Hawthorne's New York Pizza and Bar Highland Creek — Restaurant in Charlotte

Hawthorne’s NYC Pizza, an unassuming gem in the heart of the city, has garnered a loyal following, thanks to its unapologetically authentic approach to New York-style pizza. Ask for Dylan he will definitely treat you like family. However, it’s not just their classic pizza slices that steal the show—one item that truly demands attention is their Italian Sausage and Pepperoni Calzone. This dish is a standout, effortlessly combining traditional Italian flavors with a uniquely satisfying texture that delivers both in taste and visual appeal.

The Crust: Perfectly Crispy, Yet Pillowy The crust of the calzone is where Hawthorne’s really sets itself apart. The dough is masterfully crafted, offering the ideal balance between a crisp, golden-brown exterior and a soft, slightly chewy interior. As you cut into the calzone, the satisfying crack of the crust is a promise of the indulgent bite to come. Unlike many calzones that can feel heavy, Hawthorne's strikes the perfect harmony—crispy without being overly crunchy, and light without sacrificing structure.

The Filling: A Flavor Explosion Inside, the calzone is packed with a rich, savory filling that features a generous blend of Italian sausage and pepperoni. The sausage is lean, yet juicy, with just the right amount of seasoning—savory with a subtle kick of fennel and garlic. The pepperoni is sliced thin, crisping up beautifully as it bakes. Each bite provides a burst of smoky, slightly spicy goodness that complements the mild richness of the sausage. The blend of cheeses—mozzarella, ricotta, and a hint of Parmesan—binds everything together, offering a smooth, creamy texture that contrasts nicely with the hearty meats.

Sauce: The Right Amount of Zing A calzone without a good dipping sauce is like a pizza without cheese—it’s just incomplete. Fortunately, Hawthorne’s delivers with a robust, tangy marinara that is both fresh and vibrant. The sauce is not overly acidic, but has a perfect balance of sweetness and tang to cut through the richness of the meats and cheeses. It’s the ideal companion for dipping or spreading inside the calzone, depending on your preference.

Portion Size: Generous, But Not Overwhelming Portion-wise, this calzone is hefty but not excessive. It’s the kind of meal that leaves you satisfied without the post-meal regret that comes with overly large servings. The calzone’s size feels just right for one hungry person or can easily be shared between two if paired with a side salad or appetizers.

Overall Experience Hawthorne’s NYC Pizza has elevated the humble calzone into something extraordinary. The combination of expertly prepared dough, quality ingredients, and a careful balance of flavors makes their Italian Sausage and Pepperoni Calzone a must-try for anyone who loves Italian cuisine or is looking for a hearty, comforting meal. This dish truly encapsulates the essence of New York-style Italian comfort food—bold, flavorful, and impossible to forget.

Whether you're a longtime fan of Hawthorne’s or a first-time visitor, this calzone will undoubtedly leave you craving more. A true testament to the skill and passion of the chefs behind the counter, it’s a dish that embodies the spirit of authentic New York pizza and Italian culinary...

Call in an order and go pick it up and it will be handled!

Customers don’t even touch the front door ... there is a full service employee greeter there to open the door!

Want to sit in your car?? No worries ... they will bring your order to you and you can sit in your car or stand around and watch things under control as good as can be.

Difficulty feeling comfortable getting out? I recommend you drop by and see what all restaurants need to be doing!

I felt comfortable here at Hawthorne’s and I’ve yet to see any restaurant handle this any better!

Review pre-pandemic:

Hawthorne’s is ten times better than Olive Garden. We just finished another great meal at Hawthorne’s Prosperity! The leftovers from Hawthorne’s are actually even better the next day when I reheat them. Olive Garden leftovers I throw away. Please everybody keep standing in line at Olive Garden while me and my family eat drink and play Trivia on line at Hawthorne’s! Locals hangout regularly here and they love the drinks and the pizzas! I call in an order every once in awhile but my favorite way is to go in and order in the back at the takeout register and then I belly up to the bar and see if I can drink three before they have the order ready... so far only been able to drink one or two and then they summon me that my order...

This was my first time visiting this restaurant and eating here. The food was okay. I ate the Cajun pasta and it was alright but it didn’t have much seasoning (basic salt and pepper). My partner got the Alfredo and it was pretty bland as well. Nonetheless it was okay and the atmosphere was nice.

The issue came in when paying the bill. The bill was $60ish and the server was given $100. It took quite a while for him to bring the change (we gave grace because maybe he had to find change). However, when we opened the container, there was only $30 and change instead of the $37 and change that it should’ve been. When asked about it, the server acted as if he didn’t know what happened and was very hesitant to give the actual correct change back. There was another person there (could’ve been the manager) who acted clueless and as if we were in the wrong or split the charge between two different payments. It was poorly handled and the server didn’t even apologize for the miss, it was as if he didn’t want to even give up the change. It didn’t sit well with me as a first time visitor and we won’t be visiting again. We’re very generous tippers and believe in the service industry however, this is a lack of trust and integrity when dealing with...