So, a while back I blogged about my favorite hidden gem pizza place in Canyon Country called Nick and Joe’s Pizza From the Bronx. Remember I ate that whole 14″ pizza by myself? Not only was I hungry, but the pizza was awesome!
However, something was always missing from my Nick and Joe’s experience. Something I had frequently heard about from my foodie friends and was secretly jealous of. Apparently I had never met Nick…or Joe! Well all of that changed today! After work I met RE there for a quick after school snack. We wanted a sandwich because Lisa had raved about them and we all know how hard it is to find a legit Italian sandwich in town. Mike, don’t even think about mentioning Italia…
Guess who was working today? Nick! He is the owner and he is from New York (complete with accent and personality) and he is really what makes this place special. I see it now. Go in there when Nick is working. I promise you your experience will be great! This is his wife, by the way.
Not only was Nick super nice and very chatty, but he also knows about food! He explained to me that the peppers he puts into his meatball sandwich are the best. When I explained that I don’t eat peppers (or vegetables) he didn’t miss a beat and pretty much let me know that I had to try them. I didn’t want to say no to Nick, but you all know how much I dislike peppers, amiright?
As we waited for our meal, Nick walked out to the seating area and over to a plant on one of the tables. What? This is some FL shiz up in here. The chef went out to the plant to get some fresh basil for the meatball sandwich. We had to get a picture of this! That is when he explained that it tastes the best this way and he even gave me a piece of basil to eat! How awesome, right?
Since Nick noticed that RE was camera happy, he asked if we wanted to take a picture of our food as it was being cooked. Look Daphne’s! A local restaurant owner that knows the value of photographs! I love this place! Now, let me explain the camera situation. I forgot my SLR at home today, which I never do! I would love to say that I took these photos, but the credit goes to RE. I think she said I could borrow her photos though…anyway, here is a closer look. I was still dreading the peppers, but I had to admit it smelled wonderful!
Finally our sandwiches arrived and I was excited! The bread was toasted, the filling was fresh, and the cheese was melted. Although I debated removing the peppers, I figured maybe Nick was on to something so I took a bite.
O. M. G.
Here are the cheese and no cheese versions. Wow! Did I mention THE BREAD WAS TOASTED! As if that wasn’t enough? Pickles. PICKLES! You know how much I love pickles with my sandwiches. OMG. This was amazing. The best meatball sandwich in Santa Clarita. I’m totally calling it. Italia has NOTHING on this place. NOTHING.
I ate it all. Even with the peppers! I didn’t mind them one bit! This doesn’t mean that I like peppers, it just means that Nick knows how to prepare them! I pretty much devoured that sandwich fairly quickly, and the size was really decent for the price!
As we got ready to leave, we saw Nick cooking some other stuff and of course got curious. Turns out he makes “the best lasagna” which he was serving to a customer. I love lasagna so I will definitely have to come back and try it.
And how about that garlic bread? I am definitely going to have to order a side of that!
I remember we talked about having a big group lunch here one day and I’m starting to think its a great idea. I want to try his non pizza items because I imagine everything is great! He was telling us how he makes his sauces and how great his pasta is. The more formal sit down place next door is on hold for now, and the pizza part is very casual. It is your local pizza place and is nothing fancy, just very down to earth and a very low key atmosphere. If you like good food and an experience, definitely give this place a try. If Nick is working, then you are in for a treat! I wish all local business owners had this much character!
If anyone would like to join me, I will be back at Nick and Joe’s on Monday after work because they are introducing legit NY Style Hot Dogs. They call them “frankfurters” according to Nick and apparently they will be awesome! Can’t wait!
Nick & Joe’s Pizzeria
18921 Soledad Canyon Rd.
Canyon Country, CA 91351
Glad you went back. Nick and Joe are great. I’ve never been when one of them hasn’t been there.
I can’t wait to try the hot dogs. Did he mention what brand he was getting?
I guess I better go back. We were really disappointed by the Pizza last time but if it’s got you Lady’s seal I guess I can try again!