Rosario's Pizza
- Nearest Transit:
2nd Ave-Houston St (F, V)
Delancey-Essex Sts (F, J, M, Z)
Grand St (B, D)
- Price Range: $
- Accepts Credit Cards: No
- Parking: Street
- Attire: Casual
- Good for Groups: Yes
- Good for Kids: Yes
- Takes Reservations: No
- Delivers: No
- Take-out: Yes
- Waiter Service: No
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: No
- Good for: Late Night
- Alcohol: None
50 Reviews for Rosario's Pizza
I was guess Rosario's was a little overhyped for me, and I really don't understand why everyone raves about it. The crust was too thick. Not a bad pie, but there are a couple better options in the area, although none are open quite as late as Rosario's. Fun spot to observe drunken tomfoolery.
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Every now and then, I think about the bacon cheeseburger pizza here. I don't crave it anymore, but it just kinda resurfaces in my thoughts randomly.
Brings back memories. Two to three times a week, this was our routine: Hours of pounding drinks, bumpin and grindin, closing down bOb's, stumbling into Rosario's, waiting anxiously in line to get that pizza in our mouths... Oooo, i remember exactly how it tastes.
In retrospect, I'm not so sure if the pizza was THAT good, but it gets 4 stars because Rosario's pizza was always our savior at the end of the night.
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Like other reviewers have already said, Rosario's is late-night before/after bar-hopping goodness. I love the long communal tables. Gives you an excuse to talk to the cutie next to you. Hand them the chili flakes and ask them if they like it hot. A slice of pepperoni and large cherry coke are a perfect couple but I want to be their third. Sure, the pizza is a bit greasy but what do you expect? If you want something healthy, tasty, and thin crust, check out The Cheeseboard in Berkeley, CA.
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I used to be a big fan. But the last few times I've been there, it just has not lit my fire. Mediocre at best. I havent tested the theory, but im betting the pizza is just made better after midnight.
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I finally remembered to ask for my slices 'well done' here last night (the best trick for low-level slice joints; turn that shit over and there better be burn marks). The ingredients might not be spectacular at Rosario's but with that trick the crust maintains a decent chewy-crusty quotient, and the sauce is actually sort of tasty. Plus the turnover is quick enough that the pizza here tastes considerably fresher than other examples in this genre in the area (I do not recommend those Clinton Street pizzerias). The owner is always there keeping his dudes in line.
They also have funky flavors like bacon cheeseburger and barbeque chicken, rice balls, and massive, disgusting-looking thick crust slices, providing a full spectrum of indigestion before your drive through the Holland tunnel. I'd stick with simpler options, wasted or not, lest you end up like that dude with the spinach slice below.
You know what, after you've consumed 3 Newcastles, 3 Jameson's with ginger and some other concoction with Brazilian rum, any food would taste delicous at that point. But last night, after a fun night at the usual drinking establishment, I came here to fill up, on the way to the usual Friday night karaoke extravaganza.
I had a pepperoni slice while my friend had a plain slice, if I remember? The slices were delicious and really fresh, considering it was around 12:30am at that point. They were so delicious, I didn't even bother putting any seasonings like I usually do. And yes, most of the people there looked like they were sobering up, thus the mass consumption of pizza at this late hour.
There are no individual tables, just long tables where people eat cafeteria style. We sat at the window, watching various B&T'ers in their half drunken state. God I love the Lower East Side.
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I'm quite disappointed that this place is not listed in the Not for Tourists Guide - it is by far my favorite pizza joint in Manhattan. Toppings or plain, Rosario's pizza is always fresh and yummy. I agree with Jeff C. that the Sophia is the best. Late at night, the line goes out the door, but it is well worth the wait!
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First of all to those who turn their noses up at rosarios...there are few other pizza options in the area.
1. Domino's (so nasty)
2. Roma (ok, if you're just getting off the F and have to have a slice RIGHT NOW)
3. Rocket Joe's (*never* an option)
4. Ronald's Pizza Cafe (WAY too expensive for a very mediocre product)
5. Pala (*awesome* love it, but sometimes i'm just not in the mood, and not open late nite)
6. chickie pigs--pretty good stuff, but again, not always in the mood
7. rays--like christopher k said--means that you, under no circumstances, eat there.
