We hit Phil’s Pizza on Varick, just north of Houston, this week. Phil’s has been run by the owner, Tony, since it opened in 1972. Tony ran the shop with his cousin until the early 80s, when his wife, Rose, came on board. Tony and Rose have been running the place together ever since. They’re only open weekdays until 7, and not at all on the weekends. It’s a two person operation, and they aren’t interested in hiring anyone else.
“It’s a family business and we wanna keep it that way. We’re happy just working lunch, cleaning up, leaving, and having a normal life.” - Tony, owner
Phil’s isn’t as well known as some other West Village pizzerias, but they have a loyal following of regular customers, some of whom have been coming here since the 80s. We got a chance to talk to Angelo, a regular who eats at Phil’s two or three times a week.
“You come here and they know your name. It’s a mom and pop place, you see the same people every day. Not like a place, you go in, and you’re just another customer. We actually talk about our families, what you’re going to do on the weekends. I grew up watching Cheers, so it kind of reminds of that. You walk in, and its like, ‘Hey how you doing!’” - Angelo, eater
