SRO

Wow who knew they’d be closed already… just when I wanted to catch up on my reviews!!!
Cool entrance — i’m sure most people have seen pictures. You walk through a video arcade game and inside, it’s actually a pretty nice date spot space with great ambiance. I think the problem here is that it’s expensive, and the food really isn’t that great. We all got the set menu which got you an appetizer, a pizza, a dessert, and a glass of wine. Nothing really stood out, not even the pizza. The appetizer was probably the worst thing there — I love arancini balls, and let me tell you, this was not anything close to what I like eating. I think we ended up having to spend over $ 40 including tip which is pretty ridiculous for the quality of food.
Hopefully another more worthy speakeasy will open here :)

Awful, zero stars because I made a reservation same day only to show up to find out that SRO was closed even though PYT was open.

They did not honor my reservation and there was no communication that the restaurant was closed before me and my group showed up for dinner.
I made the reservation on Opentable and the time/​day were confirmed. When we showed up, I was told that SRO wasn’t open. I continued through to the main dining area behind the arcade game to find a few staff members eating at the bar and chairs on all the tables.
They’re explanation to me on why they were closed was that the chef had been hit by a truck — HA. Thanks but no… thanks.

Our group of 8 arrived for what we thought would be a great night with pizza, wine and laughs all at a seemingly cool speakeasy and to celebrate my sister’s birthday. When we got there at 8pm on a Monday night, we were told that they were not open, even though we’d made the reservation a week before. No one contacted us to tell us they decided to close for the night (is that even a thing?) and we were left with a large group and no dinner plans.
The guy in the burger place in front of the speakeasy told us they were closed and joked saying the chef had been hit by a truck, and then offered no true explanation as to why they were not open for the night.
Terrible place with clearly no regard for customer service. We won’t ever be returning here.

Pretty much exactly like the place it replaced, Forcella Bowery, except with the whole hidden door concept. Blanketed by a divey burger joint, SRO greets you with a 80’s type arcade game «door» and when you open it, it leads you to another door, where you «Press F3 for help» and someone opens the blacklit door and greets you. We came on a Friday night around 830, with a reservation obtained about a few days before on Open Table. Once you’re inside, it seems like your typical sit-​down pizza joint, complete with exposed brick, and huge wood-​fired oven. The booths seem to have been re-​upholstered, and in general, it’s slightly more cramped, but that’s what you get when you split the space with a burger joint.
After we entered the place was where it all kinda went south. We were quickly seated, but it took about 10 minutes for us to get menus and water. It wasn’t even busy. We were on the verge of walking out, but the waiter apologized and quickly poured water and distributed menus. He looked as if he was incredibly frazzled, which was a little confusing, because there was plenty of other waitstaff and only a few tables occupied. I get if it’s early days for the restaurant, but this is the easy part, when it’s not so busy, man. Gotta step up.
We ordered the prix fixe for $ 38 per person, which is a starter, a pizza, a dessert, and a glass of wine or beer. I got the arancini (rice balls), the Union Square pizza (artichoke and truffle cream, burrata, sliced truffle). My pizza actually didn’t come with sliced truffle, and when I asked about it after I received it, they said they ran out. Okay, not a problem, but you probably should have told me beforehand. Not a good look. We ended the meal with the tiramisu, which was excellent.
The prix fixe definitely saves you a few bucks compared to just ordering a la carte, so I’d definitely recommend that if you’re particularly hungry. In general, the pizza was still pretty good, but everything else (service, pricing) just wasn’t quite up to par. I’d give this place a try if you’ve never been, just to see the kookiness and try some wood-​fired pizza, but there are other places to get a better overall pizza experience.

Our server, Nelson, was terrible, despite the lack of tables. When our entire party arrived, I had to ask for additional menus even after we sat there for 10 minutes and was finally approached for our drink orders. Throughout our time there, we were barely approached and when we were, his attitude was not friendly. The glassware also felt dirty.
Although the food was good, it was pricey. Given the abundance of quality pizza joints in New York I dont think ill come back.
Note: you have to enter through an arcade. Just grab arcade and swing it to your left. Once inside, press the light switch on your left to open the door. The cool entrance does not make up for the fact that the service was terrible.

When I first heard about a speak easy pizza place, I thought to myself this is a typical NYC gimmicky place with mediocre food. The good reviews however had me find the hidden door through the arcade console in the burger joint. And I must say if pizza is ever prohibited, I would be ecstatic to find my way around to this pizza.
Shared a dinner special and a pizza with my wife. The special includes an app, drink, pizza and dessert. The Arancini ball appetizer is marinara flavored and prety good. The highlight however were the 2 white pizzas we ordered. I am biased towards whites, however I must say the flavors and crust on these are great. The Union Square had an artichoke and truffle based creamy sauce and the Prince St. had gorgonzola cheese, fontina with truffle honey. If you prefer white, cheesy and rich pizzas on thin crust, these might be one of the better ones in NYC.
Will definitely be back for more !

