Dave Portnoy’s One Bite Pizza Reviews: North Carolina Not So Good

If there’s one thing Dave Portnoy, the One Bite Pizza review guy, is known for, it’s his brutally honest and unfiltered opinions on pizza. With a following that hangs on his every bite, a Portnoy review can make or break a pizzeria's reputation.

Recently, he’s taken his pizza pilgrimage to North Carolina, and a few local spots have found themselves under the scrutiny of his sharp palate. So, how did they rate? Let’s take a look.

Hawthorne’s Pizza & Bar, Charlotte - 6.4

Hawthorne’s Pizza & Bar in Charlotte is known for its cozy atmosphere and extensive menu. This spot has been a local favorite for years. But how did it hold up under Portnoy's One Bite Taste Test? With a score of 6.4, Hawthorne’s didn’t exactly blow him away, but it wasn’t a total miss either. In the world of Portnoy, anything over a 6 is decent, but it seems like Hawthorne’s might need to tweak their recipe just a bit to reach that upper echelon.

Pinehurst Brewing Company, Pinehurst - 6.6

Pinehurst Brewing Company is famous for its craft beers and rustic setting, this place has been serving up wood-fired pizzas to hungry patrons. Portnoy gave it a 6.6—a respectable score, especially considering the emphasis here is just as much on the brews as it is on the pies. For those who enjoy a good beer alongside their pizza, this spot might be worth checking out, even if it didn’t knock Portnoy’s socks off.

SoPies NY Pizzeria, Southern Pines - 7.5

SoPies NY Pizzeria in Southern Pines. Dave Portnoy is a New Yorker through and through, so when a place claims to serve New York-style pizza, expectations are high. SoPies delivered with a strong 7.5. This score puts them in the "very good" category of Portnoy's rankings. If you’re in Southern Pines and craving a slice of authentic NY pizza, SoPies is your go-to according to Portnoy.

Whispering Pies, Carthage - 5.9

Whispering Pies didn’t hold up quite as well. With a score of 5.9, it fell just shy of the 6-point threshold that typically signifies a pizza worth trying. Whether it was the crust, the sauce, or the cheese, something didn’t quite hit the mark for Portnoy. If you’re in the area, it might be worth a visit, but don’t expect it to blow you away.

Vito’s Pizzeria of Pinehurst, Aberdeen - 7.3

Vito’s Pizzeria of Pinehurst in Aberdeen earned a solid 7.3. This is the kind of score that means you’re doing something right. Vito’s is known for its classic approach to pizza-making, and it seems to have resonated with Portnoy’s taste buds. If you’re in Aberdeen, Vito’s is a must-visit, especially if you’re a pizza purist who appreciates a well-crafted pie.

The Verdict

So, what’s the takeaway for North Carolina’s pizza scene? While there’s room for improvement, there are definitely some spots holding their own in the face of Portnoy’s tough critiques. Whether you’re in Charlotte, Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Carthage, or Aberdeen, there’s a slice out there for you. And who knows? With a little tweak here and there, maybe next time, North Carolina will have a spot breaking into the elusive 8-point range.