2Amys

It's no secret that we adore 2Amys pizza (see our favorite restaurants post), especially since we've probably referred to it in every pizza post we've written. To us, it's the gold standard for DC pizza. While I've read complaints that the pizza quality has slipped, they are still serving up delicious pies.

If you want to experience the pizza without waiting a really long time for a table, we recommend going on a weekend for lunch and arriving about 10 minutes before they open. A line starts to form outside, but when the doors open they seat the crowd quickly. On our last visit, we had a group of 7 and were seated right away.

If you come when there is a wait (which is pretty much all the time), head to the bar at the back of the restaurant and grab a drink while you wait.

We like to start with the mixed greens salad with lemon, red wine vinegar, and olive oil. It is the most simple salad you'll find on a restaurant menu, but the simplicity is why we like it. It's a fresh and light way to start your meal before you begin chowing down on cheesy pizza goodness.

In addition to a menu full of pizzas with creative toppings (grana or cockles anyone?) 2Amys offers a few special pizzas that rotate periodically. B ordered a special pizza that featured cockles (clams) and artichoke hearts.

While I am the first to admit that their fancy pizzas are great, I have a huge soft spot for the Two Amys, which is simply tomato and fresh mozzarella cheese. It's the best cheese pizza I've had outside of Brooklyn, and I'm in love with the chewy crust. However, on some days, the wood burning oven is a little overzealous and scorches the crust a bit too much. Usually, it's cooked perfectly and I have no problem polishing off the whole thing.

Because of its popularity, 2Amys isn't the most relaxing place to dine. You usually have to wait for a table, and it's noisy and full of little kids. But, if you're willing to deal with these minor inconveniences, you're in for a real treat. My mom (a native New Yorker) called it one of the best pizzas she's ever had. You know what they say about mothers always being right.

Second Thoughts from B

For all you Top Chef fans out there, you know that the current season features a finale that pits a Southern chef that expertly prepares "simple" food against a pair of brothers who specialize in more sophisticated dishes.

At 2Amys, you don't have to make such a choice. On one hand you've got simple pizzas made perfectly. On the other hand, you'll find a menu full of ingredients and combinations that are completely foreign to most diners. Sure, you can make a custom pizza with pepperoni and meatballs, and I'm sure it'll be great. But my advice is this; trust the geniuses in the kitchen and allow them to make their magic. You won't be sorry.