Review: Bogey’s Pizza Co.

Bogey May Be Bogus

I had a craving for pizza this afternoon so decided to log-in to Urbanspoon (an iPhone app that I strongly advise any foodie to download) and up popped Bogey’s Pizza Co. in San Jose.

Disclaimer: I am a native Californian. I’ve never grown up in Chi town or New York. My review is simply based on a pure Californian outlook meaning I am not interested in the deep-dish-thin-crust debate. I was merely looking for a typical pizza joint that wasn’t necessarily “authentic” (whatever that means) or high class. Beer-sports-fun-to-people-watch-and-eat type place.

Bogey’s is located in the not so glamorous area of Branham and Almaden in a small strip mall that is near the likes of La Victoria (side note: always get the special orange sauce) and Britannia Arms.

As I walked into Bogey’s dark restaurant, it looked like the Cheer’s Bar mixed with a pizza joint, mixed with about 25 million little kiddies. I had just so happened to be craving a combo pizza at the same time that two sports teams had decided to have their end of the year party.

After taking a look at the menu and deciding that a large combo pizza for my boyfriend and I would be perfect (since we are heifers), we made our way to the bar on the adjacent side of the register.

On our way, we passed the salad bar. I have to say, I never understand why people order salad when they are at a pizza joint. First, unless it is a gourmet restaurant with non-pizza items on the menu, I guarantee the salad will look very similar to Bogey’s – day old looking with garbanzo beans somehow making it into each of the other condiment bowls. And second, will the salad really be that healthy for you after you pound on the sides and drench it with that oh so good fatty ranch or blue cheese dressing? Fat chance.

As soon as our pizza arrived, I knew our eyes were bigger than our stomachs.

The combination came with: Pepperoni, Salami, Italian Sausage, Linguica, Mushrooms, Olives, Green Bell Peppers and Onions. One thing that stuck out was the crunchiness.

Let’s side track – texture is a huge part of eating. Each person has their own preference for how things should taste. Obviously that’s why the Chips Ahoy company made the chewy and normal options for your chocolate chip cookies. You say tomato, I say tomaaattttooo.

Going back to the food, I loved that the pizza wasn’t overcooked and didn’t burn my mouth as I took my first bite. I also found that by having the onions and bell peppers not fully sautéed was actually refreshing as it gave the pizza a nice bite! And, since I am not a huge crust fan, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the crust wasn’t overbearing (since many times you are eating only bread).

I was also a fan of the sauce. The pizza sauce didn’t dominate the taste, but you still got that good tomato flavor, without an acidic after-taste. Bogey's sauce also had a nice hint of sweetness that complimented with the saltiness of the salami.

Three and a half pieces later I was beginning my food coma. Overall, a pleasant experience, but nothing special.

The million dollar question, “would you go back?”…..Maybe, if I was in the area, but it isn't a to-die-for pizzeria.

I give it a 2.5 out of 5, primarily because there wasn’t anything killer about the pizza that made dying to go back. And, the fact that I have a slight case of heart burn as I am writing this review doesn’t help its case either…

Information:
Name: Bogey’s Pizza Co.
Address: 5039 Almaden Expressway, San Jose, CA 95118
URL: http://www.bogeyspizzeria.com/
Pricing: On average $14 – 20 bucks per pizza (depending on size). Drinks at the bar are $4.25 for premium beer and sodas are $1.75.
Byte Rating: 2.5 out of 5