Daily quickie: Satchel's Pizza

In a college town, pizza is all the rave. Ordering in or picking up is bound to cause a headache with so many pizzerias to choose from. But if you are looking for the king of all pizzas, you don't need to look any further than the Satchel's - a hole-in-the-wall restaurant that serves only pizza and salad. This vintage, boho-y pizza joint specializes in ooey-gooey pizzas with every topping imaginable. Go for tons of veggies, but if you don’t, you can’t go wrong. The red sauce is a bit spicy, but not hot, and there is a solid inch-and-a-half of bready crust. To start the meal, order a famous salad. Satchel's oversized chopped salads are served family style and include bite-sized apples, walnuts, carrots and a homemade, tangy balsamic dressing.

On a Friday or Saturday night you can expect to wait at least an hour for a table (even longer if you want to sit in the car-turned-private-dining-area) since reservations are not accepted. But don't worry, you can listen to some live local music in the back while sipping on old-fashioned soda pop in glass bottles sold in the gimmicky gift shop. I am particular fan of the bottled root beer.

To pass the time, mingle through the shop and ogle the odds and ends that you can buy for a few bucks to remind you of your Satchel's experience (you can even buy the tasty balsamic dressing to enjoy at home). Card games, band-aids, change purses and light fixtures crowd the for-sale space and vie for your attention.

Be sure to bring cash, though, because credit cards and checks are not accepted in the gift shop or the restaurant. There is an ATM available for customers, but use the money you would have spent on the ATM fee for a homemade chocolate chip cookie, mini cheesecake or brownie in the glass case up at the front where you pay. The chef only makes a few desserts a night, so be sure to snag something sweet to finish off your tasty meal before they are all gone. If you are lucky, there will be some chocolate-chip cannolis left for you to try. You’ll leave with a full tummy and hands full of lots of crap from the backyard store.

KP’s Crumbs: Ask to sit outside. The fake flowers made from cans and the fun garden ornaments are conversation pieces. The cannolis are by far the best dessert. And zucchini, spinach, broccoli and mushrooms are the tastiest toppings to put on your pizza. The avante-guard servers may come off as a bit rude, but I’d be too if every table of mine were full every single minute. Don’t take anything they say or do personally.

My end of the date rate the plate: Worthy of four forkings. Go often; leave way more than satisfied. But don’t forget, this date only takes cash.

Satchel's Pizza

1800 NE 23rd Ave., Gainesville, Florida, 352.335.7272