Keeping Customers in Line at W'burg Pizzeria
When we read today’s piece in The Times about the Bedford Avenue pizza joint called Anna Maria Pizza that George Acosta bought back in 1997, the first thing that jumped into our mind was, “Good timing!” Who would have thought back then that his shop, just feet from the entrance to the L Train, would…
When we read today’s piece in The Times about the Bedford Avenue pizza joint called Anna Maria Pizza that George Acosta bought back in 1997, the first thing that jumped into our mind was, “Good timing!” Who would have thought back then that his shop, just feet from the entrance to the L Train, would a decade later be at the epicenter of a real estate revolution, with all the attendant foot traffic. Now his younger brother, Jesus, has turned into something of a local figure keeping the ever-present line moving with a mix of military efficiency and psychological intuition. We’ve had a few slices there in our day but have to admit that they don’t really stand out in our memory. How do people rate the ‘za here? Any better spots in Northern Brooklyn?
An Expression of Food, Brooklyn Style [NY Times]
Photo by Robert Stolarik for New York Times
The “new” Vinnie’s (new owners) is like a different place. Delicious slices, good entrees. Plus the staff is silly and the music playing is always a little “off.” And yeah, they’re open late — so why go anywhere else?
All I have to say is that Vinnie’s is open late night now, so bye bye Anna maria’s.
This ain’t no Brooklyn pizza – these guys are interlopers who showed up on Bedford 8 years ago (before he came here, the founder worked in Manhattan – he told me so when he opened this place). Everyone else mentioned in this post IS a Brooklyn native (yes, even Vinnie’s – which I would also put at the bottom of the neighborhood list).
I bet none of youse are from Brooklyn. I’ve been eating Brooklyn pizza for 35+ years. Their flavor is excellent. Dough is tasty and chewy with hints of olive oil and yeast.
Vinnie’s pizza? Awful. The dough tastes like ashes and they scimp on the sauce, making the world’s driest slice.
Pizzaria’s do have their loyalties…as these posts illustrate.
brick over gallery is great.
the pizza used to be the worst ever. now it’s slightly below average. the best is Driggs and Carmines (graham Ave.)
I agree with Driggs pizza being great although I haven’t had it since I left Bedford area in 96. Since I moved to the other side of the BQE, I’ve been devoted to Sal’s on Lorimer. Their grandma’s is divine!
Worst. Pizza. Ever. OK, maybe not ever, but TJ is right – mounds of dough with piles of day old vegetables is not that appetizing. Certainly, this is the worst pizza in the neighborhood. And the attitude is even worse – maybe the younger brother can improve that.
I always preferred Charleston when Agnes was making pizza, but alas they are gone now. Driggs is better, though a the sauce is a bit sweet for me. There’s also Vinnie’s (?) on Bedford and North 9th. My favorite has been Brick Oven Gallery.
All of the above are far, far nicer people.
I agree with Lee. I thought it was the best pizza I ever ate after coming from a late night at Triple Crown. The atmosphere, the workers screaming “next please!”, and the never-ending kaleidoscope of young hipsters provided me with a very memorable night.