Uncle Fatih’s Pizza
1685 East Broadway
1187 Denman Street Vancouver (location visited)
Vancouver, BC
There is that “complain” that pizza in Vancouver sucks. While it is true that we do have a lot of cheapo pizza parlours, we also have great joints like Ah-Beetz (though, of course, you have to drive to Abbotsford). There are other places I have my target on, including Ragazzi and The Firewood Cafe, but there is one reason I haven’t acted on that wish to visit them: I can only eat that much. To a certain extent, that is why I have no shame admitting I go to cheapo pizza parlous: I can eat two slices and no risk of bad pizza leftover (even when “as is”, it was good). For today’s post, I visited the “second” location of one of the most popular cheap/late night pizza places: Uncle Fatih’s Pizza (which I blogged previously in a vs. match against 2001 Flavours), this time in Denman Street near English Bay.
I am not sure if I should be surprised they are opening in this place. About a year ago, there was a location of Sarpino’s in the space that is now occupied by a Babylon Cafe, yet, we have Nat’s New York Pizzeria and Flying Wedges further down the road (not to mention Panago’s, Domino’s and Pizza Hut). So, in a way, there is a market, the question is whether there is a market for pizza by the slice in this area… (As a reminder, not far away is Granville Street has its share of such places).
I went on a day when the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games was still kicking in full force and, surprisingly or not, that area of the West End was quiet. We all know a partial reason as to why but, regardless, this lack of foot traffic meant the pies won’t as fresh as their Broadway location, where they usually crank out one every couple of minutes just to keep up with demand. With that in mind, I just randomly selected two to satiate the noon hunger…
Notice that white dab on the right? That would be a dressing they have available for free. Whereas some places will charge you for a side dressing, this location of Uncle Fatih’s does not. However, that begs the question: is it really necessary to begin with? Now, the slices were lukewarm and that was despite it was reheated partially in the electric oven. The fact I chose to sit outside (to take advantage of natural sunlight) and was a breezy day did not help with the temperature issue here.
Unlike Ah-Beetz, do not expect fancy dough, specially considering these were baked in an electric oven. Heck, considering these are “cheapo” pizza, I am not sure if I should be complaining at all! Anyway, despite its looks, it had certain “crunch” feeling to it; however, I won’t call it crispy by any stretch of imagination.
And while it was loaded with toppings, I won’t say they were too exciting. I could faintly taste some of the components, like the onions and the peppers but, again, because it cooled down after the picture session, they were borderline the same as a cold pizza. At this point, I am sure some of you might say I can’t give an honest opinion of their offerings. However, that might not necessarily be the case. I have had similar ones while waiting in their Broadway location and, for good or for bad, they were almost the same. Based on this oddity, I can safely say that, if you liked the ones from their Broadway location, you will like it here. However, if you are the people who prefers Flying Wedges, Uncle Fatih’s might not necessarily be for you. In my particular case, I will still go to 2001 Flavours! 
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
I used to go to Flying Wedges until their prices went up and their quality went down.
Uncle Fatih’s is still my favourite cheapo pizza joint.
I tried Ah-Beetz too, which I consider a more ”gourmet” type as the price point may not appeal to everyone or be appreciated by all. Case in point, my nephews prefer the old regular hawaiian or pepperoni to this gastronomic experience.
Perhaps if they were located closer to Vancouver and offered pizza by the slice, I would probably eat it more often. Otherwise, I’m not sure if I’ll spend the gas and the extra time to go to Ah-Beetz in the future.
Holly, Ah-Beetz is really an oddball but comparing it to 2001 Flavours or Uncle Fatih’s might be comparing apples to oranges. Now, given that Ah-Beetz is located in Abbotsford, I would certainly make it more of an ocassion than just for pizza!
Steveston Pizza is solid too! Far, but not Abby far!
Sherman, would you drive to Richmond or drive to Abbotsford????
Richmond… grudgingly?
@holly
We have pepperoni(I am making my own pepperoni now) and Hawaiian pizzas too. I hardly think our pizza is expensive. A large Margherita is $18 versus $34 at Marcellos. We are going to start doing pizza by the slice soon and open for lunch. We are also going to start making fresh pasta soon and a Italian sausage(made in house of course) barbecue on weekends.
Sherman, OK, next time I drive to Abbotsford again, OK?
Terry, please let us know when they are ready! I am sure more than one of us wants to drop by Abbotsford again (not to mention some who haven’t been there before!).
If you go to Ah-Beetz I’m in this time!
Btw is this Uncle Fatih’s like Uncle “Fatty’s?”…:(
Also garlic dip is available at a lot of these pizza joints for free now
Romano Uno, Megabite, a lot of Granville…garlic dip is free…from a pump at the self-serve counter.
Your photos make everything look good!!!!
Mijune, probably, I haven’t been to these places lately and haven’t noticed about the dressing. Ouch. My photo skills are overrated. Yeah, next time we go to Ah-Beetz, we will let you know. However, would you be up to go for pie in Chilliwack as well?
I just had Uncle Fatih’s pizza delivered last nigh. I called pretty much at the last minute for delivery, but I only live 2 blocks away so they were fine with it. The service was very courteous, the delivery prompt, but bot so quick as to make me wonder how it’ humanly possible to make a fresh pizza that fast (ie: donimoes) It was really good, it was hot, and the ingredients tasted very fresh. the onions were still just a little crunchy, and the garlic was delicious! the grilled chicken did not taste gamey, as at some places. it was delicious. I say this place is great, and the price is right too!
Westender, welcome! Compared to other pizza shops in the area (Flying Wedges, specially, though it might be an apple/oranges comparison), they are indeed cheaper and better than others. So, despite my experience was a bit odd, at least, it is a workable alternative.