Hot Box Pizza Is A Bust

Tuesday night I ventured to one of Raleigh's newest pizza hot spots, Hot Box Pizza. Hot Box is located right off Hillsborough Street, across from N.C. State University campus. You can follow Hot Box Pizza on twitter, or like them on Facebook!

This is the chains first restaurant located outside the state of Indiana. Hot Box has become rather popular in the local Raleigh area, drawing in the near-by college students and families by providing a low-budget, family-friendly atmosphere.

The restaurant had a very easy-going staff, who were fun and friendly towards customers. I struck up conversation with several of the employees who were more than willing to cooperate in helping me with my review. Driver, Kevin Smith, made a point of telling me "We drive for tips because gas isn't cheap, but if you want some pizza you can always count on me!" - a personal motto of his.


As my three friends and I sat down to wait for our pizza, we noticed the up-beat college environment, compiled of big screen TV's, and of course lots of NC State regalia. The atmosphere definitely catered to the typical college town scene.

View of the restaurant from where I was sitting in a booth.

In fact, one of the restaurants' most popular attributes is the unique beer stand they call a "beer tower". I saw several customers enjoying beer tower's (beer from the slender, cylinder, pitcher with a block of ice at the stem to keep the beer at a desirable drinking temperture). Hot Box Pizza creates a fun environment for those of you who are looking to grab a few slices of pizza, drink some good beer, and watch a game or two. 

Several empty Beer Towers behind the counter.

Although I enjoyed the atmosphere, I found the pizza to be less than impressive. The pizza we ordered was a thick-crust, Chicken Ranch Pizza. Typically I enjoy dipping my pizza in ranch dressing, but I went out on limb deciding to have Ranch as the base-sauce. Everything was riding on the Ranch, and we all know if the Ranch isn't good then it's all down hill from there. It was just TOO much. It's not a pizza I would normally order, but my friends and I thought we'd give it a try. Unfortunately, it just didn't make the cut.


The thick-crust was plain, and the zestyness that usually makes ranch dressing so delicious was bland and uninviting. The toppings of spinach, bacon, and chicken were fresh and well dispersed but the dull crust and mild sauce brought it down a few notches. Thankfully, other customers did not share the same feelings. "I love Hot Box pizza, it's awesome!" said customer Kevin, 22. "It's always fresh and better than most of the other food you'll find off Hillsborough Street."

While I was not that taken by Hot Box Pizza, I would be willing to give it a second-chance. Their wide variety of pizza was appealing! I think it might be possible that they were just having an "off day", and don't we all have those. 

A Thin-Crust Lovers' Dream

It was a busy Friday night at Brixx Wood Fired Pizza, located in the Brier Creek Shopping Center in Raleigh (http://brixxpizza.com/locations/raleigh). The restaurant which is right across the street from Brier Creek Stadium 14 Movie Theater, always accumulates a spritely crowd on the weekends.

Thanks to my friend Stacey Van Der Hyde, former Brixx employee, we were able to get pizza and pasta at a discounted price! "I decided to work for Brixx because it was a fun environment, with an entertaining yet easy going staff," said Stacey, 20.

As we waited for our seats we acknowledged the bustling atmosphere - Brixx was packed! Brixx is known for their unique style of pizza, late night hours, and the bar located in the front of the restaurant.


I observed many people enjoying a drink as they waited to devour some delicious pizza. Brixx is well-recognized for their selection of beer. Another reason why this joint brings in such a rambunctious customer base. You can even join Brixx Beer Lovers, if you're a true beer lover.




Although Brixx atmosphere caught my attention at first, once the menu was in front of me nothing could steer me away from it. My eyes shot straight towards the delightful variety of pizzas they offered.



The pizza has a wood fired based crust, because it is baked in a wood burning brick oven. The crust is thin, crunchy and some what cracker-like. For those of you who love thin-crust, Brixx is the perfect destination for you.



Brixx pizza's all come in the same size, a 10" perfectly crisp pizza, enough to feed and fill up the average customer. Their sauces and toppings vary - from your typical tomato sauce base to a garlic olive-oil base.

While at Brixx, I ordered a popular choice and what Brixx calls a "Goin' to Cali" Specialty Pizza, the Chicken Florentine (seen in the picture to your right). In Slice of the Triangles perspective, it was an A+.


All the pizza toppings are fresh and savory, and did I mention healthy!"I always loved Brixx pizza because it really is healthier than most pizza but still tastes great!" said friend and fromer Brixx employee, Stacey Van Der Hyde. Brixx accommodates a vegan and gluten-free menu, for those customers with special dietary needs.


With a thin cripsy crust, light cheese, and fresh toppings, Brixx certainly makes for the perfect healthy pizza. A great option for a light dinner or a yummy late night snack!