At this point I think it’s pretty obvious I’m an Old Colorado City regular. I love the westside and there are so many unique, local restaurants to stop in and try. My most recent find opened just a week or two ago and I’m pretty stoked about it. Tucked in the tiny, former space of Rita’s sits a new restaurant and bar with a menu of pizza, sandwiches and a full cabinet of liquor. I noticed the new sign for Shaes late last week so Sunday night I decided to take a friend and figure out if this was a place that would stick around.

When we got there, there were a few drinkers sitting along the bar so we grabbed a small table and menu. We each ordered a beer and they came in mason jars. I liked it!

We ended up deciding on a pizza with chicken, jalapenos, onions, tomatoes and green peppers. They only offer a 14-inch pizza but if you’re going to offer one size, I think that’s reasonable. There’s enough for two people so they can order just one. The great thing about the pizza (aside from the taste – we’ll get there) was the price! It is $7 for a 14-inch cheese pizza and additional toppings are 50 cents each. For a pizza that served two people with big appetites AND left two slices of leftovers, that’s a steal.

There were a few things I loved about this pizza, aside from the price, that I think really made this a quality pizza. First, though, remember this is a new, hole-in-the-wall bar and not some gourmet pizza place. Ok, things I loved. The crust was thin and crispy under the toppings but the edge crust was still thick and chewy. The toppings seemed super fresh and weren’t watery, which sometimes happens with tomatoes. Finally, there was enough cheese and sauce to every bite, but not so much that I felt like I’d be sick afterward.

The customer service and atmosphere were good, too. Who I presume is the owner came over to our table a couple times to check that we enjoyed the pizza and to ask if we had any comments or if we’d be back. It’s one thing to say, “I hope we’ll see you again,” but it’s another to ask a customer “What can we do better?” and that type of service is something I really value. The space is a bit cramped and the jukebox can get loud, but it’s a fun spot, especially if you’re finishing up your night after karaoke at Thunder and Buttons.

Shaes is open every day from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and is located at 2521 W. Colorado ave STE 101.

To answer the owner’s question – I’ll definitely be back. It’s fun, quaint and has good food.