By Jessica Tuggle
jtuggle@hometownnewsol.com
VERO BEACH - A newbie wandering into the small pizzeria on 27th Avenue near Oslo Road in Vero Beach is bound to become a regular after tasting the great food and experiencing the friendly service.
Cap's Pizza and Pub is the second oldest pizzeria in Vero Beach and at 25,the eatery is definitely in its prime.
Family owned and operated by retired boxer John Capobianco Jr. and his daughter, Nicole, the restaurant offers casual Italian-American fare at reasonable prices and a relaxed atmosphere.
The spinach pizza is one item on the menu first-time visitors don't want to overlook.
Cap's iconic pizza is beloved by locals and guests alike, and their Facebook page recently had a comment from an out-of-town visitor who ordered some pizza pies to go and be eaten in South Carolina.
"We had one lady come in and order four pizzas. She said used to live here and she missed our pizza so much," Ms. Capobianco said.
The pizza is made with a house special white pizza sauce, oodles of cheese and dark green spinach. A popular variant on the spinach pizza is a generous sprinkling of bacon pieces.
A hot slice of the pie fresh from the oven draws a sigh of contentment from many guests.
Generous food portions paired with refreshing beverages in large Mason jars, customers know they will be taken care of at Cap's Pizza.
Christy Shulhan and Bob Schwartz frequent the restaurant for both lunch and dinner and often bring their children along.
"We have little kids. We're comfortable bringing them here. It's a good kid place," Mr. Schwartz said.
Pizza, stromboli and chicken wings are favorite menu items for Mr. Schwatrz and Ms. Shulhan.
The word about Cap's delicious wings is spreading around town, Ms. Capobianco said.
Earlier this year, the restaurant participated in the Florida Craft Beer and Wingfest in Vero Beach and narrowly missed taking first place in the best wings contest. They will participate once again in 2013 and are hungry for another shot at the title.
"We are going to bring home the gold this time," Ms. Capobianco said.
While eating at a table or booth at Cap's, visitors will enjoy viewing the boxing photos and memorabilia, as well as the Brooklyn Dodger memorabilia. Mr. Capobianco is at the restaurant frequently and shares stories from his boxing days to eager listeners.
"I figured if you could box a head, you could box a pizza," Mr. Capobianco said with a laugh.
Restaurant hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday and Saturday, 11a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday.
Take out is available and delivery is available to select locations.
Cap's Pizza is located at 725 27th St. Southwest, Vero Beach. For more information, call (772) 770-2277.