Pizza Plant: The Perfect Blend of Family, Food, & Fun Friendly

To say these guys have been around for a while is an understatement. They’ve been in business at different locations for 36 years and counting. Plus, they’ve worked hard to keep the restaurant group relevant, opening a new location at Canalside and keeping their beer list on point. Currently there are two locations, one downtown at 125 Main Street in Buffalo and one on Transit Road in Williamsville. These guys host a number of tap takeovers, tastings, and live music events on top of daily specials and the like. 

 

The Recommendation

If you’re thinking about heading out to Pizza Hut because your kids have asked one too many times and you’re thiiiis close to caving, I urge you to stop dead in your tracks and head to Pizza Plant instead. While it’s totally unfair to compare the two, it is true that Pizza Plant is what we all wish Pizza Hut was and what it would be if it weren’t a shell of a restaurant (AKA a chain) with no soul, shriveled up pizzas, and browning lettuce featured in a sad salad bar. You know what I mean. Pizza Plant is original, delicious, and has a beer list worth talking about (and drinking from). The space, menu, and service is uber family friendly *and* equally perfect for a casual date night or adult get together. Did we mention the price is very right and the Transit location has a big front patio that’s open when the weather’s good?
 

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The Menu

Pizza Plant’s menu is a smorgasbord of Italian and not-so-Italian pub fare including apps like Nachos ($7.99+), Chili ($4.49+), Wings and Fingers ($9-$10), Dips, Fries, Breads, and more. Then there’s the salads – no salad bar here – but look for The Bread Bowl Salad (trademarked by Pizza Plant in 1986) instead, Antipasto, and various others options including The Grow Your Own ($6.99+).
My personal favorite part of the menu is the PODS section ($9-$12). Pizza Plant’s version of a calzone (is it just me or do we not eat enough calzones around here?), these are made pretty much any which way you can possibly imagine. They’ve got a Cajun Pod, Pancho Pod, Amy Pod, White Pod, ‘Roni Pod, Wingy Xingy Pod, Stinger Pod – I could go on and on (and on).
You may or may not be wondering where the Pizza part comes in. They’ve got that too, but as you probably guessed, it’s not your average pizza coming out of this kitchen. It’s stuffed and comes with all kinds of customizable options including the dough (you pick white, wheat, sesame, spinach, or garlic), then you choose from the specialty pizzas like Chicken Souvlaki, Mad Mex, Eggpplant Parm OR you can pick your own extras to stuff a pie with.

Then there are the flat (but not too flat) pizzas – specialty of course, the pasta section, sandwiches, burritos, wraps, burgers, and a super fun kid’s menu ($4.99) offering a Mini-Pod, Teeny Tiny Pizza, Basghetti, and more. Oh an there’s dessert, and week day specials, and probably other stuff we’re missing.
TL;DR – The Pizza Plant menu is extensive and literally has something for everyone in your entire family plus your cousins (adventurous ones and picky kids included).
 

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The Story

On a night out with a kiddo in tow we headed to Pizza Plant looking for a combination of the “I need a cold beer” and “family night out” experience. The Transit Road location is large enough that we didn’t have to wait for a table but situated in a way that never makes you feel like you’re eating alone. The bar is sectioned off from the dining rooms, which is a nice touch for families and bar-goers alike. Inside gives off a warm, friendly, authentic (not necessarily Italian but Buffalo) vibe that I feel is hard to accomplish, especially these days. Many try and fail, but Pizza Plant hits the nail on the head in this category.
As the always-hungry beasts we are, we wasted almost no time at all ordering a couple beers (Jack’s Abby Calyptra and Lagunitas Cappuccino Stout) and dug right into the menu.
We ordered:
Top Nachos – crisp tortillas covered with jack and cheddar cheese, spicy ground beef, jalapeños, black olives and a side of their super picante ($9.89)

These were awesome, probably our favorite dish of the night. Or maybe we were just that hungry. The “spicy” ground beef wasn’t noticeably spicy which I take as a positive – this way I can eat more. The crisp jalapeños are a nice contrast to the rich meat & cheese. Just some darn good nachos, really.

Cajun Pod – Southwest chicken breast on a bed of fresh spinach, with jack and cheddar cheeses, peppers, tomatoes, and spices ($10.69)

We got this with garlic dough, which was a good decision. The veggies caused a bit of a watery puddle when the pod was cut open but once you get past that the contents inside were good and it came with sauce on the side for dipping. The pods are a good size for one but I wouldn’t recommend sharing.

Vegi-Burger – House made vegi-burger with fresh cut veggies, soybeans & spices, with lettuce, and tomato, fried and pickle on the side ($10.89)

This healthy alternative was truly a veggie burger – no black beans or tofu here. If vegetables are your thing, I’m guessing you’ll love this light sandwich. The flavor of the burger reminded me of fresh carrots with a hint of sweetness.

Roman Tomato Pod – An old country tradition of ripe tomato provolone and Romano cheese, green olives, fresh basil, and oregano on a Parmesan baked crust ($9.69)

In terms of ingredients, this is about as traditional as it gets at Pizza Plant. The insides made me feel warm and fuzzy and the dipping sauce was a nice, necessary touch.

Teeny Tiny Pizza from the Kids Menu – made for kids’ appetites. Comes with cheese and sauce as well as two extras, carrots, and chips ($4.99)

This kid was all smiles about this personal pizza which she ordered with just plain cheese and sauce. The carrots on the side were received well. Pro tip – while you’re waiting for your meal ask for a ball of pizza dough to play with (for the kids – not you). It’s a thing. Promise.