People have very strong opinions about pizza. The crust, sauce, toppings, and price all have to be perfect. Style is also a consideration. Do you prefer your pizza prepared New York, Chicago, or Californian style? Ask anyone this question and you will get an ear full; they will also add more styles to the list.
Pete's Apizza recently opened in Columbia Heights (steps from the Metro). Pete's has been getting a lot of chatter on the Internets, partly because of its claim to deliver on a pizza style made popular in New Haven. I've only been to New Haven twice, but both times I've had pizza (once at Peppe's and once at Sally's). My trips to New Haven were brief jaunts, so I'm no expert. In my mind New Haven style pizza means crispy, slightly charred crust topped with sweet tomato sauce. I think it is similar to New York style pizza (although a little thicker and crispier). Before I get knives thrown at me...from what I hear (and read) New Haven style pizza is often square or oblong (although many of the popular places serve round pies) and is often served white (e.g., no sauce). White clam pizza is popular in New Haven.
While I'm no expert on New Haven style pizza, I know what I like and Pete's is tasty. I got a pie with caramelized onions on half and pepperoni on the other half. Delicious! Perfectly cooked crust and salty goodness on top.
I would say that Pete's is the best pizza I've had in DC in a while. Yes, I know, 2Amy's is so good, and so is Vace, and yes we all love Matchbox, but we need more good pizza in DC, a city that is often referred to as a pizza wasteland. Pete's also serves pasta, salad, paninis, and deserts. I've heard some gripes that Pete's is expensive. At $2.50 for a slice and under $20 for a big pie, I would argue that it is affordable.
