Today, Friday's Finest goes out to Proto's Pizza. They not only have the best pizza in Boulder, but in my opinion, they are one of the best all-around casual restaurants.
I first discovered Proto's when I lived in Denver the year after I graduated college. The Denver location has a quaint, all-glass store front in the Platte area of 15th St, but it's trendy and always hopping inside. I went with my friend Lindsey and her mom (same Lindsey who gave me the recipe to the Lindsey's Lemon Chicken you all love). We ordered red wine, the savory panini (sans oregano b/c Linds hates it), the tomato and mozzarella salad and if I remember correctly, the Proto Pie. Everything we ordered was AWESOME.
I'll start with their pizza, since it's their staple. It's Neapolitan-style, which I am probably about to botch attempting describe, but I'll try anyway. The crust is thin and crispy, but somehow still soft and delicious on the edges. Their homemade red sauce is so tasty that I sometimes just order The Traditional or Pizza Margherita, even though they have so many unique pizza options. They offer some really interesting creations that are all delicious. My current favorite is the Ruby Pie. It has pesto, artichokes, kalamata olives, feta and mozzarella. Another one of my favorites is the Atomica, since I like my food spicy and enjoy sausage on my pizza. Every Friday night they have Clam Pizza night; I've yet to try it but I hear it's awesome and I even might check it out tonight.
They have great drink options. For non-alcoholic choices they have my favorite - San Pellegrino Limonata and Aranciata, among other drinks. They also have a great wine list, and it's very affordable. It is relatively limited but they choose well, offering everything from traditional Chianti to South American varietals. They also have local beer on tap, and Peroni for an Italian touch.
The salads are half the reason I go to Proto's. I have never eaten there without ordering the tomato mozzarella salad. The mozzarella is creamy and perfect, the sliced tomatoes are plump and crisp, the basil leaves are always large and fresh, and its all topped with a thick balsamic reduction that is to die for. They also give the option of ordering a large or small size of any salad, which is nice if you're splitting with others. The Caesar is also top-notch, dressed in homemade dressing and topped with one fresh, high-quality anchovy - but only if you desire. It is presented with a crisp house made crouton poking out the top, which is also quite yummy. I haven't tried the others, but I'm sure they do not disappoint.
They do not skimp on the desserts either, offering traditional Italian desserts like the awesome connolis, tartuffos, and tiramisu. They also support one of my favorite local spots, Spruce Confections (which is located right across the street from Proto's, and also on 8th and Pearl), by serving Spruce's New York Cheesecake.
Proto's was started by Pam Proto and Rayme Rossello in Longmont, but so many others have caught on to what a treat it is that they expanded to four other Colorado locations, and another in Boise, Idaho. They have also been recognized in Bon Appétit Magazine!
The Boulder Proto's (above) is located in North Boulder on 4670 Broadway, which is a nice change of pace from Pearl Street. It has a large outside patio with heat lamps, so on those chillier spring and fall nights you can still enjoy eating outdoors. The inside is equipped with a long wooden bar and wooden dinner tables, all lining the windows. I've never had bad service there; the staff is friendly, casual and they make great recommendations. I also like that they present your check in a little can - adds a nice touch (you'll see what I mean). They are kid-friendly and perfect for dates, but don't take reservations. The wait on the weekends is usually reasonable though, at 20-30 minutes. To put it simply, Proto's is an all-around great experience. If you haven't been there, you definitely need to check it out.
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