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Pizza Policy is tucked back from 14th Street NW in Logan Circle. The fluorescent blue and pink paint job of the building catches the attention of passersby, as do the string lights that deck out the patio.
Originally a corporate catering company, Roxanne Rozmus, Karen Griffin-Roosa, and executive chef Jeff Young purchased W. Millar & Co. from William Millar after his retirement in January 2020. Things were going well for owners until the pandemic hit, upending the food service industry.
“For us, the name of the game was, ‘Let’s keep our people working, let’s keep our lights on,’” Rozmus says, referring to the early days of the pandemic when she was helping run the catering company. They started a grocery delivery service, but there was no real opportunity for profit. A few months later, Pizza Policy came to life. The eatery started with a tailgating tent and folding table in Spring 2020. Then they converted the front of their catering kitchen into takeout windows.
On a chalkboard, you’ll find a handwritten menu with various beverages, like cold brew coffee and lemonade, 10-piece servings of lightly breaded and sauced wings, and fresh side salads. There are also hand-cut boardwalk fries, hot and cold sandwiches, single servings of desserts, and whole pizzas (duh!). Every ingredient found on their menu is made in-house, excluding the sub rolls. This is one of the perks of being a caterer.
The 14-inch, thin-crust pizzas are named for political terms. If you can’t stomach a whole pie, classic cheese and pepperoni slices are available during weekday lunch hours. Do not come here if you’re looking for a guilt-free slice of pizza. Fat means flavor here.
A few of the pizzas are more popular than others, starting with “The Filibuster.” This meat-lovers pie is studded with ground sausage, ham, crumbled bacon, sliced shallots, and mozzarella and provolone cheese. Their version of a Margherita, “The Roll Call,” also sells well.
But the pizza that made my heart sing was “The Whip.” This white pizza has a base of creamy white sauce and comes with ricotta and mozzarella, shallots, sliced prosciutto, and a garnish of fresh basil.
The photos on Pizza Policy’s Instagram feed are not misleading. There’s no skimping on toppings. But, they could also get away with selling their pizza crusts on their own. When I got to the end of each slice, I found myself turning the crusts sideways and enjoying them like breadsticks. Pro tip: The slices reheat fairly well in an air fryer or toaster oven.
Pizza Policy’s sandwiches are just as popular as the restaurant’s namesake dish, all served on 8-inch seeded Italian sub rolls. The most ordered sub is their chicken parm. Cooks bread chicken breasts and top them with parmesan and provolone cheeses. The zesty tomato sauce really brought this sandwich to life. I inhaled the first couple of bites so fast that I was surprised I didn’t choke.
Customers are fans of the steak and cheese, made with grilled beef tenderloin. “I love that the steak is flavorful, and also not chewy,” one customer mentioned. The tender steak is served with grilled onions and peppers, fresh lettuce and tomatoes, sliced provolone, and a smear of mayo.
Griffin-Roosa mentions their new line of cold sandwiches being worthy of more love, specifically their Italian sub. This one had a lot of weight! It’s packed with sliced mortadella, salami, pepperoni, ham, provolone cheese, and a drizzle of Italian dressing. A few slices of pickled jalapeños and red onions add a little crunch.
Do not leave without grabbing dessert, specifically their spin on Pop-Tarts! There’s a rotation of flavors, but strawberry is always available. Think of eating a homemade version of this childhood favorite with your pinky out. The sweet strawberry jam and sugary icing in that flaky crust was delightful. The blueberry cheesecake flavor was just as good.
Pizza Policy also has a smaller satellite takeout brand—Bub’s Breakfast Burritos. “We are so much more than pizza,” Rozmus says. “A huge part of our business is our breakfast.” Available from 9 a.m. through most of lunch service, their breakfast options sell out pretty quickly. Burritos are made with your choice of protein, scrambled eggs, crispy hash browns, veggies, cheddar cheese, and a green chili sauce inside a flour tortilla.
Also look for a list of specials below their takeout window. There’s always a pizza-of-the-month available by the whole pie. Soups and pasta entrees rotate bi-weekly, and breakfast specials are sold on weekends. If you stop by with your four-legged friend, the staff will give your furry bestie a dog treat. With patio chairs and tables out front, it’s a great spot during warmer weather.
W. Millar & Co. still offers catering, but Pizza Policy is what has kept the company afloat. With all this mouthwatering food, I’m officially crowning them as Logan Circle’s true hidden gem.
Pizza Policy orders can be placed in person, over the phone, online, or through third-party delivery apps. Drinks, desserts, and entrees range from $2 to $18. They are open Wednesdays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Pizza Policy, 1335 14th St. NW; (202) 667-2684; takeoutbywmillar.com