Red Baron vs Tombstone Retro Pizza Taste Test 2025 Update

Red Baron vs Tombstone
Pizza Taste Test

As I discovered in my recent blog post.. Finding Comfort in the Worst Pizza You’ve Ever Had, a pizza doesn’t have to be fancy to bring comfort and good memories. Frozen pizza nights have always been part of growing up, whether it was a late night in college, a quick Friday dinner, or just a snack when nothing else sounded good. Today we’re putting two classic favorites head to head Red Baron and Tombstone to see which one comes out on top in flavor, ease, and nostalgia. From the first bite to the last, these pizzas are more than just convenience food.. they also bring a little slice of memory.

Packaging and Presentation

Red Baron keeps it simple with that classic red box and logo you know from the freezer aisle. Tombstone goes a little bigger with bold colors and promises of "bold flavors." Both are easy to find and fun to open, but I always get a little more excited about that Tombstone box. Something about it just feels more like a grown up treat.

Cooking Experience

Fully Cooked Red Baron

Fully Cooked Tombstone

Cooking frozen pizza is one of those simple pleasures. Preheat the oven, unwrap the pizza, and slide it in. Red Baron cooks evenly and smells amazing while baking. Tombstone takes just a few minutes longer but comes out with crispier edges. Both pizzas fill the kitchen with that nostalgic aroma that brings you right back to childhood pizza nights.

Taste Test

Time for the most important part.. the taste! Red Baron delivers a classic pizza flavor. The crust is soft but not soggy, the sauce is mild and a little sweet, and the cheese melts perfectly. Tombstone is bolder. The sauce has more tang, the crust has a little crunch, and the toppings feel more generous. Each bite reminds you of why frozen pizza can still be comforting and fun.

Pros and Cons I found

Red Baron

Pros: Classic flavor, soft crust, melts perfectly, nostalgic.

Cons: Sauce is mild, toppings can feel light.

Tombstone

Pros: Bold flavor, crispier crust, generous toppings, slightly more grown-up taste.

Cons: Takes a few extra minutes to cook, sauce can be tangy for some.

Final Verdict and winner..

If you grew up loving classic frozen pizza Red Baron is the safe choice. It tastes like home and always hits the spot. If you want something with a little extra punch and a more grown up flavor Tombstone is your winner. Honestly it is a close call and really depends on what you are craving that night.

Which frozen pizza brings back your best memories? Let me know in the comments below!

Pizza Review - Mellow Mushroom in Winter Park, FL

2015 Aloma Ave, Winter Park, FL 32792

Retro Dad rating..

5 out of 5 Slices!

I finally got around to dining at Mellow Mushroom Pizza in Winter Park Florida, and I've got to say, I'm sorry I didn't give this place a try sooner. My entire dining experience was incredible and I can't wait to visit again.

All you need is love.. (and pizza)

From the moment you walk into this restaurant, you're hit with a whole vibe that just oozes from every nook and cranny. Whether you look up, down, left or right, there is something stimulating for the eye to see. 

The murals, decoration, light fixtures, booth upholstery etc. give life to a laid-back atmosphere where one can relax and unwind. 

Even the menus are full of great art. Music rounded out the ambience, and the staff was incredibly attentive and friendly. I already knew this was going to be a great experience before our drinks even hit the table.

I started out with some incredible cheese bread that was smothered in melted garlic butter, covered in mozzarella, and sprinkled with Italian seasoning. It came with a side of tasty 'Mellow Sauce' to dip with. 

I also ordered up a Bell's Oberon American Wheat Ale, which always pairs perfect with bread and pizza.

I'm an avid glassware collector and enthusiast, and while drinking my beer out of the way cool Mellow Mushroom pint glass, I noticed something interesting. 

The embossed Mellow Mushroom logo was actually pressed onto the inside of the glass, creating a very unique appearance as it hung onto the suds from the beer! 

I had never seen such a thing before on a pint glass and instantly fell in love with it. I asked our server if they by any chance sold the pint glasses, and she affirmed they indeed did! I of course bought one for my collection, and I admire it every time I drink from it.

