Layla Jones
The Brooklyn Paper says that this Court Street pizza joint is owned by David O’Keefe and his wife Lourdes was "named for the couple’s daughter Layla and son Jones, [and] offers pan pizzas that O’Keefe says are 'thin and crisp' because they’re baked in shallow metal pans." But A Brooklyn Life thinks that baking pizza in a pan is a problem: "The crust was moderately thin, although it didn't come near the thinness of other famed neighborhood joints, and, unfortunately, it was a soggy mess... It appears that they cook the pizza in a baking pan, instead of directly on the hot oven surface (in home cook's parlance, on a pizza stone)."
Chowhound BGRose says that the sogginess is only a problem for take-out pies: "I've had slices from Layla Jones every week for about a month now. They're crispy and flavorful (almost like pita bread pizza). However, I would definitely avoid take-out or delivery of whole pies. I brought one home a few nights ago (I live only a few minutes away) and even though I saw it come fresh from the oven, the whole thing was a soggy mess that was almost on the low level of Sbarro's."
Fellow 'Hound cazique adds that Layla Jones is very family friendly — especially in the warmer months: "If you happen to have kids, I cannot recommend enough a meal with kids in Layla's back garden. Early in dinnertime, the place is usually pretty empty and the kids can run around a bit, and a whole pie with perhaps a side of meatballs... will make everyone happy. Not sure how long the back garden will be available going into winter, but it's worth a try in good weather." How would you rate this place?
Reviews (6)
bigmissfrenchie wrote a review on February 11, 2009 1:51 PM
I must say that I do like this place, but in a "not really pizza but layla jones pizza way", if that makes any sense. Just like the way I liked Twins pizza (of course back in the day it was the only pizza in the 'hood that would deliver to me) as "Twins pizza" but I would never compare it to DiFara's or Grimaldi's or any other really good pizza. It's satisfying in it's own way....it's light and has a good crust and tastes very fresh. Also, their panini and the spaghetti and meatballs are good, as well as the chopped salad, which comes with an excellent balsamic reduction dressing.
Danny Noonan wrote a review on February 11, 2009 1:51 PM
i get takeout from here all the time, and has never been a "soggy mess". it's not your standard pizza, but it's definitely a nice change of pace from the old school italian places around there (sals, ninos, etc). they make pretty good salads and the meatball press is also great. good lunch spot.
ell442 wrote a review on February 11, 2009 2:44 PM
I second the comment on the meatball press. Truly an excellent sandwich. The bread is baked fresh (at least it tastes like it is) and tastes like the pizza dough.
The backyard is great for a relaxing cheap meal. BYOB.
Brooklyn Chicken wrote a review on February 11, 2009 3:20 PM
Fabulous place for lunch or dinner with the kiddies. Inside is cramped, but outside is a delight when the weather is right. And no matter how messy and loud your kids are, the staff rolls with it.
I've always found the food perfectly tasty, especially the meatball sandwich and chopped salads. I've had other pasta dishes as takeout, and they were deliciously cheesy and salty. The kids, needless to say, love the pizza. They get the "plain Jane" slices, cheerfully chopped up into bite-sized pieces and promptly delivered to your table at just over room temperature.
cobblehiller wrote a review on February 11, 2009 4:19 PM
I like it a lot, and I agree with the above saying that it's a different option from Sal's or Sam's. And...leftovers [if there are any] freeze nicely for a quick weekend lunch! The garden is a nice change, too.
fishermb wrote a review on February 11, 2009 4:35 PM
I pretty much have only been here during the warmer months, never really think about it the rest of the year. That said, I go there for the backyard, it's great, service is always good, and the food is fine. The pastas are OK, the pizzas are OK, the salads are OK, but it's always consistently OK, affordable, and BYOB. The 4 for Ambience assumes you are sitting outside.
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