I meet very few people who DON’T like pizza.

It’s an American institution. Usually I have people who have their favorite national franchises, (thank you advertisers!) but it takes a true connoisseur to venture out into the world of mom-and-pop pizza.

Daring as I am, I have had my share of disappointments. But Superb Pizza on Watt Avenue is not a risk…it’s a sure thing!
The epitome of neighborhood joints, Superb has been run by Kevin (he’s known by everyone on a first name basis) for over 20 years. Uri is also a face Superb lovers have grown accustomed to; both gentlemen promise you on the phone to have your order ready in “about 15 minutes”.

Located in what may be the multicultural hub of North Highlands; it’s in the same shopping center as Stolichny (Russian Restaurant), Peenoy (Filipino Market) and Gee’s Pot (Chinese/Vietnamese eats!); it’s not really a sit down (though they do offer a couple of small, tightly situated seats to the left of the entrance).

Superb is a call ahead, pick it up or have it delivered to your house, business meeting or Super Bowl party kind of place. It’s so good, you’ll be glad you didn’t cook at home.

They offer pizza, they’ll make any pizza into a calzone, (try the chicken with garlic sauce…hold the onions unless you absolutely love onions and your wife won’t hate you for it later) chicken strips and wings. ( they offer hot and barbecue…extra saucy yum) Mozzarella sticks, homemade lasagna, cheesy garlic bread.

The menu is vast without appearing daunting. But what’s the secret to staying in business this long?

“Years of experience, quality ingredients. We don’t get anything frozen”, says Kevin.

“We make our own sauce; everything is prepped the day of. We make our own dough from scratch. We make all of our own bread”

Never one to say there’s ever such a thing as too much pizza, I had to ask: After more than two decades, does he still eat it?

“I still love my pizza, “says Kevin, laughing heartily.

I for one will always love their salads. They offer traditional garden salad, an antipasto salad piled high with deli meats, olives, red onions and cheese as well as a chicken salad with pieces of fried boneless strips. These are huge and fresh and average about 4 bucks. One salad could easily feed 2 to 4 people as a side dish to their wonderful pizza.

They offer both thin and thick crust which makes for something for everyone – but throw out the whole New York versus Chicago debate. This is neither…just really great pie. They don’t skimp on the toppings. Superb’s crust is just good bread -- not too doughy but cooked thoroughly without being overly crunchy. The sauce is the perfect balance of seasoning without being sweet or bland. They seem to really get what people want.

“I treat my staff like family – my employees – I even treat my customers like family”, Kevin beams.

“And I have employees that worked for me 20 years ago who had kids and now their kids are working here. Others who used to work here came back as customers so we’re talking generations.”

The latest on the menu is dessert. They call them cinnamon strips and for 16 pieces are only 4.99. It’s a dessert bread with what he calls “a sweet cheese”…its not mascarpone…it could be cream cheese but it’s obviously a secret “family” recipe so I didn’t ask any more questions!

As far as new products on the horizon, they hope to offer a seafood pizza with shrimp and pesto sauce. Again, they’re working on it. If you’re like me, this sounds right up your alley – but for now I will be satisfied with the sausage, pepperoni, artichokes and olives.

One disclaimer, this is not a by-the-slice shop. (believe me you’ll enjoy eating at least 2 pieces!) The Large Superb Combo is 14.99. They offer a filling, truly awesome calzone with a drink for 5 bucks. And always call ahead!

When you do be sure to take a moment, and get to know Kevin and Uri – I believe they’ll continue to be here for a very long time.
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P.S. If you are wondering where Eric is – he found a great happy hour hang out in the Antarctic. He found out it was a great place to visit…and he DID want to live there. So for now we’ve heard neither hide nor hair of Mr. Eric. Chances are he is sipping on his favorite beverage (rum punch with a twist and plenty of punch) enjoying some conversation with one of the local yokels…or maybe a polar bear. We wish him the best.

Till next time …