Pizza! Pizza!

The Forge, a New Pizzeria, Opening at Jack London Square in Late January

One of Krupman's pies.
One of Krupman’s pies. Photo: Courtesy of The Pizza Hacker.

In September we first heard about The Forge, the new Oakland wood-fired pizza spot and beer hall from partners Bob Burke (Pat Kuleto Restaurant Group) and Michael Karp (Barbacoa, Table 24). The place is now set to open on or around January 25 at 66 Franklin Street, and it features outdoor seating with fire pits that can double as pizza ovens. The chef team consists of Jeff Krupman (a.k.a. The Pizza Hacker), who’s been slinging pies on S.F. streets for several years using a modified Weber grill; Jeff Hayden, who’s worked at Boot & Shoe Service and Dopo; and Jeff Amber, former executive chef at XYZ, Chow, and Moose’s.

As Eater earlier reported, Krupman is using a “riff” on Tartine’s bread recipe for dough and makes his own sauce from Early Girl tomatoes. Also, there will be a full cocktail program, as well as 20 craft beers on tap.

In addition to the outdoor seating area, the huge new restaurant space will also feature an indoor, 800-degree Valoriani oven from Italy “reminiscent of a large blacksmith’s forge,” as well as a design from architect Andy Byrnes incorporating railroad ties, mosaic tile, and plenty of reclaimed wood.

The Forge - 66 Franklin Street (at 1st), Oakland - Opening on or around January 25

The Forge, a New Pizzeria, Opening at Jack London Square in Late January