Oregano’s Pizza Bistro Experience

He Said

When I moved here there were a few Oregano’s locations, if I remember correctly there were 3. Every lunch, every dinner, even at odd hours there was always a wait, always a line. It always amazed me. At the time I worked in Tempe and if the crew at work wanted to go to Oregano’s for lunch we left by 11, if it was after 11 we made another decision. Well now there are many locations and yet, there is still a line at lunch and dinner at prime times. But you can find slivers of odd moments you can walk right in. It just proves that they have something special. My out of town visitors are always wanting to go and never fails they buy the shirts. The shirts that make you think, then make you laugh. I want to meet the person who comes up with these slogans. I love them!

The staff is always young and attractive but so personable and friendly I always question if I love them or just how they treat me. Most likely a little of both. It doesn’t matter what location you go to, you can be sure you will be warmly greeted and treated like family the entire visit. When the weather is nice I prefer to sit outside but if you are inside you get to watch old movies on old T.V.s. with all the hustle and bustle of the staff which is fun in itself. Did I mention this place gets so busy? The people watching is fantastic as everyone loves this place, so you get a wide variety in patrons. Parking seems to be an issue at many locations but the newer ones have honed in on that problem and resolved it. Even the newer Old Town Scottsdale location has a huge lot compared to its previous location.

The menu is huge and that causes me problems because I love pretty much anything I order.  My favorite of course is the Baked Ziti but I ask for it without the bread bowl. They used to serve it in a bowl and decided to move it into a bread bowl. Considering you get bread with it, the bowl was just too much. So I ask for it in the pasta bowl instead. I also add meatballs even though it’s in a meat sauce. Their meatballs are just so flavorful I have to ask for more meat. If you visit for lunch they have a few specials you should consider as it’s the only time they offer it. The Heck of a Slice is a big slice of their pizza you normally have to order the whole pizza. They also have a mini Chicago style pizza special each day during lunch that is authentic as I have ever had in Chicago. If you are feeling more like a rabbit, the salads are amazing as well. I almost always go for the Pablo Picasso Mexican salad and it is huge so don’t worry you will go away hungry, that is one thing that never happens at Oregano’s.

Now I have to end this on the desert. It used to be called the Pizzookie. But apparently BJ’s Brewery had a trademark on it or something and so now it’s just a pizza cookie but it’s still just as good. Do a half and half. Don’t focus on one cookie type. That’s simply my advice to you. The truth of the matter is it’s hard to get to the dessert because by that point you have had a lot of food. So watch yourself and take some dinner home with you. You will thank me around 10 pm or 12 am when you open your fridge and see that black box of left over Ziti. I think I’m gonna go eat mine right now.

She Said

I started visiting Oregano’s regularly shortly after they opened their first location in 1993. Sticking with the original theme of their first restaurant, Oregano’s has distinct look you can spot as you pull up to any of their locations.

Even as new restaurants open, I get the urge to indulge in Oreganos at least 4 times a year. I know I can not be the only Arizonian that feels a certain happiness when I walk into the joint. The friendly staff and overall uplifting vibe emanates throughout the restaurant. It truly is a lively Italian family-style gathering place. Between the murals on the wall, the overflowing retro décor and pizza aroma you have plenty to take in and your senses are on overload. The menu is vast and has plenty of mouthwatering options for any eater.

I’ve had a few starters throughout the years. The Boom Dip: a delicious version of spinach/artichoke dip, The Toasted Ravioli Espaniol: fried ravioli with a southwest twist and The Pesto Bruschetta: pesto smeared on tasty Italian bread.

I LOVE the Pablo Picasso Salad. I have dreams about this salad…truly, I do. I have driven in my pjs to pick up this salad to-go! Not an Italian salad, but somehow it fits in. Delicious spicy chicken, caramelized onions & peppers, strips of tortilla chips and a blend of four cheeses over a bed of lettuce with a creamy chipotle dressing. Yum. Yum. Yum.

Pizza: Thin crust, Stuffed and Pan are your choices and the wait staff will warn you how long each take to cook. All are wonderfully flavorful with fresh ingredients and Wisconsin Cheese. It just depends what you are in the mood for.  The Pan is my go-to. Baked in a hearth stone oven which gives it a light and flaky crust.

The Original Pizza Cookie is fantastic. You have your choice of Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter Chocolate or White Chocolate Macadamia Nut. Theses treasures come out piping hot in a 6-inch pizza pan topped with three scoops of melting vanilla ice cream, it is the perfect dessert.

I honestly don’t think you can go wrong with anything at Oregano’s. There is a reason there is always a wait, no matter what time of day it is!