Banger’s Bar and Pizza Keeps Upping Their Food Game.

 Banger’s Bar and Pizza

 315 US-491

Dove Creek, Colorado, 81324

Phone: (970) 677-2465

Hours of Operation:  Monday thru Saturday, 11 am to 9 pm; Closed Sunday.

 

In every home cook’s weekly developing of meals, there comes a time of, “I am not in the mood to cook!  I do not want to reheat leftovers, that is cooking!  I do not want to microwave anything, that is cooking!  I do not want to cook!”.  When I get like this, the go-to meal is likely a bowl of cereal, Cap n’ Crunch being, still, my utmost favorite. However, there happens to be another living in the home, and my idea of a go-to meal is not on his list.

Choice?  He can fend for himself, or he can garnish favor by calling for take-out.  After many years together (we are about to celebrate year number 21 this October), he knows what foods put me into my happy place.  Off in his Jeep he went, to Dove Creek, and Banger’s Bar and Pizza.  Their menu selections change occasionally, but still offer up the favorites that locals crave, and visitors to the area drool over.

 

While there is a selection of specialty pizzas, the create-your-own gives a wide choice on sauces, cheeses, meats and vegetables.  We both believe the Banger’s Sauce is killer good on top of that crispy crust pizza dough with an Italian cheese blend.  No, cheddar does NOT make it better!  We are talking pizza here, not a grilled cheese sandwich.  Anyway, I tend to lean towards extra sauce on my pizza as an addition, so we always end up doing a half and half.  I can have my “purist” pizza and Roy gets either a half of loaded pepperoni, or veggie, or both. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There are also create-your-own calzones, again, with a variety of sauces, cheeses, meats and veggies.  Our go-to, every time, is Banger’s sauce (told you it was killer good), Italian cheese blend and meatballs.  Now the meatballs are not house made, but they use a brand that is close to homemade as it can get. 

 

 

 

Alright, one item that I have suggested, and still would love to see on the menu, is ricotta cheese.  First off, it is one of the basic ingredients for white pizza.  White pizza?  It is as the name suggests, simply a layer of ricotta cheese, covered in hot and gooey mozzarella only, or an Italian cheese blend, plus garlic.  No tomato sauce touches this pizza, and for those who happen to be allergic to tomatoes, or just do not like them, this is a pizza meant for them.

 

Is Banger’s only about the bar and pizza?  Oh no; they have a variety of appetizers, salads, sandwiches and pasta dishes.  Weekly, owner Shelly Jean comes up with innovative specials to draw us in by our senses, mainly sight, smell and taste.  The sauces and dressings are mostly house made, and from experience, we can tell you that the buttermilk ranch dressing, and house bourbon sauce, are so good, you will be licking the plates.  Since I mentioned salad, Banger’s is definitely not chintzy when it comes to portions.  Side salads are larger than the average salad plate size, since they are loaded with cheese, veggies and croutons.

 

Oh, do not forget to order a basket of the house made potato chips; darker than usual potato chips and full of crunchy potato flavor.  You will find yourself ordering a bag to go.  

 

 

Since I did mention the house bourbon sauce, make sure to order wings (boneless or bone-in) and try out this sauce; you will not regret it.  The wings are meaty and have the perfect crunchy texture to hold onto any sauce they are drenched in.  Of course, if wings are not your thing, try one of the other appetizers listed on the menu.  

 

 

 

Wanting to get away from the home for a relaxing night out, and a great meal, definitely think Banger’s in Dove Creek.  The atmosphere is welcoming and laid back, no one rushes you to order, eat and get out, like many other places tend to do.  There are big screen televisions to watch sports, or another type of programming.  A gaming machine area to try your hand at, or even a small area with comfy cushioned seating to just sink into and forget that hard day you had.  Or, do not want to go out, but do not want to cook either, order take-out like we did!

Mary Cokenour