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Escape from New York Pizza slays all other za shops in town. Having lived on both the east coast and in Chicago I have been spoiled with thick, flavorful pizza. When I moved to Portland, the paltry offerings called pizza were startling to my tastebuds. Then, I found the Escape. The slices are huge, inexpensive, and absolutely delicious.
The service is nice with no b.s. or attitude. This shop is one of the last bastions of cool versus the 23rd tidal wave of hipper-than-thou.
Thank you so much for existing and saving Portland's pizza shaped soul.
All and all I like this place. A lot. I don't even like pizza that much anymore (maybe it's more the idea of it). I think I have just eaten to much of it.
The staff though mostly friendly seem to have a bit of a chip on their shoulders though. Probably because they know they are working at one of the best pizza places in town... but still.
Regardless - great pizza in a cool place... yum.
Oh... and FYI, cash and local check only!
Full disclosure: I have lived in the neighborhood for 12 years and have habitually ordered up a slice here at least once a week. Escape is my favorite slice. It's a comfort thing. I don't care if you don't like it. I don't care if you want to argue it. F-you, my slice. Yum. Happiness. I could be in therapy, or I could get a slice from Escape.
I don't care what the haters say. This is my go-to place for a slice. My usual modus operandi, walk there in darkness, order a slice or two of cheese, pay and be on my way with slices on a paper plate so I can eat them as I walk. Rarely does a slice ever make it home.
Owner Phil Geffner is a lot to take in at times, but he is a genuine character. Recently, he closed down 23rd Avenue for a fest preluding the Avenue's construction and gave out free pizza. He annually treats his employees to a group vacation (New York... Hawaii). And he recently raised his prices so that he could afford health care and benefits for his employees. (Do a Google search and listen to/read some of the interviews OPB and local press have done).
And, the employees have been there forever. He must be doing something right.
The sauce... yes, ask him about the sauce sometime. It *does not* go from can to pie. And the cheese? No skimping. Full-on-full-fat-full-Mozzarella-ness.
I'll admit, sometimes on a slow night, I've had a slice that sat out a bit too long. And, I have occasionally had a slice underheated. You know what? Point to the slice that looks fresher, and don't hesitate to ask them to make sure it is really hot. I'm a cheese-slice person, although I dabble in the toppings on occasion. I find that it's the topping-fare that often lead to the underheated slice.
They do whole-pies too, per order. I've only done this a few times, but each time, even more perfection than the slice.
They have drinks, from soda-fountain fair, to better bottled pop, and also beer by the bottle and on draught.
It's cash only. Don't gripe about it. If you've been there, you know this, so there is no excuse. They keep their costs down this way. Shut up.
And don't get started on the "they have attitude problems" crap. Guess what, the problem is you. Really.
No gimmicks here. No fancy gourmet pizza. It is a slice. A very effing good slice. Maybe you agree, maybe you don't. Whatever. I'm not sharing my comfort blanky anyway.
Their pizza is fine.
The attitude of their staff, however, is just nasty. There is no other word for it. You feel like they are doing you a favor by even uttering a single word. It is hard to believe they maintain this vibe in this economic environment. My suggestion to anyone reading this is to go somewhere else. Their are plenty of good pizza places in Portland that appreciate your hard-earned money.
First off the owner is a wannabee Woody Allen, an absolute riot though...
Live a couple blocks away so the first time I came here with my buddies extremely fresh off the J.... Owner, I am presuming, (could have just been an employee) made the read on us early while we waited for our large pie, he started throwing ice cubes at my roomie and he tripped out (hasn't been back inside since, always makes me go in to pick-up). Few moments later the owner is on this 5 minute sophisicated rant, on an Independent film (couldn't quite catch which one he was talking about) he watched recently with his co-worker, they seemed to have some good chemistry.
Anyways the pizza is top notch, all I can say.
The pizza is good. There are no refills on pop.
Please notice I did not say "free refills". I said refills. No refills. Not even the discounted refills that are allowable in areas with a homeless problem.
No. Refills. On a 20 ounce "large" for $1.50! That's bullshit, that's what that is! Pizza is greasy and cheesy, one needs carbonated fluids to wash it down (I tried pizza with lemonade during Lent, epic fail) and 20 ounces isn't going to do it.
How much does 20 ounces (assuming they fill it to the lip, which you spill) of pop cost? Five cents? Maybe? C'mon, help your customers out a little here, EFNY!
