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Espresso Pizzeria
Category: Restaurants Pizza Pizza [Edit]
9403 5th AvenueBrooklyn, NY 11209
Neighbourhoods: Fort Hamilton, Bay Ridge
(718) 833-8750
- Nearest Transit:
-
Bay Ridge - 95 St (R)
86 St (R)
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
22 reviews for Espresso Pizzeria
Review Highlights
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"On top of all of this, Tony, the owner, is a doll." In 8 reviews -
"...a hard time finding a better cheese slice than Espresso." In 3 reviews -
"The Sicilian crust is LIGHT, crispy, perfectly baked, and..." In 3 reviews
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22 reviews in English
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Review from Jonathan E.
Brooklyn, NY
Like the AFC and the NFC, I believe there are two divisions that define Pizza eating, especially in NY.
First there are the traditional dine-in experiences... Lucali, Pauly Gee, Grimaldis, Totonnos, Motorino's, etc. Places where whole pies are made to order and often cooked in wood- or coal-fired ovens. These are meals you go to and linger over.
Then you've got the street division... the neighborhood joints whipping up a selection of pies ready to portion out, and a good percentage of customers simply grab a slice of what's available.
Neither division is better, as sometimes you want an extended love making session, whereas other times you want some instant gratification.
The margarita slice at Espresso might just be the best pizza quickie you can get in all of greater New York.
I had noticed this place appearing high in the Yelp ratings but had never seen it mentioned in any "best of" article, blog, etc. (to my knowledge). Was the wisdom of the crowds really working? So here I found myself in Bay Ridge and decided to check it out. Don't arrive expecting an escape to Naples... it looks and feels exactly like a thousand other neighborhood slice joints.
From previous reviews it was rumored their pre-made selection was pretty simple... and upon arrival, the only thing on the counter (at noon on a Friday) was half a cheese pizza. I like the occasional simple slice of cheese, but was this really the only thing being offered? Turns out he had a Sicilian and Margarita in the oven, and I was happy to wait the 5 minutes. Glad I did.
I was always terrible at math but here before me was the perfect triangle. Above average in size, with blobs of hot white cheese bubbling on a sea of red sauce, the pizza maestro finished the tricolor painting with artful strokes of basil infused olive oil. If there was a food section in the Louvre, this slice would draw more visitors than that Mona chick.
And still there was more David Blane-like wizardry. Despite the bountiful tomato sauce, oozy cheese and well-lubricated body, the crust stayed taught for the duration (which doesn't always happen with quickies).
I don't know if this place can win the "best of" debate when it comes to overall Pizza goodness in NYC. But they could win that division. If you want an easy - but quality score - jump on the R train. It's worth it for a good quickie.Listed in: Captain Ahab's Pizza
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Review from Christina R.
Brooklyn, NY
5/10/2012
BEST PIZZA IN BROOKLYN!!!
Don't let the looks of this place fool you!
Their prices are reasonable and their pizza is flavorful and crisp. -
Review from BaliOdin E.
Brooklyn, NY
4/22/2012
This is what anybody eating pizza in BK should expect. A great slice and a good attitude.
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Review from marie m.
Brooklyn, NY
6/4/2011
Great pizza! Hallelujah, I've been looking for really good pizza in the neighborhood; it hasn't been easy. I've had to go out of the neighborhood, usually to L&B in Bensonhurst.
But now the search is over! Tried both the Sicilian (thick, square) and Neapolitan (thin crust, round) varieties. They're both wonderful! Different from, but almost as good as L&B. The Sicilian crust is LIGHT, crispy, perfectly baked, and just oily enough - perfect. Not at ALL heavy and doughy like you get at too many pizzerias. And the sauce on the Sicilian is slightly sweet as it should be. Plenty of fresh-tasting mozzarella. The crust on the round pie is crisp and it holds up - no knife and fork needed here! Different sauce than on the square, fresh and with delightful herby hints of oregano.
Just terrific! The very best I've had in Bay Ridge in years. -
Review from Ed L.
Brooklyn, NY
3/28/2011
My favorite ZA. The pizza is that good.
To me, Espresso is simply known as 'Tony's'. When anyone asks where they should get pizza, I simply say, 'Go see Tony.'
