Louie & Ernie's Pizza

- 1300 Crosby Ave, Bronx, NY 10461

Louie & Ernie's Pizza: A Slice of New York History in the Heart of the Bronx

In a city overflowing with pizza joints—from modern, artisanal Neapolitan spots to trendy, high-end slice shops—New Yorkers know that the real magic often happens in the unassuming, decades-old neighborhood institutions. Tucked away on a quiet residential corner in the Pelham Bay section of the Bronx, you’ll find one such legendary spot: Louie & Ernie's Pizza. More than just a pizzeria, it is a culinary landmark and a living piece of New York City history, offering a quintessential taste of the classic, thin-crust New York slice perfected over more than 70 years.

Since its original founding in Harlem back in 1947, and its permanent relocation to the Bronx in 1959, Louie & Ernie's has built a fiercely loyal following among locals who swear it serves the best pizza not just in the borough, but in the entire city. It’s the kind of place that eschews pretense and fleeting trends, operating on the simple, time-honored principle of "Keep it simple, stupid," or as co-owner Cosimo Tiso says, never trying "to reinvent the wheel." This commitment to tradition has earned it national recognition, including being named the best “hole-in-the-wall” restaurant in all of New York State by a major food publication.

For New Yorkers seeking that authentic, old-school experience—where the crust is perfectly crispy-yet-chewy, the atmosphere is cozy, and the history is palpable—Louie & Ernie's is the pilgrimage you need to make. It’s where generations of local families, construction workers, and pizza aficionados gather, making every visit feel like stepping into a time capsule of the old-school Bronx.

Location and Accessibility

Louie & Ernie's Pizza proudly anchors a corner in the residential Pelham Bay neighborhood of the Bronx. The exterior—a modest, one-story brick building with vintage signage—is unflashy, a true testament to its “hole-in-the-wall” reputation. It is a local gem hiding in plain sight, beloved by those who know where to look.

The address to navigate to is:

1300 Crosby Ave, Bronx, NY 10461, USA

For those traveling by subway, the pizzeria is within a reasonable distance of the Buhre Avenue station on the 6 train line, making it accessible from other boroughs, even if the trip to this corner of the Bronx feels like a welcome departure from the Manhattan hustle. For drivers, free street parking is generally available in the surrounding neighborhood, which is a major convenience in New York City. The restaurant’s atmosphere is historic and cozy, but it is also casual and quiet, offering a relaxed dining experience whether you are a college student, part of a group, or dining solo. The location maintains good accessibility, and even has features to accommodate children, including high chairs.

Services Offered

Louie & Ernie's is first and foremost a pizzeria and fast-food restaurant that excels in its core offerings, keeping the menu simple and focused on quality. Their service options ensure everyone can enjoy their classic New York fare.

• Dine-in: Seating is available for both lunch and dinner service, including table service.
• Takeout: Conveniently grab your pie or slices to go for a quick meal.
• Delivery: While historically a 'no delivery' spot, third-party apps may offer delivery options.
• Outdoor Seating: Seasonal outdoor patio seating is available, perfect for warmer weather.
• Reservations: The restaurant accepts reservations, which can be useful for groups or during peak dining times.
• Beverage Service: Offerings include alcohol, specifically beer and wine, in addition to soda options like a 2-liter bottle.

Features / Highlights

Louie & Ernie's reputation is built on consistency, tradition, and a deep connection to its community. It’s the distinct style and quality of their food that keeps customers coming back.

• Legendary Sausage Pizza: This is arguably the most famous item on the menu. The sausage is often cited as a game-changer—fennel-laced, generously crumbled, and sourced fresh from a local Italian deli down the street.
• Traditional Thin-Crust Pie: They specialize in authentic New York-style pizza, known for its perfectly thin crust that is both crispy and chewy, built for the classic 'Fold & Rip' New York eating style. Many fans credit the slow dough fermentation process and the traditional gas oven for the distinctive texture and char.
• Famous Deep-Fried Calzones: A staple item alongside the pizza. The Deep Fried Cheese Calzone is highly praised, described by fans as one of the best on the East Coast.
• Old-School Atmosphere: The vibe is genuinely 'old-school' New York—historic, unflashy, and comfortable, with wood-paneled walls and a focus on community over chic dining trends. This traditional aesthetic has earned it the title of the best “hole-in-the-wall” in New York State.
• Consistent Quality: Run by the Tiso family (John and Cosimo Tiso, who took over from Ernie Ottuso in 1987), the restaurant maintains the original recipes and a highly hands-on approach to pizza making, ensuring consistency that spans decades.
• Menu Simplicity: The business maintains a limited menu focused primarily on pies, slices, and calzones, which reinforces their dedication to perfecting a few, classic products.
• Specialty Offerings: Beyond the classic cheese and sausage, the menu includes standout items like the Clam Pizza White With Garlic, the Fresh Mozzarella And Tomato Pie, and the White Pizza, which is highly recommended for its creamy ricotta and gooey mozzarella blend.

Contact Information

To plan your visit or place a takeout order, you can reach out to Louie & Ernie's Pizza using the following information:

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

Phone: (718) 829-6230 or +1 718-829-6230

A Note on Payment: As a classic, no-frills establishment, please be aware that Louie & Ernie's is historically a "Cash Only" business, which is a common hallmark of these beloved, traditional New York spots. While some delivery services may allow for debit card payment through their platforms, it is advisable to bring cash for in-store purchases, though debit card payments may be accepted directly.

What is Worth Choosing: The Louie & Ernie’s Experience

For New York pizza enthusiasts, a trip to Louie & Ernie's is an absolute necessity. It offers a counter-narrative to the city's modern dining scene—it’s honest, delicious, and timeless.

If you are visiting for the first time, there are two non-negotiable items: the pizza and the calzone. The Sausage Pizza is the undeniable star; its flavorful, fennel-laced crumbled sausage turns an already excellent thin-crust pie into a legendary experience that is difficult to find replicated elsewhere. Many long-time fans consider it one of the best slices in the city. If you prefer a meat-free option, the White Pizza, with its perfect balance of fresh ricotta and mozzarella, is also a highly recommended choice that showcases the quality of their ingredients.

Beyond the pies, the Deep Fried Cheese Calzone receives almost as much fervent praise as the pizza itself. Customers describe it as being "as good as they get," with a perfect crust encasing a rich, creamy filling.

The overall experience is why people make the trek. It's the simple pleasures: a perfectly balanced slice in a cozy setting, served by a staff that makes you feel like family, and the satisfaction of supporting a business that has been perfecting its craft since before most New Yorkers were born. It’s a place where you can quickly grab a perfect, hot slice for a quick bite or settle in for dinner with a group, enjoying the comfort food and historic, authentic atmosphere that defines classic New York. Whether you call it pizza or comfort food, Louie & Ernie's commitment to quality and consistency makes it a cherished culinary treasure in the Bronx.

Louie & Ernie's Pizza

1300 Crosby Ave, Bronx, NY 10461, USA