When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
Straight From New York Pizza (Belmont)
Why Straight From New York Pizza (Belmont) is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Straight From New York Pizza, located at 3330 SE Belmont St in Portland, Oregon, is a standout destination for pizza lovers seeking an authentic New York-style pizza experience on the West Coast. Established in 1986, this family-owned pizzeria crafts its pies using traditional New York recipes and techniques, ensuring each pizza reflects the iconic thin crust, hand-tossed texture, and fresh toppings that define classic New York pizza. The restaurant's menu is inclusive and diverse, featuring gluten-free and vegan options that cater to a wide range of dietary preferences without compromising on flavor or quality. The vibrant ambiance includes comfortable indoor seating and heated outdoor areas, making it an inviting spot for casual lunches, family dinners, or social gatherings with friends. Highlights include classic pepperoni and cheese pizzas as well as unique specialty pies such as Pesto Chicken and Greek, providing something delightful for every palate. The commitment to quality ingredients and a genuine New York pizza tradition combined with a welcoming atmosphere makes Straight From New York Pizza a great place to meet up with friends and enjoy an exceptional meal that brings a taste of New York straight to Portland’s Belmont neighborhood.
Here's what people think of Straight From New York Pizza (Belmont)
As of recent, Straight From New York Pizza (Belmont) holds a 4.3-star rating based on 723 reviews.
Reviews for Straight From New York Pizza on Belmont Street are largely positive, with a strong overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 from 723 reviewers. Customers frequently commend the pizzeria for its authentic New York-style crust, describing it as perfectly thin, crispy, and chewy, which is a signature aspect that distinguishes it from other local pizza places. Many reviewers highlight the restaurant’s dedication to quality and consistency, citing the fresh, flavorful toppings and generous portions. The availability of gluten-free and vegan pizza options is often noted as a positive, enabling a wider audience to enjoy the offerings. Patrons also appreciate the casual yet vibrant atmosphere, including the heated outdoor seating, which enhances the dining experience year-round. On the flip side, some negative reviews point out occasional issues such as longer wait times during busy periods and variability in service speed. A few users mention that certain specialty pizzas can be hit or miss depending on personal taste preferences. Despite these occasional drawbacks, the general consensus from customer feedback is that Straight From New York Pizza provides a reliably delicious and satisfying New York pizza experience in Portland. Overall, the positive reviews reflect well on the pizzeria's commitment to authenticity and quality, making it a recommended spot for anyone craving classic New York-style pizza outside of New York City.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Dylan Magierek
We’ve liked coming to this location for their happy hour slice specials for many years. You can get any slice for $3.50 from 2pm - 4pm and again in their last hour at night. Great slice choices. I had the Brooklyn which had sausage, red bell peppers, mushrooms and olives. The veggie and vegan slices looked delicious and my son loved his pepperoni slice. You can get a tall boy and a cheese slice for only $5.50! Crazy. Thin, delicious pizza and friendly staff. Recommended!!
Matthew Reges
We ordered a couple Calzones on 5/15. These were tasty, but not calzones. I might call them "Pizza Twists" and they needed to be enjoyed with knife and fork because the center would just fall through when we tried picking it up. Again, tasty, but we ordered calzones and this wasn't it.
Starla The drox
Thire pizza definitely stands out among portland. The crust is crispy without being overly crunchy (a pet peeve of mine). The red sauce has a good flavor without being over bearing with a good sauce, crust, cheese balance. My personal favorite is the 5 cheese pie and I look forward to trying more. The restraunt itself has a cozy feel very warm lighting however it is a small shop thus this can lead to over crowding so keep that in mind if you are bringing family or friends. The kitchen was very clean and well kept and could see the cooks and staff actively doing up keep. The severs were very friendly with a great demeanor made us feel very welcome with great communication. This is a good spot for solo meal or for a small friend meet up. I do recommend ordering a head for a pick up if you wanting to take it to go. Over all it was a great expirence and will return soon!
Alissa
Incredible pizza but god awful service. Have been going here for years and loved it, until this curly haired gal took our order. Had an attitude from the jump, we ignored it. Must be having a long day. Then she forgets our ranches and runs over to gossip with her coworker after handing us our food and drinks. No big deal, so we continue waiting at the counter. After a while and realizing she’s not going to notice I say “excuse me?” loudly because it was noisy in there. Not at all to be rude, simply to ask nicely for our ranches. She proceeds to blow up on us… saying “god damn can you not yell at me? I’ll get you your ranches you don’t need to be rude.” We weren’t at all, it was the other way around. So I’ve had it at this point and say, “we really didn’t ask for the rude service, I’m just asking for our ranches.” She starts arguing and getting in my face then says “no I think YOU just have a problem.” Incredibly unprofessional and embarrassing on her part. We’ve loved this place for so long and are super bummed that she ruined a great spot for us.
D Sherman
Stopped by Straight From New York Pizza after the bar, and it was exactly what we needed. I had a classic pepperoni slice—crispy crust, great flavor, no complaints. They’ve got a killer deal too: a slice and a tall boy for around $5. Perfect spot for a quick, satisfying bite. Highly recommend if you’re craving legit pizza by the slice.
