MOD Pizza gets two thumbs up

Restaurateurs and Northgate students alike have been blessed, yes, blessed, because who doesn’t like a new pizza joint?

The new Orchards Shopping Center on Ygnacio Valley Road is home to various chain businesses, ranging from classic shops like Starbucks, to restaurants unheard of to Walnut Creekers, like MOD pizza.

MOD pizza has become a big hit. The store is set up in a fast – but fresh – way, where one customizes their own pizza with a variety of sauces and toppings, on a range of sizes.

The store itself is decorated to fit Walnut Creek, with pictures along the wall of iconic city spots and nearby high school logos. Unfortunately, Northgate’s logo was forgotten in the design, but employees have assured us that they are working to include it in a banner.

With criteria in mind like taste, price, and mood of the store, I stopped by MOD to eat pizza all in the name of journalism.

Taste: 4 stars

MOD pizza is definitely popular for good reason. With 30 toppings to choose from, the combinations are endless. And if you’re like me and have trouble deciding if you’re in the mood for pepperoni or not, the menu offers ten combos to try for any mood you’re in.

Kevin Clancy, a junior and a meat lover, enjoys the Mad Dog pizza every time he goes to MOD. The pizzas are made in the pizza oven, so the crusts are thin and crunchy. MOD also offers salads and salad pizzas, which hit the spot in a way that only salads can. I deducted a star because I’m a crust fan and sometimes the crispiness doesn’t quite cut it for me. Other than that, I was impressed with the juiciness of the meats, the spicy sauces, and the fresh vegetables.

Price: 5 stars

In terms of price, MOD is very reasonable. Julia Bender, a junior, says that MOD is “pretty inexpensive for such good quality food. You get a lot of bang for your buck every time you dine in.” For a mini MOD size, you’re looking at $5.27, while a classic MOD is $8.27, and a mega is $11.27. I was pleased with this because if I’m feeling cheap, I can share with a friend, or if I’m in a destructive mood, I can eat my very own and not blow the bank. MOD is on its way to being the go-to spot because it’s so cheap and easy.

Mood: 5 stars

Overall, MOD put me in a good mood. Walking in, I was greeted by every single employee there, making me feel connected with the place. The warm lights and smooth music made me feel at home and comforted. I felt like I had the world at my feet when I saw the topping selection, and they were all very organized. After talking to the workers while paying, I felt like we were instant best friends. The pizzas are done really quickly, and even when there was a long line, I got my pizza fast and I ate it even faster.

It’s such a great place to go eat after a basketball game, with friends, or to take out and eat in your room. MOD has definitely became one of my new favorite restaurants.

Student Favorites:

Madison Reed (9): the Calexico

Tyler Johnson (9): the Maddog

Julia Hagedorn (10): the Dillon James

Olivia Lee (11): pesto, mozzarella, sun dried tomatoes, chicken, mushrooms

Jack Casey (11): red sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, and rosemary

Nora Lyang (12): the Tristan

Ryan Clakley (12): the Maddog