Pizzeria Bianco on Saturday -- how early to get there

Question

We're going to the Chargers-Cardinals game which starts at 7 and would like to finally visit Pizzeria Bianco beforehand. I see they open at 5. How early should we get there to assure we get in when they open so that we don't miss any of the game? I was thinking maybe 3 or 3:30, but those with experience, please let me know!

Thanks in advance...

Answer

I don't think it would be necessary to get there at 3:00 but I would definitely make sure to be there by 4:00 at the latest. I would speculate that you would be seated by 5:30 and should be able to make the 7:00 game in Glendale ( although that is a pretty hefty hike when you're on a time constraint ).

Answer

My thinking is to go somewhere else this time. Depending on traffic, it may take over half an hour to get from PB to the stadium. Add to this the time spent getting a parking place, and then walking from the car to your seat in the stadium, and I would recommend leaving PB no later than a hair after 6 if you don't want to miss any of the game. One hour isn't really enough time to sit and enjoy a really good meal like the ones they serve up at Bianco's... at least not to me. I'd rather take my time and enjoy everything that they have to offer.

When I go to PB, I'll take a deck of cards and while away that long wait with a few games of gin rummy and a couple glasses of wine. Better still, go on First Fridays when the science museum next door does the free Adults' Night Out and spend the wait time in there. Just let the hostess know that you'll be walking around the area during the wait, they check the wine bar periodically and will cross off people who appear to have left.

Answer

Even if you got there early enough to make the first seating, I highly doubt you'd make it to the game on time (w/traffic, parking, etc.).

Answer

I recently went to Pizzeria Bianco and was first in line at 3pm. Within ten minutes another party arrived. By 4pm the line was to the wine bar.

My advice would be to save Pizzeria Bianco for another night when your entertainment for the evening is just dinner. This restaurant is best enjoyed at a slow pace to truly enjoy the experience.

Answer

Thanks so much everyone. I'm so glad I asked here first!!

Answer

I went on a Tuesday night in June, missed first seating and had to wait, but hurried (a crime, I know) and was back in N. Phoenix by 7:15 if I remember correctly. Point is, you can get through PB pretty quickly, once you're seated in the magical building. (and if you've no objection to rushing an epiphany of a meal)
Too bad they're closed for another 11 days...

Answer

After the difficulty of getting a reservation at El Bulli some diners are disappointed after trying it. Some find it ludicrous to plan a meal a year in advance and others find the idea of molecular gastronomy ridiculous and trendy.

Same applies to the French Laundry. Again the difficulty in getting a reservation. The two month wait. And in the end some are turned off by by the choreographed ballet type service. Or the food is a bit more traditional then their liking. In both examples I've seen people wondering why the hype? Getting to the point of this analogy these are subjective opinions and I accept them regardless if I agree or not.

But when were talking about pizza it's entirely another beast. We are all familiar with it regardless of the type. And we all have a preference and a opinion on the matter.
Yet 95% of what Americans regard pizza is made in corner pizza shops using mediocre ingredients. Don Pepino’s commercial sauce, Sysco shredded mozzarella cheese out of bag etc etc. Then it is put in a cardboard box to take home.
Comparing Chris Bianco's pizza's to those products are comparing apples to oranges. It is a fact that he uses San Marzano tomatoes and makes his own mozzarella. It is a fact he makes his own dough by hand each day, grows his own herbs and in general is fanatical about ingredient sourcing. There is little doubt that this attention to detail produces a better product. Which is fact and no longer subjective.

So I am puzzled by those who say it is not worth the wait. Am I wrong in assuming the more appropriate answer should be something like... I really can't recognize the difference in quality? Or if I do recognize it, I still can't justify waiting two hours?
Some people are willing to wait for a better product and others won't. Without making that personal distinction is to apply the product is poor. Which simply is not the case.

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Pizzeria Bianco on Saturday -- how early to get there

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