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Spring St-6th Ave (C, E)
Houston St (1)
Prince St (R, W)
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Pizza, pizza, pizza!! This place is all about the pizza. It's thicker than normal NY style, and they really pile on the toppings (i mean PILE, they are not timid in that kitchen).
My favorites are Broccoli Rabe and Garlic pizza with an Arugula Parmesan salad on the side. The salad is the simplest thing ever made, but it is so ridiculously delicious. They put magic in that thing!
The decor isn't my favorite and I really don't like it on crowded weekend nights, but I understand the appeal. The service is so-so, probably because it's pretty touristy, but I don't mind... as long as my magic salad comes with my garlicky pizza in a timely manner. And oh boy, are they timely!
personally, i thought the marinara sauce we asked for to dip our crusts into was better than the semi-overpriced pizza itself. but the marinara sauce was pretty amazingly spiced, so i suppose it's all relative.
the space is a somewhat small, cute, brightly place with live jazz here every night. and a bath tub in the bathroom to top it off!
came to arturo's with arturo, because, well - how cute is that? but not cute enough for me to make a return visit of it; ive definitely had better pizza, especially for that much.
Great pizza place. That's it.
Pros:
-pizza is really good( the big one is really huge what makes it more delicious!)
-live music
-lot's of tables
Cons:
-it's a little bit pricey...
-the waitress were awkward...no forms and the lady had a long hair laying all over her shoulders...hey,you are not on a cat walk!...
-the restroom is strange..why would they need a bath there???
Arturo's captured me the moment I walked in the door. A friendly host asked how many in my party ("two, please"), and ushered us to the back. Walking past the piano, we were seated and immediately brought water - with lemon (bonus points). It was a Saturday night, very busy, bustling, and the place was hoppin'. The music was charming enough to be background music, but loud enough to be heard and appreciated. Our server was friendly and extremely helpful as we couldn't decide on a Cab Sav -- he gave us his personal recommendation and it was a delightful accompaniment.
And the pizza -- oh my gawd, the pizza. Yes, pizza is a New York City staple. But at Arturo's it's a centerpiece, a raison d'etre: "I eat pizza, therefore I am." Have I had pizza elsewhere in NYC that has been as good? Probably, but none have the same atmosphere as Arturo's. Drinks, wine, pizza, coffee... friendly service, and despite the busy-ness, we never felt rushed. I'll add that Arturo's is very family-friendly, which also adds to the easy-going feeling here.
Yes, it's loud inside but not uncomfortably so. I would call it chatty rather than noisy. You feel like you're part of an experience, and I think that's just the way it should be.
OMG!! This pizza is awesome! I'm a serious pizza snob and this place has fabolus tasting pies! I traditionally prefer woodfired pizza but the coal fired gave it a great crispy crust. We ordered the cheese pie which is the best way to judge a place by how good the pizza is (in my humble opinion)! The sauce was excellant and extremely flavorful. However it was a tad pricey but worth it!
Jon/Laura thanks for bringing us here we'll be dreaming about it until our next trip back to the city!
Food: Came for the pizza, ordered the pizza, loved the pizza. We ordered a large sausage, onion, and mushroom pizza. The ingredients were not exactly 5-star top shelf quality stuff. But the pizza gods have blessed the pizza concoction offered here. The toppings, cheese, dough, tomato sauce all interweaving amongst each other and emerging as one crispy crusted, savory pizza.
Drink: Wish they offered some microbrews or an IPA in general. IPA and pizza, my favorite combo, and I'm sure I'm not the only one. (The second the beer selection improves, I will up this to 5 stars).
Service: Average. Nothing good or bad that I can recall.
Ambiance: Many rooms, old school style. Lots of unorthodox art work plastering the walls. Something highly unexpected in a pizza joint. Live jazz was a major plus.
