Scratch Brick Oven
100 E Unaka Ave, Johnson City, TN, 37601
Scratch Brick Oven Menu
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Pizza
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Pizza
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Address :
100 E Unaka Ave
Johnson City, TN, 37601 - Phone (423) 262-8021
- Website https://scratchbrickoven.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 10
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : Yes
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch, Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Divey
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Paid
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : No
Caters : No
Categories
Pizza
Pizza is a famous Italian dish savored around the world. The entire credit for the popularity of Pizza in the United States goes to the chain of pizzerias all over the country. While the base and the texture of Pizza remains same across the globe, it's the toppings that differs from country to country. In the United States, you will find the top pizzerias serving pizzas with the toppings of mainly beef, bacon, chicken, ham, and sausage for the non-vegetarians. Other than these famous meat options, Pizzas with veg toppings such as mushrooms, pepperonis, garlic, tomatoes, spinach, etc. are also famous in most restaurants in the United States.
Irrespective of your locality, you will find a variety of different restaurants in your cities offering pizzas of all different types. Pizza is hot favorite among people of all ages in the United States. A large size pizza is enough to feed a family of 3 or 4 at large. Pizza is also the most preferred food whenever a group of friends is hanging out together. Pizza gained popularity in the United States after the American soldiers stationed in Italy returned from World War II.
Over the years, different pizzerias in the United States have developed their own respective regional variations. Pizza gained popularity as the iconic dish in the United States in the second half of the 20th century. Whether you prefer thin or thick crust pizza, you can find a pizza of your preference at the best pizza restaurants in your city.
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Cody S.
Amazing Byob, Tell them you "trust" them to make the pizza and you will get a pizza built with pure love from the amazingly talented pizza chefs. Brick oven makes the crust crisp and beautiful with flavor. Help yourself record collection. Super relaxed staff. Eclectic collection of chairs and action figures as interior decor. Great place!!
(5)May T.
The outside of Scratch isn't much to look out but the interior is pretty awesome, filled with fun, old school decor and a juke box. The ordering process was a tad confusing when we first walked in but the guy behind the counter was super friendly and explained everything...eg: Trust or Limited Trust. We went with the full on trust and was not disappointed at all! After we handed in our order sheet, we were told we could check out their brick oven in the back so we did and it was pretty cool. I hadn't realized the BYOB option came with a fee but that was fine...I think it was around $3. There's indoor and outdoor seating here but it gets a little warm on the inside as they didn't appear to have any AC. Parking blew a little bit because the lot was super duper small so we ended up parking down the street. We waited about 15 minutes or so for our pizza to be done and it was certainly well worth the wait. My husband and I damn near housed the entire thing (we left with 3 tiny pieces leftover) and would gladly do it all over again!
(4)Celeste P.
Stopped by on a whim through yelp surfing. Not that great looking on the outside, decor a little dated but the pizza was amazing
(5)Abby U.
I'm not sure why everyone is raving about this place. I don't know how this food establishment stays in service with the slow service. The "trust" was nothing special just tasted like an average pizza. But what really got me is as I was leaving I saw a huge rat run right by outside eating area and into their trash. I will never go hear again for fear of sanitation and better pizza somewhere else.
(1)Roxy B.
I was so annoyed and hungry after over an hour of waiting that I was already drafting my 1 star review in my head. However, the pizza was so good I could not give them just 1 star. So here's my review: 5 STARS- pizza 1 STAR- service and rules We ordered and they said 30-35 minutes. After over 40 minutes, I went to check on our pizza and the guy said he couldn't find our order. Then the befuddled dude looked down at the very pie he was making and said "oh! Here it is!" I said "you're just now making it???" He said it would only be another 10 minutes. After I sat back down and waited another 5 minutes, a guy came by to say our pizza was going in the oven in 2 minutes and would only be 10 after that. A full 60 minutes after we ordered, and just when I was ready to leave, they called our name. This place is strange. If you're one of those artsy-fartsy type, you'll love it. -seat yourself in the dark rooms of this old house turned pizza place. -all tables and chairs are mismatched and some chairs are very old with cloth seats. Seem disgusting. I bet anyone doing a germ analysis of that cloth could get the place shut down. -you could end up at a large table with strangers -only paper plates -no servers -BYOB- and they charge you for it!!! So, you pay for your own drinks and then you pay again for bringing them in! - I just wanted a water and had to go to a nearby store to get it. They have a fridge with old fashioned soda in the back and it's help yourself, honor system. No bottle water. How dumb. - no crushed red pepper. Now, for the pizza- it was phenomenal. I was concerned because they don't have regular pepperoni, but it was awesome. Fresh toppings. The crust was not too thick, not too thin. My only complaint about the pizza is that they cut it square instead of normal. You could probably request that though. And they cut it after its in the box, which means it doesn't get cut all the way through and they don't even have plastic knives, only forks. Lastly, I'll explain the "TRUST & LIMITED TRUST" Trust - they will put everything, including 3 different sauces (red, green curry, chimmichurri pesto). Limited Trust - cross out items you dislike and they won't put those.
