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Ken's Artisan PizzaB+Worth Trying
304 SE 28th Ave, Portland, OR 97214
· Pizza restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (2008 reviews)
Takeout · Outdoor seating
Destination wood-fired pies with long waits, lively vibes, and standout crust; excellent pizza if you accept queues, noise, and premium-by-slice pricing.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Ken's Artisan Pizza delivers exceptional wood-fired pizza with superb crust and balanced toppings, earning its status as a top Portland pizzeria with strong neighborhood loyalty. However, inconsistent execution during peak times—with occasional over-charred or dry pies—prevents a higher grade, and tight seating and long waits temper the overall experience. Arrive early to catch the restaurant at its best.
Restaurant Summary
Lines start before the doors open, and the room turns warm and bustling as the oven fires up. Expect a lively waitlist dance, bar seats that move faster, and servers who can be kind and efficient once you land. One diner summed it up: "Worth the wait if you time it right." Do note the buzz can veer loud and seating is tight. The cooking leans artisan over flashy: long-fermented dough kissed by a hot oven, quality toppings, and seasonal detours like a peach or sweet-corn pie. This is elevated traditional more than fusion, with standouts like fennel sausage and the Brooklyn’s sweet-heat profile. Most nights the char amplifies flavor; on the rough ones, it can tip to overdone, so arrive early for the most consistent bake. For families, the menu reads friendly: Margherita, New Yorker, and simple starters fit many kids, and portions suit one hungry diner per pie. The trade-offs are long waits and noise, plus street parking that can mean a short walk. Come early, aim for the first seating, and everyone wins.
At a Glance
- Wood-fired crust with balanced toppings and premium ingredients
- Lively neighborhood energy with bar seating for quicker access
- Long waits (45–120 minutes) and tight, noisy dining room
- Occasional over-charred pies and uneven host-stand experiences
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- wood_fired_crust_mastery
- seasonal_signature_pies
- bustling_inner_eastside_energy
What People Love
- Chewy, blistered crust with flavorful char
- Thoughtful toppings like hot honey and pickled peppers
- Standout Caesar and solid small plates
- Friendly servers who guide ordering and pairings
Points of Concern
- Wait times can exceed an hour; arrive before opening to secure first wave
- Noise and tight table spacing reduce comfort for long catch-ups
- Intermittent lapses: burnt pies, slow checks, or curt hosting on peak nights
- Pricing is genuinely expensive ($19–27 pies) and add-ons raise totals
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$42-58 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Pair a $17 Caesar with a $20–26 pizza for a balanced meal
- Anchovy pizza plus arugula add-on ($5) is a winning combo
- Dessert sizes fit sharing after a personal pie
Perfect For
- Early-bird date night at the bar
- Pizza obsessives chasing top-tier crust
- Out-of-towners exploring SE 28th dining strip
- Small groups willing to wait for a buzzy vibe
Location Insights
Area: Hip, mixed-commercial inner eastside with bars, cafes, and indie shops; strong evening foot traffic and neighborhood buzz.
Safety: Generally safe and busy; typical urban issues but lively, well-trafficked blocks at night.
Nearby: Near SE 28th dining strip and food cart pods; residential streets provide overflow parking; bar options for wait time.
BuckmanBuckman is a dynamic neighborhood with a blend of historic homes and modern developments. It has a thriving dining scene with many casual eateries, coffee shops, and artisanal food spots, attracting a crowd that values quality and authenticity in a relaxed atmosphere.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday17:00–21:00
Wednesday17:00–21:00
Thursday17:00–21:00
Friday17:00–22:00
Saturday17:00–22:00
Sunday16:30–21:00
Available: Takeout, Outdoor seating
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