Lil’ Frankie’s is a feel-good, super casual, lively, Italian mecca located in the East Village. The wood burning oven pumps out Neapolitan-style pizzas with a perfectly fluffy crust and great tomato sauce. The dark lighting, loud music blaring Michael Jackson tunes, old brick walls and crazy pawnshop looking chandeliers make this a winning birthday spot and place for large groups. There are three overly crowded rooms, and the weekends require about a 45-minute wait period. If you’ve never experienced burrata mozzarella or stracciatella cheese, I demand you sprint here and treat your tastebuds asap. You’ll never taste a more surprising, creamy or better cheese paired with tomatoes, basil, balsamic and olive oil. Lil’ Frankie’s absolutely has the best in the city, and they import it daily from the homeland (Italy). It’s best to order a few dishes to split with the table such as: salad, handmade pastas and pizza so you can try several flavors of Lil’ Frankie’s magnificence. The scruffy waiters provide a fun and easy-going atmosphere and locals and visitors love it! It’s well-priced, and don’t forget it’s cash only. Like Lil’ Frankie’s motto states the menu is “designed with your mouth in mind” for sure!
***Tip: Hop on the Frank Prisinzano bandwagon and try his other Italian joints in the East Village: Supper, Frank and the newest restaurant called Sauce.