Crowd: Couples and groups, small and large. Small and large sized people too. Old and young. Seems like a good mix of locals and tourists.
review of delivery:
This pizza isn't cheap ($21 for a large, $4 each for most toppings), but it's mighty tasty. It reminded me of Patsy's pizza, in that the crust gets a little soggy in the center, but it's really full of flavor. I'm sure it's even better getting it fresh out of the oven at the restaurant, and I definitely plan to do that.
Cozy, inviting,
Live music in the background.
Pizza's good as well!
(Part of Best NY PIzza: The Haiku Series)
Everything from first dates to taking out friends to having your girlfriend meet your parents for the first time, Arturo's serves as the perfect backdrop for almost any culinary occasion.
I know NYC is known for pizza and it's pretty hard to give any place the five stars as everyone has their own favorites - and thus many places would receive at least a four - but I think the fifth star can most definitely be earned. It would be through intangibles such as amiable hosting, seating, and waiting of tables, live jazz (every Sunday night and possibly during the weekdays), a vibrant atmosphere, which all help to produce a phenomenal atmosphere. Arturo's does this impeccably.
Because it is so popular, your average wait time will directly correlate depending upon your party size. There's plenty of two-seaters but not too many spots to seat a party of five or six. I've gotten the large Arturo's Fiesta almost every time and have never been disappointed. Sausage, peppers, onions. Classic. You should obviously come hungry, but if you aren't or maybe even full from something else, once you see the gleaming pie of melted mozzarella and marinara goodness, no one can resist. Not even you, yoga lady.
At times, it can get pretty loud. Actually it's loud all the time but you can still hear the person sitting across from you. However, if they lose your attention and you don't really want to listen, just let the grand piano and the accompanying bass/saxophone/vocalist flood your attention span. It's also perfect for preventing potentially awkward silent social situations. Whether it be with co-workers that you don't really want to listen to anymore or friends who have all of sudden become obnoxiously annoying or just in case your girlfriend and/or parents have ceased their conversations with each other, let the music take you away. That and the pizza. Oh mah gaw! That pizza!
Great place. I've been coming here for the past 8 years.
Pizza is fantastic, wine is affordable and there's usually live jazz. You can't beat it. Crispy crust and a good assortment of toppings....looking forward to going back.
Pizza Dudes got 30 seconds...
Great! Where the hell is 122 and an 1/8????
Yer standin' on it dude!
So Michaelangelo (the turtle, not the artist) desired his pizza be delivery promptly, never paying full price for late pizza.
If he were fortunate enough to experience the old world ambiance and unassuming vibe of Arturo's, he might rethink his pizza pie dogma.
Arturo's is the place to go if you want a real Coal Oven Pizza, made fresh and without the contrived nuances of lesser, more deviant competitors. I am a fan of nice people, nice jazz, original decor and authentic Pizza.
They rocked my proverbial Basil World with the coarseness and multiplicity adorning my pie.
A bit thicker variety than you're going to find at some of the authentic places, but WE IS DON'T MIND...the taste of the crust is top-notch and my obsession with ultra thin could not usurp said flavor.
Pizza means serious business...so when i try more in New York...especially Brooklyn, i might raise Arturo's to 5 stars
I've been coming here since '95 (man, I hate saying stuff like that, it reminds me of old men when I was a kid talking about the blizzard of '88) I call this place a happy acident. The pizza is what you come here for. It's worth many repeated visits. My fave is the Fiesta pie. Now for the bad news, the beer selection is right out of the 1970's and the Italian dishes are mediocre but the pizza is amazing and the atmosphere is cozy, lively and always fun. There's good live music as well. Go and enjoy!
I'm not really a pizza kind of girl. That said, I was definitely happy with our pizza from Arturo's.
It had been raining -- and seemed likely to start raining again -- one Friday night, so we weren't inclined to travel too far from our home for dinner. The boyfriend suggested pizza and, lacking any better suggestion, I acquiesced.
