Cart-Driver

I wanted to drink the sauce they serve with the oysters! Had to ask how they made it. Amazing!

Perfect place really friendly server’s, awesome pizza, killer oysters. Also really good tuna mousse. Go here!

I had the eponymous cart-​driver pizza, which had kale, sausage, mozzarella and chili flake. I’m not usually a white pizza type of person, but the cart-​driver could persuade me to be.
The actual space manages to be spacious and beautiful in a 640 sq. ft shipping container. The sun beams in most pleasantly during the day.
I’ll be back to try the oysters because I love ‘em and hear good things. The pizza here reminds me Brooklyn favorites like Paulie Gee’s or Barboncinos (albeit slightly smaller and the same price, more or less).
ONE REQUEST: bring HOT HONEY to Denver! I kept wishing I had a side of Mike’s Hot Honey to dip the crust in, like I did at Paulie Gees. Unilocal Gods (business managers), hear my prayers.

I had to wait a good 24 hours after being at Cart-​Driver to write my words of praise.
I come from the hospitality world and eat out a lot. I love it. The problem is that not everyone who works at or owns a restaurant genuinely loves being there, or times are hard or management sucks. Blah blah. The list goes on and anyone can read articles on securing good solid cooks and staff. It’s rough out there — especially in Denver with our growth and our love of food.
So I go to Cart-​Driver for lunch, only knowing that friends have liked it. That is all I knew.
I was guest number one of the day right at 12 noon and was probably a minute early. The girl at the counter was still finishing final touches to open and we exchanged a super friendly bit of words. She could have had attitude or said not ready yet. I told her I was so psyched to be there and she smiled and said welcome!
I sat down to wait for a friend and in walks a guy in a little chef cap. He smiles and strikes up conversation and here is where this place jets to top spots in town for me…
The conversation was real, engaged and genuine. All while he asks if I had been there before, talks about his time in Italy and the fact that he Fed Ex’s fresh oysters twice a week. He is working away at a stunning plate of pickled fish with citrus segments, oil drizzles and fresh herbs that goes in the display case so you can see what you might order.
Without any pretension or a tone of hierarchy Andrew mentions he was the owner and introduces himself.
I am writing all of this non-​food detail because it is the missing link anymore in my opinion. Communication is ever changing and I like to know that my food is made with care with stellar ingredients and by those that want to be making it. And with some niceties — look up the definition of hospitality.
All of this and more is happening here.
A small and curated menu with focus on small plates, fresh oysters that are delivered so perfectly displayed with shaved horseradish, house made hot sauce, shaved ice and a mignonette … and let’s not forget the wood-​fired pizzas that are out of this world.
And here is the best… Fresh Clam Pizza $ 18 with Pancetta right here in Denver.
I love love love love this spot.

I’m from New York and I live in Colorado. All this means is I’m a snobby foodie with a particular rant about pizza. Don’t get me wrong, I think our pizza game in CO is not like NY, but this place… this place does a decent pie with some amazingly fresh toppings. It’s located in RiNO, so it’s a bit hispter-​y, but it’s a great concept with helpful servers.
It’s shooting for the minimalist approach and nails it. However, I’m a big guy… this is not a place for big guys. So if you’re a big guy and really want pizza, the question you have to ask yourself is:
There is no question, suck in the gut and go eat some pizza.

The menu is simple but delicious. I tend to stop in here when I’m waiting for Work and Class to open up next door.
Cart Driver offers oysters and pizza. The clam pizza, although expensive, is fantastic. It’s perfectly cooked, and a fantastic pizza. Don’t let the odd ingredients throw you off, I highly recommend just going for it and enjoying the fantastic food.
Oysters are great as well. Served on a bed of ice with all of the accompaniments that one would expect.
They don’t have much in terms of drinks. I don’t really like Prost beer though.

Best pizza in Denver! The dough is Devine, the toppings are fresh and creative, and the wood fire grill cooks the pizza in a way that doesn’t make it taste like a campfire but still gives the crust the unique texture that can only be achieved with wood heat.
The four seasons is my favorite. For those not familiar with the concept they make a four seasonal topping pizza with one topping in each quadrant of the pizza with two slices per topping. It’s great to share between two people as you each get one slice of four different flavors.
I don’t normally trust oysters in Denver but have at least two every time I go to Cart Driver. The fresh shaved horseradish root is amazing with the oysters.
Prosecco on tap! Good cocktails and beer selection.
In a city with so many great options in food and drink, I would put this one on my must try list.