(3)Jennifer S.
My family is in the pizza business down south .. Every time I'm in Johnson city I make a trip to scratch pizza. Hands down the best in town. I love the pesto sauce on mine .Its heaven. All their ingredients are so fresh and so much to choose from. If your ever in the area and love pizza I highly recommended this establishment. They even have a record player you can play songs on, lots to choose from. The staff are all really cool too. Best pizza .
(5)Faye B.
Must try the "trust pizza"! It was amazing! Be brave, just do it! ;-) Not accustomed to "trusting" others with my pizza toppings...but WOW! I could have never come up with the crazy creation they gave us! It was delicious! Seriously, just writing about it is making me hungry for another one! Keep it up Scratch!
(5)David B.
Not sure how anything other than 5 stars could work here.. The atmosphere is a great relief to the modern norm.. Still cozy and comfortable and just a relaxing place to eat.. The food.. Never had a bad pizza here, dont think you can go wrong here with anything you order.. Undoubtedly one of the best spots in JC
(5)Sanjay B.
This is probably the best pizza in Johnson city. It has a very unique atmosphere that is casual and fun. We eat here frequently. Highly recommended.
(5)Jiten S.
Just as everyone says: go with the TRUST or LIMITED TRUST options. Gourmet pizza with delicious sauces, vegetables, meats, and crust (all for which you indicate your preferences on a sheet of paper). With trust option, expert chefs choose ingredients for you, as they see fit. Atmosphere: terrific indie-feel decorated with record disks and album covers. Music was fitting. BYOB policy made drinks easy for our group. Glad to have come across this Johnson City gem.
(5)Linda A.
Sign at the door and various other notices that "It's not for everyone". I'd say that's an appropriate assessment...but I'm glad it's for me! Unique in every way, but very friendly and most importantly, delicious and inventive pizza! If you're in a rush, go somewhere else. If you want something crafted by hand, baked in wood fire and made with the freshest ingredients...get yourself over to Scratch. Plus they have more old vinyl albums than I do! And you can play what you want. The guys working there made me miss my kids pretty badly. Next time I'm back in JC I'll hit them up again. I might even try the TRUST...nah...I won't.
(4)Mande B.
Wow. Simply wow. We indulged in a gluten free crust with capicola ham, roasted red pepper, garlic, onion and kalamata olives and just wow. Unbelievable. We also had pesto cheese sticks and a large pizza. We brought some beer with and his was honestly one of the best meals I've had in a while. So good. I can't wait to come back when we are in TN!
(5)Furhat A.
this place doesn't fail ever. I like all of it. it's hippie...ish. Everyone working there is sooo friendly, easy going, and know pizza well. I love the wood fire taste. It's so fresh and well worth it
(5)Tamara H.
What a fun choice in pizza selection, throwback to a groovy vinyl record collection, and friendly service. Their BYOB policy is a nice surprise, as were their pesto breadsticks. A relaxed and funky atmosphere makes this a great hang out with friends. At definite repeat!
(4)Jake M.
Absolutely one of the best dining experiences in Johnson city. Pizza was unbelievably good! Environment also was cool. And cheese sticks with homemade pesto was maybe best thing we've ever eaten. MUST GO
(5)Mary S.
We went with the limited trust option and were delighted with the result. Wood-fired oven, perfect crust, three different sauces on different parts of the pizza, a lot of toppings, just the right amount of cheese. My dining partner says it is one of the best pizzas he's had in 50+ years of pizza-eating. The staff were also friendly, warm, helpful and easygoing. We browsed the record collection and sipped Cheerwine from bottles while we waited for pizza. It was a great date!
(5)Lindsey K.
When I started eating a gluten-free, dairy-free diet two years ago for medical reasons, I knew that my options for dining out would be greatly diminished; however, I don't think anyone could have prepared me for the overwhelming joy I felt at the discovery of gluten-free pizza, or the miserable depths to which cardboard crusts and gooey gluten-less centers took me almost immediately afterward. That being said: Scratch makes a gluten-free pizza that returns me to my winged heights. Perfectly crispy without a trace of gooey, gummy, or bland. And though I've reintroduced small doses of dairy to my diet within the last year, Scratch's "cheeseless wonder" option is still worth the barrage of jokes thrown my way by friends and family members each time I place my order (I.e., "That's cool-- you took away basically everything that pizza consists of.") Other things worth mentioning about Scratch are (briefly and in order of importance): 1. You get beverages yourself from a cooler near the pick-up counter to the left as you walk through the door. They use an honor system-- tell 'em what you grabbed when you pay. Also, it's BYOB, for a small fee I believe. 2. The option to choose your own record may seem hopelessly hipster to some, but unlike many restaurants working to cater to this demographic, the service and customers are friendly and helpful.
