Sacramento pizza restaurant serves up one of 25 most ‘creative pies’ in US, Forbes says

A Sacramento pizzeria is among the top restaurants in the nation serving up “creative pies,” according to Forbes.

The publication featured Federalist Pizza’s Southside pizza on its list of “25 Creative Pies to Try on National Pizza Day.”

The holiday, which falls on Friday, is “the perfect opportunity to take our love of pizza up a notch,” Forbes contributor Aly Walansky said. “From inventive toppings to combinations, there’s a whole lot of ways to enjoy a great pie that we never considered but can’t wait to try!”

Federalist Pizza, located at 2009 Matsui Alley, is one of four California restaurants whose creations were mentioned in the article.

Spago located in Beverly Hills got a shoutout for its smoked salmon pizza, while Tony’s Pizza Napoletana in San Francisco was recognized for its mortadella e burrata pizza.

Forbes also highlighted Lustig in Culver City, whose croque monsieur pizza includes béchamel, prosciutto cotto, gruyere and parmesan cheese.

A margherita pizza is removed from the wood-fired oven at the Federalist Public House, in the alley between N and 20th streets.
A margherita pizza is removed from the wood-fired oven at the Federalist Public House, in the alley between N and 20th streets.

What is Federalist Pizza?

Inconspicuously located in an alley in midtown Sacramento, Federalist Pizza serves up pizzas “inspired by Detroit and New York Sicilian styles.”

Those pies are “baked fresh to order” in a wood-fired oven, according to the restaurant’s website.

Owners Marvin and Bridgette Maldonado repurposed cargo containers to “create one of the most unique spaces in town,” Marvin Maldonado told Forbes.

What’s on the menu at Sacramento restaurant?

Federalist Pizza’s Southside pizza features spicy roasted pork, chorizo, brunoise Yukon gold potatoes, Monterey Jack cheese and chili oil.

The toppings were inspired by an egg meal that Marvin Maldonado’s grandma used to make for him growing up, according to Forbes.

“The Southside is the pizza that conveys that magic and love of my grandmother night after night,” Maldonado told Forbes.

Cannonballs, meatballs with ground pork, ground beef and smoked meats covered in Italian grave topped with Shaved grand padding &fresh oregano, served at the Federalist Public House Wednesday June 3, 2015 in Sacramento. The Federalist Public House is a beer spot and pizza restaurant built from recycled shipping containers.
Cannonballs, meatballs with ground pork, ground beef and smoked meats covered in Italian grave topped with Shaved grand padding &fresh oregano, served at the Federalist Public House Wednesday June 3, 2015 in Sacramento. The Federalist Public House is a beer spot and pizza restaurant built from recycled shipping containers.

Other pizzas on the menu at Federalist Pizza include a classic margherita and the Stanford with fontina cheese, red onions, mushrooms, arugula and tomatoes.

You’ll also find salads, panini sandwiches and an assortment of small plates to share, such as roasted pork-and-beef meatballs and a board with soppressata salami, coppa, olives, almonds and sun-dried tomato hummus.

Pies range in price from $18 to $20, and can be made with a gluten-free crust or deep dish crust for an additional fee.

Small plates cost $12 to $15, while prices for salads and paninis range from $8 to $12.

The pizzeria also offers an extensive list of California-based draft beers.

Beer served at Federalist Public House Wednesday June 3, 2015 in Sacramento. The Federalist Public House is a beer spot and pizza restaurant built from recycled shipping containers.
Beer served at Federalist Public House Wednesday June 3, 2015 in Sacramento. The Federalist Public House is a beer spot and pizza restaurant built from recycled shipping containers.

When is Federalist Pizza open?

The pizzeria is open 5 to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

The Federalist logo is painted on the interior wall of shipping container at the Federalist Public House Wednesday June 3, 2015 in Sacramento. The Federalist Public House is a beer spot and pizza restaurant built from recycled shipping containers.
The Federalist logo is painted on the interior wall of shipping container at the Federalist Public House Wednesday June 3, 2015 in Sacramento. The Federalist Public House is a beer spot and pizza restaurant built from recycled shipping containers.

Forbes: Which US restaurants make the most creative pies?

Here are the restaurants that make Forbes’ 25 Creative Pies to Try on National Pizza Day.

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