Jackson Heights Life

I have tried all of the "new" pizza spots in nyc (from Keste, to Co, to Motorino), and I would put Pagliaccio at the top of that list.  For quality, imagination, and price, Pagliaccio should be on every "foodie's" list.  GO!

Ok, so based on the overall positive reviews of this place, I just had to go. 

Aesthetically, the place looks good.  It brings back memories of when I used to love Pio Pio in its old cozy location, when I felt it had more heart. 

My wife and I decided to stick with the traditional and ordered their basic Mozzarella pizza and a chicken cutlet parmesan with spaghetti entree.  First we started with a caesar salad.  Unlike most places, it came out lightly dressed, which was refreshing.  They advertise they make their own caesar dressing. 

The chicken parm came out about 25 minutes after ordering.  A little long, but we weren't in a hurry.  We both found the chicken and the spaghetti to be tasty.  Strangely though, the parm came out as a cutlet with cheese, and no tomato sauce!  Luckily, there was a ton of sauce on the pasta, so we were able to make do.  Overall, a tasty dish.

About 10 minutes later came the pizza.  I do love getting pizza on trays, which gives it a gourmet touch.  At first glance my wife says,  "Wow, oily..."  Truth be told the balance was a bit off.  The pizza was smothered with cheese, and a bit light on sauce.  When I grabbed my first slice, I got doused in oil on my clothes.  Should've blotted the pizza first I guess, but I hate to do that. 

As far as taste, the crust was awesome.  I've seen some reviews saying the crust was underdone, but we found it to be perfect.  Next time I'm going to ask for easy on the cheese, heavier on the sauce, and I think the pie would've been great.  My wife didn't mind the greasiness so much, but then again didn't get it on her pants and shirt. 

I'm hoping the greasiness of the pie was a result of them needing to get the kinks out.  Does strike me as a bit of a rookie mistake, however.  I will be giving them another shot (or two), and hope they stay around!

As for now, in my mind Louies still wears the crown for best regular and grandma pizza.  Newcomer Mr. Bruno's wins for best sicilian, and as far as really good gourmet pizza I still have to trek to Forest Hills for Nicks.  I'm gonna keep my fingers crossed that Pagliaccio will work out their newbie issues and round out Jax Heights emerging great pizza options. 

Mr. Bruno's is definitely related to the Jersey folks: Their delivery boxes are emblazoned with notes about the awards won by the Jersey operation.

we've ordered twice from there  -- sicilian pies, their specialty -- and had the same so-so experience both times. tasty sauce, and a lot of it, sort of old-school in that the sauce is on top of the cheese (which is also good). but the crust was way undercooked and 'wet' both times, making the inner half of each slice kind of unappetizing.

went to Bruno's yesterday. loved it.

Welcome to the neighborhood!

I highly recommend Louie's and not just for their pizza. But since we are on the topic of pizza, try their Grandma - one the best I've had. Also a huge fan of their salmon dish (only $12!) and they have many other great specialties at an affordable price as well.

Figured that since you're new to the area that I'll give you some other suggestions (although not all in Jackson Heights proper). Elmhurst is incredible for affordable authentic grub, particularly of the Southeast Asian variety.

Ayada on Woodside Avenue in Elmhurst is excellent (Thai)

Mie Jakarta on Whitney Ave in Elmhurst  (Indonesian)

Phayul on 37 Rd, just off 74th St (Tibetan)

Urubamba on 37 Ave & 87 St (Peruvian)

La Casa del Pollo Peruano on Roosevelt & 81 St and another location on Roosevelt & 87 St (Peruvian roast chicken - personally has surpassed Pio Pio and is one of the best values in the area)

Went back to try their margherita pizza.  Pretty darn awesome, I must say.  Waaayyy less greasy than the regular pizza we had the first time.  We loved it.  Three dollars more than the regular, but well worth it.  Also, once again I'd like to mention we had the caesar salad.  Best in the nabe, nice original tasting dressing.

I also want to say that this is the 2nd time we've been and there has been nobody else there when we were eating our meal.  If you are in the mood for a good pizza support their business so they stay around!

I sometimes wonder if people aren't being "too" critical. I ordered from here several times and every time was better then the next. Much better than any other pizza place in Jackson Heights for sure. I hope people patronize them over the mediocrity that exist.

I also want to say that this is the 2nd time we've been and there has been nobody else there when we were eating our meal.  If you are in the mood for a good pizza support their business so they stay around!

Judging by how long it took to get through on Friday night AND how many order tickets were stuck in the kitchen rack, they're doing a pretty brisk take out/delivery business.....