(5)Jeanine E.
Great pizza and unique atmosphere, loved the Carol King record that was playing while we ate. All the other reviews are spot on.
(4)Carol C.
The BEST pizza in town, hands down! They've nailed their gluten free pizza! Tastes like the real deal! Even my husband, who is not gluten free, orders their gluten free pizza. They smoke their own meats- excellent!! Be sure to do a "trust" pizza. You won't be disappointed!! Ambiance is funky and eclectic. Bring your own beer if you like.
(5)Zack H.
The first thing that sold me on this place was the look. From the outside, Scratch looks like someone hired a wizard to magically place those brick ovens into the back porch area of an old house. Even inside, you definitely know you're not in Pizza Hut anymore. BYOB. Pick your tunes from the vinyl selection that they have set up by the turntable. Choose from one of the many great pizzas they have on menu, or don't, and go with the Trust option and let them make the decision for you. I haven't been disappointed yet and have had my eyes opened to the true potential of what you can actually put on a pizza. If you're in the Tri-Cities area and don't hit up Scratch, you're really missing out.
(4)Donald K.
Food was good but you had to go down the street to the gas station to get your beer and bring it back if you were going to eat their
(2)Joshua S.
Best pizza! Def go with a trust pizza! However, I've never been disappointed with any pizza I've had here. I like the atmosphere and the fact its BYOB. Everyone is always helpful and friendly .
(5)Cassy B.
This is my favorite pizza in the Tri-Cities that I've tried yet!!! The garlic pesto breadsticks are so good we get the entire pie! Love the fresh veggies, and have yet to try the house made meats! Seriously it's delish, crust and sauce are amazing, ingredients are key when you'e talking about pizza!! If you're craving some delish pizza you can't go wrong with Scratch Brick Oven!
(5)Tim P.
The pizza is average. The concept is Bohemian and cool. I felt like I was in Berkley CA. However, there are new owners and a new attitude. The staff was snotty at best. Read the signs, give us the order and don't bother us. The whole vinyl thing has a great feel to it. However, I played an album and a kid took it off in the middle of the first song. I told the kid I played the album and a bitchy staffer yelled across the room, "they can change it". Well bitch, you can let them change it all you want because you won't ever see me again. I paid $50 for two pizzas and won't put up with that kind of customer service especially for average pizza. Plus, the pictures on here need to be updated. They no longer have beer nor all the fresh baked goods.
(2)Tamoi P.
Re: the pizza itself I have had pizza from many different places including New York and Chicago. This is by far my top three places! They have a "trust" option where you leave it up to the chef to make your pizza. It is the way to go! These folks know their combos. We are vegetairans and our pizza was a combo of three different sauces (pesto, green curry, and traditional) and our toppings included oranges, hot peppers, olives, apples, onions, and green peppers. By far the best set of toppings I have ever had. I couldn't have dreamt of a better combination. Get the cheese sticks as well! They come out literally within 7 mins. Well worth the $4. Re: the ambience Hippie, old school, roadside outdoor seating, you can play old school records, and sip on soda from glass bottles. Perfect for dates or gatherings. Did I mention it is BYOB!! Re: the service Very friendly, courteous, and helpful. Overall: we went back twice the same day. Would go back again and again. Definitely a hole in the wall place. Must visit!
(5)Stephen B.
I'm giving 2 stars because this places has neat concept and I do believe their pizza is good...., not best. First off two suggestions, don't listen to these people on yelp. I'm not from TN and didn't know how things work regarding liquor laws. One of the tips says byob OR choose from the cooler... They only serve soda out of the cooler, no beer. I wanted to sit and have beer while waiting on pizza, had to go to pub down the street bc they said it was 45 min wait. Two, if you are somewhat picky about your combos don't do the "Trust". I was feeling indecisive thought what the heck I like all of that stuff. Well person put it together I feel like threw it together. My 25 dollar pie was pretty gross. I think they just randomly threw sauce and stuff on there, they did not compliment each other at ALL. I THREW most of it away. It tasted like cheese, about a gallon of olive oil and chorizo, the smell of it even makes me sick. So with that said, I imagine if I would have taken the time to pick what I wanted it would have been good, but I had no clue about the sauces, the people ordered before me got about a 10 minute long presentation and all I was told about was the TRUST. My tip, ask about the sauces, because whatever they put on mine with the combo of ingredients was horrible.
(2)James T.
