Grimaldi's Pizzeria, A Slice of Brooklyn

Posted on the 08 May 2012 by Killerfillers @killrfillr

On a recent trip to New York, I already anticipated a lot of gastronomic delights  and  Grimaldi’s was one of those listed in my “must do in NYC”.  I found out about this place while watching Tony Muia’s show in Travel Channel called “Slice of Brooklyn”. 
Grimaldi’s Coal Fired Brick-Oven Pizzeria 
In the world of pizza, Grimaldi’s is an institution. With over 100 years of coal fired brick-oven pizza-making traditions, we continue to ensure that future generations are able to experience our distinctive and truly authentic pizza. Why coal-fired ovens? The tantalizing aromas or pizza and calzones baked to perfection in our signature coal burning ovens gives our pizzas and calzones a unique flavor and a crisp crust that is just not possible from gas, convection or wood burning ovens. Our fresh ingredients, handmade mozzarella, ‘secret recipe’ dough and pizza sauce make us the most award-winning pizzeria in the United States. It is our passion for pizza that makes us a “must have” for pizza lovers and celebrities alike, including Frank Sinatra and former NYC Mayor, Rudy Giuliani.
On a late Sunday afternoon we rode the A train from Chambers to High Street.  There was already a long line outside by the time we arrived at Front St. Having skipped breakfast we were all hungry that time and having second thoughts if we still have to wait just to be seated.  There’s an old Italian guy (my bet is he’s the owner) taking attendance how many people or you just want to take  out. 

A streetcar named Desire

I don't ever wanna feel.. Like I did that day
Take me to the place I love..Take me all the way

the magnificent skyline of Lower Manhattan from Brooklyn Bridge Park

And as the famous saying goes patience is a virtue,we take turns exploring the places near the pizzeria to pass time . Good thing the weather was spectacular that time, the view from below the bridge is magnificent. The skyline view of lower Manhattan was a welcome respite from the maddening crowd of  midtown. The plan works as each minute passed , our anticipation just grew and grew. Finally it was our turn. We stood in line for about 30-45 minutes just to be seated, the question now – is it worth it?

Yours truly, the angry mob err chef


 By the time we got by the door one of the staff  pointed us to place that we will be seated. We ordered a large pizza (6 slices) and for the topping we chose ricotta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes and Italian sausage. 
For our drinks since we’re in Brooklyn might as well try the Olde Brooklyn’s Williamsburg Root Beer.And we waited again for another half an hour for our order to be serve. The place as expected is crowded and cramped and mostly filled with tourist.
As soon as our order arrived, one can tell that it just came in fresh from the oven.   The pie was smoking hot so we take a  few snapshots before eventually  devouring it. 
To cut the chase the pizza was great. I did get the brick-oven crispiness that I want for a thin crust pizza. Nothing special on the toppings but the ingredients tasted very fresh especially the somewhat sweet tomato profile combined with the ricotta cheese. This hand-craft pizza masterpiece definitely has its own unique taste and appeal which gives it their own character.

Grimaldi's, a slice of Brooklyn

In terms of service, as such cases for popular restaurant the staff did everything what we asked for but most of the time they are busy running around that they forget customer demands. But it was no big deal on our part.  Final verdict … it’s definitely worth the wait.   

The old Grimaldi's has moved to the next corner street (the white building on the right)  where the line was visible next to the old place.

Here are some tips you might find helpful when you check out Grimaldi’s:
  • They only accept cash. 
  • Pizza is sold by the pie not by slice. Make sure you have a big appetite, or at least bring friends with you.
  • Make sure that the weather is sunny.  You wouldn't want to stand outside in the cold for an hour to get in right?
  • Grimaldi's is definitely a tourist trap and you have to line up to get in most of the time. If you want to save time and since you're in New York there are places  to eat pizza throughout the city.