Update: Bada Bing! is now closed.
It was a chilly afternoon and I had not yet tried Bada Bing! Pizzeria which had relocated to a larger space on Springfield, Ohio’s historic Fountain Avenue.
Bada Bing! Pizzeria became a national sensation when in 2015, the owner, Jason Hague, posted a flyer on the door of his business inviting anyone who did not have any money or was hungry to celebrate Thanksgiving with him and his family. It was such an overwhelming act of kindness that when someone shared his invitation on social media, it went viral and landed him publicity with Fox News all over the country. Donations poured in to supplement the cost of Jason’s offer to those in need. He was pleasantly overwhelmed and thankful for those who unexpectedly contributed to his cause. On Thanksgiving Day, Bada Bing! was able to feed close to 100 people.
But for those who live in Springfield, Bada Bing! has been a hit with its locals since bringing gourmet pizzas and friendly service to town.
Bada Bing’s humble beginnings found itself in a small neighborhood of Springfield where it quickly outgrew its space. Working with other locals to revive the downtown area, they found a location on North Fountain Avenue and began the tumultuous work of installing updates and renovations. With a new wood fire stove, they also expanded their kitchen space downstairs.
In addition to Bada Bing!’s extreme generosity, what I love about this downtown eatery is that they are serving gourmet pizzas with unique flavor combinations. All of their pies are baked in the woodfire stove, just like an Italian pizzeria.
The Kickin’ Kung Pow Chicken with a spicy teriyaki sauce is crazy delicious and one of my favorites. Loaded with cheese, grilled chicken, garlic green peppers, red onion, crushed red pepper and peanuts. This fascinating mix of flavors will have you ordering another before the week is over. Other selections include the Vampire Slayer, the F-Bomb and the Dirty SOB, but if you are in the mood for a super, rich, breathtaking eating experience, order the C.B.R made with garlic butter sauce, four cheeses, grilled chicken, bacon, red onions, tomatoes, and topped with MORE garlic (roasted minced) and ranch sauce.
I was having a difficult time deciding which pizza to order when I learned I could try two different flavor combinations on one pie. I couldn’t pass up the Kickin’ Kung Pow while the other half was the more mild Mona Lisa, with mozzarella, tomatoes and basil. On a later visit I ordered the Award Winning Goombah with lots of spice.
In addition to upscale pizza flavors and decadent sides, Bada Bing! serves craft beer. Nothing goes better with an outstanding pizza than a nice cold brew. I ordered the Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale and the Bell’s Oberon at the excellent advice from my knowledgeable server.
A list of Bada Bing!’s beers on tap are posted on the chalk board to the right of the checkout station. There is also a generous number of wines and a cooler filled with bottled beers as well.
So the word is out about Bada Bing!’s pizza and the locals are loving it. I can’t wait to delve into their calzones, salads, grinders, desserts and appetizers, especially the cinnamon knots and the garlic knots.
Bada Bing!’s can be summed up as a company with fabulous food, awesome customer service and an owner with a big heart. That is a trifecta for success and a pizzeria I feel proud to support. And just as their logo states, “It Don’t Mean A Thing If It Ain’t Bada Bing!”
Do you have a favorite local pizzeria? I would love to hear about it and which pizzas you enjoy if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many Thanks and wishing you many Happy Travels!
What to See and What to Do:
Bada Bing! Pizzeria
40 North Fountain Avenue
Springfield, OH 45502
Telephone: 937 390 1300
Where to Stay:
Courtyard by Marriott Downtown
100 South Fountain Avenue
Springfield, OH 45502
Telephone; 937 322 3600
Where to Eat:
Hafle Winery’s menu offers a wonderful selection of appetizers, sandwiches, dinners and salads. The winery hosts popular weekend cookouts with live music entertainment.
More favorite Springfield eateries:
- Schuler’s Donuts: Their chocolate cream-filled doughnut is their best seller…”home of homemade”. The bakery has several locations in Springfield.
- Simon Kenton Inn: This historical home is an inn, restaurant and entertainment venue. With great food, I love the atmosphere of the Simon Kenton Inn.
- Guerra’s Krazy Tacos: One of my favorite places to eat in Springfield, Guerra’s is known for their unique gourmet tacos.
- Salato Deli: I love stopping by this deli for their charcuterie board
- Le Torte Dolci Bakery; Located next to the Salato Deli, this European French bakery also serves amazing gelato.
- Mike & Rosie’s Deli: This staple of Springfield is located near the Wittenberg campus and I am extremely fond of their Reuben sandwich.
Where to Drink:
What to Read:
- The Book of Springfield, Ohio, 1906, by Springfield Commercial Club
- Springfield, Ohio: A Summary of Two Centuries, by Tom Dunham
- Ridgewood in the Country Club District, by Tamara K. Dallenbach
- Still Standing: A life of pain, adversity and perseverance, by James Cooper
- Hometown Killer, by Carol Rothgeb
Photo Guide for Springfield, Ohio:
- Hartman Rock Garden
- Westcott House, Frank Lloyd Wright House
- Glen Helen Nature Preserve in nearby Yellow Springs
- Heritage Center of Clark County
- Tecumseh Land Trust in nearby Yellow Springs
- Ohio Caverns in nearby Bellefontaine
- Oakes Quarry Park in nearby Fairborn, Ohio
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