Tony's slices are always on point. His full pies are awesome as well.
Highly recommend if you live in the area. -
Review from Martin F.
West Point, NY
12/26/2011
This is the best pizza in NYC! by the slice, all you're gonna get is cheese, but it is the perfect piece of cheese pizza! Call in a whole pizza to take home and you won't be disappointed. Small seating area, so you may have to walk and eat. Very friendly staff. Prices are great, too.
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Review from Lula L.
Brooklyn, NY
12/1/2011
In my top 5 of faves. Loooove Tony.
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Review from Tony S.
Los Angeles, CA
10/14/2011
For pizza you can't beat this place. There are better "restaurants" but in terms of a quick slice.... All I can say is mmmmmmmmm. Is so good you nod your head when eating it. The cheese melts in your mouth and the ingredients are just right. The crust is to die for!
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Review from Joshua R.
Brooklyn, NY
11/26/2011
The best pizza in the neighborhood. The owner Tony really takes pride in his craft, you see him there every single day. I don't think I've ever been there with him missing.
They only serve up three slices that are readily available: plain, margherita, and a Sicilian slice. I personally adore the Sicilian: it soft, doughy, with a perfect flavor to it. The margherita is also wonderfully light.
It's a small joint, so get it to go. -
Review from Mallory P.
Brooklyn, NY
7/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
I'm scared to give this 5 stars because I want it to stay a best kept secret of Bay Ridge, but this was the best pizza I've ever eaten in my life!!! The garlic knots were greasy but still a delicious treat :) I got the cheese slice and husband had the Sicilian. We could probably eat here every day.
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Review from arielle s.
New York, NY
2/19/2012
I have passed by this pizzeria a million times and never thought to try it. After stumbling upon the reviews on yelp, I gave it a try. ordered a slice of each pizza to try. All were very good. I can only imagine how much more delicious a fresh pie would be vs. taking a few slices to go. The margarita piece is the best one. Its extremely flavorful. The crust is amazing.... The slice is thin yet the crust was doughy!
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Review from Stephanie S.
Brooklyn, NY
8/20/2008
I wish I could give Espresso a higher rating. I really do. The owner is a nice and pleasant guy. He is open late during the week and on Saturdays (closed Sundays). He has an impressive selection of cold drinks (Snapples, Pepsi products, even Stewart's root beer and other flavors). His prices are decent ($2.50 a slice, which is actually a bargain in some neighborhoods), but the pizza flavor isn't there. Slices are a decent size, but the sauce is bland. It takes a lot of garlic powder and oregano to help them out. The slices also tend to be on the oily side, too.
As this is a one man operation, I don't hold out much hope on things changing. Its a shame too, since Espresso is definitely that old school pizzeria that lots of us pizza lovers look for.Listed in: My Fabulous Firsts, Slice of Life
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Review from Rafael G.
Brooklyn, NY
1/27/2011
Little known fact*: Tony used to work in the pizzeria which is now Landy's on 92nd & Fort Hamilton Pkwy. He's great, and I've been a fan of his pizza for AT LEAST 15 years.
Let's go for broke. Best Pizza in Fort Hamilton (I was gonna say Bay Ridge, but there's a lot of good pizza in the Ridge).
Plain pies are amazing. Add toppings? Like adding delicious to scrumptiousness. Rolls are great. Garlic knots are... eh, but you can't win em all! The dough for all of it is crispy with air-pockety-goodness. I've had their "dishes", but I judge pizzerias by pizza... and their pizza is amazing.
The space inside is limited, but it's not really a restaurant, so grab your slice or pie to go (I'm not gonna judge you if you're gonna eat a whole pie, on the go, by yourself).
The prices have gone up over the years, but that's natural in any business. Tony made a salad slice for like... one summer 5 years ago... it was delicious... I miss it. Tony knows where to deliver by the sound of my voice, he knows i like it a little crispy on the bottom... that's all I need!
Want an 18" pie that's the pinacle of what a NY slice should be? Go see Tony.
*I don't know if this fact is little known -
Review from Michael D.
Brooklyn, NY
8/26/2010
Espresso Pizza is by far my favorite in Bay Ridge. Best pizza, best prices, best delivery...
