Clever Crow Pizza

The slice I had at the market was definitely good. The sauce was the stand out ingredient to me — really great flavor. But … the slice was too tiny. I was kind of shocked when I saw it. Maybe next time I’m in Columbus I will order a whole pizza and give it another go!

Walking around North Market with a friend on an incredibly busy Saturday, we decided on pizza and the Clever Crow didn’t really have much of a line (compared to Sarefino’s). We ordered half a Goat Cheese pizza and waited about 15 minutes on them to bake it. Since I wasn’t in a hurry, that was no problem.
The pizza was really delicious if a little pricey. $ 9.50 for half of a medium-​size pizza, cut into three small pieces. (Super inconvenient for two people, but my fault for not specifying.) Bottled water only $ 1. The service was A+ and she validated our parking, too.

I’m lucky enough that my office is pretty close to the North Market so lunch time options are abundant. I find myself gravitating towards Clever Crow at least once a month.
I see that others have had some poor customer service at this location, however I have always been cheerfully greeted in a timely manner and have never had to wait more than 5 minutes for my slice of pizza. I pair it up with my favorite flavor of Jarritos and I am good to go. My favorite slices lately have been the Cognac Peach and the El Cuervo.
I guess I was never really into the «hype» around it, I just enjoy a well crafted pizza that stands out from all the others. I think it is comparably priced to Mellow Mushroom or Dewey’s.

I really love CC, but the by the slice service at North Market is very hit or miss.
Even if they have the slice you want ready to go, it takes a surprisingly long time for them to get it ready for you, and adding sausage or another topping extends the process to a somewhat ridiculous level.
Please don’t get me wrong — I love the product, and I really enjoy sitting down at Circus to enjoy the pie for a «full» meal. But I can’t help but think the North Market location either needs to improve the speed of lunch /​slice service or perhaps transition to just providing whole or half pies for takeaway instead.

What a difference by-​the-​slice vs. whole/​half pie makes?!
Now when you order they offer half/​whole pies and bake it right there, or even a take-​n-​bake option.
My second, third and fourth times back were WAY better than the first one and I’m going to have to whole heartedly disagree with my initial thoughts on CC. This is incredible pizza that’s creative, delicious, rich, flavorful — anything but ordinary! Just reading the amazing combos (which rotate seasonally!) made my decision so difficult.
I opted for a seasonal pie that will be gone this week (which is also why the employee recommended it) and took it home to bake. Only took ten minutes to bring this pie to palatable perfection. Covered in cheese, Ohio sausage, and smothered in a black bean paste instead of sauce — yep, that’s right! a black bean paste — I couldn’t get over how fast I was able to cram two huge slices down my pie hole! It was so good. I hope they bring it back next summer. If I could only remember the NAME! Can anyone help?
I thought these guys were slightly overrated, but I was totally wrong. These pizzas are incredible if you’re looking for a pie that isn’t traditional. YUM!

Absolutely love Clever Crow pizza, but it’s kind of hard to classify it as pizza in my mind. It is pizza shaped, yes. But this is a MEAL. Deliciously amazing cornbread/​sourdoughy (?) crust topped with equally amazing ingredients. Have to say, out of all the times I’ve ordered, I keep going back to the roasted vegetable pizza. It’s just too perfect to stray from. A couple pieces of this will fill you up, so don’t be turned off by the size/​price ratio (about $ 20 for a 12ish”). Totally worth it. Their salads are pretty good too, but I usually only get those when I’m eating upstairs at North Market. Despite a few service annoyances (which I’m sure probably don’t happen very often at all), I’d maybe eat this everyday if I could.
*Edit: So sad this location is closed!!!

Have you ever hit lunchtime and begun pondering what your options were, and when you remember what’s in the fridge by way of leftovers, you find yourself salivating as you realize you still have stuff from *that place* you went to yesterday?
I had that Pavlovian response today. The leftovers in question were from Clever Crow. Leftover pizza is a cuisine of its own, and in this case we’re talking about a Vegan Corn pizza with such unlikely pizza toppings as hummus and potato, as well as the corn. Zippy hummus, which I think contributed to the subsequent rush for the kitchen.
I’m a big fan of this crust and of this unexpected combo of toppings on it. I’m a fan of the take-​and-​bake option and of the instructions getting written thoughtfully on the box. I’m a fan of the fact that though I had the one already-​vegan option on the menu, there were a couple of other veganizable ones I can look forward to.

