It's easy to find non-Asian food in downtown Flushing. Commercial fast food, that is. Steps from the entrance to the #7 train, just off the intersection of Main Street and Roosevelt Avenue, there's a McDonald's, a Burger King, Blmpie's and a KFC. Even a Starbucks.
But if you want home style cooking, there are few non-Asian options in downtown Flushing.
In the immediate vicinity of the subway is Barone Pizza, a small pizza parlor sandwiched between a souvenir shop and a newstand on Main Street - right next to the L.I.R.R. overpass.
My lunch partner, Stephen Kwan, 34, an attorney, said although he's been downtown innumberable times, "I've never knew this pizza parlor was here."
Barone's storefront is about 16 feet wide. There's a red awning with the restaurant's name on it. During summer, spring and fall, an Italian ices cart sits in front. A lone employee usually stands sentinel behind the cart, ready to scoop a variety of flavors.
Once inside, it's classic New York pizza parlor. A glass counter showcases pizzas with toppings of every variety, as well as Sicilian square pizzas, baked rolls and salads. Against the wall, there's a standard two-drawer pizza oven. Next to the oven there's a slowly turning spit with lamb and a windowed refrigerator with the words "Snapple" emblazoned on the side.
Barone Pizza opened in 1971. The owner, Joe Pace, 46, worked for the Barones, the original owners.
"I bought the place in 1976," he said, "now I'm the last of the Mohicans," (referring to the dwindling number of non-Asian restaurants in downtown Flushing.)
The place has nine tables in the back - to sit you have to slide in and out. Four of the tables only seat two people. The only windows are at the front. It's obvious the restaurant isn't designed for leisurely dining.
"We're open nine a.m. to one a.m. everyday," said Pace.
A slice of pizza is $2.25. The largest 18 inch regular pie costs $15.50. Barone's also serves heros, pasta dishes, gyros and even knishes.
"The regular slices were a bit thin on cheese," said Kwan. "But the price wasn't bad."
The menu advertises "100% all natural ingredients." The three countermen greeted customers enthusiastically and service was quick.
When asked if he had plans to sell the restaurant, Pace said he was paying college tuition for his two children. "It's about $40,000 a year for those schools," said Pace. "I'm going to be here awhile."
Barone Pizza - 40-27 Main Street, Flushing; 718-463-2218
Next: Day Two - An original hamburger joint on Main Street.
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3 comments:
How was the food? Is this pizza parlor like any other in New York or is it different in any way? Look forward to reading about what else you find.
As Steve Kwan said, the pizza had too little cheese, but the price was right.
The Best in Flushing. Everything is freshly made by Hand. Hands Down the Best taste.
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