Metro Pizza on Decatur
Bread and Butter
Meatball Sliders – Garlic Knots, Melted Provolone, Red Sauce, Fries
86th Street Square Pie – Mozzarella Cheese, Tomato Sauce, Romano Cheese, Olive Oil / Vodka Sauce, Sausage, Basil
Pizza – Pepperoni, Fresh Mozzarella, Basil, Mushrooms
Cannoli – Ricotta, Confectioner’s Sugar, Chocolate Chips
Dubbed “Retro Metro” by those in the know, a 1980’s décor well-preserved and era-appropriate tunes playing overhead, it was alongside friends from out of town that dinner was enjoyed at Metro Pizza on Decatur, owner John Arena cooking out of that shop on this particular Sunday and predictably sending out two splendid Pies including one off-menu request.
Still owned and operated by Sam Facchini and John since 1980, the original Metro actually now a Cuban joint but the shop at 4001 South Decatur Boulevard looking every bit the decade, it was seated in a large booth shortly after 6:00pm that Beverages were poured by attentive waiters, a Bread Basket soon arriving and tempting as ever from crisp Crust to pillowy center.
Having already enjoyed a substantial amount of Vegas dining earlier, but certainly not wanting to short-change folks from back home of the sort of Pizza rarely seen, it was starting light with Metro’s Meatballs on Garlic Knots that smiles were quickly noted, the arrival of an thick Sicilian immediately widening eyes as though “wow that looks heavy,” though in reality the lengthy cold-ferment provides lift without heft and whether topped in Red or specially-requested Vodka Sauce the results are unparalleled.
Wanting visitors to also taste New York Pizza the way it should be, not the Sbarro or Marco’s back in Toledo, it was in follow-up that America’s favorite toppings arrived with Fresh Mozzarella and golden edges featuring just the right amount of blister, each slice holding up with just a light fold and crunching softly on each bite.
Full but not about to leave without Dessert, Metro’s Carrot Cake always tempting but this group better suited for Cannolis, it was with one each served that all were quickly gone, the Shells filled-to-order with sweetened Cheese attesting to how little things can make a big difference and why Metro has been serving Las Vegas for so long.
FIVE STARS: Sometimes perspective is everything, and although Northwest Ohio was not a bad place to grow up the inherent limitations of an area where Papa John’s was considered “good” because it compares favorably to Little Caesars comes into focus whenever those who still live there visit. To say Metro Pizza would have been successful anywhere John and Sam chose to set-up shop might not be true, but there is no doubt that in any American city Metro would be amongst the best based on the combination of ingredients, passion and skill.
RECOMMENDED: 86th Street Square Pie, Meatball Sliders, Cannoli.
AVOID: N/A.
TIP: Vodka Sauce Square Pies are available by special request and a couple extra dollars.
WHAT THE STARS MEAN: 5 World Class, 4 Excellent, 3 Good, 2 Fair, 1 Poor.
http://www.metropizza.com/
