Louie & Ernie's Pizza

- 1300 Crosby Ave, Bronx, NY 10461

For over six decades, Louie & Ernie's Pizza has been a cornerstone of The Bronx, serving up a slice of New York history with every pie. This is not just a pizza restaurant; it's a piece of the city's culinary heritage, a place that embodies the classic "Mom-and-Pop" vibe. From the moment you walk through the door, you feel like family, embraced by a warm, cozy, and historic atmosphere. This establishment, founded in 1959, has stood the test of time by remaining true to its roots, focusing on simple, high-quality ingredients and a dedication to the craft of pizza making. It’s a place where both college students and groups of friends gather, a destination for tourists and a cherished secret for locals.

Louie & Ernie's is a fast food restaurant in the best sense of the word, known for its quick service without compromising on quality. It's a popular choice for both lunch and dinner, catering to everyone from solo diners looking for a quick bite to groups enjoying a shared meal. The restaurant has earned a reputation for serving a local specialty—its celebrated thin-crust pizza and legendary calzones. The unique quality of its food has been a consistent point of praise from devoted fans, who claim the crust, sauce, cheese, and sausage are all "perfection." For many, this is the kind of place that "officially topped every other place I’ve ever been."

Located at 1300 Crosby Ave, Bronx, NY 10461, USA, Louie & Ernie's is nestled in a well-established and accessible part of the borough. The restaurant is a neighborhood staple, making it a convenient stop for locals. For those driving, there is free street parking available, which can be a significant advantage in New York City. However, patrons should be aware that parking can sometimes be limited during peak hours.

The restaurant's location on Crosby Avenue has made it a central part of the community, drawing in generations of customers. While information about wheelchair accessibility is not specified, its status as a historic and long-standing establishment speaks to its deep roots in the community. The fact that it's a popular destination for tourists also underscores its reputation as a must-visit spot, proving that a trip to The Bronx is incomplete without a stop at this iconic pizzeria.

Louie & Ernie's Pizza offers a range of services designed to make enjoying their delicious food as convenient as possible.

• Dine-in: Guests can enjoy their meal in the cozy, casual atmosphere with seating available.
• Outdoor seating: On a nice day, patrons can opt for outdoor seating, with a small patio area available. Dogs are also allowed outside.
• Takeout: A popular option for those who want to grab a pie or slice to go.
• Delivery: The restaurant offers delivery services, though a traditional policy was "no delivery," this has changed to include third-party services like Uber Eats. It's best to check with the restaurant directly.
• Table Service: A staff member will come to your table, providing a more traditional restaurant experience.

These service options provide great flexibility for customers, whether they want to have a relaxing meal on-site or enjoy their food at home.

Louie & Ernie's Pizza is celebrated for a number of features that have solidified its legendary status.

• Serves Local Specialty: The pizza and calzones are considered a quintessential Bronx delicacy, praised for their high quality and traditional preparation.
• Fast Service: The staff is known for their efficiency and speed, ensuring you don't have to wait long for your food.
• Historic Atmosphere: The restaurant's decades-long history gives it a unique, cozy, and timeless vibe that feels like a classic "Mom-and-Pop" spot.
• Vegan and Vegetarian Options: The menu includes vegetarian options, and with a few modifications, can also accommodate vegan diets, ensuring that a variety of dietary needs can be met.
• Accepts Reservations: While a walk-in is often fine, the restaurant does accept reservations, which can be helpful for larger groups or during peak dining times.
• Good for Kids: The family-friendly atmosphere, along with high chairs, makes it a great spot for dining with children.
• Offers Alcohol: The restaurant serves beer and wine to complement your pizza or calzone.

These highlights, combined with the general atmosphere, explain why the place is so beloved and why people are willing to travel long distances for a slice.

To get in touch with Louie & Ernie's Pizza, you can use the following contact information.

Address: 1300 Crosby Ave, Bronx, NY 10461, USA

Phone: (718) 829-6230

Mobile Phone: +1 718-829-6230

Reaching out by phone is the most reliable way to inquire about current hours, menu items, or to place a takeout order. It's also a good idea to confirm their payment policy, as they are famously a "cash only" establishment, which is a detail one review mentioned as a hassle.

So, what is worth choosing at Louie & Ernie's Pizza? The overwhelming praise from devoted customers points to the quality of the food and the authentic experience. One reviewer raved about the pizza, calling the crust "perfection," the sauce "out of this world," and the sausage "so melty and delicious." The calzones also receive high praise, with one patron claiming it was "the BEST I’ve ever had in my life." This passion for the food is a common thread among regulars.

While the vast majority of reviews are glowing, a single negative review should be considered. One customer had a disappointing experience with a takeout pie, citing a high price for a pizza that was dry and had a bland sauce. This highlights the importance of ordering in person, if possible, to get the freshest pie right out of the oven. This kind of experience can be a risk with takeout, especially when the quality of the ingredients and the texture of the crust are so central to the restaurant's reputation.

Ultimately, what makes Louie & Ernie's worth the trip is its unwavering commitment to tradition. It’s a no-frills, authentic New York pizza joint that stands on the quality of its product. The historic, family-owned vibe, coupled with the consistently praised flavors of their pies and calzones, makes it a true gem. While a single negative experience might exist, the chorus of positive feedback from locals and visitors alike—many of whom have been coming for decades—confirms that this place is a New York institution. For an unforgettable slice of authentic Bronx pizza, Louie & Ernie's is the clear choice.

Louie & Ernie's Pizza

1300 Crosby Ave, Bronx, NY 10461, USA