Boca Raton seems to be revered around the country as this beautiful paradise, with palm trees lining streets, and beautifully manicured lawns outside gorgeous homes and businesses. Most people would agree unless they have traveled on NW 2nd ave, also known as Boca Raton Blvd., between Glades Road and 20th Street. For some reason this block is full of decrepit plazas and buildings that never seem to get nicer. It is like the buildings were bought 50 years ago and just left in the state they were. G-d Forbid one of the landlords would get wise and redo the plazas so they could obtain more rent and beautify the street. (Pictured above at the grand opening and ribbon cutting are FAU Student Body President Michael Cepeda , Mayor Susan Haynie, Andrew Stellino (Owner), and Boca Raton Councilman Robert Weinroth.

Well one amazing thing happened on this street recently and it was the opening of a new casual eatery called Community Table. Although known for their $1 pizza slices and $8 pies, Community Table serves quite a bit more than that. They have tacos, hot dogs, paninis, salads and fresh homemade pasta. We couldn't wait to go in and try out everything they had to offer. 

In the interest of full disclosure, one of our founders is friendly with the owner and even has a pizza named after him here called "The Craig". So he felt it would be better to have someone impartial go into Community Table to taste the pizza and write the review so he wouldn't be conflicted. Well Pizza Expert, you don't have to worry about me being conflicted or anyone who eats here for that matter. The pizza we had at Community Table in Boca Raton was fantastic.

Since I was there with a group of guys, we were able to get many things and each try a sampling. First we started off with a meatball panini. I know we don't review them here, so I will just post the photo and let the image do the talking.

Next we started off with the regular pizza, which is only $8 a pie, each and every day. Based upon its proximity to FAU (Florida Atlantic University), I am going to take a guess and say that Community Table will be packed at night with students taking advantage of the ridiculously low price. But don't let the low price fool you, this pizza is made with some incredibly fresh and high quality ingredients. Homemade dough, fresh cheese, and a family secret sauce recipe, make this pizza comparable to any $3.00 pizza slice I have eaten in Boca Raton. The crust was outrageously crisp and the pizza itself cut into 8 squares. For those who grew up in Long Island or Queens, this pizza is reminiscent of Pizza Supreme or Rizzo's. Usually I do not like the corner slices, but I tried to only eat them here since they were so good.

Next we had The Craig pizza. This pizza was a little more expensive than the normal pizza and initially we considered not ordering this pie because of the $16 price associated with it. My friend Jordan had to smack me back to reality and remind me that $16.00 is actually cheap for a pizza at other places and that I let myself get spoiled by the $8 regular price pie. Funny how that can happen to you. The Craig pizza has fresh mozzarella, meatballs, sesame seeds on the crust and tasted phenomenal.

Although The Craig wasn't as crisp as the plain pizza, the fruity olive oil sprinkled on top of the pie made it taste heavenly regardless. This pizza was our favorite of the night. The only thing I didn't like about this pie is that I am certain it will go to Craig's head that he has an actual pizza on the menu named after him. It is with relative confidence I can assure all readers he will be shamelessly promoting this pizza in every newspaper and news segment that includes him. You should go taste it for yourself and see before passing judgement on him. It really was very good. Nick's New Haven Pizza had an off the menu pie also called The Craig, and it seemed to do quite well and get a lot of accolades, but the new staff wasn't trained on it and it has since become extinct. I feel they missed a failed opportunity to have the first Craig pie.

Anyways, you will be seeing and hearing a lot about Community Table around town. It will make you question if you should be paying more than $1 a slice of pizza anywhere you go, and will most likely force the other places charging exorbitant prices for pizza slices to lower theirs. It is just dough, sauce, and cheese, and the owners of this new Boca Raton restaurant seem to understand that you don't have to rip your patrons off, and still give them quality.

Community Table in Boca Raton gets 7 out of 8 slices for their pizza.