Fat Tony’s

Lunch at fat Tony’s. Had to be downtown on a Monday and having my grown sons with me I could think of no better place to get some good quality pizza at a great price than Tony’s.

I really need to come some evening and try the pastas and sandwiches, but this was a pizza day. We love the atmosphere, the good service, and the great food. As soon as we walked in we were greeted by the bartender and offered a seat. Our server arrived quickly with menus, suggestions, and a smile. We finally settled on the Deluxe (everything) pizza.

We talked, watched some ESPN and some CNN and had a great time catching up. When the pizza came it was perfect. The crust is flexible but toothsome–not wet or floppy–with a dusting of (I think) cornmeal on the bottom. The toppings were so fresh you could smell the ingredients! Oh yes, green peppers, black olives, various meats, and a great sauce.

A great pizza doesn’t call for much more than the chef’s attention and fresh ingredients and you get both at Fat Tony’s. You’ve been to places where it seems like the pizza was just “assembled” or thrown together, not “prepared” for the restaurant’s guests? Not here. Everything here looks good, smells good, tastes good, and is served well by a competent staff in unique surroundings.

I love this place!

The good: fresh, hot, tasty, clean, fun.

The could be better: nothing!

 

Fat Tony’s

I don’t know Tony. I don’t know if he’s really fat. But the pub which bears his name is serving up some of the best bar-pub-good-times food I’ve had.

Tony’s is in another of Wilmington’s reclaimed warehouse-type buildings on Front Street. The approach is friendly and inviting and is filled with tables and chairs for outdoor dining. Folks are usually out here talking, laughing, eating, sipping, and generally enjoying the balmy summer evenings. Inside is a cavernous room with a high arched ceiling, lots of old wood, and even what I assume are the original structural steel roof supports. Beyond this is another room with several dining tables and chairs, lit with small globe lights strung from side to side for an almost outdoor feel. The music was just at background level so conversation was easy.

Since this was a spur-of-the-moment trip, we settled on The Special, (Pizza with everything) but became keenly aware of the terrific looking burgers being carried out of the kitchen. Burgers, fries, rings, soups, — everything looked and smelled great.

Our server was fast but friendly–no needless small talk. Drinks were brought, none went dry, and when the pizza came it was awesome. Great ingredients on a perfect crust made this thing a pleasure to eat. It was hot, aromatic, and full of flavor–just what we wanted after walking around downtown Wilmington.

And value? Four of us ate for LESS than $30.00–drinks and all. And I mean value–not cheap or cheap looking! Tony’s is top-notch, clean, well run, well staffed, and one of the most impressive bars I’ve seen, with lots top shelf spirits.

I will be returning to try out the great looking salads, soups, breads, sandwiches and sides. Try it yourself and let me know how you liked it!

In Summary:

The Good: great service, real value, de-licious food, ambiance/decor

The Could be Better: This trip was perfect.

http://www.fattonysitalianpub.com/index.htm