I love Willow Street Pizza in Los Gatos so much that we decided try their Willow Glen location on a double date with one of Shrek’s golfing buddies and his girlfriend. Unfortunately, we missed the memo that last night was “Kids Eat Free!” so when we arrived I thought I’d mistakenly stepped inside a fucking Chuck E. Cheese. Mayhem, I tell you! Kids running around hollering, bopping each other with their helium balloons in tow, parents chasing after them… I like kids and all, but this was not the scene I was looking for. Fortunately, we met at 7 and as Shrek pointed out, “It’s bedtime soon, right? It’s a school night.” Sure enough, by the time we were seated close to 7:30 things were winding down. It also helped that we sat outside on the patio. It was like a tranquil oasis compared to the chaos I’d witnessed inside as we waited. I also really like dining alfresco. Even in November. It was nice and toasty thanks to the heat lamps that were fired up and fresh air is always, well, refreshing. Especially after being cooped up working in an office all day.

My Thai Chicken Pizza

Italian Sausage, Pancetta, and Mixed Mushroom

Artichoke and Feta Cheese

Small Caesar Salad

Okay, so food first. Sure, good food is served here, but I’d being lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed. It just isn’t as good as the other location’s. The usual flavors I love in the Thai Chicken Pizza are lacking and the crust is a little thicker which I personally don’t care for. Honestly, for the price we paid ($120 with tip and drinks for 4), I would’ve rather eaten at Pizza Antica on Santana Row and eaten my favorite pizza and gnocchi. The service here, however, can’t be beat. It was fantastic! Pleasant, quick, and attentive… The guys were never without their 24 oz steins of beer and our server even took the initiative to bring me a new drink when she noticed I wasn’t into my sangria. (It was too citrusy and tasted like old oranges.) The replacement glass of their house white wine was excellent and LARGE and the sangria was nary to be seen on the bill. After an uncertain start to the evening, I was quite comfortable sitting out until well after they closed, chatting and laughing with my new friends. Can’t wait to do it again, but somewhere else this time. And hey, now I know to check in advance for any “Kids Eat Free” promos.