ZipPicks Awards
Best Family Friendly Pizza in Upper East Side
Best Pizza in Midtown East
Best Lasagna in Midtown East
Master Critic Review
Patsy's Pizzeria
8.4
The 2nd Avenue outpost of Patsy’s Pizzeria brings the Harlem-born coal-oven brand to Midtown East, with thin, lightly charred pies and a full Italian menu. This location attracts neighborhood families, office groups, and pre-UN crowds for sit-down meals with table service and wine. It’s one of the more polished options in the area for classic New York–style pies.
Must-Try Dishes:
Coal-oven margherita pizza, White pie, Old School round pizza
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 6.7
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Coal-oven outpost of a historic New York pizza name with full-service dining.
Who should go: Families and groups wanting classic pies with table service.
When to visit: Evenings before the main dinner rush or pre-UN events.
What to order: Margherita pie, white pie, Old School round pizza.
Insider tip: Share a large coal-oven pie and an appetizer rather than multiple small dishes—the pizzas are the clear strength.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 2nd Avenue and cross streets is limited, especially after 5pm; nearby paid garages on E 51st–E 53rd typically run $25–$40.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; jeans and sneakers are common, but slightly polished attire fits the dining room.
Noise level: Moderate — lively but still manageable for conversations at a normal tone.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes for walk-ins, longer during peak UN or neighborhood event nights.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, with steady turnover from office groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection — classic cheese pies, white pies, Margherita, salads, and vegetable starters.
Vegan options: Limited — pizzas contain dairy; salads and a few vegetable plates can work if modified.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free pizza crust; salads and some entrées are possible but cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the room is polished enough for a casual date, and coal-oven pies offer an easy shared dish, though it’s more relaxed than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes — walk-ins are common, especially on weekdays; arrive early for dinner if you want minimal wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — families frequent this location; high chairs are typically available, and the menu suits children from toddlers upward.
Best For
Better for: Classic New York–style, coal-oven pies with full table service in a more polished setting than nearby slice shops or quick-service pizzerias.
Skip if: You require vegan or gluten-free pizza options, or prefer ultra-thin Neapolitan pies from wood-fired specialists.