Balistreri's Italian-American

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rwlade

Joined 7 years ago

Best Pizza in Milwaukee Area. I began my "pizza career" at the Caradaro Club in the third ward as a freshman at Marquette in 1953. When they went under I switched to Balistreri's which moved from 2nd place to first IMHO.

I now live in Florida, but go back to 68th and Wells every time I'm in town. The eggplant is fantastic as an appetizer and the pie (pepperoni [and cheese] only, please) is out of this world. If you want 20 toppings, I suggest you visit Gino's in Chicago. Keep the number of toppings down to keep the crust crunchy.

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asdfman

Joined 7 years ago

Soggy Pizza. If you get more than 4 toppings, request your pizza WITHOUT sauce; get olive oil instead...I know it sounds crazy, and the sauce is good, but the crust is crispier if you have a lot of toppings...

Doesn't Recommend

memelander

Joined 7 years ago

A Sicilian version of Chuck-E-Cheese Pizza. I've been here 3-4 times and I like the red and white check board table cloth motiff and the service was friendly. The food is great if you have had you taste bud's shot off, surgically removed or otherwise wern't born with taste buds to begin with. They charge extra for (certain) "fresh" veggies on the pizza- meaning that its stright out of a can. The crust is thin alright but not crispy and the prices are to high for the product. I guess if you want the pricy nostalgia for Milwaukee's 1st pizza joint your in luck. If you want Italian food try another restaurant. It is ok for kids in that the blandness of the ingredients won't make them cry and you won't have to chase them through plastic ball pits either.

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rwals

Joined 10 years ago

Hooked on their Pizza!. I've been coming here for years, and the pizza has always been great! They have the best thin crust pizza in the metropolitan area. The flavor will bring you back time and again. We've come here to celebrate various occasions, even a wake for my Mom 17+ years ago, who enjoyed Balestreri's too when she was with us. Be sure to have some eggplant, it's succulent taste will bring you back for more.

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unomonkeyboy

Joined 9 years ago

Balistreri's. I've been going to Balistreri's since I was dating in high school which was 34 years ago and the food and atmosphere has not changed. I've introduced my children to Balistreri's over the years and now we have another generation going with my grandson. People travel big distances to enjoy Balistreri's and that's no tease - You don't even mind the wait at times - It's just part of the experience - You'll see... Outstanding!

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Peter Behle

Joined 10 years ago

A long-time Wauwatosa favorite still cooks up some of the best thin-crust pies around in a family-friendly setting.. The Scene
There's always a crowd in this jam-packed casual Italian joint. Even in the dead of winter, expect to see folks linked up outside, waiting for a table. And, once inside, expect tight quarters--there's no room wasted as tables are set up with chairs nearly back to back. Service is friendly and efficient.

The Food
Start off with the French fried eggplant--sliced long and thin (like a pencil), then lightly battered and deep-fried, these are dangerously addictive, especially when dipped in the accompanying marinara sauce. Most everyone shares one of the huge pizzas, which are served on rectangular cookie sheets. The medium is more than plenty for a table of four. The crust is thin and hand-rolled, cooked to a crisp on the outer edge. It's best not to overload the toppings--the Balistreri's special (sausage, mushrooms, olives, onions) is about the max before you hit sogginess.

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gimmie_suga

Joined 10 years ago

Awesome Fried Eggplant!!!. I know it sounds gross but my grandma gave me a quarter to try it when I was 8 and I've been hooked ever since!! I'm obsessed!!!! I love it!!! Try the french fried eggplant at least once!!!!

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Tpstell

Joined 10 years ago

Secret sauce wins again. None better in the usa. How do I get a franchise in Portland OR?

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macan214

Joined 10 years ago

GREAT PIZZA. we have been going to Balistreris since he opened and we have not gotten a bad pizza yet. The choices on the menu are so many and the selection of toppings are great.The egg plant is out of this world

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rdelzer

Joined 10 years ago

Makes you Italian for a day.... The best pizza in town and in my neighborhood! If they delivered, I'd have to open a tab. The crust is cracker thin and just as crisp. The sauce is light on the tomato, which allows you to taste everything else. Excellent sausage. This is Wisconsin so the cheeses are blended perfectly. And for bachelors like myself you can fold it for power loading... YA!