Patsy's Pizzeria

Patsy's Pizzeria -- Serving coal oven pizza since 1933. Patsy's Pizzeria first opened at 2287 1st Avenue, East Harlem, NYC in 1933, having been the dream of immigrant newlyweds Pasquale 'Patsy' and Carmela Lancieri. Patsy's Pizzeria quickly established itself as a family style, old-fashioned neighborhood restaurant, catering to the growing population of Italian immigrants who longed for the cuisine of their homeland in a casual family style atmosphere. Almost immediately, the atmosphere, style, and cuisine at Patsy's Pizzeria began attracting many popular and famous personalities. Luminaries like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Tony Bennett became regulars. In addition, its prime uptown location made it a convenient stop for famous New York Yankees such as Phil Rizzutto, Joe Dimaggio, and Yogi Berra. Patsy Lancieri developed a huge following and East Harlem was *the* place to go. In the early 1970s, Patsy's Pizzeria became the late-night haunt of Francis Ford Coppola who used its ambiance to shape his actors' performances in his blockbuster film The Godfather. As a result, the restaurant has been used numerous times as a period location and backdrop for many movies, employing many East Harlem residents in the process. In the early days of the depression, Patsy allowed Fiorello LaGuardia to hold his early organizational meetings at the resutaurant, inviting neighborhood residents to stop in and contribute their ideas and support. This tradition has continued for nearly all of the 80+ years of Patsy's Pizza. Numerous politicians, on boths sides, including Rudy Giuliani, Mike Bloomberg and Adam Clayton Powell have been able to get their message to the people in an up-close and comfortable atmosphere. Patsy Lancieri established his restaurant as a neighborhood landmark with a tradition of providing for his community and all those in need. His legancy is honored and cultivated to this day by the current owner, Frank Brija.