Bazbeaux Pizza

Never underestimate the power of pizza, especially when it drives hoards of hungry customers through your door for more than two decades. Since 1986, Bazbeaux Pizza has deservedly tasted enormous success in capturing the hearts and stomachs of Indianapolis residents.

Annually on the local Indy “best pizza” list, this local phenomenon started their business with a name of legendary status. So the story goes, Bazbeaux was a 15th century French court jester with a humorous appreciation for food who finally made his fame and fortune in Italy. Meanwhile, in 21st century Indianapolis, the name of Bazbeaux lives on in its three locations dotted around the metro area.

The original Bazbeaux Pizza opened up in Broad Ripple and within three years, ventured downtown onto the quaint and historic Massachusetts Avenue. All of the Bazbeaux locations feature contemporary interiors and outdoor cafes, but the downtown pizza house is particularly endearing, with a rustic Italian feel.

Diners can choose to eat outside while watching the Mass Ave passers-by, in the ample dining room with its large windows, or down below in the impressive wine cellar. Murals and art work provide something extra for the eye, and the location attracts a healthy business lunchtime crowd, and a casual but hip dinner clientele.

With their four pizza ovens always occupied, this well-established eatery bakes its fresh 10, 12 or 16-inch pizzas with your choice of wheat or white dough, and with a thin or thick crust. A rich homemade tomato sauce is smothered over the pizza base, and then liberally covered with a blend of provolone, mozzarella and Pecorino Romano cheeses. Pizza favorites include the Pizza Alla Quattro Formaggio with romano, cheddar, ricotta, mozzarella, provolone, bacon and mushroom, and the basilica with pesto sauce, feta, sun dried tomatoes, and black olives.

HelloMetro Tip: Go for the Express lunch, which includes a slice of traditional pizza with salad and soft drink for $5. It’s available Monday thru Friday 11 - 1 p.m. at downtown and Carmel locations only. Delivery and take-out services are available at all locations.

- by Jim Brown , Indianapolis Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)