Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza is no ordinary pizza chain. I wouldn’t even call it a chain, just because it sounds too demeaning and cliché. It’s so much more than that.
Nearly 2 years ago, I was visiting back home (Long Island) during my college winter break. I still remember stumbling upon the location in Woodbury (while I was picking out my marvelous Lady GaGa costume next door). It was relatively new and the pizza style is well-done, just the way my New York pizza palate was accustomed to. Inside was a very welcoming, neighborhood atmosphere and friendly servers. I even remembered what I ate and drank! (now that has got to tell you something). My bloody mary was quite exceptional and my family ordered a prosciutto, arugula, pizza that very shortly disappeared. After our lunch, I had to catch my plane and I tried to order some more pizza to stick into my carry on. My mom reminded me the aroma would cause the passengers to fight me for it.
I was quite upset to return to the soggy pizza, state Florida. Since, I’ve lived in the sunshine state for the past 5 years I pretty much refuse to eat pizza (at least when I’m sober). When I noticed that Anthony’s was opening their doors in Coral Gables, I literally screamed. It appeared a mere few months ago, and I cannot believe I’ve even waited this long to eat there. Last night after my meeting with the Young Associates of the Coral Gables Museum my boyfriend suggested we finally go! I’ve only talked it up, about hundred times.
When we walked in we were immediately greeted by the smiley hostess and sat down at a high-top by the bar. The refreshing thing about this restaurant is that everything is neatly spaced out, tables aren’t clustered together and the comfortable layout is relaxing. If you sit at one of the tables, you can also catch a “winter” Miami breeze since they can leave the surrounding glass doors open. For large parties they also have a long rectangular table by the bar. All the tables are a dark, deep brown, wood, including the bar, creating a slightly laid back atmosphere.
Our server Mike introduced himself to us as soon as we were seated and automatically brought over water. One of the many reasons I love this coal-fired pizza joint is because, of their awesome selection of beers. They have a lot of beers on draft, as well as a variety of craft beers. Not a beer fan? No worries, try one of their cocktail creations or some vino. The wine menu is pretty notable, including some of my natural “go-to” Cabernets, like the Beringer or Louis Martini. I ordered a refreshingly, earthy 60 minute IPA Dogfish but, I was also in between my other favorites: Magic Hat #9, Peroni and Seadog Bluepaw Blueberry Wheat Ale.
Another reason I love Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza is the simplistic pizza menu. Majority of Italian restaurants have booklets with about 10 different sections and way too many food options. Typically, there are only a few decent dishes on these menus anyways-if you’re lucky. Not this one. It’s one, uncomplicated page long. There is a short list with types of Italian soul food, pies, and sandwiches/salads. One nontraditional choice are the oven roasted chicken wings, that I am very intrigued to try.
According to the website, owner Anthony Bruno stresses quality not quantity. Anyone who bites into his food can tell the ingredients are only fresh. There is absolutely no rubber “Papa Johns like” cheese, or cardboard crust. Our server also informed us, the owner of the Coral Gables location has new produce every other day. No wonder this quickly growing concept has almost 50 locations.
Italian Salad
Let’s talk food:
Italian Salad: Shockingly, there is no Caesar salad which I was initially disappointed about until I tried this. For $9.95 this huge salad feeds probably 3-4 people (even though it says 2). It has tons of ingredients, such as olives, celery, hard-boiled egg pieces, tomatoes, celery, red onions and a fabulous homemade vinaigrette (would love the recipe). You’re more than welcome to add Gorgonzola or Mozzarella for a small fee. Quality and quantity are both reflective in this bowl.
Small Meatballs
Meatballs with Ricotta Cheese: The small order came with 2 large meatballs in tomato sauce with a large dollop of rich, creamy ricotta and 2 slices of toasty Italian bread, right out of the oven. First off, if you’ve only eaten the ricotta from the dairy section at your local supermarket you will throw that cheap lard out, after you taste this. Yes, I recommend dipping your pizza slices into the thick, smooth white cloud. The meatballs and sauce were fine but, I always have high expectations since I make that from scratch.
Our Small Pie
Pizza: We ordered the small 12″ pie with prosciutto and arugula. You certainly your get toppings worth, there was almost too much arugula and thinly sliced FRESH prosciutto covering the entire pie. You cannot beat the quality; the arugula tasted like it was grown from the kitchen and the prosciutto reminded me of the authentic Italian meat markets back in Long Island. From the thin crispy crust to the homemade sauce and toppings, it’s the best pizza in town. We even had leftovers, that I just inhaled…still so good.
Another important characteristic of this establishment is how quickly our food arrived, it does only take 4 minutes to cook a pie in a coal-fried oven. Often enough, the very laid back reputation Miami has can unfortunately rub off on the kitchen staff and front of house. Our server was always attentive and all our food came out in a timely fashion. I know this review is 100% positive, but it’s that good. The only drawback I may make is the drinks seemed to have taken a little longer than I expected, since it wasn’t a full house. Then again, I believe there was only one bartender and I know it’s difficult to multi-task between the bar and incoming drink tickets.
It’s funny how our night ended up at Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza, we were planning on getting take out but, the old school music and friendly, warm atmosphere is too inviting . It makes you want to sit down and enjoy your meal there, especially if you’re a sports fan. There are TV’s everywhere and it’s no surprise Dan Marino is a partner with Anthony Bruno. It’s a great place to watch a game….hello there is pizza, wings and beer. If you’re lucky enough, you might even catch their happy hour and get half off beer. There are also very frugal lunch specials, if you want to grab a quick bite during work.
Well, there you have it. There is finally a Brooklyn Style Pizza place near me and I couldn’t be happier.
Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza makes eating pizza an incredibly, enjoyable experience.
Location: 2626 Ponce De Leon Blvd. Coral Gables, Check out their website to see what’s close to you
Reservations: Suggested during game days-(786) 456-9200
Attire: Casual
Also, be on the lookout for events in your area!
