On my second night in Great Falls – way back in 2002 – I was tired from the long move & drive to Montana, meeting realtors, etc. I was in my hotel room (Crystal Inn – nice place), and didn’t feel like going out to find food. So I flipped open the phone book and noticed an ad for “Howard’s Pizza” – and the ad mentioned that they delivered, and it appeared to be pretty close to Gore Hill. I called and ordered some pizza (pepperoni – duh). It arrived and I was puzzled. Pizza delivered – in a paper bag? No cardboard box? Hm. Give it a shot.
And I was hooked. Instantly. I don’t know if it’s the thin crust, the abundant cheese, or the square slices, but Howard’s is, bar none, my favorite pizza. I have never had a bad pizza from Howard’s. And since that day in July 2002, I sneer at Pizza Hut, Domino’s, and other national chains – yes, I’ve sampled some of their stuff on occasion since then (office party, etc), but only grudgingly. Howard’s Pizza was one of the first things that I fell in love with here in Great Falls, and it got me off to a good start in “adopting” this community as my home.
And besides having Howard’s Pizza delivered, I’ve eaten on several occasions at the Howard’s located in the 50s Casino, over by the Marketplace – fun decor! And then, about 18 months ago, I discovered the Stein Haus (or is it Steinhaus?). Oh man…peanuts AND Howard’s Pizza? I’m in heaven. Still haven’t been to the Wine Mill location, but promise to do so soon.
And now comes news that – but of course – there’s a Facebook fan page for Howard’s Pizza, similar to the one for Taco Treat. The Howard’s fan page intro reads:
Locals know it. Non-locals are curious. Is it true that Great Falls, Montana is home the fastest piston-powered vehicle in the world, the best tacos and taco sauce in the world (Taco Treat), home of Olympic boxer Todd “The Kid” Foster AND Olympic Figure Skater Scott Davis, and home to the world’s greatest Western Artist, CM Russell, AND, AND yes to the WORLD’S BEST PIZZA!? NO KIDDING. Howard’s is the best pizza in the world, and I do not believe it is based on local favoritism. It that’s what you think, come talk to me and I’ll kick your sorry butt. If you can’t stand the heat, get outta the kitchen, and Ace’s, and the Steinhaus. Loser. Great Falls is great because we don’t have naysayers like you. Now beat it. They don’t call it Mediocre Falls now do they? Great Falls is great because of the greatest pizza, tacos, athletes and cars. Amen.
Now that is one helluva endorsement.
And check out this pizza lover’s review:
“The crust is so thin, you need to fold it to eat it. They cut the pizza in little squares (to be different? make it easier to eat? who knows….who cares?). The sauce is not too sweet and a little garlicky – best pizza ever -nothing can come close!!!”
And for folks who like something a little different on their pizza, don’t forget Howard’s famous asparagus pizza or the “Kraut special!”
So: Howard’s Pizza – yea or nay?
7 responses so far ↓
1 ajtooley // Dec 11, 2008 at 7:50 am
I have to tell you, the first couple of times I ate Howard’s Pizza, I was underwhelmed –as I still am with Taco Treat tacos. But a couple of years ago I tried it again after a too-long flirtation with Pizza Hut and Domino’s, and took to it right away. Maybe my tastebuds just needed a reset. But now when I think of getting takeout pizza, I think of Howard’s.
2 GeeGuy // Dec 11, 2008 at 9:03 am
Candadian bacon, jalapenos on half, pineapple on the other.
3 Dona Stebbins // Dec 11, 2008 at 10:08 am
Howard’s Special with extra cheese – absolutely the best!
4 Kirsten // Dec 11, 2008 at 6:25 pm
Can’t say Im a fan of Howards…not a fan of any pizza place in town really, but I can’t dog Domino’s too bad. My hubby is the manager of the westside…so cheap pizza is cheap pizza.
5 bonkrood // Dec 11, 2008 at 8:39 pm
Okay I lived in Great Falls and I’ve never had Howard’s Pizza. However that is how I feel about the Vu Villa Pizza here in Butte–it’s delicious. Still shaped like pizza though.
6 Renee // Feb 23, 2010 at 12:41 am
Actually of all the local pizza places here in town, Pepperoni’s is Great Falls’ best-kept secret. It is actually not even a restaurant. It is a pizza cart inside the Country Market truck stop off of Exit 277, adjacent to Crystal Inn. The slices are huge. Love the crust and how they twist it at the base. Hard to explain, you just have to try it/see it. Good sauce. I wish they delivered. Unlike Country Market, which is a 24-hour restaurant, the pizza is only available until 8 p.m. at night or something like that.
7 LaughingMan // Feb 24, 2010 at 6:06 pm
Howard’s Pizza was the first food I ever ate in Great Falls. I had it in my hotel room after a job interview (that I obviously got). And I haven’t eaten one since.
The Howard’s Pizza on Market Place was close to my hotel room, and I called in a pepperoni because I’m always willing to try local restaurants over fast food and chain restaurants. The guy came to my door and handed me what looked like a soft-shell tortilla in a paper pouch. I was like, “What is this, a paper plate?”
Him: “… um, it’s your pizza.”
Me: “… ah…” Paid, tipped and shut the door.
The laws of physics say that you can’t fold anything more than 9 times, regardless of how thin it is. That night I made a scientific breakthrough.
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