How long will I wait at Di Fara's this Saturday, Sept 29?

[Cookiepuss]

Fellow Chowhounds: I plan to head over to Di Fara's in Brooklyn early to get a full pie with one other person (so we will be requesting a table for two.) How long will I have to wait? I can go early, get there around 5:30PM. Any advice greatly appreciated!

[Geo8rge]

Pies are not the problem, slices are. If it is crowded take your pie and sodas to ocean parkway and eat in on the pedestrian mall.

[Bob Martinez]

Since the original poster has never been to DiFara's, let me point out that Ocean Parkway is a 10 or 15 minute walk from the place. There are no tables at Ocean Parkway, only benches. They will be balancing their cold pizza on their laps. It's better than standing on a street corner but scarcely ideal.

[brooklynr]

In the spirit of offering useful contextual information, I would also add that an itinerary of DiFara's -- Stone Street -- Baked is impractical by car, and even moreso by public transit.

[Bob Martinez]

Actually I think that a car is the only way to hit all of those places in a 3 hour time period. Parking near DiFara's isn't hard and it's even easier in Red Hook. If the OP has a car it also provides a place to sit and eat if DiFara's is crowded.

I've parked in lower Manhattan on a Saturday many times but it takes some persistence and a knowledge of the local streets since they don't follow a grid. If the OP doesn't know the local streets it would probably be best to bite the bullet and pay for a parking lot.

[bobjbkln]

I figure at 5:30, even on a Saturday, you'll find two seats when you come in. Expect to wait 75 to 90 minutes for your pie if you get up and makes sure he sees you at the counter every once in a while. I recommend bringing a decent bottle of red. Drink half slowly while you are waiting and the other half with your pie. If you have patience, you will be rewarded.

[Cookiepuss]

Wow - thanks every body. The video on Di Fara's was great, it helped me to "understand" the situation, I had no idea it was a hole in the wall. I have now decided to go early, noon will be much better. There is also an Oyster Festival in Brooklyn so I will hit that as well. Finally I will top it all off with a visit to Baked in Red Hook, which I have been dying to try ever since I first saw the owner make his sweet n salty cake on Martha Stewart Show. I will report back if my stomach doesn't explode.

[welle]

please do tell more about the Oyster Festival. TIA!

[Cookiepuss]

Here is info on the Oyster Festival:
Shuck: Stone Street Oyster Festival
12pm-? Sat Sep 29, outside Ulysses
58 Stone St, at Hanover Sq
This massive annual fest shucks up Blue Points on the half shell, fried, and in stew, plus cold pints and live bands. Tickets must be purchased for drinks/mollusks, but admission's free, giving you the option of strolling around ostentatiously devouring a steaming slice of pizza, just to be a jerk.
More info at swiftbarnyc.com.

[fishermb]

Stone Street is in Manhattan my friend.

[Puppimus]

Indeed, the Oysterfest is Hanover Sq., which is around/between Pearl and Stone streets, south of Wall St. in Manhattan.
If you're looking for Brooklyn fun this weekend, there's the Dumbo Art Festival today through Sunday, and on Sunday only, the Atlantic Antic (lots of good eatin' there) and Bubby's Pie Social!!

http://bubbys.com/index.php/main/news...

[The Engineer]

It depends how pointy your elbows are, and whether you have any shame.

[RGR]

At DiFara's, there no such thing as "requesting a table." It's a hole-in-the-wall dump with 3 or 4 tables. When it's busy, good luck snagging one. If there is such a thing as a slow time there, it would probably be mid-week between 2 and 3 p.m.

[Cheese Boy]

RGR, you neglected to mention it's also a GREEN 'hole-in-the-wall dump'.

Have a look at those walls --> http://www.chowhound.com/topics/444738

[RGR]

Frankly, Cheese Boy, I think it's better to just eat the pizza and not look around too much. lol

[Cheese Boy]

And miss all those accolades on a kermit green background?
I suppose it's all part of the charm. I never looked, but I wonder what color the floor is, and does it clash with the walls? Hhhmm....

[bigmackdaddy]

5:30pm is waaaaaaay too late. Go for the 12pm opening.

[gnocchi]

Cookiepuss:

Bigmac is right. If you don't want to wait, and have the option, go when he opens on SAT. SAT's are busy at most popular places, especially this one.

You can't request a table; you'll be lucky to request the pizza and get it in a timely manner. Enjoy.

[Tay]

I'm sooo tempted to say the Poster should go now, RIGHT NOW! , but even though I'd be kidding, I know I'd get pounded.
I cannot wait to read the posting on this one :-}