Pizza + Speakeasy… say no more! Enter through the arcade machine to the right of the pizza store that faces the street, and you are transported to a whole different world! Super swank yet warm and inviting. Your date will be impressed for sure!
Opted for the $ 38 tasting menu, a wonderful deal indeed. Was disappointed that a few of the wines and beers were out/​unavailable on a Saturday evening. Pizza was delicious. Recommend getting a pie for yourself as they are technically «personal» pizzas. Definitely get the Nutella calzone thing for dessert. So simple yet so yummy! Can’t wait to go back!

This place was amazing. Props to my friend Akansha S. who informed me of the place.
I went to NYC for less than 48 hours and was determined to meet all my close friends while I was there, so I figured dinner with everyone on Saturday night (not planned ahead of time). Of course, all my NYC friends scoffed, «you think you’ll find a place that will take 7 people on a Saturday night with a reso made less than 24 hours in advance?» They were right… where were we going to find a place like that. Then comes my friend to the rescue and suggests SRO. We made a quick reso online through OpenTable. Later, I got a call to confirm — it was as easy as that.
I don’t want to give away too many details about how to find the place and get in, but it was super cool and I absolutely loved it. One of the best speakeasy’s I’ve been to for sure.
Service and food was amazing — I was not let down by any means.
We did the three-​course menu for $ 38 (pretty darn good for NYC). With the 7 of us, we tried about everything on the menu. Couldn’t go wrong with anything.
I will note, I think the farro salad is a good starter. The pizzas can get heavy, so starting off with something light was nice.
The fried pizza is also much lighter than expected. It is the crust with delicious tomato sauce with light load of mozzarella on top.
I think the panna cotta was a favorite at the table, moreso than the tiramasu. The raspberry sauce sold me.
Love love loved this place. I will have to definitely come back!

Such an adorable pizza «speakeasy» and the only one of its kind in NYC.
Loved that there was a pre-​fixe menu and everything was delicious! I am still craving that nutella pizza.
It’s a cute spot for an intimate dinner.

Expensive for what it is.
The experience was cool. Due to construction, we entered through the little pizza shop next door, had to carefully walk past the hot oven (lawsuit waiting to happen?!?) into this small dark space and wait for the «secret passageway» to be opened.
We were warmly greeted by the only host/​waiter there who was very attentive. The place was completely empty on a Sunday night. The selection of music was great, ranged from hip-​hop, to classic rock, to Soft background music. And the dimly lit dining area was very comfortable. Romantic date night for sure!
The food is on the pricier side for what we ordered being just pizza: two glasses of wine ($ 11,$ 12) two pizzas (personal, or to share depending on appetizers) $ 25 for the «Union Square» & $ 16 for the fried pizza «Montanara».
The wine was good and our server came back to give us an additional complementary pour.
The union square had thin black truffle slices. Very tasty and yet it was not overpowering. Definitely has the truffle taste but not a pungent aroma. It was a white artichoke cream, I was not able to taste much of the artichoke. Waiter advised to order the white truffle when it becomes available in the fall/​winter time as it is a finer quality and has more flavor.
The fried pizza was good too, light crunch but very little cheese. Mostly sauce. Think of a savory elephant ear, with marinara sauce and a light sprinkle of cheese.
Overall, a subtle take on a more upscale pizza experience.
After gratuity = around $ 80 for 2 people: 2 smallish/​medium pizzas, 2 glasses of wine.

Ohhh lawdy! Whoever thought that the pizza scene could not get any more creative … or tastier thought wrong. Come one, come all for NYC’s pizza speakeasy.
True to the «speakeasy» theme, this place met all the minimum requirements
1. Discoverability — hard to locate unless you know where it is and how to get in
2. Exclusivity — reservations are needed. Although, when I went there were empty tables so I’m sure they would have accommodated for walk-​ins
3. Grungy exterior with a fancy interior — the front is a pay-​by-​slice, cash-​only pizza joint. Once you pass through the backdoor, a whole new world appears with chandeliers, great music and booth seating
Added to the fact that this is speakeasy is that there is also a fantastic menu resplendent with a tasting menu for all of you foodies who want a bite out of everything (yes, I’m speaking of myself really). And the best of all the tasting menu si $ 38!
The tasting menu is not mandatory but it is totally worth the price! You get a starter, pizza, dessert and wine all of your choosing (unlike other tasting menus where the choice is made for you).
Here are my recommendations for what to order: Zucchini Parmigiana, Houston St Pizza, Unions Sq Pizza and the Panna Cotta. I wasn’t a huge fan of the Proscuitto because I felt as though I could go to my neighborhood deli and pick up the same quality Prosciutto for a cheaper deal.

