Ambiance: 4. Crust is a hole-in-the wall, but it's a) clean, b) has a hip vibe with chalkboard for announcements, ipad for payment, and an open kitchen and c) is opening a patio shortly on front to eat at. Still more of a to-go spot, but nice feeling like my food wasn't coming straight out of Ryan Reynold's movie "Waiting".
Cost: 5. I really didn't want to write this review initially because I want to keep Crust to myself. A lot of their ingredients are fresh and they make dough fresh on the spot... but prices aren't any more than the average pizza shop ($10 to high-teens for medium and large pizzas). Win. Only one qualm- do not get fresh basil as a add topping, it's not "fresh basil" leaves as you'd think about it NY style etc, probably 10 cents worth of basil that was borderline out of a shaker.
Food Quality: 5. I don't write about pizza much, but it's actual a favorite of mine. I've had it everywhere, from the best/most famous pizza shops in NY to deep dish favorites in Chicago. From the Redwood forest, to the Gulf Stream waters, that's me and pizza. Everywhere. And I can honestly say despite Cleveland generally having some of the weakest pizza shops on average, Crust is probably in the top 10% of pizza I've had anywhere. It's also amazing the breadth of high quality options. Both the thin crust and regular crust have been up to par. I've had the Lemon Rosemary Chicken Specialty pizza (great, although a bit heavy on the roasted potatoes) and build your own pizzas with no issues at all. They also have relatively rare hard to find gourmet toppings like truffle oil, eggs, capicola etc. Can't speak yet for the pastas or salads, but gauging from their attention to quality on the pizza they're probably strong it also. FYI some reviews mentioned they are heavy on the garlic on the crust, this is true but if you don't like garlic juxtaposed with your pizza then you have other issues.
Service: 4. If you place an order they are friendly, unlike many pizza shops. If you dine in they are down to earth and caring about customers. My only knock is short hours right now (close at 7 or 8 on weekdays) but that's allegedly being extended soon. Even in Cleveland, "the city that always sleeps", that close time needs to get to 9 or 10pm.
When to return: Pizza craving. When someone tells you there's no good pizza in Cleveland. Hipster watching. Outdoor patio in summer. Pizza pick up on the way home from work.