Since its founding in 2004 by longtime friends entrepreneur Bill Freeman and pizzaiolo Francisco “Patxi” Azpiroz, Patxi’s Pizza has been tossing authentic deep-dish pies and tasty thin crusts.
The popular chain now delights pizza-craving patrons in 13 locations around the country, and thanks to a rather recent expansion into the Pacific Northwest, a Patxi's outpost has now come to the heart of Seattle's Ballard neighborhood, too.
Go deep with your pie at Patxi's in Ballard — Photo courtesy of John Valls / Patxi's Pizza
“It all started in my apartment kitchen in 2004, baking pizza in an old Wedgewood oven. Holding true to our roots, we still make each pizza by hand and to order, using the finest and freshest ingredients," says Azpiroz. "We use a traditional revolving pan oven to bake our signature deep dish and 900-degree Italian oven for baking our amazing thin crust.”
Inside the expansive Ballard space – anchored by a central bar, exposed brick walls and funky, dangling light fixtures – diners start with sharable plates like meatballs, artichoke dip and (an especially recommended choice) warm Brussels sprouts tossed with pancetta, red grapes and green apples.
A variety of salads – chopped, arugula and Greek, to name a few – prove the perfect complement to the menu's main attraction: pizza, of course.
Patxi's pizzas feature two distinct, handcrafted styles of dough; four types of mozzarella, including a vegan option; and 30- plus meat and veggie topping options.
Some pizza enthusiasts choose from a variety of Patxi’s signature pies, like the Californian, Alfredo, Funghi, Bianco Verdi or Special, comprised of all-natural garlic-fennel sausage, mushrooms, green peppers and onions.
Others choose to live on the wild side by partaking in a "Create Your Own Perfect Pizza” adventure, featuring both standard and innovative ingredients that have been sourced locally whenever possible.
A fully-stocked bar means that diners enjoy pairing pizzas with a variety of beverages, many options coming from local breweries and vineyards. Happy hour enlivens the bar zone seven days a week (from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.), featuring deals on beer, wine, well drinks, signature cocktails, appetizers and even personal pizzas.
Aside from producing memorable dishes, the company also demonstrates altruistic practices. Through its 52 Weeks of Giving program, Patxi’s Pizza donates a portion of its profits to local nonprofit organizations dedicated to education and children’s health and welfare. To date, those givings have totaled over $500,000.
