Jana Hollingsworth/News Tribune
This pizza survived a 20-minute car ride and still tasted like the little piece of heaven that it is. Shamrock: we love the crunchy-out, chewy-in crust; the greasy mix of cheddar, bacon and beef, the the bevy of pickles to be piled on, the zesty sauce.
The large is not enormous; two of us almost finished this whole thing. We’re sort of gluttons, but not quite. It’s just got that addictive quality that a really great-tasting pizza has. The kind that compels you to eat trance-like. But a kind of trance that makes you taste the mingling flavors slowly.
This was the tops of the top pizzas in the Northland ranked in our pizza review a couple of years ago. There are some contenders, but Shamrock really nails this particular combination. It’s mighty awesome.
I never want to stray from it but I fear I am missing out on other pizza greatness from the Shamrock. I’ve had the basic pepperoni, but the specials are where Shamrock really shines. Give me the names of others. I demand it.
I have yet to find a pizza in Duluth/Superior that really knocks my socks off. I’ve tried all the usual suspects such as Sammy’s, Bulldog, Hugo’s, Shamrock, VIP, Thirsty Pagan, etc. None of them really do it for me. It’s not that any of them are bad. There just isn’t a standout in the bunch. So here’s some non-local pizzas that I go out of my way for.
Longbranch Saloon – Minong, WI. Besides residing in a great old building, the Longbranch makes the best pizza in NW WI. The thin, crispy crust is perfect and I haven’t found a better cheese. Go figure, good cheese in WI. My wife and I make the trek to Minong at least twice a month, just for the pizza.
Pizza Pub – Pine City. I won’t call this a “knock your socks off” pizza but their sauce has a nice bite that I haven’t found anywhere else. It’s a very good pizza and like the Longbranch, the old building alone is worth the stop.
Pizza Nea – Mpls. The Mecca of pizza excellence in this state. Authentic Neapolitan style pizza that I’d eat daily if there was something comparable in this area. I’m drooling just thinking about it.
If anyone can recommend a really good pizza closer to home that I haven’t tried, I’ll definitely go out of my way to give it a shot.
Harmon, you pick Pizza Nea over Punch? Punch is my all-time favorite. A tich better than Nea, in my opinion.
Sorry Jana, but I find Punch kind of bland compared to Pizza Nea.
Jana, now I have the hugest craving EVER for Shamrock BCB pizza, and I’m two hours away. Ugh. Yum. Aaargh.
Have either you or Harmon tried Black Sheep Pizza in Mpls? So good.
Try Dave’s Pizza in Virginia.
I was in the area on business last week and brought home 10 frozens pizzas, plus a sub.
I also like Punch a bit better than Nea.
Duluth needs a Punch.
I tried Black Sheep the first week after they opened and wasn’t impressed at the time. Since it was their first week in business, I’ll definitely give them another try next time I’m down for a Twins game though. The crust was perfect but I didn’t find the ingredients to be as good as my beloved Nea.
Looking forward to trying Dave’s. I’ll be in Virginia in a couple of weeks and will definitely look them up.
Looking
Dave’s Pizza is as good as you can get for the buck. If you like thick crust, you have to specify it. It is carry-out only, plus they have great subs too. Order the extra meat and extra cheese and you’ll be pleased with the sub. Whenever I go up that way, I try to stop in. No ambiance however, very plain building and interior. Maybe that is how they keep the prices so reasonable.
Is there a secret code or enterance to get into Shamrock? A friend and I have tried many times over the years to go there for pizza, and it seems no matter what time of day we go (it’s usually always daylight) it is closed up tight.
Shamrock doesn’t start cooking pizza until 4pm, I believe. Try again – its worth it!
Although the Bacon Cheese Burger is my favorite, I also enjoy the Mexican (maybe just a small size). It’s pretty damn spicy and the sour cream on the side completes the whole dish.
Also try Ken’s Special, if you like a salty ham/meat pizza. If too much meat isn’t your favorite, then get the Ham & Pineapple.
Been going to Shamrock since I was a little kid and it was located in the Choo Choo Bar in Superior.
P.S. My brother is in the military and my parents tease him all the time about eating Shamrock. He lives for it when he comes home.
That’s really looks good, my taste buds wanted to have some. Looking forward to taste it next week.
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