Punch Neapolitan Pizza – Lake Calhoun

If you read The Star Tribune, MPLS​.St. Paul Magazine or watch the Food Network, you have probably come across Punch Pizza. Meryl Streep’s «choice of pizza» will not disappoint, and is a straight shot down Grand Ave. Punch’s authentic and fresh Neapolitan pizza will have you questioning everything you thought you knew about ‘za. With their Margherita pizza starting at $ 6.75, this place is affordable AND delicious. Everything here is fantastic, but the Borgata (sundried tomato, goat cheese, eggplant, olives and basil,) and the Toto (prosciutto, goat cheese, arugula, cracked pepper and garlic,) are my personal favorites. If you don’t like sauce, don’t fret; Punch offers five sauceless pizzas including the Dino Z (mixed greens, parmesan, balsamic vinegar, onion and garlic.) If you’re in the mood for something a little greener, Punch has great salads (and that’s coming from a salad hater!) All five salads, are fresh, delicious and can be served Pulcinella style (inside warm focaccia.) Meryl Streep and I both think Punch is awesome, so check it out if you haven’t meandered down Grand yet.

Normally I wouldn’t review a chain. I think MyBurger is the exception, and maybe one or two that slipped in while I was drunk or sleeping. But I really can’t say with enough conviction that Punch Pizza’s Neapolitan fare is actually like a little chunk of Italy brought to our shores.
I lived in Italy when I was in the military, and believe you me. There is nothing better than taking a slice of that mouth-​watering pizza, folding that thin crust in half, and sinking your teeth into the savory tomato sauce, mozzarella, and whatever other toppings you put on it. I’m actually salivating as I write this.
THIS is Italian-​style pizza. And I would venture so far as to say it’s some of the best pizza you can find on this side of the world. So it’s fitting that Punch is a member of the VPN, or the Associazione Vera Pizza Napoletana, which is the world authority on Neapolitan pizza. These are the original pizza masterminds, and if THEY say that Punch is doing it properly, that’s good enough for me.
So what’s it like? Yes, it’s like fast food (and might actually be considered fast food). But this is not like eating at the kind of fast food place where you want to wear a mask of shame. All of the Punch locations have character and class. The front-​of-​house employees all wear these cool soccer jerseys, and the massive wood-​burning brick ovens are in plain sight, where you can watch your pizza being made. The floors and tables are all wood, and it feels like you’re in a classy place (you know… as fast food places go). They offer authentic Italian beers and wines, as well as your standard soft drinks.
My favourites are the «Salame e Funghi» (which is exactly what it sounds like), and the Maximus, with its kalamata olives and other delicious toppings.
Do yourself a favour. Go check it out, and pretend for at least 5 minutes that you’re actually in Italy. Your mouth will believe it.

I have a problem. I am addicted to Punch Pizza. I can usually control myself, but not when it comes to Punch Pizza. I tell strangers about Punch Pizza. I talked my boyfriend’s parents into eating Punch Pizza. I got a Punch Pizza gift card for a present. If we don’t have plans and you ask me what we should do, I will tell you we should get Punch Pizza.
I hope you can understand how much I love Punch!
I typically go to the Highland Park location. I went to this one last weekend with my boyfriend and his parents. We shared a Margherita and Borgata pizza. The Margherita is all that you need. Fresh Mozzarella, basil, and just the right amount of crushed tomatoes. I’m sensitive to pizzas that have too much crushed tomato, due to the acidity, and Punch does it just right. That thin crust with charred bubbles. Yes! It is truly Neopolitan pizza (or so I think, given that they’re certified. But I’m going to Naples in the fall, and can tell you if it really is then!). The Borgata was good, but sometimes more toppings don’t necessarily make a better slice of pizza. My two cents. I used to get the Margherita with spiced salami. Good salami!
The Punch salad is heavenly. Perfectly dressed every time! The focaccia wedges with rosemary are incredible. I found that getting the foaccia wedges on the side is a better option than getting the PULCINELLA (split focaccia sandwich filled with a large salad). With the pulcinella, the focaccia lost its charm and prominent flavors.
We didn’t have an issue with parking at this location, but getting there tested our patience, due to the Noodles fire and many active Minnesotans itching to get to Lake Calhoun. Service was very speedy. We got everything in under five minutes, thanks to no crowds and the amazing wood-​burning ovens.
I’ll see you again, Punch. I also like that you pay your staff living wages. Good job!