Clever Crow is my diet breaking food of choice. I lie to myself and say, «Pizza is healthy, right? Veggies, tomato sauce, some cheese for calcium — it’s all there!». Nope. Nope nope nope. But I don’t care when it comes to pizza this good. What does it for me every time is the cornmeal crust and the toppings. Caramelized onions, thick cuts of sausage, roasted corn, sweet potatoes — anything that can be found seasonally.
I see many people have problems at this location with the service. I haven’t been here enough to have had any of these issues. My only advice for those not wanting to deal with terrible service is — splurge and get a take and bake pizza! Yes, Clever Crow will top a cornmeal crust dough with your choice of toppings into a box for you. Just take it home and stick it in the oven and enjoy this fantastic pizza on your own time and in the comfort of your own home.

Happened to stumble across Clever Crow in the North Market while working at a convention down the street. I was happy to see a smörgåsbord of unique sounding pizza options available as an entire pie or by the slice.
I went with a butternut squash slice. It had squash, caramelized onions, and corn, of all things. Sounds like it would be awful but it was actually kind of awesome.
Definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for a quick lunch or a non traditional pizza pie.

I thought the pizza was good and solid — but I think it may have just been overhyped for me. I bought a take and bake home and the guy working the stall was super helpful considering my allergies, but I wasn’t blown away by the pizza. (Corn pizza, half with cheese, half without.) I’m not sure if I would buy again for the price.

Stop 1 of a 6 part review of Columbus Pizza.
There are some things I’m good at and from what I’ve been told organizing eating agendas, making reservations, and choosing great restaurants are a few of them. Having completed a five stop tour of some of Brooklyn’s best Pizzerias during a visit in March and fully admitting that I’ve long neglected the local dining scene here in Columbus a plan was hatched to do the same right here in Cowtown in late July. Oft disappointed with the local dining scene and local tastes in both general dining and pizza leaning towards the college friendly, trendy, and cheap I did a lot of research in assembling the cast to feature only locally born businesses with an eye on quality ingredients more-​so than a specific «style» and with a full ten joints on the radar I eventually whittled the list to six in order to match the number in our group… or perhaps just to push the boundary established in New York.
With a long day planned and travelers arriving from Walbridge, Oregon, Bowling Green, and Oxford alike our paths would first converge at The North Market — new home to the second location of a pizzeria made famous by «No Reservations» with Anthony Bourdain — Clever Crow.
Admittedly having never seen Bourdain’s show but knowing some to call it the best pizza in the city while others noted it to be merely «interesting» (and perhaps a formula knockoff with regard to the much applauded sourdough cornbread crusts and corn pizza) Clever Crow represents the first venture into Ohio Pizza by OSU graduate Gary Robinette and although it had long been on my radar the original location inside a «Club» called Circus and the inherent odd operating hours had always dissuaded my business. With the opening of a second location inside the Market and opening hours much more befitting a pizza tour (and my life) plus a convenient meeting place for all our arrival would be at 11:00pm sharp and without a line our order was placed and we were told it would take «about 15 minutes» (actually 23) before the pre-​made and chilled concoction would arrive from the oven.
Sold as slices, whole, or half pies featuring local ingredients and house cured meats and pickled vegetables our party’s first taste of Clever Crow would be the «Peperone» featuring house cured Pepperoni, Mozzarella, Fontinella, and Parmesan with Tomato Sauce and Oregano — the most «typical» choice on the menu and largely meant to serve as a baseline comparison. Beginning with the crust — I will admit it is quite remarkable in both the sweet/​savory balance and in the crunchy caramelized exterior juxtaposing the soft and chewy interior — think pan pizza, but with a deep dish Chicago style edge. Moving on to the ingredients — all were fresh and flavorful with a bit of spice in the Pepperoni and a smooth creamy consistency to the cheese. Unfortunately lacking, however, was the sauce — a slightly acidic tomato purée with a hint of spice but not much flavor, nuance, or texture.
Moving next to perhaps the most famous Clever Crow option, the other half of our pizza featured was the «Corn» featuring Sweet Corn, Mozzarella, House Smoked Provolone, Smoked Tomatoes, Purple Potatoes, Thyme and without overstating I can say it was one of the three best pizzas we had all day. Ditching the boring sauce this time in favor of smoked tomatoes that married flawlessly with the provolone while finding balance in the buttery sweet corn and mozzarella it was actually the potatoes that left us all most impressed as their earthy taste and fibrous texture simply added another level of complexity to the already memorable crust.
With prices ranging from $ 3 – 4 a slice, $ 7 – 9 a half, and $ 15 – 17 a whole this is clearly a spot where slices should not be ordered, though I must note that given their choice of «eco-​friendly» forks and knives if you want to cut a slice have them do it for you as I snapped two knives trying to get through that crust. Overall I really enjoyed aspects of Clever Crow and see them as a place with room to grow — I can only imagine that if they made every pizza fresh the quality would be even better (though the wait time probably substantially longer.)

