Bacco Pizzeria — Restaurant in Maryland

The food at Bacco it's quite good. When they opened up this Pizzeria less than 5 minutes away from their main location that did Italian food I was very confused. But the atmosphere and price point of the place is quite different. While they're main Italian restaurant isn't exactly a high class Affair or anything, it is much more of a standard Italian restaurant with prices that would match. It definitely is the kind of restaurant where you would go and have a bottle of wine with your pasta.

This pizzeria is a much more casual affair. So it is a cheaper price point and carries the same Vibe of what you might imagine when you think a local pizza place. There's a lot of different toppings in a varieties of pizza available as well as strombolis and calzones and things of that nature. I went here with a large group and we were all pretty satisfied with our meals, the garlic knots especially were quite a good appetizer.

However possibly as a Counterpoint to the better value for the food here, the service isn't as spectacular. There's not really any wait staff to speak of, you have to go up and place your order at the counter and then they will bring it to your table. But that is essentially the end of interaction between you and the employees there, you will have to get your own drinks and silverware and napkins and such. By no means is this going to be a big deal for most people but it does make things more complicated for a large group of people who will then have to write down all their orders and inevitably someone is going to wind up being the chosen person on the outside of the seats who has to refill everybody's drink.

It's probably also going to be hard to sit a large group of people as well, the largest spots are really only for six people and that was a tight squeeze. It also means that if you get a lot of dishes, you're going to be fighting for counter space because there's just not much room on the table, and as far as we saw there wasn't really a place where you could put your own dirty dishes so if you want to try and clear up at the end of dinner and sit around and talk for a while that's a bit challenging.

So overall I would still recommend this spot, but it definitely is more of a place where you would just come and get a quick bite to eat with maybe a few friends at most. I wouldn't necessarily recommend coming here for a large group of people for a major event, it's definitely a spot where you shouldn't be surprised if you have some kids...

HIGHLY RECOMMEND

The pizza was outstanding (and I'm originally from NY). I think it's clearly one of the top 3 places for pizza in Maryland that I've tried. Especially the Sicilian pizza (the square pizza). The bottom crust is crispy with a thick layer of cushiony dough above to hold perfectly seasoned sauce and cheese. This is hands-down the best Sicilian pizza that I've had in 40 years. Also, the slices (both Sicilian and Neapolitan - the traditionally round pizza cut in triangular wedges) are very large.

I wasn't terribly impressed with the chicken tenders and French fries (though this portion was huge, too). As fresh and "made-from-scratch" as the pizza tastes, the chicken tenders and French fries were obviously frozen and were... ok to good. (I will add that the French fries were outstanding the next day reheated in our air fryer!)

The salads were very large, cold, and crisp. Well appointed with the standard accompaniments of a Greek salad.

Some new staff being trained... I believe that they had been opened about 2 months when I visited. But every employee I interacted with was extremely friendly, welcoming, and attentive. The new cashier/order taker, the man training her, the two food expeditors/bussers. I think delivering quality customer service is a core value to this restaurant as it is on full display with every employee. Personally, I find deep value in that.

The set-up: when you walk in, there's a section at the front counter for ordering carry-out and pick-up. For dining in, you seat yourself and there's a separate area at the side counter where you order and are given a number to place on your table... servers/expeditors bring your food. I have to again say that these two individuals were an integral part of our meal. They were so friendly and welcoming.

The decor is fresh and new, plenty of TV's (college basketball on the September Saturday we went). Very large booths and tables available. Plenty of parking.

My wife and I are fans of the full-service Bacco across the street, but we're equally impressed with Bacco...

Where do I begin with Bacco Pizzeria? Where? You tell me and I’ll start there…since I can’t hear you I’ll start with ambiance. Upon walking in you are greeted with the noxious smells and sounds of the old country! The smell of fresh, pungent garlic, the bright citrus of the tomatoes and the savoriness of fresh mozzarella cooking all together in a wonderful symphony!

This place took me right back to the place of my rearing, NYC! You walk in and are immediately transported to a quality pizzeria in any one of the five boroughs. Immaculately clean glass display case showcasing all the goodies. Garlic knots, pizza, drink case off to the side. Very traditional NYC pizzeria style setup with the seating area off to the right of the to go area, perfectly shielded for your privacy.

I looked at the menu before I came in and ordered The Fradiavola, and The Caprese both 12’ Neopolitan, The mozzarella logs, and The Meatball Casserole. The young lady who took my order was kind, had a smile on her face, and was not pushy at all. Installed for a moment wanting to order something else but I didn’t and she gave me my total.

Then I had a chance to meet Johnny Kosmakos, the owner. When you think of pizzeria owner, Johnny’s picture comes up! Great smile, great demeanor and a pleasure to talk to.

Now, what you all came to this review for…the food. BEST PIZZA IN HARFORD COUNTY, MD. Maybe I haven’t had it all, to be fair, I have however tried many pizzerias I’m the area and this is the only pizza that I can say brings me right back to The Bronx, NYC! Thin and crispy crust! (Naples would be proud) Bright, citrusy, yet savory tomato sauce, the meatball casserole with the ricotta was like unctuous, meaty, velvety goodness that I used the crust of my pizza to sop up the sauce, along with the garlic bread provided. I can’t wait to come to Bacco’s again and try their cheesesteak! Because you aren’t a pizzeria without a bomb a** cheesesteak!

Thank you Johnny K! Thank you Bacco’s! Your food and service are very much appreciated! As our dear Terminator...