This was the pizza we ordered in all of its glory. Mellow Mushroom's 'Mighty Meaty' Pizza. It sported pepperoni, Italian Sausage, Ground Beef, Honey Ham, and some of the most delicious Applewood-Smoked Bacon I've ever had on a pizza. 

The ridiculously beautiful crust is a result of a couple different things. First, it's cooked on a stone surface which helps to achieve a perfectly crispy crust due to uniform heat.

Second, Mellow Mushroom's pizza dough is truly a work of art, made from high quality, high protein, unbromated unbleached wheat flour. They mix in spring water and never use any refined white sugar. This is also the case for their pretzels and Calzones.

This definitely was not wasted on me. It takes some real effort and care to produce pizza dough like this, and the results are evident. It made for a more rustic, flavorful, beautiful crust.

Every meat topping was divine. Mellow Mushroom prides themselves on using top of the line high quality meats, and it really shows. It was a flavor explosion, with the sauce tasting fresh and not overpowering. 

The never frozen, preservative free mozzarella pulled everything together with its creaminess. It mellowed the acidity of the sauce, curbed the saltiness of the meats, and added richness to the crust.

Every ingredient played off of the other perfectly. I can't wait to try more varieties of Mellow Mushroom pies, to see what other flavor profiles they've honed to perfection.

The outdoor patio

I really do need to come back and dine alfresco when the Florida nights cool down this fall.

Mellow Mushroom really did exceed all of my expectations in every way. I love it when businesses refuse to cut corners and end up perfecting their craft as a result.

Mellow Mushroom Winter Park, is the place I am going to take friends and family to dine on pizza when they visit me in Florida. I will be back for sure, as I need to dine on the patio, complete my set of Mellow Mushroom pint glasses, and try SO many more of their menu items.

Awesome food, great staff, and an enjoyable relaxing atmosphere to create memories. I'm more than proud to spread the word about this great pizza place.

Visit Mellow Mushroom Online or in person

Review and Memories of the Original Cozzola's Pizza in Fort Collins

A 2016 article that's migrated from one of my old web-sites to its permanent home for archiving here at The Retro Dad. Unfortunately this quaint location is no longer open.

Cozzola's Old Town Store
241 Linden Street

Old Town Fort Collins, CO

Retro Dad Pizza rating..

5 out of 5 Slices!

The way I like to describe Cozzola's Pizza is like this..

Picture an incredibly gifted baker and one heck of a cook, that puts his heart and soul into everything he does. Now imagine that this baker opens a pizzeria. Cozzola's is the result my friends. 

Cozzola's has two locations in Fort Collins, but I prefer dining at the original store in Historic Old Town Fort Collins, that opened in 1987.  

There's just something about the cozy, wood lined décor that I love. It brings back some great memories, and gets me very zen, whilst dining on my pizza. 

If you feel like doing some people watching in Old Town Fort Collins, grab a seat on the patio, or a table by the window and watch the world go by for awhile.

I absolutely love Cozzola's. The pizza is not only incredible, but very unique all unto itself.  Consistently winning award after award, and nationally recognized as some of the best pizza in the region, Cozzola's has become a beloved Northern Colorado gem. 

Here's what I ordered during my last visit..

The OMNIVORE
(on poppy wheat crust)

Italian sausage, mushrooms, pepperoni, green peppers, Canadian bacon, and red onions

Crust options as of 6-08-2016

Wheat Poppy Seed
Deep dish crust, w/ a hearty texture.

Herb
Thick yet light white dough crust 

with Italian herbs

Traditional
Classic white dough crust

Real Thin
A white dough crust 

thinner and without a border.

Gluten Free
(Pizza may contact wheat flour)
12” crust only. Add $4

I'd be remiss without talking about this pizza's crust right off the bat. For those not aware, "Colorado Style Pizza" has become regionally known as having a thick bready crust, and loaded with toppings. 

At first glance, I can see how some may lump Cozzola's pizza into this category, but I assure you it's much more than that.

 

I ordered my 'Omnivore' with whole wheat poppy seed crust, and I must say that the crust truly tasted like a skilled baker's creation. 

The crust was crispy where it needed to be, aromatic, full of flavor, and very hearty. In fact, the edge crust that many people toss aside, proves to be a treat in itself.