I've lived in Johnson City for a few years now. I've always avoided checking this place out because of the parking (it's bad). My wife and I finally decided to give them a try, and man are we glad we did! We can't speak to the quality of their regular dough because we're gluten free, but if it's even half as good (and most likely, it's twice as good) as their gluten free pizza, you're in for a real treat. I think it's their "red" sauce that really sets this pizza apart from other local chains. It's slightly sweet from the ripened tomatoes and has an unexpected smokey flavor that puts it over the top. The parking is not ideal. It's basically street parking or bust. The inside was pretty cool, but very crowded. Being that this was my first time, I expected a little more (any at all would have been good) attention to me from the staff when I walked in, as I didn't really know where to pick up my order at first (we called ahead for carry-out). This joint has a great reputation within the community as evidenced by the other awesome reviews, and I can totally see why. It's a very small building and was really crowded, but it had a good vibe to it - nothing like I've experienced before in JC. And the pizza is so GOOD; I wanted another one right after I finished eating it. I don't see why I would get pizza from anywhere else now.
(5)Laina V.
We found this place while on the road and looking for a late night option. The first place on Yelp was Scratch. We're from Chicagoland and are often skeptical of out of state pizza. We were amazingly surprised. Loved the atmosphere - very casual and relaxed. You can play a record from their extensive collection. You can let your kids run around and play with toys. The customers are friendly and willing to chat it up and give you recommendations. And we trusted them with the "Trust" option and were totally thrilled with the results. Wish we lived closer!
(5)Brenda S.
We came to Johnson city for a wedding and decided to have lunch here because the wedding was in the evening. We got the cheesesticks with the pesto sauce and a 10" gluten free pizza because their regular is a 16" and no other size. We decided to "trust" (it's part oftheir menu) them and let them pick our toppings. The cheesesticks were perfect with the pesto sauce. I think I would buy their pesto the gallons if they sold it. The pizza. Oh man. I'm so glad we decided to trust them. They brushed the crust with all three sauces in stripes. They added peppers - red, green, jalapenos and orange wedges. Yes, orange wedges. It was perfection. It's not something we would have conjured up on our own. It was perfection. The service was excellent. The lady that helped us was very friendly and guided us through the whole process. This was so good that we ended up coming back after the reception and getting another pie for a late night dinner.
(5)Stan H.
Possibly the best pizza I've ever had. I love the full trust option where they just make something different for you. Wood fired oven is great. Homemade smoke meats are fantastic. It's simple- go eat be happy.
(5)Jason N.
From what I saw of Johnson City (Subway, Chick-Fil-A, McDonald's, etc.), Scratch is probably as good as it gets and deserves five stars. The building, from the outside, looks like it is about to fall over. All the more reason to take a peek inside this charming dive. The main attractions here are the house record player (and record collection, which patrons are encouraged to peruse and put on the turntable), the wood grilled oven, and "trust." Trust relates to choice of pizza toppings. Trust is trusting the dreadlocked pizza baker to pick whatever she wants for you. "Limited Trust" is scratching off toppings you want excluded and letting the baker take it from there. I did limited trust and was not disappointed. I had several house cured meats, baby spinach, thinly sliced granny smith apples, a couple different cheeses and olives. I broke open several whole dried chilis to scatter seeds across the top for a little heat. It was awesome. Being in town for business, I was dining alone and the 16" pizza for $15 would have been way too much food, so I opted for the 10" gluten free pizza for $10. The crust was thin, crisp and delicious.
(5)Sarah K.
You haven't had pizza in JC until you've been to Scratch. Its a local favorite and a guest treasure. The BYOB policy is fun if you are dining in, but I'm normally down for the take-out. Never had a bad pizza here. I like to tell them to SURPRISE ME with the topping. They never fail to deliver, non pun intended. :)
(4)Patti W.
The owner drew me a map of places I need to go when I move to Johnson City on the inside of my pizza box. The pizza was phenomenal, and the Allen Scott oven they are baking on is a real prize. I look forward to many, many meals here.
(5)Kathryn Stacey B.
My visit to Scratch was mid week at about five in the afternoon. It was a little bit busy but not too bad when I arrived. There's a sign on the door which warns you your pizza could take an hour, so I was prepared for a wait. It's pretty much self serve: grab a pad at the front, write down your order and hand it in. This was actually my first issue: Nobody greets you. There is a huge sign that tells you what to do but I didn't see the sign.I'm used to being seated and served or at least greeted. Its not that they were busy most of the staff was literally standing around. When they do finally interact with you, they are polite. We sat right in front of one worker and she had to have known we had no idea what to do and never offered any help. I got a 16 inch pizza with regular sauce, red peppers, mushrooms, pepperoni and sausage. I only waited 30 minutes. My pie was hot and perfectly cooked. The pizza was huge and piled with toppings. My only complaint is that it was a little on the bland side. Everything. The crust. The cheese. The toppings. The sauce was exceptionally bland. Maybe it was the combo I picked I would go back. I love the hippie stoner vibe. The vinyls are awesome. I do want to try the pesto sauce and the deep dish. I had pizza left over but its horrible cold.
