Sabatino’s — Restaurant in Maplewood

I guess this has been a long time coming...

I have been a big fan and supporter of Sabatino's since day one. Early on I genuinely thought the pizza was legit—meaning that someone (Sab) knew what they were doing, making good dough, good sauce, properly cooked pies, etc. I even argued with friends that I believed it was the best "by the slice" place around—I mean, it was no Santillo's or Joe & Pat's but for a local pizza spot it was reliable and a good quality slice or pie.

Over the last few years I started to notice a decline with consistently undercooked pies, fluctuation in quality, a ton of flour all over the crust, ever changing in proportions, etc. but I chalked it up to post-Covid challenges.

Today I stopped in to get a couple plain slices and they were basically unrecognizable and inedible. The "crust" was super floppy—like, not really a crust—and the cheese?... there was literally a quarter pound of cheese combined over two slices. A quarter pound! And the cheese didn't move—it was somehow congealed and hot at the same time!?!

You might be asking yourself how I knew how much cheese there was and it is a fair question. And the answer is because when I got home I peeled it all off (I said it was inedible) and weighed it on my digital scale—just for fun.

It really does make me sad to write this as I have been holding out hope that Sab's would right the ship but at this point I don't think it's going to. The high school kids aren't going to care and your average customer probably won't notice... but I can say with certainty that the pizza at Sabatino's is not good. It is pretty much on par with Maplewood Pizzeria and Roman Gourmet—neither of which I'd get even if they were the only game...

The pizza is delicious( that’s the positive part. The REAL NEGATIVE part is that they either have way too much business or don’t give people a true time. They told me pizza would be ready in 30 mins. I get there 45 mins. Told its not ready yet. Waited 15 mins and pie still not ready. It is now going last and hour. Turns out they started making it when I got there. Now I’m livid because they had myself and other customers standing out in the cold while they are warm inside not taking the business of the customers seriously. The guy that makes the pizza is not phased at all that customers are upset and has a slight edge to his personality. When I have gone for just a warm slice they take their time getting around to it and give it to me too hot or barely warm. When I asked why do k have to wait so long for just a slice to heat up, I was told “it’s Friday, we have a lot of orders.”They. Don’t. Care. About. The. Customer. I’ve never seen anything like this ever at...

Super fresh, yummalicious, with an old school meets new school vibe and pretty sick playlists! Great spot for kids and foodies which is a plus for this community. I love that the kids/teens around town are getting the opportunity to have a true culinary experience in a casual and affordable restaurant. Also, fab mozzarella stix and the cauliflower crust option is slammin!! The House salad is delish, not just your regular side salad, it’s topped with Roasted Veggies, prosciutto and goat cheese- awesome flavor combos and Sab make his own dressings and wing sauces...TREMENDOUS!! Looking forward for when the full menu drops!! As Sabatino is a CIA alum you know it will be incredibly seasoned, prepared, and presented. (Which also makes this spot stand on its own from your everyday pizzeria)...