The pizza was so tasty! It had a thin, crispy crust with just the right amount of char, and the toppings were really good. We had the Fiesta Pizza, which had sausage (for the boyfriend), mushrooms, peppers, and onions. I usually pick meat off pizzas, but the sausage pieces were reasonably-sized and unassuming, so I ate them.
Clearly, no one will ever mistake me for a pizza connoisseur, but the point of the story is this: If I liked it, you will too.
With my arrival at Arturo's to pick up a take-out pie with peppers and onions, I nearly gasped at the price. "Are you sure? two vegetable toppings?" I was assured that it was a mistake, and it was rectified...but to be honest, it didn't matter. The Pizza would have been worth the extra $5, and even so, it's made for a go to place in the neighborhood. having experienced the sit down menu as well, with family style pastas & eggplant going around, this is both your typical familystyle trattoria and your excellent pizzeria rolled into one.
The execution of the Pizza is really what it's all about here, with a host of toppings to choose from that would even make Bruni's cherub face rub a bit more blush. The fact remains that this eatery has held court on that corner of Houston St. for longer than I can even remember, as my dad has eaten there in the 60s with some students from LaSalle Academy when he taught Italian there. While it may not have 'institution' status with all, it sure is something of a neighborhood staple and a place as true to itself as it is to its customers and its food.
Just got back from this place and LOVED IT.
Good beer, great pizza, stimulating conversation-- what more could you ask for?
If I could eat Arturo's for breakfast, lunch and dinner I would, happily. I cannot think of one negative thing to say about their pizza. It's simply perfect.
Whenever I go there I stuff myself silly b/c I literally can't help myself in the presence of such greatness. And omfg that crust, that magical, magical crust.
In a city chocked full of pizzerias, Arturo's is hands down my favorite. If only they sold by the slice.
Finally made it to this spot after knowing of it for years and walking by 100's of times. All in all, it was a great meal. I ate with a group of 5, and we sat at a somewhat small table in the back room. We had the mussels and hot anti pasta plate as appetizers, and 2 large pies for the main. The bill was only $70-something bucks, not bad for 5 people.
Since it's been around since 1957, they are established as one of the best at what they do. Like Lombardi's they don't need to sweat the customer's needs that badly, and it shows. We waited about 10 minutes to get water, then put in our order, and didn't get any bread till about 20 minutes later. Was tough to get water refills during the meal too. It wasn't even incredibly crowded as we sat down after 9pm on a Sunday night.
Most importantly they make great pie and the place is old school. I think out of town people really would like this place for that reason. So if you have guests in town that want NY pizza, this is a cool spot.
Top notch pizza. I'd consider it in the upper upper echelon of pies in New York.
It's a small old world looking place decorated with the late Arturo's art. There is usually a 3 piece jazz band jamming some smooth jazz that provides the perfect ambiance to accompany your meal.
They ALWAYS over-estimate how long your wait will be. I've been told 35-40 minutes and barely had time to order a wine at the bar.
This is coal oven pizza that has a nice crispy crust. Do not overlook the mussels. They are some of the best I've had.
Such a good place. Every time we go here we seem to meet the people sitting around us. I think people seem to be happy and social when they have good pizza in their stomach.
Oh, Arturo's. How I miss coming here at least once a week with my roommate, with whom I was constantly engaged in a prisoner's dilemma problem of mutual defection as to who would cook dinner that day. Since we lived just a couple blocks away, it was no big deal to come here in the early afternoon and order up some tasty pizza. As we walked closer and closer, I'd pick up the scent of garlic wafting out into Thompson Street, pulling me forward to a place that never ceased to fascinate me.
See, Arturo's gives me this feeling that I've just stepped out of cookie-cutter NYC and into a little corner of how things may have once been. Whether that's true or not, I have no idea, but the dark, large interior, random spouts of live jazz performances, and old-style serving of pizzas on the metal stands does give this place a distinct atmosphere.
