This new D’Iberville pizzeria and sports bar has some surprises on the menu
Puff Belly’s calls itself a brewery, pizza place and grill. I wouldn’t quibble with that description, but a quick look at the menu reveals some pretty interesting menu pairings that you might not expect from that account.
The pizzas are obvious, but a pizza bowl? That’s unique. Meatballs also seem to be prominent, along with a few other Italian specialties, that fits. This place is a grill so burgers seem natural as well, but skewers? That’s a curveball!
Most people think that skewers have a Mediterranean and Middle Eastern origin, but they really are more international than that: Turkish kebabs, Thai satay, Japanese yakitori or even French brochettes are examples of the popularity of this simple food idea. But wherever they are from, they are simple, basic and delicious. Puff Belly’s offers five sauces and a choice of meats and veggies. You can get them as a starter or a main course.
There are only five starters, but they are all good: garlic shrimp, mini-skewers, fries and some killer good meatballs. There is also a meatball sandwich that I highly recommended. These meatballs are not only flavorful and delicious but light and fluffy. I am a bigtime meatball fan and these were first-rate.
The pizza offering is substantial. There are almost 30 toppings, with everything from anchovies to artichokes hearts, and four sauces (pomodoro diablo, pesto, fresh tomato and blended olive oil). So, if you are looking for a loaded pizza, this is the place. I was also impressed with the crust. All the good sauces and toppings in the world are no good if the crust tastes like cardboard.
There are also five burgers to choose from, with the Brewery burger being my favorite. It starts with an Angus patty, then loaded with grilled filet tips, roasted red pepper, jalapeno and blue cheese. It’s a top-notch burger to be sure and the blue cheese is really a great idea.
The menu is good, everything we tried was great, but add to that house-brewed beer (everything from a good pilsener to a high-gravity ale) and you really do have something unique. The beer menu listed 17 craft beer options during my visit.
Puff Belly’s is an interesting combination of pizzeria, sports bar (yes, there is a full bar), and brewery, and I like the combination a lot. It’s a great place to watch a game or bring the kids for pizza.
Puff Belly’s Brewery Pizza and Grill
Where: 3179 Mallett Road, D’Iberville
Hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday; and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday
Phone: 228-967-7611