Raceway Pizzeria & Hero’s

Many times in life it is all about expectations. So I always say: Be realistic. This is A Pizzeria (And a good one), and not a fancy high ceiling Italian restaurant. So if you want simple Pizza, and by simple I only mean the good things about the word simple (Good food do not have to be complicated), try their Pizza. You will find that it taste like Pizzas used to taste when we were kids.

This place is great, it reminds me of the movie Godfather. We went a little hangover and starving, we order the rice balls a the pepperoni pizza. WOWW guys this is incredible, I couldn’t believe how tasty it was. The only reason that I don’t give it 5 starts it’s because the guy, probably the owner his name was Louie or Lou he couldn’t stop talking he was on and on, we just wanted the food. I would definitely come back!!!

Been coming to this place my hole life from having birthday parties to just walking In and having a nice meal the food is extremely good and tasty loui, is a funny Cool guy his mom is sweet he’s the BEST! only the best!

All the wasted years not ever trying this place — but that’s totally changing!
Let me just say that for those ignorant ones who claim that either all pizzerias are the same or that all pizza tastes the same are just wrong. Not all pizza or pizzerias are created equal and there IS a difference. To say there is not, well you’re just completely wrong.
That being said, I finally decided to try this place after so many years (like 20+) of bypassing this location. I live in the immediate area and Yonkers Avenue itself has no shortage of pizzerias — some are decent enough, some are just poor. I’ve almost lost faith in finding a place that knows how to actually make at least a halfway decent pizza as it’s becoming a lost art. There are some pizzerias that can make a good enough slice… but then there’s THIS place.
Immediately upon coming inside here, I was greeted by the owner (Lou), who was not only friendly as hell, but entertaining. Cosmetically inside, I felt like I was back in the better days of the 80’s as this place has the look of a pizzeria out of that time and before that. I had scoped this place on Unilocal (yes, I actually do use this site for more than just writing reviews — I actually read them) before coming here and based on all the positive reviews, I knew that they just had to be right, and this is before even ordering. I ordered a large pie and waited, anticipating whether this place could/​would make a pizza that matched the excellent appearance and the friendly owner. Well they certainly did.
Just the smell from the box alone was a smell I have not whiffed since I was younger — the smell of an actual good pizza. Of course upon opening the box and taking the first bite, I felt transported to better days of when I was able to find good pizza. Honestly, one bite and the taste difference alone from this slice to most slices these days was telling. This pizza is GREAT. It’s how pizza is SUPPOSED to be made. I didn’t even finish the first slice before I knew that THIS place would be my new go to pizzeria from now on. I actually got mad at myself for not ever trying this place sooner… like back in the 80’s or 90’s! I only had the pizza so far, but am anxious to try some of the other items on the menu.
And yes, to reiterate what I typed earlier — yes, there are good pizzas, there are decent pizzas, and there are bad pizzas. If you think otherwise, you either are utterly clueless or have no taste buds. Anyone who enjoys a good pizza, should surely come here and try it — you will not be disappointed. Most of the other reviewers of this place are absolutely correct.
This is what a pizzeria and pizza is supposed to be. Friendly, classic atmosphere, and just great pizza. I can’t wait to go back. And I will. Just wish I came here a lot sooner.

Best pizza… fabulous chicken franchais, veal milanese, pork chops with vinegar peppers and MOST OF ALL, sweetest host you will ever come across, ALWAYS a smile and a good word and very obliging. Me & my husband are there minimum once a week.
Do Not take my word, go and see and taste for yourself! Will not be disappointed.
Diane & Umberto B

Its rare to walk into a pizza shop and see someone’s grandma making pizza. The other gentleman (the owner?) was friendly to me and seemed to be on a first name basis with most of the customers that walked in.
The pizza was good, tasted fresh. While it wasn’t the best pizza I’ve had, the friendly atmosphere and customer service would definitely keep me coming back.

Come in for the pizza and stay for the show. Seriously, this place is great, and Lou is one guy who really seems to love what he does for a living.
When you walk in you are in an old-​school pizzeria, and that’s just the way it should be. There are pictures on the wall, a few booths, and you head straight back to the counter. There are a couple of specialty pies each day, and then your traditional plain pie.
Everything is delicious, but the artichoke and pesto pie that is around occasionally is out of this world. The whole wheat pie is also worth a try. If you happen upon this place when they have rice balls, you need to try them. They are just like my grandmother’s and really takes me back.
We moved across town about a year ago and haven’t been back in a few months, but i’m sure everything is the same.
Don’t forget to like their Facebook page. Lou puts up great videos that will have you laughing then craving a slice!

Been coming to raceway since I was a kid. This place never disappoints. One of the best slices in yonkers, IMHO. On top of that, louie is a real gem. Even if the food was horrible, he would make the trip worthwhile. There’s a reason why they’ve been open for decades without having to do delivery.