No free refills is -1 star (with the aforementioned bum control exception). Overcharging for a cheap as hell product in the first place makes this "Meh."
The pizza IS good,tho.
For some reason I had a really bad memory of this place. I must have wandered in a long time ago… Read more »
decent pizza. the sauce is good but the dough isn't anything special. good place to go for something quick and cheap while people-watching trendy 23rd....
Best effing pizza in Portland. If you like broccoli, gouda with caramelized onions with pear slices.... Uh.... you better go somewhere else. If you like pepperoni pizza with thin NY crust this is it in PDX. The first time I ate at EFNY was 1991 or 92 and a week later the building was torn down and they moved to NW 23rd their present location. Once I found them again I have always come back. First off you need to know how to eat the slice. Sprinkle some parm cheese on it to keep all the "goodness" from draining on your plate. Then fold it length wise, tilt your heed and insert into face.
They have a nice selection of beers with the usual soda selection. Buy the calendar too. It is he-larry-us! Seriously great pizza.
The ambiance brings me back to a hole in the Bronx. The pizza is amazing, but remember to bring cash, because there are not ATMs.
The selection is minimal, but how any choices do you really need? They stick with the basic pizza toppings, and they're all great.
I used to travel to 23rd just for this stuff. It's been awhile but I recently went back for a slice and was instantly reminded of why I loved their pizza. Not the attitude, the quirky walls plastered in odd memorabilia, the fact that it's cash only, or the greasy guy throwing the pie. Nope, I come for the cheese and the sauce.
They do sauce they way I like it. Slightly sweet and not overpowering. The only other place that does it to my liking is Pizza Schmizza. I always get the cheese slice here because no one else in Portland can do it the same.
Others have their crust or their tower of toppings, but as for the sauce...Escape from NY, hands down.
Escape from New York Pizza has been in business at this location forever...or least since before I was in high school....and for a restaurant on NW 23rd to last this long you know its because its got to be fantastic.
The pizza pretty much lives up to its name - its in the style of the New York pizza I miss so much with a delicious crust (that's not tooooo thick) and the perfect cheese to sauce ratio. As far as quality goes, their pizza ranks right up there with Portland's Apizza Schools.
If you dine in, you'll likely sit at a counter facing the wall of hanging newspapers or if its nice, and you're lucky, you may catch a seat outside at a picnic bench to engage in some quality people-watching. I enjoy the friendly local vibe of the staff and I love the good pizza.
You can buy by the slice or pie - and either way you can't go wrong.
Ok the plain cheese slice is up to 3 bucks now ($2.25 in the good old days) and the staff were so busy talking that they burnt our slices. GRRRR.
The best pizza in the area. Cheap, quick, fresh ingredients and no nonsense service.
Only downside…
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This place is kinda close to NY pizza, the fact that they are open until 11 or later is perfect for me too. I would not call apizza scholls anything like NY pizza and I say that from experience I grew up living right behind a pizza place in NY.
Escape from New York is one of my old standbys here in Portland.
Sure there might be better "gourmet" pizza places around town but that does not mean "New York".
I love a side of attitude with my food. This is not to say I like that whole "treat the customer like crap shtick." Naw-ah. There's a fine line there between being straightforward and simply being a jerk and I can definitely respect when a place walks it well. Especially when they actually deserve the street cred they're riding on. Whatever it is, it's a place where BS cannot survive, not even for a brief moment. And yes, Escape from New York happens to be one of these gems. Their demands are plain: They want you to know what you want, which is easy because the choices are simple and displayed for you to choose from. They want you to order it clearly. And they want you to pay for it in cash. Oh, and don't walk off with their parm, herbs, or red pepper shakers, ya jerk. I'd say for their few demands, these professional pizza slingers provide much in return.
Like what, you ask? How about a perfectly thin crust? How about hitting the sweet spot for a sauce/cheese balance? How about unpretentious toppings one would actually find in a NY pizza joint? How about serving it up at the perfect temperature and crispiness every time? And for the price, nothing can beat it. Sure, I like me some Hot Lips, but it's BS that my hangover pie now has to cost nearly $30. And momma don't like BS.
Fun Bonus: Dated photo collages highlighting trips and parties from days of yore! Play "Find the pipe," "Can you spot the owners 20 years ago?" or "Which dude looks kind of like a 90's James Franco?" while chowing down on the best slices in town.
