On a Friday in early November 2022, Neighbor Roy and I dined at Barro’s Pizza in Marana. Earlier in the week, I had asked him what he wanted to eat come next Friday, and he exclaimed, “Pizza”. But it was up to me to choose which pizzeria we would go to. So I checked Tripadvisor. Barro Pizza got some of the best reviews, so that is how we decided to go there. Their menu says they have more than 40 locations in Arizona, mostly in Phoenix I presume. It appears to be a Family Affair. Normally, I wouldn’t go near a chain pizza place, but the reviews were so good that I decided to take a chance.
We entered and there was no one to seat us. That was confusing at first. But Roy sorted out that we would have to order at the counter and then they would bring out the food to our table. So I chose a booth, of which there were plenty available. It was just prior to noon. The lunch crowd had yet to arrive.
Our pizza arrived in what seemed like a very short time. And, Boy, did it look good. Lots of toppings: thick cheese, Italian sausage, and pepperoni with black olives ($12.49). My favorite. Roy had brought me a beer, which is what I prefer with pizza. It was a good, hoppy one too. They call it a Brewski Premium ($6.00).
I’ll let Roy tell you about his experience.
“Today, we dined at Barro’s Pizza in the Pavilions Shopping Center in Marana. It is part of a chain, but this is the first time we had dined in this restaurant. We were able to park in front of the pizzeria. Inside is a cavernous space, with flat screens on three sides. The space is comfortable, with plenty of space to relax–and no loud music to dull your hearing for several days afterward. Since this was our first visit we were unaccustomed to the procedures. We finally chose our booth. You have to order at the bar. When I explained this was our first visit, the young bartender produced a printed menu for us. After sharing the menu with Jim we ordered a medium pizza, I/2 pepperoni, and 1/2 of black olives and sausage. Jim ordered a beer and I settled for root beer.
After a short delay, I was able to see a constant flow of take-out orders. Soon our order arrived. Our pizza was loaded with sausage, pepperoni, and cheese toppings. The crust was obviously freshly made. After my first bite–I thought I’d died and gone to pizza heaven. This is the best pizza I have tasted in any pizzeria in Tucson, going back 50-plus years. I can hardly wait to return, this time to order a larger pizza, so that I can take it home, lock the doors and slip into pizza overdosing, followed by a long nap–it is that good. I give it 4 saguaros for service and ambiance, and a basketful of saguaros for food–yum,yum–try it, you will go to a pizza heaven.”
The medium pizza we split, 3 slices each. Which was just right, but not enough to bring an extra slice home to Ms. Karen. Sorry Honey. The crust was very good, the toppings were excellent. Like Roy, I rate Barro’s Pizza with four Saguaros. I think along the same lines as Roy … try it, you’ll love it. This was the best pizza I have ever had in Tucson. Moreover, I am sure this was the least expensive lunch Roy and I have enjoyed in all the years we have been doing lunch together. Medium pizza, and two drinks, plus tax = $13.58. Wow!
Barro’s Pizza
5884 W. Arizona Pavilions Dr.,Tucson
Hours: 10:30 AM to 10:00 PM Sundays thru Thursday.
10:30 AM to 11:00 PM Fridays and Saturdays