Aside from limited options, this is actually good pizza, tasty sauce, crispy thin crust, and no, it's not a fine dining option, it's a slice on the go. And a good one at that. Besides, you're not gonna get fed in the neighborhood for $2.25 at 3 in the morning anywhere else (not at rush hour, not at bereket, not at kebab house...why do they have pizza?). So the naysayers can suck it.
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Good when you need it. It's not particularly special. I'm very confused by all the raves.
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Let me tell you a story. It was around 1997. A pizza parlor named "Rosario's" inhabited the space in or near where Ray's Pizza stands today on Houston Street. Any native New Yorker knows that if it says "Ray's" on the sign, you DO NOT eat the pizza. Anyway, Ray's managed to wrestle the lease from under Sal, Rosario's owner, starting a countdown to shutter Rosario's for a brand new Ray's Pizza.
The backlash from the community was fierce. I remember attending a rally in the last days at Rosario's that drew hundreds of people, all in support of Sal and to prevent Ray's pizza from moving in. Petitions signed and all.
Well, Ray's may have won, but they hardly received any business. Only unsuspecting tourists would be unfortunate enough to happen upon New York's most "famously" bad pizza. Within a few years, Ray's was forced to cut it's square footage nearly in half.
Within those same few years, and to the delight of his supporters, Sal managed to reopen Rosario's around the block on the corner of Orchard and Stanton. To this day Sal still manages to pack them in at least 4 to 1 to Ray's on any given day, which is impressive given that Rosario's is a fraction the size of Ray's. (And Sal even brought back the ever-popular take out window, perfect for grabbing a slice on a drunken run through Hell Square.)
I've never forgiven Ray's for running Sal out of business, albeit temporarily, to replace his good solid product with the shit they so arrogantly have the nerve to call "pizza." There's few things I enjoy more than walking by Ray's, opening the door, and yelling to the one or two poor tourists choking down their food to tell them that there's better pizza around the block at Rosario's. The Ray's pizzamen look on, bewildered and confused, but they know. Trust me, they know.
Rosario's really isn't 4-star pizza, and it's definitely not the best slice of pizza in NY, but for that area - Hell Square - you can't beat it. And always ask for Sal. But when you do, remember, don't kiss the chef...
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This is one of my two favorite pizza joints in the city. For those of you who think Lombardi's or Grimaldi's is at the top I'm sorry to inform you that you are wrong.
To me the balance of flavor and crispiness is key with pizza, and Rosario's hit it perfectly. Unlike Grimaldi's and Lombardi's pizza (which both have great flavor but the soggiest crust ever-- what did they do, soak it in water before serving the pie?), Rosario's makes perfectly crispy crust, along with the tastiest marinara sauce. People have made the mistake of thinking this place is just somewhere you go when you end the night of drinking in the L.E.S.-- this should be a destination!
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$2.25 for a damn good slice of cheese pizza, always consistent something that can not be said for many pizza places. Rosario's is my go to lunch place in LES, I love the price and the quality of the pizza is outstanding. My one complaint is the grease and its not even much of a complaint, its sometimes just a little too greasy but still so good. Not the biggest slices I've ever had but still pretty decent sized and two will do the job to fill me up basically everyday.
I don't think I was in the best state to really rate this pizza when I came last night. I was tired, drunk, and surprisingly (nay, shockingly) not hungry. But if you can walk into Rosarios, smell that delicious thick crustedness and not order something, you're a better man than I, my friend.
I had a slice of the spinach ricotta. Big, chewy and fresh tasting. But then I got that feeling - you know it - where you're like "Wow that was really good, but I REALLY shouldn't have eaten it." And I proceeded to feel nauseous all the cab ride home. No diss to Rosarios, the error was mine. Your pizza was lovely, and I'll no doubt be back.
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They have a mean Sophia pizza here. Ingredients are fresh and it comes through in their food. Decent prices and pizza the way it should be made.
Must get: Sophia pizza (esp for Basil lovers like me)
There is sure a lot of hoopla around this tourist favorite of the LES, it was even mentioned in one our guide books. Pretty good pizza, but nothing special. Stay with the cheese.
