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Phil & Sons on Main
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
Phil & Sons on Main
8.1
A neighborhood pizzeria with a deeper-than-expected Italian-American menu: slices up front, sit-down comfort plates in the mix, and steady local traffic. Come for classic pies and red-sauce staples when you want familiar flavors and reliable portions without the downtown Flushing chaos.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken cutlet pizza, Baked ziti, Garlic knots
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Classic pizzeria energy with legit Italian-American comfort plates beyond slices.
Who should go: Families and locals craving no-fuss Italian comfort.
When to visit: Weeknight early dinner for smoother pacing.
What to order: Chicken cutlet pizza, baked ziti, garlic knots
Insider tip: Split a specialty pie and one baked pasta—leftovers are the win.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; available on nearby residential blocks but can be tight during dinner hours, easier earlier in the evening.
Dress code: Casual and practical — jeans, sweaters, and sneakers are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate — lively during peak hours but still easy to hold a table conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes during peak times without a reservation; shorter if ordering slices or takeout.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait; counter service is especially quick.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple vegetarian pizzas, pastas, and baked dishes available.
Vegan options: Limited — vegetable-based pastas or pizza without cheese can work, but no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some gluten-free pasta options may be available, but cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual first date than a romantic one — relaxed, friendly, and low-pressure, but not designed for intimacy or ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — most guests walk in successfully, especially on weeknights or earlier in the evening.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — familiar flavors, quick service, and flexible seating make it easy for kids of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Reliable Italian-American comfort food, generous portions, and a true neighborhood feel without crowds or trend chasing.
Skip if: You want upscale presentation, refined service, or a destination-style Italian dining experience.
Phil & Sons on Main
8.1
A long-running neighborhood Italian-pizzeria hybrid where the move is to treat it like a sit-down red-sauce kitchen, not just a slice counter. When it’s dialed in, the best orders are classic: a hot pie with a crisp-bottom finish plus one baked pasta or hero that travels well.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grandma pie, Chicken vodka slice, Garlic knots
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Old-school pizzeria-plus-Italian menu that works best as a full meal spot.
Who should go: Families and locals who want pizza plus pastas
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for the smoothest pacing
What to order: Grandma pie, chicken vodka slice, garlic knots
Insider tip: Order one pie + one baked pasta instead of over-mixing slices.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along nearby avenues; generally manageable on weeknights but tighter after 6:30pm. No dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual neighborhood dining—jeans, sweaters, and everyday attire fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate—lively during dinner rush but still easy to hold a table conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak hours without a reservation
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple veggie pies, baked pastas, salads, and classic Italian sides.
Vegan options: Limited—can do marinara-based pasta or veggie pizza without cheese if requested.
Gluten-free options: Limited—some gluten-free pasta options may be available, but pizza is not gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-pressure date than a romantic first impression—comfortable and familiar rather than flashy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes on most weeknights and lunches; weekends are doable with a short wait if you arrive early.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—families are common, portions are generous, and the menu has plenty of familiar options for kids.
Best For
Better for: Sit-down Italian comfort meals where pizza and pasta share equal billing, especially for groups and families.
Skip if: You’re only looking for a quick slice or want a trend-driven, ultra-cheffy pizza experience.
Phil & Sons on Main
8.1
A long-running, old-school Queens Italian pizzeria that leans hearty on baked pasta—lasagna here is a dense, comfort-first portion built for leftovers. Expect a casual, neighborhood rhythm (lots of takeout and hospital-area regulars) where the best move is to order one baked pasta plus one pizza or side, not a whole spread.
Must-Try Dishes:
Homemade Meat Lasagna, Grandma Pie, Rigatoni Alla Vodka
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Baked-pasta comfort (especially lasagna) from a decades-old neighborhood Italian mainstay.
Who should go: Lasagna-first comfort seekers and family takeout nights
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early dinner for easiest pacing
What to order: Homemade meat lasagna, grandma pie, rigatoni alla vodka
Insider tip: Keep it tight: one baked pasta + one pizza/side beats over-ordering.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only. Metered spots along main roads; side streets are usually easier midday but tighten up after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual neighborhood wear—jeans, hoodies, and work clothes all fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate. You can hold a conversation easily, though it gets busier and louder around dinner rush.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during peak hours if dining in; takeout moves faster.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable pastas, cheese lasagna, salads, and meat-free pizzas are available.
Vegan options: Limited—mainly customizable pizzas (no cheese) and a few vegetable sides; not a vegan-focused kitchen.
Gluten-free options: Limited—some gluten-free pizza crust options when available, but cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a relaxed, low-pressure meet than a romantic first impression. It’s casual, filling, and conversation-friendly, but not intimate or polished.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes. Reservations aren’t typical here—walk-ins are the norm, especially at lunch and early dinner.
Is it kid-friendly? Very. Pizza, pasta, and large portions work well for kids, and the casual setting welcomes families of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Hearty, old-school baked pastas and generous portions that feel homemade and travel well for leftovers.
Skip if: You want a refined Italian dining experience, lighter portions, or a modern, date-night atmosphere.