(3)Kiai K.
This is definitely the best American pizza so far outside of New York City. I've had California pizza and "American" pizza in Denmark. Of course it's not like Italy, which has its own bragging rights. We're talking American pizza. Dominoes? Papa John's? No way. Scratch does it right. Take from a New York native. The vinyl record player rocks.
(5)Lanny B.
I used to live in JC and got food from here somewhat regularly. The pizza is good, but some of the concepts are just too busy. Too many tastes all crammed onto a pizza can sometimes make it hard to tell what's working and what isn't. Back in the when, I used to just come here for the awesome breads. My suggestions are to order carry out, as in the past I had a number of encounters with the staff that fell between condescending and outright rude. Also, check the pizza, I don't know if they still differentiate crusts by putting "baking stones" in the center, but my father called me to tell me there was "a damn rock in the middle of the pizza" when we ordered from Scratch the last time I was in.
(3)Tommy T.
It is hard to find places with the spirit of SBP. If you go you just need to make a conscious decision to order a full trust pizza. If you aren't going to do that then go somewhere else.
(4)Ted H.
OMG!! Get the loaded "trust" pizza and let the magical pizza creators at Scratch blow you away with their own creation. While they don't sell beer you can bring your own in and listen to some classic vinyl.
(5)Sarah G.
If you want overpriced mediocre hipster pizza, go to the Mellow Mushroom. If you want quality pizza with unique ingredients at an affordable price from a well-run local small business, eat at Scratch Brick. We ate here for the first time over the weekend after reading the yelp reviews, and I don't know how I've missed out on this place for so long! The menu is simple; they serve pizza and cheese sticks. And that's all they need to serve. The cooks at Scratch have a clear understanding of something that few pizza places offer: food chemistry. They know what flavors work together, and they can make them work to your liking. The cheese sticks were very fast and came with a fantastic chimichurri pesto sauce. The pizza options consist of three crust options, three sauce options, six smoked meat options, and about fifteen fruit/veggie options. Some of the unique offerings include cranberry turkey sausage, apples, mandarin oranges. Customers had the option to build their own pizza, opt for "trust" to allow the chef to make their pizza, or "Limited trust," marking out menu items not wanted on the pizza. We opted for limited trust, and it was amazing! Our pizza crust was perfect--the kind that can only be created out of a massive stone oven at certain temperatures. The toppings consisted of about three of their fresh smoked meats, spinach, mushrooms, apples, mandarin oranges, kalamata olives, pesto sauce on the outer edges, and red sauce in the center. The flavors were wonderfully complimentary. The atmosphere of the place is cool--very much an indie vibe, with a record player on which guests can change the tunes. Be prepared to grab paper plates, paper towels, and plastic forks off the counter, and note that they have limited beverage offerings. They have bottled water, Mexican Coca-cola, and a few other sodas (no diet). However, they do advertise that customers can BYOB.
(5)Paul Y.
Unusual place! Little disorganized inside, looks sketchy from outside, but one of the best pizzas I've ever had. Glad we went with Trust. Thanks Scratch!
(5)Joshua R.
One of the five best pizzas I have ever eaten. My girlfriend and I always order the vegetarian "trust" pizza, wherein the cooks throw whatever sauces and toppings on the pizza they want. And it is always delicious. They put a curry oil and a chimicurri pesto on their pies, and it is killer. The record player motif is fun and engaging, however the selection of music doesn't seem to have changed in a while. It would be cool to see some new albums in rotation. And since it's Johnson City, there is usually something terrible playing ;) Overall, everything is great. It's BYOB, which can either rock or suck, depending on your disposition. Outstanding pizza.
(5)Jamie R.
I wasn't expecting much, but was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the ingredients and how tasty the thin crust really was. We built our own as I have a million dietary restrictions (wee, allergies!), and hung out in the restaurant while we waited to pick up the pizza. Scratch also had an option to build a "trust" pizza, where the employees pick the toppings. Given the other reviews on this page, that option does not disappoint. They have a record player and vinyl collection that customers can use to pick the music playing, and we were entertained by the man who creatively announced each pizza when it was ready for pick-up. The restaurant has laid-back, unpretentious decor, and is in a cute neighborhood. Definitely seems like a college hangout joint, at least to this Westerner.
(4)Adam R.
This was my first visit, and as most have said, "TRUST". You cannot come here and do anything less. It's a great hidden gem in the Tri-Cities. The pizza is really, really good. I'm not sure if it's the best pizza I've ever had, but it's good. It's thin and crispy, but loaded with toppings. The staff was extremely nice, and very helpful. It is a 'BYOB" restaurant, but they have a fridge full of beverages. Stop in and try this place out, you won't be disappointed.
(4)Martha G.