And as for that pizza, I only ever really got pepperoni and garlic (seriously, I love garlic), and was satiated each time. The crusts were what always did it for me, as they were crispy in the right places and provided a satisfying crunch. My roommate tried some of the pastas, but the pizzas always won out. And, since they're a pretty good size, I had lunch for the next day as well.
Bathroom Grade: N/A. I did use it, and I remember it, but not well enough. It's kind of an odd bathroom, though, that I definitely recall.
I've eaten a lot of pizza in my life. This is one of the best. That delicious, crispy crust is so worth the wait for a table. It goes straight from oven to table. It's hot lava like cheese, crispy pepperoni...dreamy. Must go. Do it. Now.
You know, I like to give businesses the benefit of the doubt; especially when not so great things happen. Like discovering a gigantic cockroach crawling up your side. And when I say gigantic, I mean this thing probably had its own zip code. That's what happened to me at Arturo's Wednesday night. After jumping up and down, screaming: GET IT OFF OF ME! The waiter wisely moved us to another table, (Note to future customers: if they seat you in the two-top in the rear, the one in the corner by the coat hooks, demand to be sat elsewhere.) They also comped our beers, which I do appreciate, but when a gigantic roach has just molested one of your customers, and she was also polite enough not to make a huge deal out of it (except for previous hopping up and down), you should be a tad bit more generous.
But I digress, after calming down, I turned to my friend and said: "You know what, despite what just happened, right now they're still at 3 stars." As I said before, and I'll say it again: I'm willing to give them and their food the benefit of the doubt.
Well, unfortunately their pizza was not their saving grace. It was bland and soggy. The arugula salad with parmesan was fine. Though also surprisingly on the tasteless side (which I thought impossible for arugula). Our waiter was great, however, and I appreciate that he was just the messenger in terms of compensating us for the horror we had experienced. They also had some live jazz up front which was cool and mellow enough to not interfere with conversation.
However, is that enough to send me back? Never, ever, EVER in a million years. Forget the roach, bad pizza in NY is considered a crime.
I used to go here all the time when I lived in NYC in the 80's. Went back recently and it hasn't changed a bit--old school Italian, lots of garlic and tomato sauce, live jazz trio, autographed photos of stars on the walls, and even a bathtub in the bathroom.
Great experience. Excellent coal oven pizza. Terrific topped with meatballs. Decent pasta dishes. Live jazz. Wonderful place.
Arturo's....very good pizza. Don't order too many toppings as it gets soggy. We ordered for a large group of boys and they did not disappoint. Very good, suggest the sausage and cheese.
Extra thumbs up for the tub in the bathroom.
Beyond disappointed. We ordered a large meatball pizza. Not only was the crust pretty burnt, the pizza sauce was watery: we'd take a bite, and water would rise -- not impressed.
The server doesn't come by once while we were eating to refill our drinks or check on our food, but when it comes time to pay the check, he basically throws it in my friend's hand without saying anything at all. I pay for the meal, and (this is my biggest pet peeve) when I receive my change, it's all in ones (I believe it was around $9).
I think Lombardi's is far better in taste and service. Definitely don't ever plan on going again.
I used to live around the corner from Arturo's 10 years ago and back then, the pizza was amazing.
I'm in NYC for a few days try out some old haunts and hit Arturo's last night. Ick - the staff was rude and got my order wrong. When I finally got my food, the pizza was just blah. It was soggy in the middle.
I do like the flavor of the pie but the texture just lost out for me. I'm gonna have to hit Lombardi's and see if it's as good as I remember too.
Very sad. :(
I like Arturos. I wouldn't come here because they've got the best pizza, but the atmosphere works. If you are a meat lover, they do some pretty good things with meatballs. I've ordered a few soggy pies from here so be careful.
When to come here? I wouldn't first date it here. It usually works after work with a few people to grab buckets of Stella and a few pies. They have some live jazz in the background and it's not pretentious. Once you're finished, you've go the west village and soho at your disposal.
Note: Once I came here completely had from a night of drinking and ordered the meatball parm sand. A MUST. Just do it. Trust me.