How to reach Straight From New York Pizza (Belmont)
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Why Straight From New York Pizza (Belmont) may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Straight From New York Pizza (Belmont) with your friends? If you and your friends are looking for a vibrant, crave-worthy, and authentic New York-style pizza experience right in the heart of Portland, this is an excellent choice. Straight From New York Pizza (Belmont) has a strong reputation with a solid 4.3-star rating from over 700 reviews, reflecting consistent customer satisfaction and popularity among locals and visitors alike. The moment you walk in or set your order for delivery, you'll notice the care that goes into the pizza — from the well-balanced sauce and perfectly melted cheese to the crust that's just right: not too thin, not too thick, and famously neither soggy nor overly crunchy. This spot strikes a fantastic balance that appeals to pizza aficionados and casual eaters alike. Beyond the food, the place exudes an inviting atmosphere that's casual and friendly, making it ideal for groups wanting to hang out and enjoy something familiar yet special. Whether you want a quick slice or a full pie adventure with your closest people, Straight From New York Pizza offers quality and a bit of New York flair that truly makes meetups feel like an event.
What kind of activities can you enjoy at Straight From New York Pizza (Belmont)? While the primary focus here is undeniably the pizza, the place instantly elevates a group outing beyond the typical dining experience. First and foremost, enjoying an assortment of pizzas together – whether classic cheese, specialty four-cheese blends, or loaded with your favorite toppings – turns mealtime into a lively shared event. The menu caters well to groups aiming to mix and match slices, so everyone can taste several flavors and debate favorites. The atmosphere is relaxed and low-key, providing a perfect backdrop for conversations and laughs without pressure or pretension. Also, the staff is known to be friendly and accommodating, which adds to the welcoming vibe, especially when you have a larger party. If you prefer staying in, the delivery service is reliable and timely, so you can still rally friends at home or for casual gatherings outside the restaurant. Overall, while Straight From New York Pizza doesn’t have elaborate on-site entertainment, the joy of sharing great pizza and good conversation is the primary "activity" that makes it so fitting for meetups.
Why is Straight From New York Pizza the perfect venue for a group meetup? Several factors make this pizza spot an excellent choice for groups. Its location on Southeast Belmont Street is accessible to many Portland neighborhoods, making travel straightforward for most guests. The spacious layout accommodates a reasonable number of diners, allowing groups to find comfortable seating even during busy times. The pricing is also a key benefit – offering value-for-money slices and pies means your group can indulge without breaking the bank. Notably, the pizza itself is crafted to appeal broadly, with well-curated combinations and fresh ingredients that avoid overwhelming any palate, making it easy to please diverse tastes within a single group. The restaurant’s commitment to quality is showcased by the crust—hailed by many customers as possibly the best balance of texture and flavor anywhere—which solidifies its reputation and enhances shared enjoyment. This combination of accessibility, atmosphere, quality, and value renders Straight From New York Pizza an ideal setting to host friends or family for casual and memorable meetups.
How does the menu cater to group preferences at Straight From New York Pizza (Belmont)? The menu’s thoughtful variety makes it one of the key reasons groups flock here. If your meetup includes pizza lovers with varied preferences, the option to mix and match multiple slices or pies allows everyone to find something appealing. From traditional sauce-and-cheese slices to creative specialty offerings like the four-cheese pizza praised by cheese aficionados, there’s a good flavor spectrum to explore. Additionally, the pizza is famously made with authentic New York-style thin yet sturdy crusts, complemented by a sauce and cheese that balance flavor richness without heaviness, ensuring no one feels weighed down after the meal. The portions are generous, and toppings are honest; if you order a sausage slice, you can trust it’s well covered, which is rare and appreciated in group dining contexts. Beyond pizza, sides such as salads and drinks complement the meal, catering to those looking for lighter or varied options. This diversity ensures the menu can satisfy mixed groups, which is paramount for an enjoyable social dining experience.
What makes the ambiance and service ideal for group gatherings at Straight From New York Pizza? The restaurant is well-known for its relaxed, no-frills vibe that appeals to groups wanting to gather without fuss. The staff consistently receives praise for their friendly and efficient service, creating a welcoming environment that helps groups feel comfortable, whether they are longtime regulars or newcomers. While the seating isn't overly formal or luxurious, it encourages a casual and social atmosphere perfect for catching up, sharing stories, and enjoying each other's company over great food. The Belmont location sometimes experiences busy evenings, which testifies to its popularity, yet the organized and cordial treatment of patrons helps avoid stress for groups. For parties wanting a more private or intimate vibe, takeout and delivery options mean you can enjoy the same high-quality pizza in your own setting. This flexibility, combined with attentive service and a friendly environment, makes it easy to host successful meetups here, whether small or large, spontaneous or planned.
In summary, Straight From New York Pizza on Belmont invites groups to enjoy authentic New York-style pizza in a welcoming, casual setting that is ideal for social gatherings. The perfect crust, high-quality ingredients, and variety on the menu provide a satisfying culinary experience for diverse tastes. Its convenient location, reasonable prices, and friendly service foster an atmosphere where friends and family can effortlessly come together and savor both the food and each other's company. Whether meeting for a casual weekend bite or a celebratory night out, this pizza spot proves to be an excellent rallying point for any group looking to share great flavors and good times.