Best Italian Cafe & Pizzeria in Elks Plaza

Bad news first — Best Italian is closed for renovations until May 2026. They're doing a full 50th anniversary makeover with new kitchen equipment and dining space refresh, so if you're visiting before then, you're out of luck.

But honestly? It's worth waiting for. This place has been slinging New York-style pizza since 1976 from the back of Elks Plaza, and we're talking about the real deal here — huge slices with that perfect chewy crust that actually holds up under all the toppings. The garlic knots are what keep locals coming back. Order them fresh if you can swing it.

Their calzones are massive. Like, genuinely plan-for-leftovers massive. We usually split one and still have enough for breakfast the next day. The Bloody Marys hit different here too, though that might be because you're sitting by the river on their outdoor patio when the weather cooperates.

Parking's always been a nightmare in Elks Plaza, so use the garage at 955 Parkway instead — it's like a two-minute walk and way less stressful. This is the original location, not the one on the main Parkway, and regulars swear there's a difference in quality.

Once they reopen in May, get there early or late to avoid the dinner rush. The counter service setup means you're grabbing your own drinks and silverware, but nobody seems to mind when the pizza's this good.