In every college town, there is a large number of pizzerias from which you can choose your favorite. In the spirit of exploration for both mind and taste buds, I’ve decided to devote some select columns to various pizzerias in Lawrence. Join me on this exploration of the Pizza Experiences that Lawrence has to offer!

My journey starts with a fun place at 704 Massachusetts in downtown Lawrence called Rudy’s Pizzeria. What a great place to start!

The first thing you notice is that you don’t look up. Look down to find Rudy’s Pizzeria. In fact, you will step down a stairway to enter, but it is worth it! The setting is cozy and warm, with rock walls and a wonderful fountain. You order at the counter from a friendly staff who enjoys being there.

The clientele runs from students to families. Everyone seems to be smiling and ready to fill their plates and their stomachs. It’s a fun place where you can get a slice of pizza and a beer for under $5.00. In fact, I suspect there is a following of people there to get the pizza slice special.

The Rudy’s policy is that if a slice has been on the warmer past its time – there is a significant discount! Experience tells me that the taste doesn’t suffer the extra time. I was able to get two discount slices at $2.00 each. Two slices can fill a pretty hungry appetite.

After you order, you can see why there are so many smiling faces. You can order a full pizza, but what seems to be the choice of everyone at Rudy’s is pizza-by-the-slice. I can see why.  What a great why to enjoy a taste of everything without having ½ a pizza to consume at the end of it all.

The Highlights

The Crust – firmer then most pizza’s you encounter and more filling. Even the traditional white crust seems to be substantial then other pizza crusts. One of the first places in Lawrence to offer a wheat crust, it is easy to taste why it is still on the menu.

The Toppings – Rudy’s is proud of their selection of over 40 pizza toppings. My dining experience offered the pizza-by-the-slice and were traditional. Pepperoni, Italian Sausage, cheesy, and tomato with black olive. My favorite was the Italian Sausage; it was spicy without too much bite. It didn’t drown out the sausage or the crust, but instead was a nice compliment.

The Sauce – The sauce is mild and put on sparingly. If you like a lot of sauce on your pizza, you may want to let them know that at the counter. The soft tomato flavor doesn’t overpower the toppings, which I believe it the point.

Pocket Za – if you want a full Rudy’s Pizzeria experience, I fully recommend the Pocket Za. A small Za and salad can feed two people. Each comes with three of your favorite toppings (extra toppings are available). The small is an affordable $5.20. Believe me these are so good they can get addictive!

The next time you are downtown and someone asks you where you want to eat, take a trip downstairs and enjoy the warm setting and pizza at Rudy’s Pizzeria!