Overall very good albeit a bit on the expensive side. $ 12 — $ 14 average for what amounted to a personal pizza just seemed a bit pricey. Our family of four spent $ 30 for two pizzas and sodas over lunch, and needed more sustenance. Otherwise, great taste, service and ambience.

Great stuff! Quick pizza, they claim they only cook them for 1.5 mins at 800 degrees. Why does it take me 30 minutes to cook a DiGiorno at 400 degrees? I cry foul!
Ok, now back to this little slice of heaven I had. I ordered the buffalo margarita and practically inhaled it I was so hungry. I was really really good. It was so good I didn’t offer my dining mate a slice which is highly unlike me. Normally I am cool with sharing but not this this time.

I love this pizza and you can order one for $ 7 if you don’t want to spend a lot!

Excellent lunch. My only complaint is that I personally like my pizza crust pretty crunchy. The pizza was delicious just a little «floppy» for lack of a better term. However, no reason not to come back. I had the margherita pizza and added pepperoni and sausage. My wife had the Mattozzi and we shared a large Caesar salad.

The wood-​fired pizza is quality, thin, much toppings, and well made. They had a few local beers on tap, so yes. The staff was friendly, helpful, and enthusiastic. I’d go again for another slice and a pint.

Punch has the BEST margarita pizza. I’ve tried many others, but nothing beats Punch. And it’s cheap! Only around 6 $ for a whole pizza. I’ve literally eaten 2 whole pizzas in one sitting, that’s how good it is! The service is always friendly and fairly quick for how busy this location gets! If your in the Twin Cities and have a pizza craving try this place (they have 3 or 4 locations)!

I love Punch Pizza in general, but this location in particular is fantastic. Every time I’ve been here, the pizza has been perfect. The only drawbacks are the long lines… but it just confirms how perfect this pizza is! The crust is phenomenal, and the cheese is amazing. My favorite pizza ever!

Continues to be my fav pizza place — can’t beat the pizzas or the fantastic wine prices! They also do half and half pizzas with different toppings on each half.

I am sitting in Punch enjoying a salad and glass of wine. Small tears on my cheek. It’s not about the pizza. There is a man who seems to be responsible for the dining area. He is Hispanic and has a special gift for children. I was touched waiting in line, watching him help a child into a high chair. I looked around and noticed three others watching and smiling warmly as he worked. My tears are because a mom and her kids just came in and her happy toddler yelled «papa! papa!» I realized she was looking for the sweet man she knew from past visits, and I had just noticed in line.
Maybe my tears are because he makes me miss Mexico and the sweet people we need to learn from. Or maybe they’re there because I am here. Lucky enough to share space with him and the other Hispanics making pizzas. How do I know they are Hispanic? Because they smile and giggle while they work… as piles of people pass by. Yup I definitely miss Latin America. The people.
Will somebody please reward «papa» or at least let him know how genuinely special he is? Thank you!
I’ll be back. Tomorrow.

Great pizza for a good price! The crust was so crispy I loved it (and i normally hate pizza).
The salad was nothing special but still really good… It comes with a side of some pizza bread yum!

The wood-​burning oven Pizza is apparently a thing. They do it no better and no worse than anyone else. I’d have to say that Pizzeria Lola beats the pants off of this place. But here there is a more fast-​casual atmosphere where you can get in and out if you are in the mood for «wood burning pizza on the go».

Delicious! I’ve never been to a restaurant where the employees appeared to be so happy to be there. Everyone was so nice. Punch has a good array of pizza topping combinations for a personal size pizza, or you can put together your own toppings. The wood burning oven delivers a fantastic pizza, with a thin crust that is just the right amount of chewy, soft, and crispy. Love the order at the counter set up and the singing of the order numbers. I don’t know if I’ve had pizza anywhere else that boasts of the authentic Neopolitan pizza, but regardless, this is good stuff. Enjoy with a craft beer, and maybe splurge for a little Izzy’s ice cream. Great for groups and families.

