The Fort Cafe — Restaurant in Forty Fort

Let me say this up front: We went for pizza at the Fort Cafe in Forty Fort and left disappointed.

Not because the pizza was bad. Quite the contrary. The 8-cut, Old Forge-style pizza was very tasty, with a baked crust topped with a balanced amount of tangy sauce, chunks of tomato, and cheese. It certainly wasn’t because of the staff. Our server was extremely friendly and delightful, making us feel right at home within 10 seconds with her glowing, warm smile.

The reason for our dismay stems from the fact that we didn’t ignore our hankering for pizza and missed out on what appeared to be some amazing dishes.

We arrived fairly late on a Friday evening at around 7:40, and were perplexed that – although the restaurant closes at 9 p.m. – we may have missed being served a meal because we arrived after 7:15. Really? All we wanted was to sit, eat some pizza, and leave. However, we completely misjudged our expectations.

We were fortunate enough to get a table anyway, and after looking at the menu, realized that Fort Cafe is no mere pizza parlor with an attached bar. Selections such as chicken or veal saltimbocca, scallops, shrimp vodka, baked gnocchi, and other dishes looked exquisitely enticing. Combine that with some wine, and one has an enjoyable experience.

Chef Jeff Piazza, who was once the co-owner of fine dining restaurant Gelpiaz in Kingston (now Kevin’s) and the nearby Whitehouse Diner, is at the helm of this tiny, unassuming eatery. He brings with him years of experience, and I’m very much looking forward to returning. Our table afforded me the advantage of peeking into the kitchen, where I was able to see him toss food in a pan over large flames. After glancing at what was eventually being brought out to patrons, I was envious. The meals looked very appealing, and here I was slumming it with only pizza.

From what I’ve been told, since the menu consistently changes, checking Facebook for daily posts is recommended. Although the dining room is simple and small, with the tables being very closely arranged, one does not feel cramped. The small venue makes for a comfortable, friendly neighborhood vibe.

So check Facebook, make a reservation, and eat delicious pizza only if you must. But I feel I must warn you that you’ll likely miss out on a very splendid dining...

This place was a mess. Ordered a pizza and 2 orders of cheese fries. Was told to be there in 1/2 hour. Arrived and waited another 1/2 hour. People who dined in were seated and got their food before I did! When I finally did get my to go order I only got one of the fries. When I questioned this I was told the kitchen put both orders in one container! Who does this? What's to say I didn't have people at the house and someone ordered fries for themselves? Rather than wait another hour I cut my losses and went home. Pizza was fair at best. Single order of fries were half cold with coagulated cheese. Members of staff wore masks with only their mouth covered. There was zero social distancing enforced as every booth in the dining area was packed and people there for pick ups were crammed into the bar area dispite a sign in the door stating a 6 person maximum for pick ups. Save your money and protect your health and go...

We ordered the New Years Ever Dinner for 4 12/31/2023 “Filet Mignon tips” with a mushroom burgundy sauce and roasted carrots. Lobster ravioli with shrimp, lemoncello garlic and white wine sauce. It was terrible…filet tips were like something that was left in the oven to long…dry and no flavor and the lobster ravs were generic and cold on the inside. This is the second holiday dinner we’ve ordered from this place with disappointment… First time I gave them the benefit of the doubt that it might’ve just been a fluke, which is why we gave them another shot. Typically I don’t leave negative reviews however, my comment on Facebook saying that “our dinner was not that good maybe we got a bad batch “ was deleted so here we are. If it’s one thing ownership should take away from this is to embrace the good feedback…learn and grow from negative…I hope you have a...