Very friendly environment and the person behind the counter is very likely which is a good thing for me. They also have wheat pizza which is rare in this area. One of the best pizza in town for sure

Excellent slice here. Owner is always very entertaining while waiting for a slice! Too bad they don’t deliver. Good pizza places usually don’t.

What can you say about Lou and Raceway Pizza. Well as I am sure he could sign a few bars of it if you asked, «Simply the Best.»
Whether is is a whole wheat slice, chicken roll, chicken dinner or pasta it doesn’t matter everything is good. Atmosphere is great, old school pizza joint and Lou and his mom are great. Very friendly and he often signs to you.
When you are done try the Louacino (sp).

Time stands still at Raceway pizzeria (and that’s a good thing)! Everything from the food, to the music, to the décor is old school and authentic… just the way I like it at my pizzerias.
Lou, the owner, offers classic NY slices, calzones («Get in the zone baby», Lou tells me), and hero’s for a very fair price considering the quality. The pizza is some of the best I’ve had in years.
Lou makes his pies with the perfect ratio of cheese to sauce and each slice has remarkable rigidity for something covered in heaps of toppings. I held it up in front of me, and it didn’t bend an inch. Amazing.
I officially love this place and would recommend it highly to anyone looking for a great, affordable slice.

Two slices would be so nices! I have to admit it and shout it out here on this Unilocal review… Raceway Pizza has pizazz and is my all time favorite local pizzeria. The food but especially the «ah-​peetz» is beyond delicious here and the service is amazing. Lou is the best! Service with a smile and a song… always. Whenever I crave a slice, my husband takes me to Raceway. I don’t know what Lou puts in that dough and in that sauce but it’s heavenly. My favorite is a plain slice and the house salad. The dressing is simple but amazing. When we dine-​in, I always love to take in the old-​school feel of the place. It really takes you back to your childhood. When you leave, the whole experience puts a smile on your face.

We came all the way from Maine to get our fix! Not only is the pizza great, Lou and team are the best hosts in Yonkers!

I only tried the plain slice, I had to get another after I inhaled the first. Owner is super friendly, need to try more stuff but kinda outta my way. But super good

Raceway pizzeria/​restaurant is a nice little mom and pop pizza joint and restaurant where you’ll feel like a regular on your first visit. The owners are such genuinely nice people. It’s always great to go to a local business and find the owners on site cooking and preparing the food.
They make a nice regular pizza. The pizza has a great crispy crust and nice flavor. The chicken Parm sandwich was good too. RC cola available at the fountain. I didn’t know RC was still around???
The Raceway is located across the highway from Yonkers Raceway/​Empire City Casino. A nice stop…, definitely much better than what you’ll get at the Casino. Plus your supporting a nice, local business Owned by a nice family. Check out the owners YouTube videos by searching for Raceway pizzeria… pretty interesting character.

Terrific! Great food and exceptional, personal service. Lou is amazing and is as generous with his spirit as he is with the pepperoni! You leave Raceway pizza with a full soul, not just a full tummy. Recommended most highly!

What a great place. It all starts with Lou. A great soul of East Yonkers. He and his mother make delicious and toothsome pizza crafted with generosity and love. When I ordered a pizza with a topping, he put so much on, smiling all the while, that it covered the cheese. His pizza is crisp but flexible — it does not break when you fold the slice in your hand. Even his terrific whole wheat pizza. This man is the real thing, and a musician, to boot. An encounter with Lou will give you a lift. Even if you are not hungry, just drop in and take in the good feeling.
Anyone needing a snack or meal while traveling along Interstate 87 should stop by for a stomach-​and-​soul-​filling experience. And around the corner on the service road, is Surya, a great Indian market. Across the street is a meat market that sells great homemade sausage. Also, across 87, you can find two great Italian markets — both on the north side of Yonkers Avenue across from the back of the Raceway — La Piccola Gourmet Deli and Dante’s fresh pasta. Ask Bruno, the owner of La Piccola, about his homemade cappicola. Incredible. Just like in Italy. Maybe better. La Piccola won the Best Sausage in Westchester award.
Si mangia benissimo a Raceway Pizzeria.
Update as of Sat. Dec. 8, 2012: I came in for my favorite here — a whole wheat slice. We all know that this is often not great, but here it is. Lou understands bread. He uses cake yeast and his pizza dough is crispy and full of flavor. I am the last pizza-​lover to say anything negative about the great New Haven tradition of Apizza, but, truth be told, Lou’s dough has better structure and flavor.
Lou takes donations of stuff for Sandy Relief in Breezy Point.
Visit him on Facebook at Raceway Pizzeria & Hero’s
Are you coming?

Special place. Excellent Italian food and the owner is amazing. He remembers everyone’s name, and if you’re lucky willing some Sinatra for you.

This place is a treat. Good food and the owner is outstanding. I just moved into the neighborhood and walked in for the first time recently and it was a great experience.
Plus, this place has RC cola from the fountain! I’m a fan and I’m sure I’ll return again. Seriously, check out this place’s youtube channel. I’m not a promoter, I just think it’s awesome.