Richie's Pizza Of Deer Park — Restaurant in Town of Babylon

My family and I moved off of Long Island a few years back. When we returned for a visit, we discovered Richie’s Pizza near the Tanger Outlets in Deer Park. After eating “pizza” out of state, Richie’s was a “slice” of paradise. It isn’t like most pizza places that we’ve frequented. Everything is new, and the place is immaculate. We ordered a pie for the family, and savored every bite of the pizza that we had grown to miss. The crust was perfectly chewy, and you could taste the quality of the cheese and sauce that was lacking in those who claimed to be serving “real New York pizza.” Even my little one, who is very picky about the pizza that she’ll eat, ate two slices!

We shared our story with Richie, the owner, and complimented him on the great pizza. He insisted that we try some of the more unique items on the menu and gave us a sample of the buffalo garlic knots and the Thai calamari in peanut & pineapple sauce, not something that you usually find on a pizza place menu, but then again, Richie’s isn’t your typical pizza place. It may sound strange, but whenever we’re on Long Island, we make sure to get to Richie’s for Thai food. Of course, we also go for the pizza and Italian food, which is always fresh and delicious.

Before we left Long Island after visiting family for Christmas, we made it a point to stop by Richie’s even though it was out of the way. When he saw us walk in, he greeted us like family. He gave each of my kids a poker chip with the Richie’s Pizza information printed on both sides. They spent the entire lunch making a game out of it, and spinning the chips (much cooler than the typical refrigerator magnet that you find in many pizza places).

We only had time for a quick lunch this time around, so we just got a pie and some knots. The whole family loved the pizza as usual, and the kids were psyched to be in a pizza place that allowed for free refills on fountain soda (something that is common out of state, but oddly rare in New York outside of places like McDonald’s, Burger King, etc.).

Richie’s Pizza is not your average pizza place. It has a personality that starts with the owner, who likes to joke around while also showing great pride of ownership. It may be something that is overlooked by many, but I for one, am always impressed when I walk into an immaculate bathroom in a dining establishment because it shows great attention to detail and overall cleanliness.

We can’t wait to come back to Long Island to try one of Richie’s latest creations – a slice of what Richie affectionately calls… “Shut Up And Try It.” My little one, who does not like to try new things, was instantly drawn to what she thought was chocolate syrup and marshmallows on the pizza. The syrup is actually balsamic vinegar, and the marshmallow is actually fresh mozzarella, but I think that she would love it just the same (my mouth is watering just writing about it).

If you’re in the Deer Park area, do yourself a favor and head over to Richie’s. You will not be...

If Google allowed 3-1/2 stars that's what I would give.

The restaurant itself is nice. Very clean. Bright. Nicely decorated.

The food is mostly very good. The regular slice is delicious. Seems like they use a bit more cheese than most. I like it.

The salads are nice. Some places give you lettuce and tomato. Maybe cucumber. Their salad is made with cherry tomatoes (nice touch), they slice the cucumber very thin (nice touch), and they add shredded carrots (nice touch).

So why not 4 or 5 stars? Well, the last two times I was there the service was ... Way ... Too ... Slow.

Pasta with broccoli, garlic & oil -- 35 minutes.

House salad with grilled chicken -- 25 minutes.

No exaggeration. 35 minutes for pasta with broccoli. That's just too long. :-(

Overall it's a good spot. I do recommend it for a quick slice or a calzone.

By the way ... they make fried calzones. Hard to find....

Went there for the first time and asked they delivered to Brentwood and they said we deliver to a 5 mile radius. My home is 3.2 miles away so when I called to place an order they said there other store in deerpark delivers to Brentwood. So I called them and they first lied saying in over 4.5 miles away and that they only deliver about 2.5 miles but will call commack and see what they can do and will call.me back. I waited 20 minutes until I decided to call them back myself and they just kept repeating themselves that they dont deliver to Brentwood and that someone told me wrong. In the end I ordered from another pizza shop in commack sho delivered and will no longer go to this place. The workers need more training and need to know what they are talking about rather than giving the run around. Very disappointing because I'm willing to try new places but this place gives...