I seem to always find myself going to the same restaurants in the Lower East Side. Not because there is a minimal selection, but because they’re just too damn good to not go back to and Speedy Romeo is one of them.

Located on Clinton Street, near other favorites such as Ivan Ramen and Clinton Street Baking Co., sits a retro and quaint pizza shop. As you enter the restaurant, you feel like you have been brought back to the 90’s with the use of large industrial signs and light blue seating booths. Spotlighted with many metal and brass light fixtures that reflect off the brick walls, the ambiance is quite relaxing and a great date night spot. The street itself brings about a chicness to the restaurant, surrounded by beautiful foliage and other restaurants and apartments. Not only is the space homey, but also open enough to where you don’t feel overwhelmed with the number of people.

In terms of the menu items, you can find almost anything for all different types of eaters. Whether you are vegetarian, have a gluten allergy, or hate cheese, there is something for everyone and it doesn’t stop at delicious. Here are some of my favorite menu items, ones I never stray away from no matter how many times I eat at Speedy Romeo:

Paul’s Boutique: This is essentially a Katz’s pastrami sandwich mixed with a Russ & Daughters everything bagel placed precisely on top of a pizza crust. This is by far my favorite item on their menu and I can’t seem to not order it when I am here. It is a great comfort food and has a very unique taste- nothing like you have ever had before. A fun fact- they actually use Katz’s pastrami! It’s the best thing to order if you are craving a pizza-type meal but not completely keen on a red sauce. Regardless, this is a staple item on the menu and comes highly recommended!

Kind Brother: Another unique pizza on the menu- featuring mushrooms, sag, mozzarella, bechamel sauce, and an egg. This is always my second go-to and I never regret it. The flavors compliment one another very nicely and the egg truly makes the entire dish. If coming here for the first time, I recommend ordering this because it really gives you a taste of what Speedy Romeo’s is. By making unique and delicious food that is different than your everyday pizza shop allows you to explore different varieties of “pizza”.

Depending on the day of the week, there are specials. Monday is all night Happy Hour and you can get a glass of the house wine (a little too sweet in my opinion) for $8. Tuesdays are Rib night and Wednesdays, wings. Pricepoint wise- it is not too bad. Some things can be a bit pricey depending on if you order a bottle of wine or some appetizers for the table, but you could walk out just under $35 a person with a glass of wine and a pizza to yourself.

Speedy Romeo is a fun, chic, and tasty spot that I highly recommend you check out if you have not already!