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About
Back Bench Pizza
Welcome to the delightful world of Back Bench Pizza, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Ventura, California. Located at 563 E Main St, this pizzeria promises to change the way you think about pizza. Forget the over-hyped chain options; here, you find a commitment to quality ingredients, simple preparations, and the essence of what makes pizza truly great.
Back Bench Pizza offers a range of delectable options, from mouth-watering specialty pizzas like the FigPig and Leek Potato, each priced at an unbeatable value of $31 and $32 respectively, to comforting side options such as Caesar salad ($8) and Marinated Olives ($7). And for those with a sweet tooth, their fresh cookies and decadent tiramisu ($10) provide the perfect sweet finish to your meal.
The reviews from delighted customers speak volumes about what you can expect at Back Bench Pizza. One enthusiastic patron, known as Chunky, raved about the vegan sausage and kale slice, calling it "hands down one of the best slices" they've ever enjoyed. With a perfectly balanced sauce and just the right amount of cheese, this pie caters not only to vegans but to all pizza lovers alike.
Another satisfied customer, Miv, described it as the best pizza in Ventura, praising the restaurant's ability to conjure the classic New York style: thin crust without the doughiness that often plagues other pizzerias. The charming downtown location makes it the perfect stop for a meal before or after catching a movie, adding to its appeal.
- Travis, the owner, has garnered praise for his dedication to crafting pizzas with top-shelf ingredients and achieving that perfect crust—crispy yet light, never greasy.
- Sean Smart, another reviewer, expressed his admiration for the exquisite marriage of flavors, highlighting the excellent sauce that seamlessly transitions from the crust to the toppings.
- Moreover, the homemade ranch dressing has garnered not just attention but a fanbase of its own, even wowing those who typically shy away from ranch.
With a focus on simplicity and flavor, Back Bench Pizza sets itself apart from the crowded bakery landscape. Each dish feels like a labor of love, with the result being a stellar combination of textures and tastes that leave you craving more. If you find yourself in Ventura, this is one culinary experience you do not want to miss. Stop by and indulge in some of the finest pizza that the region has to offer. Your taste buds will thank you!
“ Hands down one of the best slices Ive ever had. Had the vegan sausage and kale and wow. Im not even the slightest bit veg vegan but decided to step out of my comfort zone and Im so glad I did. From the texture of the sausage to the flavor, this would make a believer out of the most carnivorous of carnivores. Great sauce distribution and just a kiss of cheese to round out the pie. Exquisite. Travis makes a great pie and does so simply and elegantly. No hype. No frills. Just good, solid pizza with great quality ingredients. ”
“ Best pizza in Ventura! And, cookies too. Pretty chill spot in downtown, close to the movie theater. I always look up pizzerias in a new town because it says a lot about it when they have a place that makes pizza that is as close as what youd find in New York. Thin crust, and not bready or doughy. Id recommend trying this place anytime youre in the area! ”
“ Im not a ranch guy, but Id gladly lick the homemade ranch off a quarter ton tortas toes. The owner is great too. Delicious. Better than fluid state pizza, and thats a huge compliment ”
“ Best pizza EVER!!!! SO SO HAPPY that someone figured out how to make NY style pizza in this area! So if you are a fan of thin crust pizza this is your place. Thank you Travis for opening this business because my husband and I so grateful!!! ”
“ This pizza is fantastic!!! I had a slice of the kale and sausage. So much going on, where to begin? Lets start with the crust excellent thin New York style crust that finds itself crispy yet light, and not greasy at all. The sauce is packed full of flavor, very well balanced and gives a perfect transition from the crust to the cheese. The cheese and toppings all tasted like top shelf ingredients, fresh and leaving my taste buds craving more. This pie was the perfect marriage of ingredients and a love of the art of cooking, and easily my new favorite. Oh and for a quick dessert I had one of the chocolate chip cookies. This thing was insane generous size, super chocolatey and lightly dusted with large salt crystals instant classic! Go check this place out! ”
“ I have eaten at Back Bench Pizza twice so far and I cant wait to go back again! This is a small, cozy pizza place but theres still plenty of seating inside. The owneroperator is friendly and approachable and provides excellent service. The real highlight here is the terrific pizza!! Unbelievable homemade sourdough crust that is soft and delicious while providing stellar slices or whole pies. The sauce and cheese on the standard plain cheese is amazing as well and the pizza holds up perfectly as leftover whether heated or eaten cold. But the first pizza I tried which I forgot to grab a pic of was truly unique and delicious with toppings of roasted lemons that paired perfectly with a mound of fresh greens on top. I would recommend checking in often as I intend to do because the owner is very creative and always presenting adventurous new specialty pizzas based on local ingredient availability. ”
“ Look, if you want fancy ambiance and someone kissing up to you, maybe look elsewhere. But if you want legitimately amazing NYstyle pizza made by someone who clearly cares about doing it right? This is your spot. One dude making all the pies, punk rock blasting, bare walls, zero frills, and thats exactly how it should be. The pizza speaks for itself. Every time I come here I think yeah, this is exactly what a pizza place is supposed to feel like. The owner might come off as grumpy to some, but hes busy making the best pizza in town, Id be concerned if he was too chatty. This is the real deal. Been to a lot of pizza spots but this is my goto. Worth every penny and the wait. ”
“ Amazing distribution of ingredients, super fresh, decently fast service, great wispy crackly crust and an addictive delicious tart tomato sauce with spectacular cheese and a small symphony of fresh basil 1010 beat pizza I have ever had 100 would recommend eating here when you get the chance ”