Best Non-Traditional Places to Get Pizza in the DC Area

I thoroughly hate Pizza Hut and Dominoes, only on rare occasions can I choke down Papa John's without being disgusted. Whenever I can find good pizza I'm on it. I have 5 places to get pizza that are kind of out of the norm for the DC area. I'm not on those gourmet pizza places or places that are voted the best in DC, I like little random places you happen upon by accident.

So here we go in no particular order:

1. Indian Experience - 17th & L STs NW. It's the carryout part to the Ascot restaurant that is right next door. Yes this is an Indian Restaurant but they sell pizza. Which is pretty much naan, herby (I know it's not a word) tomato based sauce, topped with some sort of white cheese an your choice of lamb, chicken or tandoori shrimp. Go for the shrimp. One of the places I missed dearly when I stopped working by Farragut North. The pizza is made to order and is piping hot. The spices, bread, cheese and shrimp blend so well that you almost forget it's actually a pizza from a carryout establishment.

2. Ledo's - University Blvd., Hyattsville, MD. I was introduced to black olives by Ledo's pizza. With my Grandmarie living very close to this place I remember a childhood filled with square pizzas. There is a chain of Ledo's throughout the area now but the original is still in a class of its own. Thin crispy crust, delicate toppings and the tell-tale square shape makes this a wonderful pizza.

3. Costco - Pentagon City, Arlington, VA. A friend from New York turned me onto Costco's pizza. I was at his house and stated I really wanted a slice of good NY style cheese pizza. This slice fit the bill. Just enough grease, super huge slice for very little change. It fills that NY (or Philly) pizza craving some transplants may have.

4. Pupatella - Food Cart across from Ballston Metro, Arlington, VA. My co-worker turned me on to this. Then the Washington Post wrote it up so I pretty much had to go. The pizzas are made while you wait. The crust is crunchy like they have an authentic wood burning stove hidden in that tiny cart. The sauce is very simple and actually tastes a lot like fresh tomatoes (a huge plus, I hate jar sauces). The toppings are scant but delicious none the less. The team that owns it are very pleasant and accommodating. Try a margherita with prosciutto delish the saltiness of the meat is a great balance with the sweetness of the mozzarella.

5. Roma Pizza - Union Station. I discovered this long ago in high school but their deep dish is delicious. It's a chain and from my experience the one in Union Station is by far the best. The dough isn't greasy and it has a trace of sweetness. I can't speak on the thin crust but the thick slice puts Uno's (right upstairs) to shame.