Bottles of honey easily accessible to all, are available to dip your edge crust in, making for an incredible treat. 

I actually pile my "Pizza Bones" on the side of my plate, and eat them last with generous amounts of honey. I pretty much treat it as dessert, as do so many other patrons.

On a personal note, my Dad who is a barber of forty plus years, owned a barber shop in Old Town Fort Collins, and Dave Cozzola was one of my Dad's customers for quite some time. 

Dave told my Dad that he had a family history of heart disease, so offering healthier pizza options was very important to him. Taking a look at their menu today, you can see that these values are still very evident.

Crusts are made with stone ground whole wheat flour, while all sauces and crusts are devoid of refined sugar. Cozzola's also offer (truly vegan) and gluten free options.

The toppings
All veggies were fresh and of the utmost quality. The meats were also very good and full of flavor.  I opted for the Garlic Sauce on my pie, and it worked wonderfully with every other ingredient. 

The Pesto Tomato sauce would have been equally as good, and is usually my go-to sauce. Here are the sauce choices on Cozzola's menu (as of 6-08-2016).

Garlic Sauce
A tangy tomato sauce 

flavored w/garlic and herbs

Pesto Tomato (Red)
Basil pesto mellowed w/tomato sauce

Pure Pesto (Green)
A light spread of traditional basil pesto

Spinach Ricotta
Chicago-style blend of baby spinach & ricotta

also...

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Alfredo

 Barbecue Sauce

As for the pricing, pies will run you roughly from $11.00 to $18.00. It's definitely what some may consider to be a bit pricey for pizza. 

I'm the first to voice my opinion about overpriced pizza, but at Cozzola's you are getting quality and value. The pie pictured above is their 10" pie, and I ended up having to take a couple of slices home because it was so filling.

I definitely recommend stopping in at Cozzola's if you're ever in Old Town Fort Collins. No other Colorado style pie can compare. At least none that I've come across up to this point.

Visit Cozzola's Pizza Online

Casey's Gas Station Pizza Review

I've heard great things about Casey's Pizza over the years and have always wanted to try it out. While in Arkansas recently, I finally got my chance. I'm happy to say that the pizza exceeded my expectations in almost every way.

Right out of the pizza warmers, the slices smelled and looked wonderful. I opted for a slice of BBQ Brisket pizza and a sausage slice on this particular day.

The BBQ Brisket Pizza
BBQ sauce, smoked chopped brisket, jalapenos, red onions, real mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, finished with a ranch drizzle. 

This pizza was great! Super tasty, with a nice little spicy bite. The brisket was incredible and added a beautiful smoky depth to the slice. 

The ranch drizzle really was the icing on the pie, tamping down the spiciness of the jalapenos and helping the cheese and barbecue sauce jive together nicely .

Sausage Pizza
This slice had a classic marinara sauce and was topped with Casey's signature mild sausage and real mozzarella cheese. All ingredients were great, and the sauce had a nice snappy flavor, seasoned nicely with herbs.

I can't say enough nice things about Casey's pizza. They pride themselves on offering freshly made pizzas, with crust that is made from scratch.

That being said, I could tell the crust on both pies were pre made, which is understandable. I don't rightly expect any convenience store to have a dedicated baker or pizza chef that makes the dough in-house everyday. Maybe they do this somewhere, although I can't imagine where. 

Mind you, the crust was decent. It was way better than your run of the mill convenience store pizza crust. It did have some real pull to it, but wasn't tough. 

At first glance, the crust really has a bit of an artisan look to it, more so than your traditional convenience store pizza crusts. It was cooked well, had a nice crispy consistency, but lacked some depth in the flavor department. 

The end crust was a wee bit dense, with little alveolation to it. It worked well for the bottom crust, especially with the saucier BBQ slice, but I really would have liked to see a bit more airy spring to the end crust.

Retro Dad Pizza Rating..
as far as gas station pizza goes

5 out of 5 Slices

This is without a doubt, the best convenience store pizza I've eaten in my travels. While Casey's currently has over 2,147 stores in 17 states, Florida is sadly not one of them.

During this trip. I did not get to try Casey's Limited time offering The Ultimate Beer Cheese Breakfast Pizza, and I am going to be haunted by this for some time.