A really good pizza. Fresh ingredients, thin crust and wood fired. They offered several recipes and food combinations. The prices are very good. They have a vinyl record collection that customer can appreciate and put in the turntable. We really enjoy our visit to this place.
(5)Leah C.
I have to admit I almost didn't try it. In the dark it looks really dumpy. But I'm so glad we did try. Best gluten free pizza I think I've had. The crust is thin and crisp. The toppings and cheese are melted in the wood oven. So good!
(5)Tanya S.
This is definitely not your average pizza joint. The pizza was delish. Ingredients very fresh and unique,smoked meats and tons of fresh veggies and great sauces. Dont plan on a big fancy smancy restaurant. I was a little shocked when I first walked in but pleasantly surprised by the staff and the over all ambience. It is BYOB or choose from the cooler at the ordering counter. Lots of pizza for your buck. Only 1 size but it could easily feed 3 maybe 4 if they dont eat like Jethro. Cant wait to go back and try something different. FYI they do accept credit cards.
(5)Missy F.
Nom nom nom!! Sooooo good!!! I am a huge pizza lover, particularly loving thin crust and wood fire pizzas. I went alone so I didn't want to overwhelm myself with too much pizza so I settled for the 10in gluten free pizza. The people were very laid back and although my order sheet didn't have the trust options, I was allowed to order the trust options. Trust meaning that they could surprise me with whatever they wanted. Needless to say, they really know their pizza because with about 10 random ingredients, I felt like I was eating one of the most tasty pizzas I had ever consumed. I'm more or less bummed that I was only in Johnson City for the day and will unlikely ever return.... but if I'm near enough I may have to go out of my way to get some more delicious pizza!! On a side note, I was told by a local that before they accepted credit cards, they also used to have a "trust" paying system where you would sign a sheet saying you would pay with cash the next time you returned. I thought that was pretty cool. The local also told me their brownies and apple jacks krispie treats were phenomenal although I didn't get a chance to try them. Definitely a place to visit!
(5)Stephanie G.
Other reviewers have said it before, but: TRUST. That's all you need to know.
(5)Heather L.
I miss the ambiance and "trust." If you've been there, you know what I'm talking about!
(5)Christa V.
Scratch is amazing....Food of the gods. Seriously makes me want to cry. Very laid back atmosphere. Do yourself a favor and try it...you will NOT regret it!
(5)Benita M.
Crazy good pizza! A must try if you find yourself in Johnson City, TN. They truely make everything from scratch...dough, meats, sauce...then baked with brick oven magic...Mmmmm! Wish we had a place like this back home in Kentucky!
(4)Marc A.
I've been around a few places to know good pizza and just run of the mill pizza. This place is the later. While the staff was friendly and the place had a great vibe, overall the pizza was lacking in the taste department. While they do have a considerable amount of toppings, some more unique than others, it doesn't do it pizza well as the foundation of this pizza, the pizza itself, is lacking. That is to say, once the novelty of eating some exotic toppings wears off (for me, about once slice), the pizza is unremarkable. I found the bread of the pie to be to dry and nearly tasteless. Additionally the wait at this place was a little longer than I was willing to wait for one pizza. The prices aren't bad however, but that still doesn't save it from being overrated. I say this being as objective and sincere as possible.
(2)BeerMe S.
Finally a cool restaurant in JC. I visit town often & glad there is a great pizzeria. Love everything about the concept: trust pizza, odd selection of drinks, and the record player. Ask for a tour of the oven & BYOB. pizza was awesome and so was the cheese bread. Place smells great as well.
(5)Holland W.
Best pizza in town, possibly ever. TRUST!
(5)Ryan G.
Don't forget to BYOB! There is an IGA down the road that sells cold beer. This is a great spot for 'za. One size. One price. Records to play while you dine. Try the "trust" pizza!
(5)Traci T.
The only place I've ever been in which you verbally order your food based on "trust". I guess it's a little implied every time you eat somewhere, but this takes it to a whole new level. The ordering experience here is different. Basically you get a little piece of paper in which you can simply circle "Trust" which states that you trust them to make your pizza however tickles their fancy at the moment. They can use whatever sauce, and add whatever toppings.You can also choose "limited trust" in which you can indicate items you don't want on your pizza, no matter what. I have food issues like whoa, and was convinced to order "Trust" the first time I went. I do not regret it. I try to "Trust" every time I come here unless I'm in a mood. Hey, it happens. Seriously though, this is the only place that can make a pizza that I look at and feel like I'm eating healthy. Parking here is a bit of a bear, but you'll work it out. Make sure you lock your car. Just sayin;. I dig the vibe of this place, but even as the website states... it's "Not for Everyone". It's a nice lil mom and pop place, with a cool artsy vibe. It's definitely a hidden treasure in Johnson City.
(5)Jon B.
Trust, Thats it. Best darn pizza I have had in a long while.
(5)Max Y.
