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Pino's La Forchetta
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Pino's La Forchetta
8.1
Operating on 7th Avenue since the early 1960s, Pino’s La Forchetta splits the difference between slice joint and neighborhood trattoria, with rounds, Sicilians, and heroes backed by a full menu of red-sauce Italian. Open to midnight most nights, it’s where locals mix late-night slices with sit-down pies and a plate of pasta at worn-in tables.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic round cheese pie, Sicilian square slice, Chicken parm hero
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: A decades-old 7th Avenue pizzeria where slices, whole pies, and red-sauce platters share space in a no-nonsense room open until midnight.
Who should go: Neighbors craving classic Brooklyn slices and old-school Italian.
When to visit: Late evenings before midnight when the dining room thins out.
What to order: Round cheese pie, Sicilian slice, chicken parm hero.
Insider tip: Order a whole pie and a couple of heroes to go—portions travel well and reheat easily the next day.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 7th Avenue and nearby side streets; generally easier after 9pm but can be tight during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, hoodies, and family-night attire are all common.
Noise level: Moderate—steady pizzeria chatter but usually easy enough to hold a conversation, especially late evening.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes for a table; slice counter typically no wait.
Weekday lunch: No wait—ample tables and quick counter service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—classic cheese pies, Sicilian slices, and several red-sauce pasta dishes are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited—no dedicated vegan cheese, but plain marinara slices and a few pasta options can be made dairy-free.
Gluten-free options: Limited—no gluten-free crust; salads and some entrées are workable alternatives.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It’s more nostalgic and casual than romantic—great if you want an easygoing, old-school slice-and-pie vibe rather than a polished date-night setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Pino’s doesn’t take reservations, and tables turn quickly. Arriving after 9pm offers the best shot at immediate seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—booths, quick service, and crowd-pleasing pies make it ideal for families with children of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Classic Brooklyn-style slices, reliable late-night hours, and a full Italian menu that covers pasta, heroes, and whole pies under one roof.
Skip if: You want artisanal toppings, coal-fired crusts, or a trendier dining room—other Park Slope spots lean more modern or chef-driven.
Pino's La Forchetta
8.2
Pino’s La Forchetta is a decades-old Park Slope pizzeria where counter slices, whole pies, and red-sauce plates share space in a no-frills room. Locals rely on it for straightforward, slightly thicker-crust pies and late-night takeout that feels firmly rooted in old Brooklyn.
Must-Try Dishes:
Regular cheese pie, Grandma slice, Sicilian square slice
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: An old-school neighborhood pizzeria turning out classic pies late every night.
Who should go: Families and locals craving straightforward Brooklyn pies
When to visit: Early evenings for table seating, late for slices to-go
What to order: Cheese pie, grandma slice, Sicilian square
Insider tip: Order a whole grandma pie well-done if you want extra crunch.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; generally manageable on side streets before 6:30pm but tougher after dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, sweatshirts, and everyday wear are fully appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate; you can hold a conversation, but the room gets livelier during peak slice hours.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes for a table; slices to-go move quickly.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—classic cheese, veggie pies, and several pasta dishes.
Vegan options: Limited—no dedicated vegan cheese; marinara slices are the most reliable option.
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free pizza crust; some salads or pasta alternatives may work depending on tolerance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want an extremely casual, old-school pizzeria vibe—better for low-pressure meetups than impression-making dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Pino’s doesn’t take reservations, but tables turn quickly, especially outside peak weekend dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—families are common, portions are shareable, and the room is informal enough for younger children.
Best For
Better for: Late-night takeout, thicker-crust classic Brooklyn pies, and consistent no-frills comfort food.
Skip if: You want coal-oven blistering, chef-driven toppings, or vegan-friendly pizza options—other Park Slope spots handle those better.