Hampden is a neighborhood of many delights, charms, and persuasions. it is my belief that Hampden is one of the finest, nay, THE finest neighborhood in our fair city. However, there is one thing Hampden does not have, one thing it lacks, a great absence, a black hole of culinary cuisine. My friends, Hampden does not have a solid Pizza Pie to be found.

So what's a Hampdenite to do when the hunger strikes, as it inevitably will? Look up the road to Mt Washington where Al Pacino Pizza will happily deliver to your door.

Make no mistake, this is NOT the New York Style Pizza most of us crave when we think of awesome pizza joints, but rather, a wholey unique culinary creation. A Pizza Joint run by Egyptians, Al Pacino's serves a slew of signature pies on thin, chewy, AND crispy crusts. How do they pull off chewy and crispy? It's a mystery. Many pies come with their signature sauce, a tangy tomato with a hint little bit of peppery heat. They also serve the best whole wheat crust I've ever had. Be sure to try it.

As for toppings, you have to remember this is not your typical place-- Pizzas here come armed with Falafel, sauteed squid, grilled eggplant, boursin cheese, or fresh cilantro. And that's just a small sampling of their unusual creations. Are you vegetarian? They have Non-dairy cheese available too.

This is not your typical Pizza no, but it deserves to be mentioned with Baltimore's best. When you order, try getting two smalls instead of one large so you can fully sample their menu.