Ahhh, Escape's. Whenever the name is spoken I am instantly transported back twenty years to skipping school to come downtown, drink coffee at the Galleria, go shopping at the Big Bang and Rock n Roll Fashions and London Underground, then cruise over to Escape's when they had the 9th & Alder location and sit upstairs and chill with friends. Ah yes and back when their cheese pizza was 99 cents a slice. No worries though, the pizza STILL kicks arse and the vibe on 23rd is still the same (although I miss shopping for records at Music Millenium o'er yonder). Thanks for being one of the few places still around AND still great after all these years.
You know what? I've truly experienced better.
I was headed over to Beau Thai when I realized they were closed in true Thai restaurant fashion, I scrambled for a place to have a late lunch. This had great reviews, so I went in.
First thing: CASH ONLY. Not a big deal... should have expected it. I went next door to Kornblatts and paid an extra $2 to get cash and went back. Paid 11+ for three pieces of pizza, a fountain drink for the BF and water for me. The BF went to refill his Dr. Pepper and they said, "sorry, no refills.... it'll be $1.25 to refill your fountain drink."
Fail. I love me some New York Pizza (white pizza cures all my problems) but I've experienced better pizza and better service elsewhere.
As the first to walk through the door that day & the first to get their pieces hot out of the oven, let me say, "Mmph! [huffhuff] Ow! [gulp]"
No, it's not superthin neopolitan crust. No, there's no frou-frou hand massaged eggplant marinated in a vinaigrette that makes extra-virgin look overly experienced. No "I-was-toking-with-Mary-Jane-last-night-and-came-u p-with-this-amazing-new-pumpkin-curry-soba-with-fa lafel-crust-pizza" either.
Just simple, slightly chewy yet crispy thin crust "New York style" cheese pizza. Slightly sweet tomato sauce with more than just a hint of garlic--blood suckers are everywhere my friend. And enough cheese to cover that luscious marinara with a few greasy pockets for good measure. Will you be moaning in ecstasy while abashed yuppies & their offspring look on? Probably not, but for under $3 you'll satisfy that pizza craving & maybe even earn a wry twinkle from the taciturn staff.
Don't you dare grab a napkin to dab off the juices atop your slice....thats liquid gold!
Escape has been there through most of my life since I grew up a block away. My order was always a slice of cheese with a martinielli's apple juice in the apple shaped glass bottle. The comics and pictures across the walls age and yellow giving the place charecter.
I compare all pizza (even in Italy) to the standard this haven has set for me.
My mom grew up around the corner from Escape, so my grandparent's brought me and my cousins here as soon as we could toddle the block over there. Soooooooooo biased review here, after 25 years or so of eating their pizza.
Their mushroom olive pizza just does it for me. I love the good inch of crust their pizza has, and I especially love going to get pizza with people who don't eat the crust so I can eat theirs.
They have raised their prices there a few times, but they have done that so they could give their employee's health insurance and keep up the good quality ingredients... I am happy to pay a little more for either of those things.
Whenever I go here with my family now, my dad likes to order a whole pie for us to devour there, usually on one of the outside tables. It takes about 20-30 mins or so, but there is usually ample people watching and shop wandering to waste the time. Then we all stop talking to each other, fold up are pizzas, and slurp up our soda's in a happy silence.
Whateva! The pizza is edible but utterly forgettable. The only reason I would eat here again is if I was hungry and in a hurry and it was near and open otherwise I'll pass.
The pizza is just a warmed up slice that tastes like warm cheese on a dry crust. Takes a lot of red pepper flakes to keep the mouth interested in taking another bite.
Since moving to PDX, I've gotten many recommendations for pizza places from locals since I refer to myself as a 'New Haven/New York pizza snob' and have been actively searching for something to satisfy my nostalgic cravings.
This was one of them, and when I saw the inside, I automatically thought of one of my old favorites, St. Marks Pizza. SMP is closed now, but served some great oversized slices for many years on 3rd Ave. in Manhattan. It had the same dingy train-car feel and even a similar display and menu. That is where my wistful enjoyment ended.
The pizza was excessively doughy and barely heated through. The sauce was almost non-existent and the cheese was a congealed glob. It echoed the style of NYC pizza, and pulled it off so poorly that I will certainly not return here. I sat in disbelief as people bought multiple slices and whole pies to go.