I walk by this place twice a day on my way to and from work, five days a week. In the evenings, there's the most amazing garlicky tomato smell wafting out from the kitchen that's comparable to a nasal orgasm (seriously).
Alas, I was very bewildered when I finally ate there tonight. My companion and I ordered a large cheese pizza ($19), and that gorgeous smell was nowhere to be tasted. Instead, there was a considerably salty but nicely crisp, non-soggy, thin crust (Napoletana style) pie with plenty of cheese. A decent (but not garlicky) tomato sauce is scattered alongside the mozzarella (pre-shredded as opposed to the fresh slices).
The coal-oven pizza is surprisingly bland (minus the salty), but the prices for toppings are extremely high ($4 each for mostly everything, including simple stuff like fresh garlic, and $8 for specialty toppings like clams or calamari). The menu is extensive though--everything from salads to entrees to pastas to really expensive bowls of soup ($9, seriously).
I'd give it three stars based on the food alone (benefit of the doubt since while the pizza was mediocre, everything else pouring out of the kitchen looked tasty, especially the very popular arugula salad). Service was acceptable and cordial--it was also a pretty slow night.
The highlight of the night: at 9:30 p.m., a pianist and bassist started a live jazz set, which is worth a whole 'nother star.
Tip: Apparently, they use the same size dough ball for the medium and the large pizza. Hence, if you want a thinner crust, shell out the extra $3 for the large.
armed with bags and bags and bags of shopping and a very hungry hubby. i knew i needed to replenish him quick smart before he puts up the white flag and start giving me the, "i want to go home and scratch my you know what, than watch you try on another pair of uncomfortable shoe" stare.
so i bribed my shopping bag carrier (cause a girl needs her hands free to prow through the racks), with PIZZA and BEER!!
thus, off we marched to Arturo's and got a LARGE meatball and fresh mozzarella pizza. The crust was thin crunchy and chewy all at the same time, I wanted more meatballs cause the meatballs was sooo good. service from the jolly pizza maker was delightful, and the family farewell us off when we left.
hubby full and quiet... i brought another two hours with the shops of soho :) thanks arturo's!
Hey, pizza in NY is not hard to find.
And Arturos to me does not stand up with the best. Sure, people talk about a REAL NY slice, and people talk about great Brick Oven pizza but this place is neither. What also left me disappointed about Arturo's is that it was more about Old New York kitsch than great food.
I was immediately turned off by the dingy old Red and White vinyl restaurant table cloths and the shitty framed pictures of Al Pacino, Robert DeNiro and countless other cliche Italian memorabilia. Plus the place dark and dirty.
The pizza was just ok. I got a simple cheese pizza to give it a full "no frills" taste test with no distractions. It was little more than a rip-off of Lombardi's which, to me, is not much of a claim to fame.
Why do people go to Arturo's? Not entirely sure. The pizza is better than corner pizza shops, it feels "old" and apparently the word is out that its a NY staple with old school charm. Perhaps also because its small, its got some sub-average Jazz being played live (which out-of-towners eat right up) and when you add up all the distractions, you might not notice how unimpressive the pizza really is.
If you want great pizza go take a trip to Franny's and, if you can stomach the often outrageous line, give Grimaldi's a try.
I eat here more often than any other restaurant in my neighborhood. The pizza is delicious--it's slightly burned around the edges, which I love. Best pie so far is pepperoni with fresh basil leaves on it. It's good hot, cold, or reheated. Also, the arugula salad with fresh parmesan is excellent and the scene is always enjoyable. Be sure to take a look at Arturo's terrible art on the walls and pair your meal with a glass of chianti.
Yeah, I don't like slightly burnt crust, and it's not the best pizza.. check out my pizza list. And yes.. it's more Chicago style so they will love it, but I love NY. Slightly thicker crust is Chicago style IMO.
There's a ricketty old out of tune piano there that the owner sometimes plays. Very rustic setting and furnishing too. But the oven does work!
