PHLReview
photo credit: Gab Bonghi
Bar 1010
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Editor's Note: Co-owner and pizzaiola Mike Fitzick left Bar 1010 after this review was written. We will be checking back in for an update.
We like to think of Bar 1010 in Northern Liberties as an adult pizza party. Loud hip hop is playing, boozy drinks are flowing, and the pizza—which is fantastic—is being eaten by all. Like all good pizza parties, other assorted snacks and shareables are available. But at this one, the wood-fired pies are really the only thing you need to have on your table.
photo credit: Gab Bonghi
The corner spot, formerly home to Spuntino, is still anchored by the tiled pizza oven, but has an upgraded interior. Families and groups of friends pile into the brown leather banquettes, and neighborhood couples share pizzas at the few marble two-tops. It’s all open to the connecting bar and pizza station, so aside from admiring the plants and the Drake soundtrack, you can see the masters at work.
The pizza is a thin, yet bubbly-crusted, Neapolitan-by-way-of-New-York hybrid. We prefer anything with a red sauce—the margherita and spicy ‘roni are addictive—but there are also more fun, creative pies than you’ll find at most pizza shops. The jalapeño pesto beautifully combines the minced spicy pepper with a dollop of pecorino sour cream, while the buffalo chicken (which usually makes for a sloppy slice) is crisp, spicy deliciousness.
photo credit: Gab Bonghi
That said, if Bar1010’s pizza is Meryl Streep, the rest of the menu is still at theater camp. The fresh, garlicky bruschetta is served on sad grocery store bread, and the salads are overdressed and underwhelming. The cocktails are solid and you definitely get your money’s worth, but nuanced libations they are not.
photo credit: Gab Bonghi
Like most parties, the one at Bar 1010 can get messy, and you may have your first few bites without plates or silverware. But when the pizza is this good, it's (usually) a bash to remember.
Food Rundown
photo credit: Gab Bonghi
Bacon Salad
photo credit: Gab Bonghi
Margherita
photo credit: Gab Bonghi
Spicy Roni
photo credit: Gab Bonghi
Jalapeño Pesto
photo credit: Gab Bonghi
Buffalo Chicken
photo credit: Gab Bonghi
Salted Caramel Espresso Gelato