Happy Foodie Friday friends! This week I’m SO excited to share one of our family’s favorite restaurants and one of the valley’s longest standing pizza makers- Streets of New York. Now there are more pizza places in town than I can count, but the thing about Streets of New York is that I have been going here since I was a kid and now I love taking my own kiddo to the same family friendly community staple that is consistently great. By the way, when I was a kid it was tradition to eat at Streets of New York then go next door to Marble Slab Creamery- does anyone else remember that place pre-Coldstone?! One thing that might seem trivial but I LOVE about Streets of New York, is the online menu! Does that sound crazy? Maybe…but I’m a very visual person and on that menu- you can see what every dish looks like!
Anyways, many times I have the opportunity to eat at the newest and fanciest restaurants in town, but sometimes a classic pizza is just what life calls for on a Friday night with friends. So let’s talk about the restaurant itself. With more than 20 locations, the casual eatery features an incredible aroma of baking pizza from the moment you walk in. Of course pizza isn’t the only thing on the menu. From meatballs and pasta to giant sandwiches stuffed with fresh fillings- there’s something for everyone on the Streets of NY menu. Often, we find ourselves calling in an order and picking it up to enjoy from the comfort of our couch. Either way, the food is always fresh and hot.
Let’s talk about my favorite things on the menu. Fair warning, low carb lovers beware. For pizza, our go to is the lasagna pizza. If you love lasagna, you must try this hybrid dish that is exactly what it sounds like: a pizza that tastes like cheesy lasagna. If you’re visiting with a big appetite be sure to order the passion bread with melted beer cheese. The cheese is creamy and has a little kick thanks to Four Peaks Kilt lifter ale and Texas Pete’s hot sauce. Confession: sometimes the hubby orders this cheese “to-go” and smothers things I make at home with it. I’m not insulted at all- it’s truly that good. If you’re anti bread (#psychopath) the meatballs are a good option and are big enough to share with 3-4 adults.
If wings are your thing, let’s be friends. My favorites are the baked honey gold and parmesan garlic varieties. Notice I said baked- cool right? It’s almost makes wings seem healthy! I’m sold. Speaking of healthy, if you really want to go down that road- the salads are a great option. To be honest, I don’t come here to be healthy but if you are on a health kick- there are a variety of lighter fare options for you to choose from including the new cauliflower crust. The chopped antipasto and Greek salads are awesome too for veggie lovers.
The pasta options tilt toward well-executed versions of familiar dishes such as lasagna and spaghetti with meatballs. The pasta is what our little man usually turns to and alternates between giant cheese ravioli and the classic spaghetti with red sauce although he is a sucker for a huge slice of cheesy pie! Often times I end up finishing his dinner and I can attest the Streets of New York pasta is delicious.
One thing that’s transferred directly from the Italian dinner table to Streets of New York is an effusive, family style of hospitality. You will feel like a “regular” upon entering and the staff has been warm and friendly at every location I’ve visited. Speaking of dining at the restaurant, be sure to save room for the passion cookie. The half baked skillet of dough topped with ice cream is so decadent, why not go out with a bang?
So next time you’re looking for a family friendly, casual option to satisfy your Italian food craving, head to Streets of New York. To find the closest location to you visit: www.streetsofnewyork.com