800 Degrees Neapolitan Pizzeria
2 E Colorado Blvd
Pasadena, CA
626-993-6455
Updated Review- June 28, 2017. I went back to 800 Degrees a few times, sometimes for their daily Instagram special. While the pizza was fine, the service went way down hill and the lack of dinners when I went, even during what should be a busy time, proved how terrible the service has become! One time I went there and once I got to the cashier, she was texting on her phone while I was standing right in front of her! If that isn't the worst service! I realize people love their phones, I don't care if servers/workers in restaurants use their phone AS ALONG there isn't a customer right in front of them! Another time, nobody was behind the counter. I have no idea where everybody was. But, ONE person can't be behind the counter to take the orders? I found out this week that this location closed early in 2017. The reason given was bad plumbing. I'm guessing the real reason-TERRIBLE service and the owners just didn't give a damn!
800 Degrees Neapolitan Pizzeria opened their first location in Westwood. Then they opened up other locations in Santa Monica and LAX. They moved away from the snotty westside and opened their Pasadena location, in Old Town Pasadena. This is another addition to the wood fire pizza places in Pasadena, that includes the already reviewed the chain- Blaze Pizza, Luggage Room and Settebello.
800 Degrees took the place of Louise's Trattoria. This is a design your own pizza or order one of their own designer pizza. The narrow dining room is separated from the kitchen area, but the wall makes it hard to hear them calling your number when your pizza is ready.
800 Degree has a daily special on Instagram. The Pizza of the Day for 50% off. There are no substitutions or deletions for the Pizza of the Day, you must get it as prepared. The day I went it was a marinara pizza, crushed tomatoes, garlic, oregano, olive oil, with shrimp and capers, $4.05. Listed price for the marinara is $5.55, rock shrimp-$3, and capers $1.25.
This combo didn't would have been better with cheese. But, the major thing is that the sauce is lacking in flavor and depth. They could make this bolder. The shrimp was cooked very nicely and there was a good amount. The capers added a very nice flavor.
But, the best part is the nice, soft, chewy dough. Now, some parts of the pizza are burnt or chard, which I don't like and doesn't need to be there if the pizzas are rotated.
I also designed my own pizza. I got the margherita, $6.95, crushed tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, Parmigiano Reggiano, olive oil, and basil, with mushrooms-$1.25. Again the sauce lacks flavor and the crust is great-though this pizza had a few more burned parts. The toppings were fresh and flavor and the fresh mozzarella made this a very good pizza.
The main difference between 800 Degrees and Blaze is that 800 Degrees charges you for every topping, including cheese. They do use slightly higher quality ingredients.
Service was very good. The people are all helpful and friendly.
I had heard many good things about 800 Degrees. It was good, but it wasn't the best pizza I've ever had. I would go back, if I'm in the area but won't rush back.
