After two of us asked for a slice of pizza each and a salad to split at 1702, the server Amanda sweetly informed us that we had ordered too much food.
"The pizza is as big as your head," she explained.
"But I have a really big head," I said.
"I'm not talking about your ego," she replied gravely.
After that brilliant exchange, we knew we'd found a new hangout.
"There's a million and one things that set us apart from a chain pizza place. The quality's the main difference, but in terms of atmosphere, our hand-picked staff is always going to be on their feet and pretty witty," said Austin Santos, 1702's general manager. "The objective is to serve the best food and beer that we possibly can."
When the food arrived, we saw that our server wasn't kidding. Each slice is the equivalent of three regular pieces of pizza. And it's quite yummy.
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The aroma of pizza pleasantly assails you when you walk into 1702. And don't be surprised if owner Eric Lepie pulls up a chair to chat. Of course, he'll first ask solicitously if you mind.
"I call it my house," said Lepie, 58. "I treat people like it's my house."
And he does. Speaking with Lepie is refreshing. The Boston native is full of stories from when he opened and ran Eric's Ice Cream from 1976 to 2000 on East Speedway. His joie de vivre is infectious and leaves many a customer laughing.
"It's just a fun place," Lepie said. "Our personalities shine, and our only goal really is to make the customer happy."
The happiness is fueled partly by the vast variety of beers. Up to 70 bottle brands are sold, and 28 brews are on tap. No pedestrian brands exist at 1702. The ever-changing list comprises all imports or microbrews — not a Miller or Bud can be found.
"It will taint the beer line," Lepie said. "We'll never be able to pour anything through that again."
Prices range from $3.50 for a bottle of In Heat Wheat to $30 for a year-old aged bottle of Chateau Jiahu. A dozen of the tap beers cost $3.50, or $3 during the 5-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday happy hour.
Last March, 22-year-old Santos bought the business from Lepie and turned it into a pizza restaurant called Local Dough.
In August, Lepie took it back and named it after its address, 1702. He kept the idea of pizza and beer, but on a smaller scale — at least for now. Santos, a Tucson native, stayed on as general manager and is still part owner.
The restaurant's six specialty pizzas each come with five toppings. A 14-inch specialty pie costs $16.75 and a 16-inch costs $18.75. The Italia, a spinach basil, tomato, feta and garlic, and the Islanda, a pineapple, ham, green pepper, feta and garlic, are the most popular.
An extra topping per slice costs 75 cents; per pizza costs $1 on the 14-inch and $1.25 on the 16-inch. More than 25 toppings, from ricotta to anchovies to Oreo cookies, are available.
Besides pizza, 1702 features chicken wings in BBQ or specialty hot sauces. It's $3.50 for a half-pound, which is about eight.
Three salads, from the Simple Salad ($5.50) to the Greek Salad ($5.95), also borrow from the restaurant's "giant portion" philosophy. Try the P.H.S. Salad ($5.95), a Romaine and mixed-green salad loaded with pepperoni, ham, salami, tomato, green peppers and mozzarella.
Lepie is known for his soups, which change every couple of days and include chili and cheddar broccoli. The $3.50 bowl is available only at lunch and is bottomless.
"We've even made a few pizzas with soups," Lepie said.
Also during lunch, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., a one-topping slice and choice of beer from one of the $3.50 drafts, costs $7.50. If you don't want a beer, a one-topping slice with a tea or soda costs $5.50.
Customer Angela Espon has eaten at 1702 a couple of times. The 20-year-old student likes to go with friends and try out different beers.
"This is a cool place to chill," Espon said. "I really like the salads. People are really nice here."
Where: 1702 E. Speedway.
Phone: 325-1702.
Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Mondays-Wednesdays; 11 a.m.-3 a.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 5 p.m.-midnight Saturdays; closed Sundays.
The bill
Two slices of one-topping pizza: $11
Two sodas (included): $0
P.H.S. Salad: $5.95
Total before tax and tip: $16.95