On a visit from San Francisco, I stopped by here with my boyfriend after a shopkeeper at Fringe recommended it. So good! After chatting with the super friendly Andrew and the other sweet woman working there, we settled on the Four Seasons. The crust was deliciously flakey and chewy and was the perfect base for the squash/​ham/​potato/​Asian pear toppings. Then, we were surprised with an amazing piata (puffy chewy sour bread), herbed butter, and sardines. Out of this world!
We left perfectly satisfied AND with a list of other eateries and shops to visit. We are absolutely coming back here next time we’re in town.

Pizza and Oysters? Yes please!
This is my kind of pizza. I can’t stop eating it. so damn good! My favorite by far is the clam pizza. But really every single one is awesome. At this point I think I have had almost all of them. Size wise I think you can take down one by yourself. at least I can! They also have some really tasty gelato and beers on tap.
The space is pretty small but really cool. Built inside a shipping container. There is a small front and back patio as well. The few times I have been I haven’t had to wait much at all though. To top things off the service is great. Everyone is super friendly and prompt. Pizzas come out really fast too. gotta love that coal fired style!

Solid small pizza spot in a unique interior.
THE FOOD:
One pizza and a side is probably enough for two people, the portions are a little bigger then personal. We came with admittedly a large group of ~8, but the timing was off. First pizzas were down within minutes, but the last one didn’t get put on the table until we were done. Dough was on the crunchier side, maybe more of a crack then a flex and flake, if you get my drift.
THE SPACE:
Hip shipping containers mini mall, very clean and industrial. Good indoor/​outdoor spaces at the front and back.

This is one of those in between service type places that confuse me.
You order at a counter fast casual style. Great, fine. But then can someone help me understand why someone walks around and asks you if you need anything? When you say, yes please I’d love another drink! The fairly rude man says «well then you have to get up and get one…» Ok, I thought that was the case but don’t wander around asking me if I need something if you can’t bring it to me. My suggestion?: get an ipad that guy can walk around with the charge people’s cards for additional drinks. Boom.

Had the HH oysters 2.50 each. They came with fresh grated horseradish and a vinegar honey sauce. Devine. 5.00 Proseco on tap Yes on tap and it was good. Then a mushroom pizza with mushrooms and burnt onions. Ok not burnt. The crust was made if garbanzo beans delicious and filling
You do go up and order your food and don’t forget to take your own water. You also pay at the counter. None of this was a big deal. It’s not a big place and there are tables in the front and back patios.
The Cart Driver is on a great street. It seems there are a few new boutiques to find some cool things
Plus we saw them painting on the walls in the alley. Artist from all over. What great art work. What a fun and delicious Sunday

Food (³⁄₅): Delicious wood-​fired pizza. If you are gluten free, they have chickpea crust available for you. I had the pepperoni pizza and it was a little salty for me. Fortunately, my friend ordered the mushroom pizza and with a little sharing, I had the perfect combination.
Ambience (+1 star): This place is really hip and trendy. While I don’t think I belong to either category, that doesn’t deter me from venturing to this part of RiNo to check out Cart Driver. The best part about this place are the community tables in the back. We shared the table with grandmas and grandpas and it was great chatting with them about everything. Don’t be a stranger and sit together.
Would I come again? Probably yes if I am in the area and want to show an out-​of-​towner a cool place. Otherwise, I don’t think I will come here specifically for food.

I stopped in with a friend on a rainy evening and enjoyed a pizza, olives, and a nice large draft beer.
+ Wonderfully cooked pizza with clams. Delicious
+ Nice portion of olives
— Seating was a bit of a cluster
I’d definitely check them out again.

Moved to five points recently and this was the first place in the area I got to walk to! Hahah I’d been to restaurants around here but it’s so convenient to now live by them.
I enjoyed my time at Cart-​Driver. The entrance was a little confusing at first, we ended walking around Work and Class to get into the nicely tucked away, seat yourself restaurant. We were greeted by the hostess, who was quick to explain the structure of the restaurant. She directed us to the self serve water station, told us we could seat ourselves but to make sure we ordered with her. The menu is not huge, so after a few times I’m sure you could try it all. Their oysters looked delicious but we’re very out my whole groups price range, plus I was going to check out Angelo’s Taverna for their HH oysters later on in the evening.
We ordered the Cart-​Driver, Four Seasons, charcuterie and chicken liver mousse. First, let me start with how wonderful the chicken liver mousse was!!! It came with some warm, dense bread that, if not careful, could fall apart easily. The best bread I’ve had in a while. The chicken liver mousse was a great consistency and awesome buttery flavor and we devoured all our food so quickly, the bottle of wine did not keep up! The pizza was great, nothing I hadn’t had before except the strawberry pizza portion in the four seasons pizza. A very nice touch. The pickles accompanying the prosciutto was a great pair.
Overall enjoyed our experience, especially with the pleasant experience of bumping into the boss man there, who blended right in with the staff! You could tell he didn’t mind being deeply involved in any of the work at the restaurant and that is refreshing. :)

