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Buono's Authentic Pizzeria
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Buono's Authentic Pizzeria
7.8
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Comfort Food Classics
Family patriarch Nicolaniello Buono brought Old Country traditions to America in 1967, maintaining hand-kneaded dough made fresh daily, homemade sauces and sausages, and gas-fired brick ovens. The third-generation pizzeria serves authentic Italian specialties like lasagna and linguini e vongole alongside their signature pizzas with fresh mozzarella.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Pizza with Homemade Sauce, Lasagna, Eggplant Parmigiana
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Three-generation family operation since 1967 with Old Country authenticity
Who should go: Budget-conscious families, authentic Italian seekers, lunch crowds
When to visit: Lunch for quick pizza or dinner for pasta specialties
What to order: Pizza with hand-kneaded dough, homemade sausage standout
Insider tip: Family-style dinners feed groups with pizza and pasta combinations
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available on Pine Ave and side streets, metered until 8pm. Small lot behind building fits ~8 cars. Arrives early for lunch or expect 5-10 min search.
Dress code: Casual - jeans, t-shirts perfectly fine. This is a no-frills neighborhood spot where locals come as they are.
Noise level: Moderate to lively - can hold conversation but expect family chatter and kitchen sounds. Not a quiet date spot.
Weekend wait: 15-30 min wait typical Friday/Saturday 6-8pm. Call ahead for takeout to skip the line.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, usually seated immediately. Lunch rush 12-1pm moves quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple options including margherita pizza, eggplant parmigiana, pasta marinara, and veggie-loaded pizzas. Family recipes accommodate easily.
Vegan options: Limited - can do marinara pizza without cheese, pasta with olive oil and garlic, side salads. Call ahead for best results since it's traditional Italian.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated GF options - dough made fresh daily is their signature. Cross-contamination likely in shared ovens. Not recommended for celiac.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual early dates than romantic dinners. Lively family atmosphere and bright lighting make it friendly but not intimate. Good if you want low-pressure conversation over affordable food.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, they don't take reservations - it's walk-in only. Weekday lunches and early dinners (before 6pm) you'll get seated quickly. Weekend prime time expect 15-30 min wait, or order takeout.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely kid-friendly - this is a family pizzeria where kids are welcomed enthusiastically. High chairs available, flexible with splitting dishes, and the casual vibe means noisy kids won't raise eyebrows. Great for ages 2+.
Best For
Better for: Authentic multi-generational recipes, budget family dinners, homemade sausage, Old Country atmosphere without pretension. Choose this over chains when you want real Italian family cooking at pizza shop prices.
Skip if: You want modern Neapolitan technique, craft cocktails, quiet romantic ambiance, or gluten-free options. Also skip if you're seeking trendy Italian - this is traditional, unfussy, same-recipes-since-1967 cooking.
Buono's Authentic Pizzeria
7.9
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Hidden Gems Heaven
Family-owned since 1973 serving Old Country Italian pizzas with hand-kneaded dough, homemade sauces, and gas-fired brick ovens. Third-generation operation maintains patriarch Nicolaniello Buono's recipes from his 1967 arrival from Italy with generous portions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Cheese Pizza, Pepperoni Pizza, Italian Sausage Pizza
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: 52 years of family recipes using Old Country techniques
Who should go: Budget-conscious families seeking authentic Italian comfort food
When to visit: Weeknight dinners for avoiding weekend crowds
What to order: Classic cheese pizza, minestrone soup, chocolate cake
Insider tip: Their homemade chocolate cake has been a menu staple for decades
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Pine Ave and nearby blocks, free after 6pm weekdays and all day Sunday. Small lot behind restaurant (10 spaces) first-come basis
Dress code: Casual - jeans and t-shirts perfectly fine, neighborhood spot
Noise level: Lively but conversational - family atmosphere with moderate buzz, can easily hear tablemates
Weekend wait: 20-30 min Friday/Saturday 6-8pm, no reservations taken
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, usually seated immediately
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - marinara pizzas, eggplant parm, multiple pasta options with marinara or garlic oil
Vegan options: Limited - marinara pizza without cheese, pasta with red sauce (ask about dough ingredients)
Gluten-free options: No - traditional hand-kneaded dough only, focused on Old Country recipes
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better as a casual 2nd or 3rd date - the bustling family atmosphere and no-frills setup are charming but not romantic or quiet enough for getting-to-know-you conversation
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, they don't take reservations - arrive before 6pm on weekends for shortest wait, or try weekday evenings when it's much quieter
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely - third-generation families dine here, high chairs available, kids love the classic cheese pizza, and staff is patient with young diners. Half the room is usually families with children
Best For
Better for: Authentic Old Country Italian recipes at unbeatable prices with massive portions - beats chain pizza on flavor and modern spots on value. The 52-year family tradition brings soul that newer places can't replicate
Skip if: You want craft/gourmet pizza with creative toppings, need gluten-free options, or prefer modern ambiance - this is old-school red-sauce Italian all the way