SPEEDY ROMEO

I've only bet on a race horse once. It was the 2015 Kentucky Derby. I was at a bar and paid $10 to draw my lucky horse from a hat. I pulled Dortmund, who apparently stood a good chance in the race. Well, he came in third and I didn't win any money. American Pharaoh won that year which makes sense because that's a much better name for a horse than Dortmund. (I don't really care for horse racing.)
The point is, the owner of this pizza joint named it after his champion race horse, Speedy Romeo. And there you have it.
I haven't been to the original in Clinton Hill, but Speed Romeo's Lower East Side location is one of my favorite pizza spots. The space is nice, the vibe is chill, and the pizza is delicious. (I hear people love the food off the regular menu as well, so definitely order an appetizer but don't spoil your appetite. And also we're not here to talk about that.)
The pizza is wood-fired, and they have the most inventive pies, including the Paul's Boutique which is topped with New York's famous Kat'z pastrami. It is RICH. Order it, but share it.
I ordered half/half: Half the St. Louie (San Marzano Tomato Sauce, Provel, Italian Sausage, Pepperoni, Pickled Chilis) and half the King Salami (San Marzano Tomato Sauce, Hot And Sweet Soppressata, Finocchiona, Roasted Red Peppers, Mozzarella).
PS: They cut their pizza in small squares so you can convince yourself you're not eating that that much.... until it's gone (enter winky-face emoji here.)
Rating: 4/5







Photographer: Paul Petrolito
IG: @nyc_headshots