Ready for Oysters and Pizza?
I came here with my friends last night for a late night dinner, right in time for happy hour! We seated ourselves and ordered at the counter. We each got a oyster and ordered the clam and daisy pizza (only 5 bucks during happy hour). The oysters were really fresh and tasted fantastic. The pizzas were decently sized (6 slices). The clam one was a bit salty for my taste, but I really enjoyed the interesting combination on it. The daisy was pretty basic but good as well. The dough was very chewy and has great texture. They have happy hour from 3−6pm and 10−12pm and the menus are different depending on which happy hour timeframe you go to!

Cart Driver is an all around solid experience. They serve good pizza and some pretty good shared appetizers in a casual but welcoming atmosphere.
At times the place seems a bit to simplistic even for their casual style. The charcuterie plate has one type of cured meat and one type of pickle. Both items on the plate were good but I would like more variety and maybe some bread and mustard. Pizza is where they shine the most but it isn’t anything mind blowing.
If this place were a little bit cheaper or a little bit more complex I would come here more often. That said, I like their overall concept and their locally/​regionally sourced ingredients.

Whoa. Ladies, this place is full of handsome men that are not only super handsome, but also super kind. AND they bring you delicious pizza. What’s not to love about that?
Yvonne and I went here for a lady date recently and I did not realize beforehand how small it is. So, be aware it’s teeny. It’s also first come, first served in the seating arena. You order from the counter, they give you a number, and you take whatever seat you can find. You also get your drinks (alcoholic and non) from the counter when you order.
For food Yvonne and I shared the signature Cart-​Drive (with sausage, kale, mozzarella, and chili flake) and the Peppers (with biellese pepperoni, garlic, mozzarella, and chili) pizzas along with a chopped salad. We made a heroic effort, but it was a little too much food for us so we had to take a couple of slices home. No biggie because delicious leftovers are awesome.
The vibe and the food make Cart-​Driver one of my favorite spots to grab a pie and I highly suggest you get there to try it yourself if you haven’t yet!

Awesome!!! We walked over for an early dinner before the Rockies game and I was blown away by the adorably petite space, friendly staff and outrageously good pizza. I wish I could handle the texture of oysters because the combo of fancy seafood and cheesy comfort food is so cool but I just can’t do it. But, I can vouch that the clam pizza (because clams I CAN do) is life-​changingly good. It tastes so decadent and the prosciutto was crispy and salty and perfect.
And as if the food wasn’t enough, I felt like the entire staff was genuinely concerned with us liking our food and having a pleasant dining experience. That’s always a nice feeling. The space is pretty teensy but we were there early on a Monday night so there was plenty of room both inside and on the mini patio. They make great use of the space they do have and I loved the little bar area. We will definitely be adding this place to our usual restaurant rotation!

So there is this place on the Earth called the Backspace. A small, quaint Neapolitan-​style pizzeria restaurant (much like Cart Driver minus the container) in Austin, Texas that flew an oven in from Italy and reassembled it in Texas to make pizzas much like what Cart Driver is aiming to achieve. I bring this up because since I have eaten at the Backspace, I just know what Cart Driver pizza could be! And it’s just not there.
The concept of Cart Driver is beyond cool. Love the size, love the container, love the booths and the order at the counter concept but for me the pizza fell short in a pretty big way. The most I can say is that the crust tasted fresh but there was nothing amazing about the pairing of toppings that have me jonesing to go back. The Proseco on tap we all commented just tasted like a white table wine and the market charcuterie was an enormous helping of only one kind of meat. which, while generous, could be much improved by offering less quantity and more variety.
So, in short. I wanted to love Cart Driver. It’s like that first date where you want him to be the one but then you get the nookie and realize you’ve had better nookie. There is no going back! Even the highest of cheekbones or perfect hair can’t erase you knowing there is better nookie out there. Backspace, you are the one, the nookie on high.