If I had a pizza place, it would be just like this. Love it. Will be back for sure.
(5)Brian D.
I love you Scratch. I'm not even remotely kidding as to how good this pizza is. I like pizza, and I've had lots of it, and this is truly one of the best pizzas I have ever had. This place is unique, and a fun place to go with friends, after work, to have some great food, and enjoy the perks of a local pizza joint. The way that you order here is through a system of selecting toppings, and sauces, or do what I would recommend going with the "Trust" system of ordering. Basically you cross off the toppings that you don't like and they will just do what ever they think will taste good. Unique ! Different everytime. They could put on mandarin oranges or apples, home made sausage, veggies you name it. The pizza comes in one size, 16 inches which is more then enough to feed two hungry adults, and costs about 15 dollars. Three sauces, green curry, spicy marinara, or pesto ( my personal favorite) You can also choose what toppings you want. When the pizza comes out it has a crust that is substantial enough to hold up to the toppings, but not so doughy that you feel full after one slice. Its crispy and has that fantastic taste of the wood burning oven Beverages are "BYOB" you can bring what you want form the outside world, adult beverages included, or choose from a unique selection of bottles that they have ( Cheerwine, Coke, Orangina, Dr. E) When its time to check out you just tell the waitress what you had, and they ring you up. Nice staff, was there the other evening and we parked across the street it started to get towed, so be careful about where you park look at the signs ! but the owners gave us free pizza for our troubles. You can bring your own records to play if you want or chose from their selection. Its places like this that make me love smaller cities, yelp, local joints and food in general.
(5)Taylor N.
By my Aunt: "This is NOT your granny's pizza parlor... In fact our Granny (99 years) was really confused by the rustic interior, the byob style of beverages and the many hippy looking youngsters... but the pizza was unbelievable! We went with limited trust... we told them we wanted Kosher with lots of veggies...they brought us an amazing combo. Homemade turkey sausage, mandarin oranges, etc." It's BYOB, but they do provide a fridge full of Cheerwine and Dr. Enuf (my favorite) which you can help yourself to.
(5)Matt T.
What can I say? All these great reviews and they were all true. There is still nothing like a good crust in a wood fired oven. The food, the staff, the music... All 5 stars in my book.
(5)Chad R.
I've been stopping in here for years because they have - hands down - The Best Pizza On Earth. I'd also suggest stocking up on Chess Squares and a Chocolate Sydney or three. The staff is wonderfully hippy-fied and awesome.. and you are encouraged to flip thru their vinyl records and play whatever you want. There's a mini-fridge if you want to BYOB. This is one of my favorite places ever ever ever. Greatness.
(5)Hei Man T.
The pizza taste good and is very unique! I love the way that they put apple slices and the spices on the pizza! And since you just order a pizza and won't really need to specify what you order, so it's a surprise when you see what you actually is getting. Taste pretty good, but it's kinda pricey for a pizza. we paid 20 bucks for a 16"
(3)B. Nicole G.
What is with me reviewing pizza places tonight? OK, I have to admit this place is pretty cool. I'll have to go back a few more times to see how consistent they are, but the few times I've been when I've been home the pizza has been really excellent. This is what I call, 'shi-shi' pizza. Hand tossed, handmade dough, fresh, farm to table ingredients, fired in a handmade frankenstein-quese brick oven... this stuff is pretty good. The menu is fairly complicated, someone should really see to that, but if you just talk to the gal at the counter she will help you find what you are looking for. $15 for a pizza, no matter what you get on it, is a pretty sweet deal and if you order the 'trust me', you'll be pleasantly surprised I think. (Apples on a pizza... who knew?!) I hope this place survives and becomes an institution. Johnson City deserves a place like this. Note: They only take cash.
(4)Vicky L.
Definitely unique - just go try it!
(5)Andrew D.
Best pizza on the planet. hands down. Used to go to school at ETSU in JC, grew up in Knoxville, just moved to Washington state and have never had anything close to Scratch. It is amazing pizza and I really miss it, can't wait to go back. Tons of toppings, great price, tastes great! Can you all ship pizzas???
(5)Amy L.
Best pizza I've ever had. Truly a rare gem. The atmosphere is eclectic and laid back and the staff is amazing. Custom tailoring each pizza with care using the freshest ingredients homemade meats and crazy good sauces! This is a must if you are pizza lover!!!
(5)Jessica D.
Stopped here on the way home from Virginia and it was a treat! Delicious. Obviously fresh. Wish they were closer! I think my only complaint was that the pesto didn't have a bold enough flavor on the cheesesticks OR the pizza. It was masked by the other good ingredients. Other than that, fun atmosphere. Nice people. Very decent price. Be prepared to take some home if it's just the two of you!
(5)Jeanne B.