Mini update— Phew! Thanks to the owner I’ve been informed Clever Crow is NOT leaving Circus! Horray!
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I tried their North Market location during the rotating heat plate fiasco, but I’m happy to say, that it looks like the heat plates have been sent to the pits of pizza hell never to return… hopefully.
The service this time was pleasant. The girl who helped us was bubbly, helpful, and just plain nice. I didn’t feel like I had to appease the hipster Gods or anything on this trip.
I’ve tried most every flavor that Clever Crow has to offer and none ever leave me scrunching my face in displeasure. The combinations are great and melodious to your taste buds.
I ordered a half order of pizza, and a mexican coke, and it came to ten dollars even, and I didn’t even finish all the pizza, so it might be considered steep for personal price, but it’s okay if you’re absolutely craving the stuff. It beats a value meal at a food chain.
One of my pizza tests for most pizzas is the next day test, which requires taking home leftovers for a breakfast of champions the next morning.
Clever crow failed my day after test for taste, which sets in stone that this pizza should be devoured hot and fresh. I wouldn’t recommend taking it home for later unless you’re doing their take and bake option.
I’m still a fan, Clever Crow, and I’m sure everyone who will step in North Market to order some of your deliciousness will be, too!

Simply the best pizza in town! I love everything about it — the crust, the unique toppings, quality ingredients, and oh the sauce! We usually pick one up a few times a month and bake it at home. Cost wise it is a bit expensive, but you get a really great pizza!

Before you hate on my 2-​star review of this Clever Crow location, take a look at my 5-​star review of their original spot:
Look, I’m going to be frank: Clever Crow at the North Market sucks. Let me outline my three visits:
1. Two friends and I dropped by during the lunch rush a couple of months ago, and the pizza was cold and old. Cold — during the lunch rush!
2. About a month ago, I got to Clever Crow about 30 minutes before they closed. The two employees working didn’t bother to ask if they could help me. I had to get their attention and ask if I could get a pizza. They looked completely bothered by me and said, «Well, we were trying to close up, but I guess we could still cook one.» Wow. Needless to say, I didn’t place an order.
3. Today, I went to the North Market for lunch and really wanted Clever Crow. I walked up and saw an employee boxing up a pizza. He never acknowledged me. I asked if he was going to have any pizzas-​by-​the-​slice ready soon, and he looked at me as if I were a dumb-​ass. This guy was a total punk and snobbishly said, «Uh, we’re not open today.» Seriously, dude? Then why the eff are you here cooking pizza? There’s no sign saying they were closed — how was I supposed to know?!
I honestly have no idea what’s going on with the people at this Clever Crow location, but they are ruining the business. I have written so few 2-​star reviews, and it pains me to give one to Clever Crow. But come on, get your shit together.

In a way, I feel sorry for Clever Crow.
The hype surrounding this place is absurd. Don’t get me wrong, this is not bad pizza — it is, in fact, very unique and tasty. It fits snugly into the North Market’s family of funky little eateries.
The pro’s:
1) Many of the ingredients are local and improvised. While I was waiting for my pie to come out of the oven, I watched the Clever Crow cashier and an employee of Greener Grocer pick through the day’s leftover veggies. She ended up with a handful of tarragon and a bag of ginger root, puzzling over what sort of pizza she could conjure. Very cute.
2) Won’t Kill You. I think that should be their slogan: Clever Crow, we won’t kill you. What I mean is that, for pizza, its pretty healthy stuff. The cheese is very light, the veggie toppings are overflowing and fresh, and meat isn’t really necessary with all those unique flavors.
The cons:
1) The crust. Its not that amazing. Its a white flour, soft pizza dough with a bit of cornmeal mixed in. I guess I was expecting some kind of transcendent culinary masterpiece — like my granny’s skillet cornbread magically transformed into crust. Oh well, blame the hype.
2) Out of squash. It was the end of the day, so I guess I can’t be too harsh, but I really wanted some of that butternut squash pizza! The employees were sweet about it, but they could have erased it from the board to avoid confusion.
So, I’m sure I’ll come here again, but just because Bordain ate it doesn’t mean its the best. At the end of it all, its just pizza.

