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Patsy's Pizzeria
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Patsy's Pizzeria
8.4
The 2nd Avenue outpost of Patsy’s Pizzeria brings the Harlem-born coal-oven brand to Midtown East, with thin, lightly charred pies and a full Italian menu. This location attracts neighborhood families, office groups, and pre-UN crowds for sit-down meals with table service and wine. It’s one of the more polished options in the area for classic New York–style pies.
Must-Try Dishes:
Coal-oven margherita pizza, White pie, Old School round pizza
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 6.7
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Coal-oven outpost of a historic New York pizza name with full-service dining.
Who should go: Families and groups wanting classic pies with table service.
When to visit: Evenings before the main dinner rush or pre-UN events.
What to order: Margherita pie, white pie, Old School round pizza.
Insider tip: Share a large coal-oven pie and an appetizer rather than multiple small dishes—the pizzas are the clear strength.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 2nd Avenue and cross streets is limited, especially after 5pm; nearby paid garages on E 51st–E 53rd typically run $25–$40.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; jeans and sneakers are common, but slightly polished attire fits the dining room.
Noise level: Moderate — lively but still manageable for conversations at a normal tone.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes for walk-ins, longer during peak UN or neighborhood event nights.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, with steady turnover from office groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection — classic cheese pies, white pies, Margherita, salads, and vegetable starters.
Vegan options: Limited — pizzas contain dairy; salads and a few vegetable plates can work if modified.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free pizza crust; salads and some entrées are possible but cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the room is polished enough for a casual date, and coal-oven pies offer an easy shared dish, though it’s more relaxed than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes — walk-ins are common, especially on weekdays; arrive early for dinner if you want minimal wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — families frequent this location; high chairs are typically available, and the menu suits children from toddlers upward.
Best For
Better for: Classic New York–style, coal-oven pies with full table service in a more polished setting than nearby slice shops or quick-service pizzerias.
Skip if: You require vegan or gluten-free pizza options, or prefer ultra-thin Neapolitan pies from wood-fired specialists.
Patsy's Pizzeria
8.3
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Quick Bites Champions
This Midtown outpost of the classic Patsy’s name serves floppy New York pies but also a sturdy, béchamel-laced meat lasagna that eats like a full meal. It’s more casual than the nearby trattorie, drawing families, office groups, and commuters looking for red-sauce comfort without formality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lasagna, Fettucini Carbonara, Rigatoni alla Bolognese
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Casual, old-school New York pizzeria where the bubbling pan lasagna is as central as the pies.
Who should go: Families and groups craving laid-back red-sauce comfort.
When to visit: Early evening before the post-work pizza rush.
What to order: Lasagna, a classic cheese pizza, rigatoni alla Bolognese.
Insider tip: Split a pizza and the lasagna; portions are generous enough that sharing lets you sample both without over-ordering.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Second Avenue is limited and competitive after 5pm; nearby paid garages on E 52nd–54th Streets usually have availability.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; jeans, tees, and work attire all fit the room.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during peak hours, but table conversation is generally manageable.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes for groups; smaller parties often seated faster.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait, even for groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good options including cheese pizza, eggplant dishes, salads, and meat-free pastas.
Vegan options: Limited—basic marinara pizza, salads, and a few vegetable sides are workable but not extensive.
Gluten-free options: Pizza and pasta are not reliably gluten-free; salads and some mains may work but cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Decent for a casual date if you want something relaxed and unfussy, but not ideal if you're looking for a quieter, more polished setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are common. Off-peak hours are easy, while early evenings may require a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—highchairs, shareable portions, and a casual room make it ideal for families with children of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Hearty, old-school red-sauce comfort and a generous lasagna that’s more affordable and relaxed than nearby upscale trattorie.
Skip if: You want a refined, quiet Italian dining experience or need extensive vegan or gluten-free options.