as much as i typically love the idea of «speakeasy» joint, the idea of putting a pizza restaurant behind a secret door is slightly too much of a gimmick for me. (given that the original definition of a «speakeasy» describe a place or venue of liquor sales during the Prohibition era… not pizza sale?)
however, was the pizza amazing? YES.
brick even, top-​notch quality topping, individual pies.
appetizer (zucchini in particular) was also very original and stellar***
tired the truffle pizza but i think thompkin square with the high quality tomato and olive stole my heart — simple, no gimmick and deilcious.
there’s only wine (no beer no liquor)
Service seems a bit under-​staff in my impression (came on a Thursday night) so we sat through no water refill for a while but the lack of service wasn’t intentional, forgivable.
The place was spacious, great for groups and they take advance reservation. It wasn’t loud and over capacity at any point of the night, which made conversation really easy and comfortable. Dimmed atmosphere — what you expect of a «speakeasy» bar décor

This is a great find if you can find it. Located in the back of a currently under renovation bar and through the door of a different pizza place, this is a very nice spot with a calm slightly refined atmosphere even though I walked in with jeans shorts. Serving size is about a pie per person so go with a friend and split one each of you need to have toppings but I’d be fine just with the fried pizza on its own. Will probably visit again and try the Nutella pie.
You can call for a reservation or if you’re lost. I went after work on a Tuesday and it was pretty empty but I’ve seen other reviews that say it can get packed so call first! Guy on the phone met us at the other pizza place and led us inside.

Such an awesome idea. The pizza was really good, not the best I’ve had, but really really good. Don’t think twice about going here.
Must haves:
— Montanara (fried pizza). It’s like a zeppoli crust with sauce and cheese.
— Avenue B
— Union Square
— Third Ave
The buratta and zucchini apps were really good also.
I’m not a big fan of desserts but the Nutella pizza was really good also. The $ 38 prix fixe is totally worth it.
Don’t be foofy and expect amazing service & white glove dining. This is a fn pizza speakeasy. Rest those shoulders and enjoy some really great pizza.

Freaking cool ass idea. Instead of shutting down the slice joint that he opened, Giulio Adriani decided to create a speakeasy pizzeria. These are some of my favorite things. Walking into the restaurant next door that you enter through, they’re pretty up front about its existence; then again it was earlier in the night and we were the first ones there so maybe that’s why. The service was great which is very unusual for a speakeasy. The dim lighting was par for the course. We ended up splitting a bottle of wine, which is a supplement (forget the $ amount) on top of the $ 38 pri-​fix menu. overall the place was small and intimate (read: great date place fellas).
Have you had pizza and food at Forcella before? This is it and I am a fan. The burrata was delicious and clearly fresh, while I wasn’t a fan of the balsamic-​honey glaze; my friend’s proscuitto was a good complement regardless. I got the Montanara, which is partially fried and then finished in the oven. The result is a pizza dough that is halfway pizza, halfway zeppole; in other words it’s great. The tomato sauce that topped it was fresh and vibrant and the mozzarella was applied lightly. Contrary to the clandestine atmosphere it wasn’t anything fancy but it also didn’t need to be. My friend’s Bond st. (mushrooms, truffle oil, mozzarella) was also good with the roasted mushrooms being the star of the show. For dessert we split the 2 things that weren’t the tiramisu, but I didn’t eat much because of my stupid diet. All in all it was a satisfying meal, well worth the money once you get past the fact that it was pizza.

Absolutely amazing.
My Fiancé and I heard about this place when it opened in February and couldn’t wait to try it. A Brooklyn native, he grew up going to Forcella so we could only imagine how good this was going to be.
We were finally able to go last night and what a delight. You enter in through Espoleta and go to the left. You’re then taken into a petite restaurant and served some of the best food.
Their menu is a «tasting menu» consisting of a glass of wine, an appetizer, an entrée, a desert, and a desert wine. I had their eggplant appetizer with Parmesan cheese, the Truffle pizza, and the nutella calzone.
I definitely recommend this place for date night or a fun girls night out. Can’t wait to go back!