Just goes to show ya, Portlanders don't know pizza.
Oh, and why the eff is pizza so expensive here? For my money, Apizza Scholls is the only one that delivers on the hefty price tag. Gladstone Pizza is the last one left on my list to try, keeping my fingers crossed but not hoping for any miracles.
I'm giving one star here. I would give another for ambiance if the pizza was passable, but there was obviously nothing that could have saved this experience from disaster.
Escape from New York Pizza serves up a really good pepperoni pizza. On my visit I didn't know the program and thought that I was going to be thrown out. I love the funky decor. I don't even think they tried to create a decor, it just happened. I loved the music that was playing and wish I had the nerve to ask what it was, but this is the type of place that you keep the chit chat to a minimum. I agree with another reviewer, the price of a soda is insane. Parking really sucks.
I've been eating here for *gasp* 18 years and they are always consistently good. Thin, cheesy, yummy New York style pizza, the best in Portland as far as I'm concerned. Not the best in the US, just the best in Portland. And anyplace that can have their quality be so consistent year after year had better get 5 stars from me. :)
Note: Cash only!
The location and ambiance of this place is its best attribute. Cramped and dirty, like any good diamond in the rough kind of joint.
The pizza is very good, but I would be lying if I didn't say it reminded me quite a bit of Sbarro (gasp!)-- and no, I don't mean just the crust style, sauce and all.
The "cash only" thing is mildly annoying, but what isn't these days?
Really good, cheap pizza. Sometimes I'm just in the mood for a simple piece of fattening, messy, cheese pizza...nothing complicated or gourmet. This is the place to get it. Delicious.
It doesn't really fit in at Nob Hill, but for me that's a plus.
It can be kind of annoying that they only take cash and that their shakers for peppers and such don't seem to work very well, but it kind of adds to the charm.
I've had a love hate relationship with Escape since the 80's. It was easier to hate them when I lived there but now that I don't I find myself stopping in for a slice or two when I'm in town.
Over the years I have found it best to stick with the standards, cheese, pepperoni and what ever the pizza of the day is...NOT the Cooks Choice. Every time I get that the crust tends to be soggy.
And you would like that after all these years after "Escaping" from NY, the owners would lose the attitude but I guess you can take the New Yorker out of New York but you can't take the New York out of the New Yorker.
I haven't been here in a while, used to go all the time back in the 90's though. Ive had plenty of OK pizza there although the last few times it tasted like someone had set a piece of paper on fire in top of the slice and rubbed some of the ashes into it....time to clean the oven???
I am originally from the East Coast. NJ for those of you playing at home. In my opinion (you can take it, or shove it), I think that part of the country has the best pizza. Now, I'll probably get some crap from someone from Chicago. You can have your deep-dish pizza. For my money, give me a plain, thin crust slice and I am as happy as a pig in, whatever it is they roll around in that makes them so happy.
I rarely venture to NW 23rd, but when I do, I make sure to make a stop at Escape from NY. Definitely the best slice of pizza I've had in this great city. I never expected to find a good slice when I moved here a few years ago, but figured if New York was in the name of the pizza shop, I had to try it. I wasn't disappointed. Although not exactly like the slices I grew up with, they are pretty dam close and that makes me happy.
When I used to think of west coast pizza shops, I thought of pizza with sprouts and tofu on top. Not anymore. If you are looking for a good, no nonsense slice, you can't go wrong with Escape from New York. Now, when are they going to open a second location on the East side? Never you say? That sucks.
I long for the days when Escape had a second location, on Alder St, downtown. Finding my way up to NW, and finding parking is the only downside to Escape From NY. They are the best place I know of for pizza by the slice, and you can get a ginger ale along with your lunch. Fun stuff to read by the cash register, as well as copies of the NY Times to look at while you eat make this a pleasant experience. Even though I don't get there as often as I'd like, it's good to see the familiar faces behind the counter.
Escape from New York makes me want to Escape TO New York and eat some really good pizza. I'm sorry but I'm biased. I know whats good and what isn't and this aint it.
Escape from New York Pizza is the perfect place to stop in the NW 23rd area for a quick bite. The place has character that will hopefully hold out amidst the encroaching corporate store look in the neighborhood.
