“Corporate Pizza Sucks” is the first thing I see upon entering Waldo Pizza. It is printed on the back of a t-shirt that is hanging on the wall at the entrance. Then as we make our way in and wait to be seated, I see that is what the servers are wearing.
I was not at all offended by the phrase, as I am one to support locally owned spots as often as possible and often find them better than the chains anyway. The second thing I noticed was the classic aroma of Italian spices that took me back to my childhood and reminded me of the neighborhood pizza place my family went to when I was growing up.
Waldo Pizza has been featured on The Food Networks “Best Of” series and has been a favorite neighborhood spot since it opened its first location in the Waldo area in 1987. The Lee’s Summit location opened in 2003, which is where I was.
As this was my first visit to Waldo Pizza, I was really looking forward to it. It was lunchtime on a Tuesday afternoon and I was surprised at how busy it was. I took that as a good sign and was even more eager to try their offerings. There was not much of a wait and once seated I realize the lunch buffet is what draws in the crowd. Served Monday – Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. , the lunch buffet consists of all you can eat pizza, pasta and salad for only $6.99. It is the perfect opportunity to try the different styles of pizza
Waldo Pizza offers four different types of crusts, traditional hand-tossed, St. Louis style thin, hand-tossed honey wheat and even a gluten and dairy free. The topping choices at Waldo Pizza include all the traditional ingredients you would expect along with some unique choices like almonds, grilled salmon and roasted potatoes. Those are definitely not your everyday pizza toppings.
The buffet looked great, but the menu was intriguing too with all the topping choices. I love to make pizza at home and always use ingredients I think might pair well together. We opted to order off the menu as I was with my daughter who had brought along a friend who only likes cheese pizza. My daughter will eat almost anything and loves the crazy pizza combination’s I make at home, so we thought it would be fun to create our own.
The Tuesday special is buy one pizza get the second at half-price, so it worked out perfect to get one pizza with half cheese, half pepperoni and the other one we topped with goat cheese, roasted chicken and spinach. We chose the 12” size with the thin St. Louis style crust.
Both pizzas were great. The crust was thin and the edges were crispy. The goat cheese, roasted chicken, and spinach pizza would be a combination I would put together at home and was delicious! The pepperoni and cheese was great too. 
The atmosphere at Waldo Pizza is family friendly with trivia cards on the table, a game room, and unique light fixtures that are made out of their pizza pans.
Waldo Pizza offers a variety of pizzas, pastas, salads, and sandwiches. You can also try the “Rich Man” special that is one large combo pizza served with a bottle of Dom Perignon for only $249.95 or the “Poor Man” special that is one small cheese pizza served with a can of beer (no glass) $7.95.
Waldo Pizza also has a variety of desserts including carrot cake, fresh baked cookies, cupcakes, cobbler and more. In addition to that are gluten free cookies and vegan cupcakes, which I have heard are amazing.
With great specials and variety of menu choices including all of the gluten and dairy free items, makes Waldo Pizza a great choice for dining with a large group or if are with someone that has any special dietary needs.
Waldo Pizza gets an A+ in my book for the all the unique toppings offered, the gluten free and specialty items, being locally owned and of course delicious.
Waldo Pizza’s prices range from $7.95 – $23.50, depending on size and number of toppings and offer dine in, carryout and delivery. They also offer catering and have space available for private parties.
For more information visit Waldo Pizza’s website.
Waldo Pizza Locations:
Lee’s Summit: Rolling Meadows Shopping Center at 1543 N.E. Douglas Road, Lee’s Summit, MO 64086. 816-875-2121.
Kansas City: 7433 Broadway St, Kansas City, MO 64114 816-875-2121.
If you have a great food find in Kansas City you think I am missing, email me.
In Good Taste,
Sharm