always phenomenal. They have an amazing microbrew and wine selection, and a wide selection of menu choices. They have whole wheat, gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options, too! They source most of their ingredients locally, which I love. P.S.- Rosemary Garlic fries are always the right choice. They also serve Homeland Creamery Ice Cream for dessert!
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Abbey Atwater
I loooove Sticks and Stones. I went there for the first time in December and have been back 4 times since (5 times in a month) I fell in love with their sweet potato wedges and veggie burger (called Evergreen). I usually have enough left over at the end of my meal to have for lunch the next day, which is great because theyre a little over my budget, but really Im getting two meals for $10. Cant complain there. Plus the fries are delicious, the pizzas great and the atmosphere is wonderful. Not to mention I love the outdoorsy feel while your indoors, its the best of both worlds. Tldr; Sticks and Stones is my favorite restaurant in Greensboro.