Don't expect a lot from service, they're just doing their job, but by no means are rude. The place is cheap, the pizza is okay. I never understood why so many people describe this place as the best pizza in town. I think those people tend to act as amplifiers for what others have told them. Anyway, it's good enough and quick for the times you're in a hurry, just be sure to bring cash.
The clutter of pictures on the wall are funny and add to the hole-in-the-wall ambiance.
Just pizza. This place is awesome, somewhere we go every time we visit Portland. For those that like simple, thin crust pizza, it doesn't get any better than this. Cheap too, but bring cash, they don't take cards.
I have no idea if this EFNY pizza is related to the two in San Francisco, but it's just as good. The best thing about the place is the owner. He has no tolerance for the average NW23 dickbag. If you're yapping on your phone while in line, you get skipped. If you try to get all fratty with him, you get a glare, like you don't see anywhere but the east coast, that says, "I have no problem busting a chair on your head".
Portland needs more of this.
Delicous! As a transplanted Oregonian to Chicago...OH HOW I MISS...thin crust pizza BY THE F-ING SLICE!
Big slices.
Nice and oily.
Foldable.
Cheap.
I was so sad when the downtown location closed. I used to stare up at the crusty dust bunnies on the loft-high lights and think "you see...this is why I hate lofts - you can't change your light bulbs." I liked being able to sit perched above it all and have a pie fly up so high that it would pop into my peripheral vision every so often.
This was the first place my boyfriend took me to lunch in Portland a few months ago when I first moved here. It was great because it was the first place in years that actually reminded me of being back home in NYC. The service is minimal, the choices are slim but the pizza and attitude is as New York as you can get without going there or shipping the water here. Everyone should try this place at least once for the pepperoni pizza. 2O slices later and I'm still not tired of it.
Not far off from Lamonica's in LA: New York thin crust pizza by the slice, few varieties, replaced when sold. The only differences are that they have beer here and hippies come by and get a whole pie to take out.
We each got two slices, but by the time we got to the second, it was already cold. Must be the A/C.
the owner was really friendly, which in itself is an escape from new york. I bet he opened the show to escape from new york.
see pics!
Great pizza! I've had it by the slice but one day my boyfriend and I decided to order a whole pie and I'm glad we did! We ate it there along with a pint of beer and it was great. It's not too expensive and the employees are really laid back. I love this place!
I think I've eaten at this place three times THIS WEEK. It's quick, cheap, and always has at least one veggie pizza option. That and it's like a block from my work. My dad (a NJ native) would love this place.
I know this will be totally lost on anyone that didn't go to Miami of Ohio, but stepping into this place for me is like going back to work at Bagel & Deli. It's filthy, small, covered in 'decorations' (meaning random newspaper clippings, photos, and whatever any employee decided one day to draw and put up) and nearly always jammed with people. But there's just something about that sub-ideal facade that makes the food SOOO DAMN GOOD. I'll probably eat there three times again this week. Can't beat $5.00 for two slices anywhere else in this neighborhood.
Gotta love a place that goes its own way and doesn't change to "keep up with the Jones'". Northwest 23rd has that trendy thing going on, but this place just keeps on truckin'.
This is a regular stop when we're in the area, but I haven't been there in awhile. Today was sort of a sensory overload day with stops at Voodoo Doughnut, Stumptown and Chocolate Fest. So it says a lot that this place holds its own after all the Portland decadence that proceeded it.
What I love about this place is that is has that great mix of New York gruff and Portland gracious attitude. We got "attitude" when we placed our order but smiles at the register. The countdown to the end of Bush's presidency and collages (all with a liberal bent) make me smile. The place was packed so we sat at the counter as usual and one slice led to another.
The crust was crispy perfection. Cheese, Pepperoni, who needs a thousand choices?
Man, I almost forgot that I love this place. I haven't been here in a couple of years, but after reading the other reviews it sounds like it retains its New York-catapulted-to-23rd charm. I'm getting my rollerblades on right now and coasting over there.
Yes. Great, greasy, think-crust 'za. The other reviewers have it down.
If you decide to chuck your healthy diet for a day get a couple slices of pepperoni, and fold them in half lengthwise as you eat them. Double your pleasure. Then, pour a liter of cold coke down your pie hole. Forget the napkin until your are all done. Or, to save paper, go outside and wipe your face on a motorcycle parked nearby then do your Pee-Wee Herman laugh and run like hell.
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Category: Pizza
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