Great Location!!!
I decided yesterday to park and eat some slices of pizza from this place (I was sober for this experiment).
I had a hint that most people that wrote a review for this place were drunk when they ate here.
So I order a plain cheese slice, a pepperoni and something else.
The prices are great and the cheese pizza was great. However it is not the best pizza in NYC. I would define it as "an okay pizza experience for NYC".
The employees there are friendly and promptly in providing you with service.
Important please read below:
I know that they have saved many lives of drunken tumblers or bar hoppers in the Lower east side. For their service to the drunken community and for the hours of commitment in listening and understanding drunken New Yorkers and visitants this place get 4 stars.
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best L.E.S. pizza 24/7 -fresh always-esp. the tomato garlic -yum! haven't been here since 2001 n still folks rave about it.
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I'm a traditionalist when it comes to my pizza slices. Plain cheese for me, saucier the better, super hot and cheesy please.
Rosario's is the best in the area (well...possibly it's a tie with Two Boots).
Open super late and there are many many choices besides my favorite cheese pizza.
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THE PIZZA IS AWESOME! I wasn't disappointed one bit as I was judging hard because it was the first pizza joint I tried in NYC, and I was trying to be extremely skeptical with my WEST COAST BIAS, but I couldn't. It was that good. You don't find that kind of pizza in the BAY AREA!
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ok, some like the thicker crust slice and some don't(but C'mon *bacon cheeseburger slice!!!)..... But what I'm gonna rave about is the Spaghetti and Meatballs!! Sal makes GREAT meat balls! (I think it's about $6.50 for a whopping plate) I've had the Ziti, the stuffed shells and the lasagna... I love it all. But you gotta order it before 9pm. So you wastoids are outta luck!!!!
Also you can get TRAYS of meatballs, chicken parm, baked ziti, etc. Sal will even get little cans of sterno and bring it by if you are having a birthday close by!!!! I ALWAYS get a tray of meatballs for my birthday parties and there's nary a ball in sight at the end of the night!
My only wish is that there was an occasional "new" or "special" slice to try out. I still frequent Rosario's after 6 years in the 'hood, but I've eaten everything on the menu dozens of times.
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One of the best pizza places in the city! I used to live around the block from here and am saddened that I don't get to go here nearly as often as I used to :( The tomato/basil/mozzarella pizza is amazing! Stays open till the weeeee hours of the morning, so be sure to check it out on your stupor, i mean walk, home from the bars.
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The best thick crust pizza around.
It's late hours make it the perfect ending to a night out on the town,
their only downfall is that they never have any Parmesan cheese, other then that stay away from the rice ball things. They may look tantalizing and delicious but alas no, stick to the pizza and be happy.
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Everytime I'm stumbling around the LES after a few too many drinks, Rosario's magically appears.
On the few times I've had their pizza while sober, it was also amazingly decent. The crust is a bit thick, but the flavor is spot on.
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Dare I say it? The best pizza in NYC. No, well one of the best anyway. Yum!
Absolutely baffled by the great reviews here - 4.5 stars out of 5 total - are you kidding me? You are all liars! Inject me with HGH and tell me it's koolaid. This probably should be around 3 stars - I'm trying to average down by giving it one star, and to articulate my utter disappointment by most of the reviewers here...some of who had previously earned some credibility with me. I like thin, pan and pie pizza all when done correctly, so I'm not discriminating against the pan style. There was just absolutely nothing special about any of the ingredients (I guaranty they are all on the cheap side), the sauce also didn't stand out either, but most importantly, the bread was just thick and bready - not particularly chewy on the inside or crispy on the outside. I've made all kinds of pizza from scratch - I've been to Grimaldis, Lombardis, Johns, Joe's, and Giordano's (Chicago). This was just slightly better than Domino's or Pizza Hut - but maybe not as good as Papa John's - and not even in the same breath as any of the other previously mentioned NY institutions. The only redeeming quality was that it was filling - but actually not even the good type of filling, sort of the crying game shower scene filling. If you are one of those sad people that has to sustain themselves by eating $0.20 dumplings, you'll like this place.
