We get Venezia's and Vincent's, yo, but a Brooklyn-style pizza parlor called Upper Crust? Perhaps Brooklyn's gone highbrow since we visited last. Either way, we're still stoked for a new 'za joint on the upper east side. Upper Crust Pizza & Patio Wine Bar recently opened in the old Brickyard/Native New Yorker spot at 20235 N. Cave Creek Rd. in Phoenix. Steve Stephens, former owner of Blue Adobe Grill and one-time GM of the kitschy Bobby McGee's in Phoenix, is a partner in the venture.
The space hasn't changed much (the red-and-white checked linen tablecloths are still there, to some customers' chagrin), but the addition of a large 21-and-over patio and 27 plasma TVs is a good start. The hand-held iPod ordering system is pretty sweet, too. No more messed up orders or huge waits for drinks!
Upper Crust's menu runs the Italian gamut from wings and caprese salads to baked lasagna, ravioli, and hand-tossed pizzas like the house specialty with buffalo chicken and blue cheese crumbles. They've also got 12 beers on tap and a decent wine selection including Argentinean reds, Italian whites and Prosecco sparkling wine. Upper Crust is open from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. daily; check their website for more info.