From tamales to vintage decor, Lost Pizza Co. brings more than pizza to downtown Pensacola

An East Nine Mile Road favorite, Lost Pizza Co., opened its second Escambia County location this month in downtown Pensacola. Here’s everything you need to know about the location at 1200 Barrancas Ave. and what to order when you get there.

What is Lost Pizza?

Lost Pizza is a Mississippi-based pizza company that first made its way to Pensacola in 2018, marking the farthest South that the franchise had ever ventured.

“I’m very happy to be down here,” Pensacola franchisee Bruce Quinton said Wednesday. “We have an excellent crew.”

The franchise was founded by Brooks Roberts and Preston Lott and now has franchisees spanning Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas, Alabama, Florida and Texas.

It has maintained a reputation across the country for its signature house-made dough, hand-cut vegetables and creative flavors. Each location is a little different, so here’s what makes the downtown Pensacola location special.

What’s special about the downtown Pensacola Lost Pizza location?

Even though it's a franchise, there is no uniform way of decorating at Lost Pizza, which gives each shop its own fun, unique identity. At the downtown Pensacola location, you’ll find a bowling alley floorboard repurposed into the bar, a life-size Betty Boop statue shimmering underneath a disco ball, a painted guitar, street signs and vintage advertisement posters, like the one promising a free car wash after filling up your car’s gas tank.

The downtown location also has a corner devoted solely to Blue Angels memorabilia, from flags to autographed posters.

With a prime location minutes from Palafox Street, the location has plenty of parking and elbow room. The restaurant has an open garage-door style patio Quinton plans to use on warm nights so customers can enjoy a frozen cocktail, a distinguishing factor from the East Nine Mile Lost Pizza location, which did not offer liquor. It will not be an open bar but will have a variety of pre-mixed cocktails, beer (with local and craft beers on tap) and wine. `

“Beer and pizza go hand in hand,” Quinton said.

What are the menu must-trys?

The Lucille pizza

A pizza for the roasted garlic lovers. While Lost Pizza Co.’s version of a meat lovers is usually the best-seller, Quinton believes The Lucille shouldn’t be slept on. Topped with tender grilled chicken, roasted garlic, freshly chopped tomatoes and bacon, it even comes with a drizzle of ranch so you don't need to dip it. The restaurant’s thick, house-made crust is what the restaurant is known for, so whichever pie you land on, you can’t go wrong.

Mississippi Delta Hot Tamales

While tamales are not the first food you would expect to find at a pizza place, Quinton said many customers will make the drive specifically for the tamales, which are shipped in from Mississippi, where the company’s roots are.

They served the Delta way, with crackers and hot sauce, and can be ordered in quantities of three, six and 12.

Aunt Vickie’s Spinach & Artichoke Dip

If there’s a family member’s recipe tied to it, then you know it’s going to be good. The real-life Aunt Vickie shared this recipe for the scratch-made dip with the founders with pride. This special dip is made fresh daily and served with tortilla chips for maximum dipping.

“It’s out of this world,” Quinton said.

Spaghetti & Meatballs

Though seemingly simple sounding, the house-made marinara is what takes it to the top. Lost Pizza pasta dishes come with toasted bread and a small house salad. Other pasta options include the baked cheese spaghetti and grilled chicken alfredo.

Dessert Pizzas (Chocolate Cheesecake, Pineapple Express, Strawberry Fields)

Also not to be missed are the restaurant’s dessert pizzas, which are a sweet take on the Lost Pizza’s claim to fame - its house made dough. Trading in marinara sauce for cheesecake, the icing is piped on and drizzled with fruit or chocolate sauce. Make sure you save room for this one!

Where do I find more information?

Check out the Lost Pizza Co. website and social media pages for more updates and information.

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Lost Pizza Co. opens downtown Pensacola location. See what's on the menu