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The Pie's Not the Limit

Photo by Christopher Gardner

Cheese, Pleas: The namesake dish at House of Pizza

In addition to pizzas, Kukar's serves up budget-pleasing specials and sandwiches

By Gordon Young

ANY PIZZA PLACE that boasts both a photo of John Paul II surrounded by Christmas lights and a framed paper plate autographed by Paul McCartney is worth a visit, but the low prices and hearty food at House of Pizza make it a primary destination for cheap eats.

The $5.25 lunch special the other day included a hefty portion of spaghetti with sausage, Texas-style toast, and a trip to the well-stocked salad bar that offered beets, green beans and peaches, to name just a few items. Replace the spicy sausage with beef and knock a buck off the bill.

Sandwiches also make a good choice for the thrifty eater--for example, the hot Italian sausage sandwich with chips for $3.50.

This is, after all, the house of pizza, so don't forget the specialty that has kept Kukar's in business for the past 50 years. A "Very Small" pizza with one topping costs just $5.45. Select up to five toppings and the price climbs to a respectable $7. Don't let the name mislead--the "Very Small" is anything but. It's easily enough grub for John Madden clones, and it's swimming in grease, er, flavor juice. That, by the way, is a compliment in my book.

Enjoy all of it at a table by the fireplace or have a seat at the full bar. I don't think the pope will mind.

Kukar's House of Pizza, 527 Almaden Ave., San Jose (408/292-6886).

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