I had Clever Crow pizza a few times when it was housed at Circus, but I’m really glad they opened up their own place at the North Market. What you have to keep in mind about Clever Crow is that it’s specialty pizza, not pizza pizza (for that, go to adriatico’s). You have to be in the mood for something a little different and if you are, you will be rewarded!
My husband and I decided to walk down the North Market today to enjoy the unseasonably warm temps (62 in February!) and we ended up sharing a roasted vegetable pizza at Clever Crow. They also have a vegan version, which I like, but since I was sharing with my husband, I gave in to some cheese. The roasted vegetable pizza has a bit of mozzarella topped with roasted eggplant, pepper, red onion (so sweet and delicious), mushroom (mmm… roasted mushroom), tomato and a fresh cilantro/​garlic mixture. Wow. It was delicious. I’ve also had the butternut squash pizza with corn and potato… also phenomenal. And, their crust is a cornmeal crust that is so hearty and flavorful! I kinda wish they had some sort of dip for the crust because I like that sort of thing, but I can’t think of what it might be. Not marinara… maybe something creamy? I don’t know, think about it, Clever Crow. In the meantime, I will enjoy your vegetarian and vegan options with enthusiasm.

I enjoy this pizza!
I’m not even a huge fan of pizza but I really enjoyed the piece I got a few days ago when visiting the North Market. It was a specialty piece with large pieces of caramelized onions, corn and red skin potatoes. The sauce wasn’t a sauce but more of a squash purée. It was fantastic!
I usually go to Z-​Pizza if I really want a slice of pizza but I think Clever Crow has taken over that job.

This is some good shite, hands down, and I’m not saying it cuz my daughter threatened me with a knee-​capping if I gave her best friends’ pizza joint a bad review: p
I had the butternut squash slice since I love squash. Seriously love the stuff. (Instead of whipped cream I used mashed squash with the last guy I dated: I never saw him again, which was ok. Left more squash for me heehee!) The flavors melded together in a symphony of toothsome savoriness. The carmelized onions and corn were exquisite and the crust… oh the crust… muy delicioso. I am officially addicted to Brooke n hubs pizza. Hell, my picky eater grandson horks it down, inhales it, and his dad who is iffy about squash enjoyed it.
I could go on n on about CC, being the blowhard that I am, but for your sakes I’ll keep it short n sweet :)
They have an array of artisanal pizzas to please any palate. It is a nice change from run of the mill pizza. It’s worth a trip to Circus or the North Market. Try it you’ll like it.
Salud

Eh… It’s alright, but the taste: value ratio is way, way off.
Yes, it’s good pizza. It’s not the best pizza I’ve ever had, and it wouldn’t be a 5 on taste alone, but I won’t complain if someone wants to give me some.
I had a piece of corn, squash, sausage, sweet potato and a piece of veggie. Both had excellent ingredients and were well made; no complaints there. They were both obviously old and had been sitting out for a while, totally lacking the out-​of-​the-​oven freshness that you can get from many other places.
The price is outrageously high. It’s not worth it, especially if they don’t at least reheat the pizza slices before giving them to you.
Will I go back? Maybe. If someone asks me. And nothing else sounds good. And it’s payday.

Tucked in a back corner of the North Market is Clever Crow’s new location separate from the kitchen at Circus. The space is unassuming enough that I nearly walked by it without seeing the Clever Crow logo below the register. Given this was opening day at the North Market, I expected a bit more of a crowd. Somehow nobody was around when I arrived, yet at the time only two pizzas were ready for consumption, half of each pie left for purchase: the spiced squash and its sausage variant. Both feature the expected gourmet (read: semi-​crazy) combination of ingredients Clever Crow is known for. The other daily offerings (pepperone, cheese and roasted vegetable) were being prepared at the time; two of the three were available when I passed by upon exiting the market, but again not in large quantities. The squash with sausage was excellent, the sausage very flavorful and the squash purée as tomato sauce replacement works surprisingly well.
This situation presents what I hope won’t become a problem for Clever Crow’s North Market location. With most food offerings in the building available quickly or immediately, can a storefront make it if one must wait a while for their preferred offering? If I really wanted pepperoni (sorry, I’m going to spell it like a normal person), would I wait for Clever Crow or go to the nearby Sarefino’s, where a rack a dozen pizzas high is available at a moment’s notice? While sitting upstairs, at least a dozen people seated at adjacent tables had purchased pizza for their meal. None were Clever Crow. While it may be tempting to say «availability’s not the point» or counterintuitively excuse this as consumer lack of knowledge on the location’s opening day, it has to be considered for CC to maintain this location. If you don’t have enough product available, the rent will prove to be too damn high.
Whether this ends up being a kink in CC’s system or doesn’t turn out to be a problem remains to be seen. The take-​and-​bake option should certainly help business, in any case. I hope they do thrive at that location, as it adds a welcome dimension to the North Market’s offerings.