We are in town for a collegiate golf tournament ,we found scratch on yelp,we are both very serious cooks and thought this pizza was excellent! We pick our own toppings and would highly recommend this pizza if you love your pie! Jeanne Beck Virginia Beach Va.
(5)Roger M.
Amazing smoked meat toppings. Amazing pizza and I live in New York!
(5)Chris N.
This was absolutely the best pizza I have ever eaten. They use all the freshest ingredients, and it shows! The atmosphere is great, the prices are awesome, AND you get to choose the music and change the records.
(5)Tim N.
This place is TERRIBLE! 5 stars! They ruined me, now I can't eat pizza anywhere else... EVER! (THANKS!) (I'm moving to Johnson City so I can try them out on a more regular basis, to try and get sick of their food! LOVE THIS PLACE!!!
(5)Jen R.
Scratch Brick Oven has one of the best pizzas I've ever had. You definitely want to order a Cheeseless Wonder trust pizza. The flavors you get make you forget that there is no cheese anywhere on the pizza. It's one of the best I've ever had and talk about a fun atmosphere. Eat in or outside, definitely a great gem in the heart of Johnson City.
(5)Charlie S.
This place is as good as it gets. Now, that isn't the case if you are some pretentious Ole Miss type person. But, if you like good food, nice people and a fun atmosphere then this is your place. When you walk in you might be lost at first. My girlfriend and I were and we had even read reviews on here. But, someone will notice that confused look on your face and offer a quick lesson on how to order. I won't go into it here because it will ruin the fun. Just, trust me, like you should trust them, and go! You won't regret it at all. Bring your own alcohol if you like that. We stopped at Earth Fare and got some local brews. And, if you like music, bring some vinyl to play or play theirs.
(5)Callan C.
Cool little place in Johnson City. They serve wood fired pizza made-to-order (or you can choose the chef's choice option). Most of the operations are pretty basic. One size pizza, cash and check only, grab your own drinks from the fridge, paper plates, pizza from a box - even if you are dining in. You can even choose your own music at the record player in the middle of the restaurant. Bonus: chefs come with dreadlocks!
(4)Scott A.
Really, really good pizza. One of the few restaurants in the Tri-Cities region that is worth taking the time to find and eat at (or take out). Feel lucky and let them decide what they're going to put on your pizza... you won't be disappointed.
(5)Jason Z.
Delivered. Only had the pizza, but it was freaking amazing. Just like everyone said, Trust, is definitely the way to go if you're not allergic to anything. Price was worth the meal. Definitely would go back.
(5)J K.
BEST PIZZA EVER. The gluten free crust cannot be beat.
(5)JR G.
Delish. Owner was very nice. Red Sauce was awesome.
(5)Jono B.
Went with the "Trust Me." Excuse the pun, but trust me - the best pizza you'll have in a while, maybe ever.
(5)Paul B.
Best Pizza ever! Fresh ingredients, homemade dough, sauce, meats! Wood Fired oven, what couldn't you like about this place!
(5)Colin R.
This is by far the best pizza I have ever had. If you just want a pepperoni pizza this place isn't for you, but if you are adventurous, then by all means, stop by! This place stands out due to their ability to always make a different pizza. There is an option on the menu to get a Trust Pizza, in which they will use their discretion to create the most delicious tasting pizza for you. They have a variety of toppings to choose from as well, if you know what you'd like to get also. In addition to pizza, you can also get a very large sandwich, which will be like a sauce-less pizza, and they also bake several kinds of bread which can be bought in loaf, or half loaf. I say it is worth stopping by if you are in the area. Oh, and take cash, they don't take credit cards.
(5)katie l.
i wish scratch were in nashville. i'm pretty sure this is the best pizza i've had since i moved to tennessee. we did the "trust" option instead of picking our pizza, which i think was a good move. the menu has a lot of choices, and so long as you aren't a picky eater, or even if you are, you're going to like what the staff picks. we ended up with a perfect mix of sauces, fresh veggies (and a little mandarin orange--so good!), and delicious house-cured meats on a chewy, crunchy multi-grain crust that stood up to the toppings. the pizza was a great deal. i think with tax it came out to $16.50, and although the two of us ate the whole thing (!!!!) because we'd had a long day and it was just so GOOD, it was enough food to feed at least 3 for dinner. aside from the delicious pizza, the other great thing about scratch is the atmosphere. you walk in and place your order to the right, and then you hang out at the tables in the dining area until your food is ready while you listen to cool records (rolling stones were on while we were there and patrons can change the selections) and drink whatever you brought with you if you want alcohol. there were college kids, people on dates, families... it's just a very cool, laid-back place where you can really kick back and enjoy a delicious meal.
(5)brad e.
This is an amazing place to eat, they also cater!
(5)Jake H.
Scratch never ceases to amaze me. Everything they have offered me, I have loved. Everyone who works there is extremely nice and helpful.
(5)