I’m a little torn– almost gave SRO 5 stars. It was a wonderful experience with a few hiccups.
We arrived at Espoleta and, since I hadn’t done my speakeasy door homework, walked right past the entrance. It was a pretty well-​hidden door to the left right past the host/​hostess stand. If you’re looking for it, you’ll see it. Once we realized where it was, the host asked for my name, but he couldn’t find my reservation. Slightly concerned, I started to pull up the reservation confirmation on my phone. The manager then came out and also could not find my name. By this point I figured the reservation had been lost, and was weighing the option of just sitting down at Espoleta despite its mixed reviews, when I was shown the list of names. We all found the reservation immediately, because my name was right there. Not sure what was going on what that, but we were elated to actually have our table.
SRO is very tiny and quite cozy. The whole place only seems to have about 7 tables. The kitchen is very small, too, and right out in the open so you can watch your food being prepared if you choose. The prix fixe menu, which is the only kind they have, consists of an appetizer, personal-​sized pizza, dessert, and glass of wine. Since there were three of us, we all decided to get different items and share, so I tried a big portion of that night’s menu. I had samples and sips of the following:
WINES!
–Nero [red wine]: the better of the two wines I tried.
–Pinot Noir: This was the glass I ordered. Very tart and served too warm… I didn’t really enjoy it.
APPS!
–Prosciutto: My order. Tasty, but a small portion.
–Salad: This was downright scrumptious, but I unfortunately can’t remember anything more about it.
–Eggplant: I’m usually not a big eggplant eater, but I enjoyed this. It came with cheese on top!
PIZZAS!
–Bond street: I’m really a sucker for truffle oil, so this pizza was my fave. Served with cheese and mushrooms, and delicious. Note that it does not come with sauce.
–East 1^st: This one was my pick. Includes spicy lamb sausage, peppers, and I think onions. Also a white pizza. The lamb sausage was great and the peppers awesomely fresh.
–Margherita: Honestly, you can get a better slice of marg elsewhere. Nothing special, and more basil, please!
DESSERTSSSS.
–Tiramisu: Loved it. This was one creamy tiramisu, I’ll tell you what. Very decadent, yet light.
–Nutella pizza: Counted as two desserts, but well worth it. It’s basically just nutella with a pastry crust on the top and bottom, so kinda like a nutella pizza sandwich.
Altogether, I was impressed with the meal and the atmosphere alike. And it’s immediately interesting to people when you tell them you’ve been to a pizza speakeasy (the first of its kind?). So it’s a win-​win.

Me and my friend went to Sro yesterday night.
The whole experience was excellent.
The place itself is cozy and full of atmosphere. This little gem is hard to find but definitely worth it.
I think that You can’t go wrong with any of the pizzas. They are flavorful, laden with fresh and interesting ingredients on top of perfect crust. I had the SRO with lamb sausage and soft cheese and my friend had a calzone. So good. Appetizers were also nice – I tried the cheeses and cold cuts and she got the roasted eggplant, both are highly recommended. Wine selection has a good variety and service was on point and very friendly… Plus, 5 starts for the music! Great playlist.

On a recent trip to Espoleta, the host mentioned to me that a speakeasy pizzeria was about to open up inside of Espoleta. I’ve been to many speakeasies, but never a speakeasy pizzeria so I was very curious. The following day, I followed the directions of the host. I went onto the website and put in my email address. Then, a password popped up. I then called up SRO and gave them my password. This enabled me to make a reservation (note: you can dine here without a password, but will not be able to make a reservation).
When I came to Espoleta, right next door there was a sign that read «No Vacancy.» This was SRO. When I came in (through Espoleta), you open the door and walk in (if you have a reservation). The atmosphere was incredible. It had me feeling like I was entering into a different time period; especially the prohibition era. I started to reminisce about great jazz artists such as Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington as the jazz music played. It was an immense feeling of nostalgia for a time period I had only dreamt about. The seating capacity was for an estimated 20 people.
Now onto the food. SRO maintains a fixed menu, which is a steal. It consists of an appetizer, individual sized pizza, dessert, and a beverage (alcoholic or not, your choice. I had a glass of Chianti). That day, because their pizza selections change everyday (except for the two constants: the Margherita and it’s fried cousin Montanara), they served delicious pies such as Espoleta pizza (shishito peppers and chorizo) a pizza with chicken skin, red peppers, and onion. For appetizers there was a choice of a whole baked eggplant, hand cut prosciutto, and an amazing selection of cheeses. The desserts included a delicious tiramisu and a scrumptious chocolate tres leches cake.
Overall, besides the great food and attentive service, I had an amazing experience as a took a trip into the past. At SRO, you will not only be getting a delicious meal, you will also be getting a wonderfully gratifying and unique experience. Welcome to New York’s first and only pizza speakeasy.