The 7 Must-Try Slices At Knapp Street Pizza: Uncovering South Brooklyn’s Legendary Pie
Few pizzerias in South Brooklyn command the local reverence of Knapp Street Pizza, a true neighborhood institution nestled in Sheepshead Bay. As of late 2025, this establishment continues to be a vibrant hub for classic New York-style slices and full-scale Italian-American dishes, consistently earning high praise for its fresh ingredients and quick, friendly service. Recent customer reviews, some as current as the last few weeks, highlight that the quality remains top-tier, making it a mandatory stop for anyone craving an authentic Brooklyn pizza experience.
The secret to its enduring success lies in a perfect blend of old-world Sicilian heritage and modern, inventive slice culture, distinguishing it from countless other neighborhood spots. From its iconic Grandma Pie to inventive creations like the Penne Vodka Slice, Knapp Street Pizza is more than a place to grab a quick meal—it's a testament to the borough's rich culinary tradition.
The Founders and Family Legacy: A Profile of Knapp Street Pizza
Knapp Street Pizza is a story rooted in the classic American dream, beginning with a young immigrant’s passion for New York’s signature food. The founder, Tom Sciortino, is the central figure in this narrative.
- Name: Tom Sciortino (also listed as Thomas Sciortino)
- Origin: Palermo, Sicily, Italy
- Arrival in US: Moved to the United States at the age of 14.
- Inspiration: After tasting his very first slice of American pizza, Sciortino was immediately inspired, leading him down the path of becoming a restaurateur.
- Role: Founder and Owner of Knapp St. Pizza Restaurant.
- Business Entities: Associated with Knapp St. Pizza Ltd., and in some filings, Knapp St. Pizza II Ltd. and Brooklyn Pizza II, Inc., indicating a complex, multi-location, or evolving family business structure.
- Key Associates: Court documents suggest other key figures in the business include Albert Ruscio and Francesco Sciortino, pointing to a family-run or partnership operation that maintains the local, personal feel.
- Location: The primary and original location is 2157 Knapp Street, Brooklyn, NY 11229.
Tom Sciortino's journey from Palermo to the heart of Sheepshead Bay established a foundation built on traditional Italian cooking principles applied to the uniquely American format of the pizzeria. This blend of authentic roots and local adaptation is the core of the restaurant’s identity and its success.
The 7 Essential Slices and Dishes You Must Order
While Knapp Street Pizza offers a full Italian-American menu—complete with Chicken Marsala, Chicken Francese, and various pasta dishes—it is the pizza and related specialty items that have solidified its legendary status in South Brooklyn. These are the seven essential items that consistently receive the highest praise from local reviewers and food enthusiasts.
1. The Signature Grandma Pie
The Grandma Pie is arguably the most famous item on the menu and a benchmark for the style in Brooklyn. This thin, rectangular pizza features a delicate, crispy crust, a light layer of tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and a generous sprinkle of garlic and basil. It is a must-try for any visitor and is frequently cited in recent reviews as the gold standard.
2. The Penne Vodka Slice
A true slice-shop marvel, the Penne Vodka slice takes two Italian-American staples—penne pasta and creamy vodka sauce—and combines them on a crispy pizza base. It's a rich, hearty, and distinctly Brooklyn creation that is consistently highlighted as a favorite among patrons ordering delivery or takeout.
3. The Upside Down Sicilian
This is a specific, unique take on the classic thick-crust Sicilian pizza. The "upside down" moniker refers to the layering: a thick, airy dough is topped with a layer of cheese, and the robust, savory tomato sauce is applied last, creating a unique texture and flavor profile. It has become a popular item for food reviewers and local connoisseurs.
4. Garlic Knot Sandwiches
Moving beyond the slices, the Garlic Knot Sandwiches are lauded as "incredible" by long-time customers. These are not just side items; they are full-fledged sandwiches where the soft, garlicky knots replace traditional bread, often filled with classic options like meatballs, chicken parm, or the highly praised Philly Cheese Steak.
5. The Classic Round Regular Cheese Pizza
For purists, the regular cheese pizza is the ultimate test of any pizzeria, and Knapp Street’s version passes with flying colors. It is the foundation of their success, featuring a balanced sauce, high-quality mozzarella, and a classic New York foldable crust. It serves as the base for many of their other specialty pies.
6. The Vodka Chicken Vodka Pie
Elevating the vodka sauce concept, this specialty pie features tender pieces of chicken cutlet smothered in the creamy, pink vodka sauce and baked to perfection. It’s a richer, more substantial version of the Penne Vodka slice, perfect for a full pie order.
7. The Stuffed Vegetables Pizza
Catering to vegetarians and those seeking a healthier, yet still indulgent, option, the Stuffed Vegetables pizza is a popular choice. It's a specialty pie that often features a mix of fresh, roasted vegetables like spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, and peppers, encased in a layer of cheese and dough.
Topical Authority: Knapp Street Pizza in the Brooklyn Culinary Landscape
Knapp Street Pizza holds a significant position within the competitive Brooklyn food scene, particularly in the diverse area of Sheepshead Bay. Its success is a reflection of the neighborhood's appreciation for quality, family-run businesses.
The restaurant’s extensive menu, which includes Italian, Vegetarian, and even Seafood options, gives it a broad appeal that captures the eclectic tastes of the South Brooklyn community. This wide variety helps it maintain a loyal customer base and stand out against more niche competitors.
Local Community Involvement and Entities:
The pizzeria is deeply ingrained in the local fabric, often interacting with local entities like the NYPD's 61st Precinct for community events, reinforcing its role as a neighborhood anchor. Other relevant entities that define the local culinary scene include nearby competitors like Delmar Pizzeria, which has been serving the area since 1957, highlighting the long-standing tradition of quality pizza in Sheepshead Bay.
The Distinction from 'Knapp Pizza 2':
It is important for both locals and visitors to note the distinction mentioned in several reviews: "Knapp Street Pizza" (2157 Knapp St) is generally regarded as the original and best, with reviewers explicitly advising against confusing it with "Knapp Pizza 2," which reportedly operates under different ownership. This distinction underscores the importance of the original location’s quality and reputation.
The ongoing high ratings and recent positive feedback, with delivery orders being described as "early and the delivery guy was really great," confirm that the restaurant is not resting on its history. It continues to deliver on service and quality, making it a reliable choice for a fresh, authentic slice of Brooklyn pizza in late 2025.
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