This is your best Brooklyn pizza. I have a hard time finding a better cheese slice than Espresso. Bar none. Seriously. -
Review from Pierre C.
Alameda, CA
1/21/2010 2 photos
Espresso pizzeria is one of Bay Ridge's best kep secrets... A few things; he purposefully has no to go menu so he can stay local, his pizza is top notch! Really crispy crust and snap when you bite. All ingredients are fresh and his menu is good 'ol classic italian. But it does not stop at the pizza! There is Lasagna, spaghetti, etc. Fantastic. I recommend getting a whole pie, and load it up. My favorite mix: Sausage, Olives, Onions, Mushrooms & green peppers! that will run you $23 for a large pie. About 8 huge slices.
I have no clue why Steph S says the sauce has no flavor - the sauce is fantastic, but the crust is one of the few I actually eat. Usually I leave that on the side to save calories, but not from espresso!Listed in: Brooklyn Faves
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Review from Queen o.
Brooklyn, NY
1/25/2010
Brooklyn is known for great pizza. And many places will have you believe that they are "the original Brooklyn pizza." Some pizza joints have even gotten outrageous and started charging $5 a slice or $30 a pie.....it's bread, cheese and sauce..Crazy! I agree with Pierre, Espresso Pizzeria is Brooklyn's best kept secret.
I've tried so many places just to recreate my childhood pizza. Espresso Pizza is this small pizza shop in Bay Ridge. The pizza here is like the pizza we ate as kids. The slices are delicious, the squares are even better (SERIOUSLY those square slices are awesome). The owner is super nice too. He works long hours and is always cheerful.
Stephanie S. below must be thinking of a different pizzeria because Espresso is OPEN on Sunday. I get Espresso pizza after St. Pat's 5:00pm mass. Even the Lord would agree with me that Espresso Pizza is the best pizza. -
Review from Jordan S.
Paris, IL
8/1/2011
Got the margherita pizza. Was delicious and very very affordable. We also enjoyed the environment, small but really cozy for a couple. Would definitely recommend it for a slice or even a whole pie. Free delivery if you want to have it brought to your home.
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Review from Melissa R.
Brooklyn, NY
12/30/2010
Consistently good, well priced...the cheese is delicious!!! Tony is a great guy!
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Review from Lisa F.
8/1/2010 7 Check-ins Here
Holy deliciousness!
One bite of a plain cheese slice and my very first thought was "if this pizza doesn't deserve a 5-star Yelp review, then I don't know what does."
Espresso's pizza is DELICIOUS. I have absolutely no idea how or why a previous reviewer would say their sauce is bland. It's anything BUT bland. I usually have to load my pizza up with garlic, oregano, pepper, and parmigiano cheese. This slice hit the spot so perfectly, that I didn't need to add a single thing, and I can't recall the last time I had a plain slice that was so satisfying - straight out of the oven. I'm actually gonna go out on a limb and say it's the best slice under $3 that I've eaten... ever.
Their spinach rolls, on top of that, are FANTASTIC. The cheese was delicious, the spinach was delicious. No metallicy taste, or "cold wet spinach out of a can" taste. They're also made slightly bigger at Espresso than at most other pizzerias.
On top of all of this, Tony, the owner, is a doll.
I don't have a single qualm with Espresso, and it will certainly be my go-to pizzeria from now on. Thank goodness places like this still exist!
Update (11/28/10):
Ok, I do have one qualm! Apparently my apt. on 76th St. & 4th Ave. is outside of their delivery zone. :\ -
Review from N K.
Silver Spring, MD
3/2/2010 1 Check-in Here
The pizza here is really, really good. I, too, usually never eat the crust on pizza, but I definitely eat the crust here because it's thin and crispy - not doughy. The plain cheese pizza is fantastic, but even better when it's fresh out of the oven. One of my favorites is the mozzarella & pesto pizza.
Tony, the owner, is so pleasant and nice, which is just a bonus.
As long as I've been to this place, they are open 7 days a week. -
Review from victoria w.
Brooklyn, NY
2/17/2011
This is what I call great Brooklyn pizza !
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Review from Anthony G.
Little Neck, NY
8/2/2010
Tony makes a perfect Brooklyn pie. He's also a chiacchierone straight from Potenza, Basilicata. Get the Margherita and you're hooked.