This is one of the best pizzas, if not the best, outside of Italy. Enough said– go and try it.
Very friendly staff & lively environment. Punch treats their employees well and it shows.
Accessible front entrance but single-​file line makes for a crowded entrance area/​wait. Movable chairs which would allow for accessible configuration. Counter height to place transaction is high– not the most accessible.
Gender neutral restrooms!

My mom is from Germany and spent a significant amount of time in Italy. Throughout growing up, I always believed her tales of how terrible the pizza she had in Naples was. Then I realized that my mom also doesn’t like anything, including any form of non-​Anglicized ethnic food, puppies, happiness, or delicious pizza.
So we went to Punch on the 4^th of July.
I’m no fancy fellow and couldn’t tell you what half the ingredients on our two pizzas were, but I do know that mine had eggplant and my lady-friend’s had fresh tomatoes. I was expecting a thick crust based on the outer-​rim of pies shown in the photo, but this paper thin, droopy, lightly topped pizza took me on a trip to Flavortown™.
You wouldn’t expect this thin, lightly sauced/​cheesed pizza to fill your mouth full of herby brilliance. You wouldn’t expect this pizza, covered in capers and other ingredients that are typically very expensive in grocery stores, to round out at just around 10 bucks and be enough food for two. You wouldn’t expect a lot of things of these slices from their appearance alone… but it’s some of the best pizza I’ve eaten, American or Neapolitan-​style. Everything was just really on-​point.
Service was at the counter, quick and friendly. They were helpful in our choosing process and got the pizza out in about 15 minutes (or less). Solid olive oil and cracked pepper were available on demand/​DIY.
I try to save the 5-​star reviews for places that I constantly crave, and this still isn’t one of them, sadly. It’s not as addictive as it should be, but on an objective, cuisine-​level basis, it deserves a 5 for taste alone. Sadly, I still find myself praying for the lady to say «let’s order Luce» even when I know it’s not as good. Maybe I’m just weird like that. Something about it just doesn’t have me thinking about it daily.
That said, this is really freakin’ good pizza and you’re wrong if you don’t like it.

Some of the best Neapolitan pizza I’ve had since visiting Italy! Great and quick service. Expect a long line during peak hours. Their Greek and Punch salads are to die for. Price is right and the flavored are amazing! Love this place and have made it a weekly go-​to for fresh, non greasy pizza and fresh salad!

Excellent, quick, and well priced artisan pizza. Certainly cannot go wrong here. They even have a «half beer while you wait $ 1.50» special. Very unique.
Absolutely recommend.

The pizza here is pretty great, it’s a really nice change in comparison to other pizza places. It’s great that the pizza only takes like 2 minutes to cook!
There’s usually a line whenever we go in there, but it moves through pretty quickly.
I always get the salame funghi, and I really like it! Highly recommend it!

My friend, Calvin S, has this badass tattoo of a pizza slice on the bottom of his foot. If he told me that the design and inspiration for it derived from his love for Punch, I would probably believe it. I mean, really, errbody seems to like Punch, and to not like it would be as un-​Minnesotan as hating on the lovable Twins, not knowing how to doggy-​paddle in a lake, or being oblivious to what or where Valley Fair is. I mean, c’mon, fresh and delicious pizza at a reasonable cost? Put it on my face right now like this woman sleeping on a slice of pizza:
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I’ve been to this location several times in the past, and finally got a chance to refresh my taste buds with Punch last Friday with my boo. Despite the 20 minute wait, ripping into our Puttanesca and Toto Neapolitan pies immediately controlled our hangry (hungry + angry) omgarewereallyfightingfornoreason attitudes.
Puttanesca (anchovy, caper, onion, saracene olive, and oregano): If you love anchovies and olives, then this salty goodness is a must. Obviously, it’s not the most popular item on the menu, but it’s not a pie that is really sold anywhere else in the TC. (If there is a place, please send me a message!) Solid! ($ 10.95)
Toto (arugula, prosciutto, goat cheese, cracked red pepper, and garlic): Absolutely delicious! With all those awesome toppings, how could you possibly go wrong? ($ 11.65)
Aside from their tasty pizzas, I love that I can make it rain with olive oil and balsamic vinegar on my slices. Where else can you do that? (Free.99)
See you soon, Punch!