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"The collective wisdom of Yelpers can not be wrong!"
That's what I thought when both of my friends declared that Rosario's pizza is not that great. Maybe it's because everything tastes better when you're drunk, but the one time i came here at 2am SOBER (WHAT?!?) there really was much to be desired.
I do enjoy the slightly thicker crust, but when I ask for them to be heated, they tend to come a bit too hard. The toppings are decent, but not that great. Maybe I'm just missing something here. All that being said, it's still a great pizza joint and very convenient for any LES late nighters. However don't come to this place sober and hoping to taste the best pizza in NY, it might not live up to the hype.
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I don't understand the love, aside from nostalgia or alcohol influence. Fresh out of the oven, the pizza is above average and a perfectly acceptable quick dinner on the way home, but nothing to write home about. When it's been sitting for a bit, it's just typical heat lamp pizza, which apparently must be a delicacy to many.
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I love grabbing a slice at Rosario's late at night after a few hours of drinking...In fact I love ending my night in the LES just so that I can have one of their yummy slices. Even if the night wasn't so successful, every time I leave there I go home completely satisfied.
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We all know pizza tastes a lot better when you're hammered...but sober, Rosario's ain't nothing special (crust too thick, for starters...)
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Yummy yummy yummy I've got love in my tummy...
The best slice of New York pizza to help soak up all that booze you've had on the lower east side. A good, crusty slice with nice crunch and plenty of cheese. Not too greasy, not too salty, juust right.
If you have to vomit up pizza, make it Rosario's. Open late. Yum.
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Ha! My friends and I had the same strategy as Irene S, so we stopped here after Dash Dogs. Very tasty cheese slice, but not the best ever...
The 'sofia' slice (fresh mozzarella, basil, tomato, sweet sauce) is my favorite pizza in all of new york and chicago!
Best pizza in the area! Beat the line and order by the window, they mostly serve familiar faces at the window but it's worth a try. After a night of drinking and dancing. The antics of the drunk loud patrons inside is a hoot.. Sometime I"m one of them.. Sometimes I'm just trying to get a slice from my local pizza joint.. They don't deliver but their still tops in my book. Oh and the beef patties are good too!
I am not really a pizza person in general. In fact, I'm not much of an Italian food person in general. I can't usually get excited about one of a million different variations of tomato sauce, cheese, garlic, basil, and pasta/bread. But this pizza place is amazing. In fact, as I write this review, I am thinking about making the 1 hour and 15 minute trip from morningside heights to get some, and it seems worth it to me. I especially like the fresh mozzarella/tomato slice (one that I have tried in many different pizza places, and is the best here.)
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You can smell the goodness down the block.
Nick M. stole the words right from me "Best pizza in the LES." If not, in the entire city. That's right. I said it.
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Maybe favorite spot in lower Manhattan to grab a slice and check out some LES drunken hipsters. The "sofia" slice is wicked, and they have these little chicken rolls with sesame seeds that are amazing for $3. I'll make my way to Orchard whenever I go back to visit.
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Great LES pizza with good toppings. I had a Sofia pizza which is like a margherita (basil, mozzarella, and tomato) only ny style.
My ma's name is Sofia. This place carries my surname. No wonder why I enjoyed.
When I moved to NY, I was very poor. I must have eaten here every night some busy weeks. Their pizza is affordable, and their cheapest slice was a tomato sauce slice, with no cheese (which is actually quite healthy, since its just bread and tomatoes then).
Seating is limited, it's not romantic, but more a fast bite, esp for those on a tight budget.
So we're on this 8 meal a day plan. Like I said before, it's almost impossible to satisfy the cravings of hormonal women in a span of four days. Almost.
Enter aggressive strategy of splitting one order of whatever amongst 3 chicks. The possibilities then become endless! It truly is stupefying how many restaurants you can cross off your TO-EAT list.
So yeah, I could have demolished 2 crispy, hot slices of Rosario's all to myself, but I didn't because I knew we'd be raiding restaurants 'till kingdom come.
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I love this place, the guys there are always super nice even when you show up at 2 or 4am with a slight buzz.
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