Why (not) anchovies?

[claws]

So, was it (or still is) common practice for pizza places to add anchovies unless you told them specifically you didn't want any on your pizza?
Seems like whenever they order pizza in 1980s movies or TV shows they always say "no anchovies".

Myself never had anchovies on pizza simply because its never listed on menus as a topping in my neck of the woods.

Which brings me to my question: anchovies - yay or nay?

[LilCerberus]

I've tried them straight. They're pretty good in of themselves...
On pizza, however, everything clashed in a seriously bad way...

[Jack]

Never had them but my Uncle says they're good.  I've also never heard of a pizza place that would include them unless you specifically told them not to.  I think that must be an old joke or something.

[The Gravekeeper]

They're not listed on any of the menus around here (except, I think, possibly the independent place). I've had them on pizza once, and it wasn't bad.

[tracy]

Never cared for them and around here you'd have to ask for them.

[Allhallowsday]

Anchovies are a very healthy food.  They're used in Caesar Salad.  Can't say I like 'em much, though. 

[The Burgomaster]

I occasionally enjoy anchovies on pizza, but it isn't one of my favorite toppings.  However, I prefer Caesar Salads with anchovies. 

[Pilgermann]

Only tried anchovies once and it was one by itself.  The taste was overpowering, blech!  I'd probably try 'em on a pizza or in a Caesar salad, though.

[Mofo Rising]

If you've never had anchovies, here's what they taste like: fish-flavored salt.

I really like anchovies, but then I like everything.

If you want to know what they taste like on pizza, order one and find out. It won't hurt your pocketbook too much. If you don't want to do that, it tastes very salty and very fishy. If that's what you're looking for, it's good!

The thing about anchovies, is that they are a very overpowering flavor. They taste very "fishy" and they are salty beyond expectation. If you eat them on pizza, that is all you'll taste. However, I ate at a German restaurant where they served them on a pork schnitzel with a fried egg and capers. That was a fantastic meal. Then again, I was also dealing with a crush on the waitress who kept bringing us food and large portions of beer.

[Trevor]

One of  my childhood treats was to be taken to a restaurant where I would have a big mug of coffee and thin slices of toast with butter and anchovy paste on each slice. I still enjoy a mug of coffee and a few slices of toast from time to time. 

[Trevor]

Then again, I was also dealing with a crush on the waitress who kept bringing us food and large portions of beer.

[RCMerchant]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y97XDDu52ug

[Jack]

If you've never had anchovies, here's what they taste like: fish-flavored salt.

Ew, sounds like pickled herring.  Cold, wet, slimy fish-flavored salt   

[Andrew]

If you've never had anchovies, here's what they taste like: fish-flavored salt.

This is the exact description that I was trying to formulate in my mind.  Very fishy-tasting and very salty.  It has been on very rare occasions that I have wanted them on pizza (unlike black olives, which I love on pizza).  The last time I had anchovies with pizza must have been before Andy was born, so seven years or more.

[Mr. DS]

I'd probably like them on other things but not pizza.  Kind of like onions.