I miss Arturo's! *SIGH*
A friend and I used to go here practically every Wednesday night - mostly for the excellent coal-oven pizza, but also for the awesome live music. Yes, it's a dive, it's dirty, there's a bathtub in the bathroom, which you have to wait forever to use. But after you visit a few times... and close the place a few times... it becomes one of those places where everybody knows your name... and you're always glad you came.
Great, now I'm craving Arturo's pizza. Damn you, Yelp!
F*ck Lombardi's. This place has better pizza, unassuming background live jazz and a great ambiance, what more can be said?
I haven't been here in a while but that is not to say it hasn't been on my mind. I saw it come up on "Recently Reviewed," and I read through some of the comments people have written. Let's say I don't think they have lost a step.
Have you ever seen that Seinfeld episode when Elaine hides in the closet across the building across the street so she can get into the "delivery zone?" Well let me tell you how many times that I have thought about doing that.
Anyways, to my review. Great pizza to share, but the stand out dish to me has always been there Chicken Parmigiana, WOW. Order that with a side of broccoli and you will have lunch for tomorrow as well.
Okay now I really have to go back, thanks!
for many years I was a Lombardi's devotee. Then I discovered Arturo's and it's so much better it's not even funny. First, Arturo's has a pianist playing all the time; it adds ambience. I hate bands in restaurants (truly hate them) because you can't hear yourself talk) but the piano is very nice. The service is fine, but most importantly.... the pizza. Ah, the pizza. Truly a masterpiece. it's silly to linger on this topic, because what makes a good pizzeria restaurant other than its pizza? I have been to italy and had pizzas there; americans will never get it 100% like the Italians, but over 20 years in the US and I ain't had better than Arturo's. But there's a long wait for tables, always. Don't feel like waiting? sit at the bar and order diner there. we did that with my girlfriend one night and it works out fine. Wonderful experience, everytime!
Get the pizza with artichokes, basil and garlic, with a glass of red wine and you'll be smiling in no time.
First time I came here on a blind date. And while the relationship didn't work out, I've been coming back to Arturo's ever since.
When I'm craving some of that smokey charcoal oven pizza - uptown I head to Patsy's in East Harlem, and downtown straight to Arturo's on Houston.
When i ask where the best Pizza in New York is, everyone has an opinion but time and time again Arturos and Grimaldis come up. Having been to Grimaldis and being underwhelmed by the hype i was ready for Arturos and it pretty much nailed it. I feel in order to really know what these places are like i will have to go a few times but on the first time it made me want to go back again later today.
The waitstaff were fantastic, they were on top of everything but at the same time i did not feel rushed at all and the atmosphere is just what you would expect from a classic NYC pizza place. I normally go for the pepperoni but this time we tried the pesto and fresh tomato pizza and it was amazing. FRESHEST of the fresh tomato's and pesto i want to rub on my face it was so good. So yeah, i can't wait to go back and try this again!
Everyone says how great pizza and beer is, but remember how great pizza and ROOT BEER is? Yeah, it's true. With crushed ice in a big pitcher. That's how we did it in the Midwest when I was a kid.
This is what my High School friend Sonja reminded me when she was in town, so that's how we did it at Arturo's, the kind of pizza place that will remind you of your 70s/80s childhood.
The root beer was by the bottle, too gourmet and no crushed ice, which was disappointing. Still, the delicious sausage and pesto on the pizza (wasn't overkill, really) and slightly burned crust were better than almost any pizza nostalgia I could summon from high school memories.
Sure went down nice with that root beer...
This place is very good and authentic. I went with a group of 10 people including 2 kids and they were very accommodating. Their pepperoni and garlic pizza was quite tasty. The group I was with really enjoyed the mussels, but I'm unfortunately allergic to seafood, so I just stuck with the pizza, which was really good. There is also outdoor seating, which has good people-watching. Their pasta was also really good and authentic.
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