Lucali's still great...

[Peter]

Last night (Monday) I swung by Lucali's around 9:30 at night with 3 family members.

We had 2 pies -- one cheese with fresh basil, one pepperoni.

I'm happy to report that his pizza's are better than ever -- they might have been the 2nd best pie I've had in my ~10 visits. (Second only to my first-ever visit which was probably colored by my surprise at such a good pie.)

The pepperoni, which had disappointed on numerous previous visits, seemed spicier than usual and was sliced so thin that some of it crisped up beautifully and gave an added crunch.

And for those who've avoided Lucali's because of the crowds and waits, Mark reports that while things are busier than ever, Monday nights have been a slower during the Summer. When we got there at 9:30 there were only 4 or 5 occupied tables.

Oh, and he's got the A/C up and running -- no more sweatbox conditions. ;)

[briochebun]

No, I live in the neighborhood and have gotten several takeout pies there. You call ahead and place your order with a woman sitting outside on a bench with a phone. Then when you arrive, she goes inside and gets your pizza. It's a strange system, but surprisingly efficient. The pizza is not quite as fresh when I carry it the five blocks home, but that's made up for the by lack of wait an dhassle.

[brooklynr]

When's the last time you got a takeout pie there? I've had a number of takeout pies in the past as well, but when we tried to get one 2-3 weeks ago, we were told "no takeout." Whether that was a one-night thing (because they were too busy) or a new policy, I'm not sure.

[briochebun]

Huh...weird. The last time was probably about 3 weeks ago. I can't imagine why they'd all of a sudden stop doing takeout. Anyway, I hope it's only temporary!

[brooklynr]

We were disappointed, obviously -- it's so superior to the delivery options in the area. My thought at the time was that it might be a weekend issue -- if I recall correctly we inquired on a Friday evening (on the early side, say 7 or so). Maybe they want to concentrate on the walk-in business solely? Hard to say. It's worth calling and asking again, though, the next time I want takeout.

[Tay]

When you refer to "takeout" do you mean "delivery" as opposed to calling, placing an order and then picking up?

[brooklynr]

No, I mean takeout as in calling, placing and order and picking up.

[robotcoupe]

The takeout situation is case by case, depending on how busy they are. I have called at 8:30 or 9 some nights and they can't do it. The same policy goes with their "reservations" system. It's more of a standby list where they call you when your table is ready. Some nights they seem to cut the list off really early, so basically the point is you can never count on getting a table or a pie there on any given night. It's quirky and can be annoying, but it's just the price you pay for the good stuff.

[brooklynr]

Thanks for clarifying -- that makes sense to me, given the informal nature of the place.

[Clinton Hiller]

someone mentioned a short time ago that Lucali's doesn't do take out. Is this true?

[kam0424]

I LOVE the calzones, the cheese is spectacular.

[korgy]

was there tonight - Saturday on Labor Day weekend - we had to wait about 20 minutes. it was well worth the wait. having never been to DiFara's, this was clearly the best pizza i have ever tasted. the crust was magnificent - flaky, light, crispy and chewy at the same time. fresh tomato sauce, fresh basil.

will definitely be back