Tacconelli's (Philadelphia) Report

This is one of Philly's most lauded pizzerias, so we finally went yesterday.

On a side street in a pretty residential neighborhood, Tacconelli's is so unassuming that you can't guarantee being there until inside. There's a lot of charm (the "guys and dolls" rest room doors complete with sketches, the amazing brick oven that you have to peek in to see), and a lot of twists (no prices on the menu, and get this---you have to call ahead to order your dough). Guessing, we ordered three pies for three healthy appetites and came up about 33% short.

These are round brick-oven pies, extremely thin---great crusts.

First up, the white garlic pie---no sauce, just a lot of crunch. The thin-crust, garlic/oil/cheese combination was perfect. EXCELLENT!!

Second, the tomato and cheese pie topped with pepperoni. Great crust, but for me...the sauce could've been a little sweeter. The combination didn't work out the way I liked. Still that crust, makes a world of difference. GOOD!

Third, the tomato pie with 1/2 onion. The tomatoes (a thicker spread) were piled high and had a bit more tang than on pie #2. By this point we were stuffed, but this combination worked. VERY GOOD!

For me...this can't compare to the very best New Haven or Old Forge pizza, but the white garlic comes pretty darn close! Just remember to call ahead for your dough!

This is my first post, but as a transplanted Philly girl, I just wanted to say 'thanks for the memories'. Now I want pizza for breakfast!

Thanks for the report, Stanpnepa. I'll keep the place in mind the next time I go to Philly for a cheesesteak fix. And welcome, kitty626.

Stanpnepa, could you give a street address, and phone number (for dough-ordering)?

Sure.

2604 E. Somerset (between Thompson and Almond), Philadephia.
(215) 425 4983. They are only open in the early evening and closed Monday and Tuesday.

Tacconelli's recently opened a second location. It's on Lenola Road in Maple Shade, NJ. You do not have to reserve your pie shells in advance. The quality is very close to the original.
By the way, the reason for the pre-ordering requirement at the original location in Philly, is that the old, oil burning oven only runs and stays hot for x amount of time. After that, they can't make pizzas.

quote:

Originally posted by CheeseWit

Tacconelli's recently opened a second location. It's on Lenola Road in Maple Shade, NJ. You do not have to reserve your pie shells in advance. The quality is very close to the original.
By the way, the reason for the pre-ordering requirement at the original location in Philly, is that the old, oil burning oven only runs and stays hot for x amount of time. After that, they can't make pizzas.

Hmmm my home grounds (lenola) a return to the area 2?yrs ago found me lost in the maze of the new mall..

CW, I'll need some directions for Maple Shade. Thank you very much.