Monday, December 19, 2011
Restaurants Pandemonium Pizzeria
Posted by Cliff Bostock @cliffbostock on Mon, Dec 19, 2011 at 9:30 AM
It didn't take much time to order our three pies. In fact, it didn't take much time to receive them, thanks to Antico's three 900-degree ovens. But, holy crap, finding a place to sit was a nightmare. It was not too different from the Varsity on a game day.
We ordered the Margherita, the Diavola and the San Gennaro, all gooey and delicious. We ate more than half the pizza standing up. The pans were set on stacks of kitchen supplies. Halfway through, we were able to race to claim some table space.
I suppose this scene could be easily romanticized — hundreds of people at community tables, all bonded by devouring the city's best pizza, awful music blaring, the team of pizzaiolos rushing around, people talking about the char, the char, the char.
I still like the place a lot. Just, please, don't ever shout "Fire!" in there.
Comments (11)
Showing 1-11 of 11
Love the pizza, but I am blessed to live close-by. My latent claustrophobia kicks-in whenever I enter the place, so I am thrilled to have take-out as an option!
like
dislike
The night we went, we were 8 adults and a 3 week old baby (in carrier, unconscious). The Antico people had allowed somebody to reserve the three tables closest to the ovens! These sat empty most of the time we were there. Another table was occupied by 3 adults and 4 children. They had all finished their pizza but the 3 adults were working their way slowly through a 1.5 liter bottle of Gallo. We never did get to sit down, except somebody squeezed a spot at their table for the new mother to sit. The pizza was delicious, but the seating situation put a damper. I'll never go there again with more than 4 people.
good- stop bringing unconscious babies to restaurants with limited seating.
It is a problem at antico, but I relish the warmer months where we can eat out in the parking lot.
hahaha zedsmith. I knew I'd get a baby hater. There's a big difference between a 10-month old screaming banshee tipping everything over (please keep that shit at chuck e's!) and a tiny baby in a carrier. All you need for that is a tiny bit of over- or under-table space, which was nonexistent. IttyBabies can usually be relied upon to stay unconscious or happily boob-attached for several weeks. Question: can you take your adult beverages into the parking lot? That would be a big help. Even for balmy winter nights that may crop up.
Love the place but sure wouldn't ever bring more than four here. Like anywhere that doesn't take reservations, you probably don't want to go at peak time if you don't like crowds... Still, the place is plenty worth it even with the chaos of seating.
Parking lot adult beverages should be fine since it's still property of the business selling you booze.
I love the pizza at Antico, but likewise hate the seating arrangements. It is much like Farmburger. Why should I go pay $20 for a burger, fries, and beer and end up holding it while standing for 20 minutes waiting for a table? I bet that Farmburger would be really awesome if I got to eat it while it was still warm.
I've been to Antico once after hearing so much about it. But I was so overwhelmed by the noise and crowd that I don't even remember what the pizza tasted like honestly. To me, the ambiance -- including the luxury of getting to sit down -- ranks up there with the quality of the food. I'll make sure I'm in my zen mode before trying to go back.
If I go back to Antico, it'll be for takeout only. The crowds and lack of seating have made dining there a miserable experience.
"I suppose this scene could be easily romanticized "
No it can't.
That place is horrific. It's like a labor camp. I walked in and straight back out again. No pizza is worth that crap. I can only conclude they hate their customers. That's fine. Grant Central likes me.
Latest in Omnivore
-
Local restaurants honor the late Warren Bruno
Percentage of sales will be donated in Warren Bruno's honor.
-
Weekend food events, May 25-27: 3B Fest, a patio party, and more
Weekend events for Friday May 25 to Sunday May 27.
-
Waiting on Shaun Doty's chicken at Ansley Mall
It's a game of retail dominoes
- More »
More by Author
-
Burgers and hot dogs all day at Bocado and HD1 4
Gourmet renditions of childhood faves
-
Tasty China coming to Emory area 3
Tasty China 2 rises from the Sichuan ashes of Peter Chang
- More »
