Lee's Tavern — Restaurant in New York

I have always been a big fan a Lee's "famous" Tavern...but... This past experience was less than favorable. It was Friday, late afternoon, and the place was flowing with customers in & out for hours already. My wife and I just finished a doctor's appointment up on Richmond rd., so we might as well stop at Lee's while we're in the neighborhood. We got a 4 top, first table in the rear on the right. Table was dirty, we cleaned ourselves with baby wipes. (Be prepared). The tarnished antiquated look may have finally lost it's charm, it's beginning to look dingier, and dirtier each time we go. The fellas were in control of the service. No ladies on that shift. We were greeted, and served promptly, but it felt forced and less than hospitable. I orderd a coke, and a shot of Makers Mark, my wife ordered a ginger ale. Berverages arrived promptly in spite of the crowd & bustle. We then orderd a small Calamari with medium sauce, and my wife ordered a large pizza with the same toppings she got last week, Chicken and eggplant. I orderd something different, for the first time I tried one of their claimed "specials," The Italian pulled pork with peppers, and onions. To our surprise the Calamari never arrived. When our pizza's finally showed up, we were sadly surprised. The Chicken pieces on the pizza were hard, and tasted old and stale, while the "Italian," pulled pork was SOOO bland and tasteless it resembled pulled cardboard in my mouth and the peppers, and onions were undercooked. We reminded our waiter that the Calamari never showed up, and he apologized, and scratch it off of our bill. I gotta admit, this is not an easy review to commit to, because Lee's has always been a friendly, safe, and affordable pleasant place to dine in for as long as I can remember. They're open since 1940, and have had many different owners with a familiar prescence in the place. Last year a reputable partner in ownership past away, and I don't really know who is at the helm. But one things for sure, they have a huge following, and customer base, and I believe the owners owe it to their faithful customers, and to Lee's Tavern Legacy to step up the quality, and consistency of the reputation that precedes them. My favorite is the Clam Pizza and the Sausage and Mushrooms Pizza. I always order it Well Done for that guaranteed crispy crust. Btw, the Calamari is always fresh, and never tough. One of the best anywhere. I hope to have a better experience next time we're in the...

I'm from Philly and. Lee's pizza is the best I ever had. I discovered Lee's back in 1987 when I was in the area and had to find a restroom. I spotted Lee's and decided to get a quick drink , use the facilities drink up and get the next SIR Train back to St Georges Ferry Terminal. Well I smelled the pizza and it smelled very good and decided to get a pepperoni pizza and it was awesome. I was hooked. Since then whenever I go to New York, I always make a special trip to Lee's. Always talk to the regulars who are very friendly and make you feel welcome. Also my wife and I come up for the Belmont Stakes every year and we go there on that Friday night but due to covid this year and the Belmont Stakes being postponed till today, yesterday 6/19/2020, we decided to make a run up to Lee's and brought back 6 pizzas 2 plain and 2 pepperoni and 2 mushroom and bring them back to our social club , Main Line Italian American Civic Association here in Ardmore PA since we have been telling everyone how awesome Lee's is, and everyone one loved the pizzas! They couldn't stop raving about it last night. It was 193 miles round trip but well worth the drive. Hope to get there soon when all is back to normal....

So disappointed by the so called best place to get pizza on Staten Island. First of all patrons not wearing a mask entered designated areas in restaurant that a restroom was available, ignoring signs posted on doors. People walked around designated areas outdoors without masks while they eating. The service was dreadful. Waitress was too busy talking to buddies. Took our order, drinks came out 10 minutes later. Asked for straws, 5 minutes later she came back later. An experienced waitress would carry straws. Food came 25 minutes after ordering. Pizza was burnt and chicken cutlet parm was dried out. Then we sat there waiting for a refill on drinks. There’s only a few tables and three servers. Someone else came and asked for check. Finally we get check and I pulled out debit card. “We only take cash!” Says the rude waitress leaves bill and wanders off again to the abyss. Maybe you could said that to begin with. So I had to get up and bring bill to door and another takes cash and bill. Then asks if I want change? I am sure not leaving a 10 dollar tip - maybe I will a tip? I will venture to Port Richmond’ Deninos next time. Skip this unless you are...