Phil & Sons on Main
8.1
An old-school Main Street pizzeria-restaurant built around big, familiar New York slices and a broad Italian menu that works for groups with mixed cravings. Come for classic pies and hearty red-sauce comfort; it’s a dependable sit-down option when you want pizza plus pasta/parm backups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Thin-crust cheese slice, Sicilian slice, Chicken parmigiana hero
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Classic NYC slices with a full Italian-menu safety net.
Who should go: Families and groups who need pizza plus options.
When to visit: Early evening for the smoothest pacing.
What to order: Cheese slice, Sicilian slice, chicken parm hero.
Insider tip: Mix one classic pie with one Sicilian to cover all appetites.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Main Street and nearby side streets; can be tight during dinner hours. Many locals plan a short walk or use nearby public parking garages.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—jeans, sneakers, and everyday wear are standard.
Noise level: Moderate—lively during peak hours but still workable for table conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during peak hours, shorter if you arrive early evening.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple vegetarian pizzas, pastas, and red-sauce staples.
Vegan options: Limited—can customize veggie pizzas or pasta without cheese, but no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Limited—some gluten-free substitutions may be available, but cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-pressure date than an intimate one. It’s comfortable and familiar, but the vibe leans family-style rather than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are common. Aim for earlier dinner hours if you want minimal waiting, especially on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—pizza slices, pasta, and a relaxed dining room make it easy for kids of all ages. Strollers and larger family tables are common.
Best For
Better for: Groups with mixed cravings who want reliable NYC-style pizza plus classic Italian comfort dishes under one roof.
Skip if: You’re looking for artisanal, Neapolitan-style pizza or a trend-driven, high-design dining experience.
Phil & Sons on Main
8.2
An old-school Main Street pizzeria that wins on big, familiar New York slices and a deep bench of specialty pies, with a back dining room that makes it more than a quick counter stop. The best move is to order classic slices hot, then layer in one house specialty if you’re feeding a group with mixed cravings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cheese slice, Sicilian slice, Chicken cutlet slice
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Classic NYC slice shop with a true sit-down Italian-menu safety net.
Who should go: Families and groups who need pizza plus options
When to visit: Early evening for smoother seating and pickup flow
What to order: Cheese slice, Sicilian slice, chicken cutlet slice
Insider tip: Mix one classic pie with one Sicilian to cover all appetites.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Main Street and nearby side streets; can be tight during dinner hours, easier earlier in the evening.
Dress code: Casual and family-friendly — jeans, sneakers, and everyday wear are all fine.
Noise level: Moderate — lively during peak dinner, but conversation is still comfortable, especially in the back dining room.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during peak hours without a reservation, faster if ordering slices only.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait; counter service moves quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple vegetarian slices and pies (cheese, Sicilian, veggie-forward options).
Vegan options: Limited — possible to order without cheese, but not a dedicated vegan program.
Gluten-free options: Limited — no dedicated gluten-free pizza program; cross-contact likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-pressure first date than something romantic — great if you want easy conversation and comfort food, less ideal for an intimate vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — most nights you can walk in, especially earlier in the evening; peak weekend dinner may involve a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — big slices, familiar flavors, and a relaxed atmosphere work well for kids of all ages; high chairs and flexible seating help for families.
Best For
Better for: Classic New York slices, group-friendly ordering, and having both counter-service speed and sit-down flexibility in one place.
Skip if: You’re seeking artisanal pizza, a quiet romantic setting, or strict dietary accommodations like gluten-free or vegan-focused menus.
Phil & Sons on Main
7.9
A classic, sit-down-optional Italian-American pizzeria that works best for a low-stress date night when you want familiar comfort without a long production. Go for a shared pasta-and-pie rhythm, then linger over a simple dessert or coffee instead of over-ordering.
Must-Try Dishes:
Penne alla vodka, Fried calamari, Margherita pie
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Reliable Italian-American classics that stay easy for sharing.
Who should go: Couples craving classic pizza-and-pasta comfort
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for calmer pacing
What to order: Penne alla vodka, fried calamari, a classic pie
Insider tip: Split one pasta and one pie—best variety without leftovers.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Main Street and nearby side streets; can be tight after 6pm. Paid municipal lots within a short walk are the safest bet.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans are fine, but a slightly polished look fits the date-night vibe.
Noise level: Moderate — lively during dinner rush but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple pasta dishes, pizzas, and appetizers work easily for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with simple modifications (red sauce pasta, veggie toppings) but not designed as a vegan spot.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some gluten-free pasta options may be available, but cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s low-pressure and familiar, which makes conversation easy and ordering stress-free without feeling too casual.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes, especially on weeknights. On weekends, arriving before 7pm improves your odds significantly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families with kids are common earlier in the evening, though later hours skew more toward couples and groups.
Best For
Better for: Relaxed Italian-American comfort where sharing a pie and pasta feels natural and unpretentious.
Skip if: You want an upscale, romantic atmosphere or highly inventive Italian cooking — this is about comfort, not culinary surprises.