A South Philadelphia pizzeria has been named one of the best in the United States in a New York Times poll. The eatery was one of only 22 pizza restaurants that made the list.
Eva Mendez and Valentin Palillero own San Lucas Pizza, which opened in 2005. This is the second time the New York Times has recognized their restaurant for its excellent food.
“Using the same simple crust as a base, new recipes used ingredients found in Mexican cuisine: slightly smoky guajillo sauce, spiced pork, black beans, flecks of onion, and chopped cilantro,” Times Writer Regan Stephens wrote. “Nowadays, these varieties, served with a side of lime wedges, are as popular as the originals. But they’re also a vivid link in a neighborhood that’s been an epicenter of Italian and Mexican immigration, roughly three-quarters of a century apart.”
In an interview with FOX29, the couple was shocked by the honor. They discussed how they managed to stay true to their Mexican roots while serving up typically Italian fare.
“We started in 2005, and we figured why not make something different because everybody is doing the same,” said Palillero. “Let’s do something with Mexican pizza, with avocados on top, jalapeños, peppers, wings.”
CBS News reports that the eatery’s menu includes many pizzas not found on a traditional Italian pizza menu. However, these unique taste combinations have become winning hits with customers.
These include carnitas pizza, al pastor pizza, alambre pizza, and shrimp pizza. Toppings include guajillo chili pepper sauce, cilantro, avocado, Valentina hot sauce, and refried beans.
San Lucas Pizzeria also offers burgers, stromboli, subs, cheesesteaks, tacos, quesadillas, and huaraches. The eatery offers a family special for Taco Tuesdays and affordable specials throughout the week. These include pizza combos, some with wings and some without, and almost a dozen varieties of the iconic Philadelphia cheesesteak sandwich.
The company boasted about its distinction on Facebook: “What an honor to be named one of the “22 Best Pizza Places in America” by The New York Times! Thanks to all our loyal customers, and thanks for all the trust in our new ones.” The pizza parlor was the only Philadelphia eatery to make the list.