Casey's stores are spread mostly across the Midwest and plains states, both of which I travel across yearly. Therefore, I look forward to doing more of these reviews during future road trips.

If you have any Casey's pizza varieties you are crazy about, I'd love to hear about them. Feel free to drop your recommendations and thoughts in the comment section below. If there happens to be a gas station pizza you are a fan of, let me know as I'm always on the lookout for great pizza on the go.

Pizza Review - Capone's Coal Fired Pizza. Margaritaville Kissimmee, Florida

3216 Margaritaville Blvd, Kissimmee, FL

Retro Dad rating..

5 out of 5 Slices

Not too long ago I decided to treat myself and my bride to Capone's Coal Fired Pizza, a place I had been wanting to try for quite some time. I shamelessly proclaim that I LOVE themed restaurants, and being a sucker for Gangster and Mafia history, Capone's did not disappoint.

The first thing that grabs your attention when you walk into the joint, is a thick piece of glass set into the floor which you can not only look down into, but stand upon. It gives you a peek at a gangster hideout beneath the establishment. 

I apologize for the quality of the pictures. They were taken at a time of day when there was an incredible amount of glare from outside.

The scene reveals some old timey artifacts, and curiously.. lots of cash strung about as if someone left in a big hurry.

If you look closely, you can see a skeleton decked out in a Gangster era suit. Obviously there was some kind of ruckus and this poor unfortunate soul met his demise. He's now doomed to an eternity of guarding Al Capone's vault as an endless barrage of tourists peer down at him in pity.

Beautiful bar I'd love to sit down at to drink an 'Old Fashioned' someday soon.

The theming has a real old school feel to it. Ceiling tiles, light fixtures, props and pictures that feature the company's namesake, really suck you into that prohibition era vibe.

Great looking menu that looks 

like a prohibition era newspaper.

We ordered a wonderful antipasto appetizer platter and it really was as good as it looks.

The Pizza..

We kept it simple and ordered a pepperoni pie. The sauce and cheese was great, as was the coal fired crust that had a nice amount of char to it, without being overdone. A tasty and rustic looking pie that makes me hungry every time I think about it.

There was even theming that carried over to the pizza box we took our leftovers home in. This might mean absolutely nothing to most, but it's a touch I truly appreciate. I was raised in an era where product branding was everything. Companies loved getting their image in front of your face and on your mind any way they could. 

When I go to a pizza place and notice that their pizza box is one I've seen countless other pizzerias use, it just puts me off a bit. I understand about keeping costs down etc., so the extra effort it takes to create and use a pizza box unique unto your own business, is definitely not wasted on me. It makes me feel like the company is a cut above the rest. 

To me, it's kind of like going to a nice sit down coffee shop and ordering a handcrafted cappuccino, only to have it served in a cheap Styrofoam cup. The little extra touch of class that is a ceramic coffee mug, indeed makes the whole experience more pleasant and possibly makes you feel a bit better about spending four or five bucks on a coffee. 

Of course, I'm a sucker for great commercial art, especially when it's for a company I'm a fan of like Capone's.

On the way out, I decided to make a pit stop at the washroom. While I don't make a habit out of snapping pictures in restrooms, I felt I needed to capture the following images for the sake of posterity. 

The hallway leading to the restrooms was covered in wallpaper that consisted of old newspaper headlines from the 1920's. At the end of the hallway, it changes to drab colors and prison bars, themed to Alcatraz prison where Capone served most of his prison sentence.

As soon as you entered the bathroom, you instantly feel like you're in a prison cell! From the sinks, to the insanely drab color scheme, they did an incredible job theming the commode! 

There were tv screens on the wall playing a documentary about Capone and the prohibition era, and there were even various documents framed on the wall such Al Capone's arrest affidavit and mugshot, and death certificate. 

A wee bit morbid maybe, but they snookered me into standing there for a few minutes to closely examine them.

So all in all, we had a wonderful time at Capone's. It's all about the details when it comes to restaurant theming, and Capone's did not disappoint. The next time I treat myself to dining out for pizza, this will be the place I visit. 

I may even branch out a bit and try some of their other menu items. Although, I will definitely be ordering another one of their delicious pizzas no matter what.

Visit Capone's Online