After breakfast nearby, I drove on over to Deluxe Deli to see if it was still open–not surprisingly, it wasn’t–and noticed that a new restaurant is opening up in that same complete and utter failure of a commercial area.
Goodfellas, which takes up a corner spot of this little strip mall in the middle of nowhere is a tiny restaurant which also claims to be a bar and grill that serves pizza. While the Lakeville City Council minutes from August 3rd mention that they expected to open their doors on October 1st, but based on what I saw inside, I highly doubt they’ll make November 1st and possibly not even December 1st. Yet another restaurant that will be hurting due to construction delays…
My wife and I were both shocked at how small this restaurant was. They may be able to seat 20 to 25 people max and probably less than that. I’m not sure why you would choose to open a business where *many* others have failed including another restaurant. This area is a barren wasteland with on-going construction that appears to have no end in sight. It’s not an attractive or busy enough place to open anything, let alone a “bar”/grill serving pizza. Perhaps they feel that they’ll somehow be able to compete with the hotel guests who don’t want to eat at Rudy’s Redeye Grill just up the street.
Do you have any additional information about Goodfellas Pizza, Bar and Grill in Lakeville? What do you think their chances of survival are in an area that is devoid of nearly all life and where several other businesses have closed up shop before? Whatever you have to say about Goodfellas please comment on!
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October 12th, 2009 at 11:38 am
They might as well just put up the “Going Out of Business” banners now and skip the headache in between.
October 12th, 2009 at 11:52 am
Maybe, because we’ve all discussed this type of failure before it opens thing before, we need to ask something else. They are already building up the inside and thus they cannot accommodate our every wish but perhaps we have a thing or two we could suggest that they add to their menu that we know they could make with what they already have.
Personally, since I know they’re going to be making pizza, I would say that I’d love to see some stuffed breadsticks. I have posted my recipe for them here before and it’s the one thing that my wife and I enjoy having every now and again–especially when guests are over. But far too often I’m having a craving for them and I either don’t have the dough defrosted or I am just too fucking lazy to do all the prep work to make them when I really want them. I’d love to see a restaurant, and perhaps Goodfellas is it, to add these to their menu (Ramy’s you listening?!)
If that fails, I really want to see a decent Jucy Lucy. Yeah, Rudy’s Redeye and Gossips (if it’s even open anymore) have them but neither are that great. Let’s get a Blucy Lucy on a menu somewhere so that those of us SOTR can enjoy that tastiness too.
October 12th, 2009 at 1:34 pm
How about (gasp!) selling fountain pop for less than $2.00? Particularly since it only costs about 20c, and most of that is the cost of the cup. (I know, I know, its bad for me, but if I don’t have a beer, the only other option is water, and water and pizza just don’t go together).
Other advice: Serve good, flavorful, memorable food. Especially if you are opening a pizza restaurant which, frankly, there are about, what 600 of already SOTR. Give me a reason to remember your restaurant over all the other choices available. Also: Customer Service! There is just too much competition out there in terms of restaurants which are perfectly willing to accept our money. Last, but not least, keep those restrooms clean, people.
October 12th, 2009 at 1:34 pm
I’d like to be able to get a great…not good a la Old Chicagos, etc…..deep dish pizza.
I’d also like to win the Powerball.
You figure out where this is going.
October 12th, 2009 at 2:07 pm
MSPD, why do you think it’s difficult for a restaurant to put out an acceptable deep dish pizza? I mean, I’m not a huge Chicago-style pizza fan myself and have only limited experience with it outside of the typical chains, but I don’t see why it can’t be replicated properly.
I do agree that we need something different than the Midwestern party-cut pizza (on that note, I had a perfect example of one on Saturday that was so disappointing that I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone–then again, I think that Midwestern style, party-cut pizza is a fucking joke and should be wiped from the face of the planet) but I don’t see a majority of people in MN agreeing. In fact, more often than not, people look at me like I’m crazy when I say that pizza, cut in squares w/o crust, is fucking stupid.
October 12th, 2009 at 3:01 pm
Awesome. I was just thinking that what this area needed was yet another pizza place…
October 12th, 2009 at 3:23 pm
Uh let’s be more specific here, Whit…we don’t want just any old fountain pop. Hell, even 20c is too expensive for Pepsi products. Pizza and Coca Cola…there is nothing better!
October 12th, 2009 at 3:29 pm
I hope they do well. History is not on thier side.
re: Pan Pizza. I think Old Chicago makes a couple decent pan pizzas. I like both the Double Deckeroni and the Meat Me. I will say that I dont eat there more than about once ever 6 to 8 months, so its not at the top of the list, but it does fill a certain niche. Davannis deep dish pizza is also ok for a certain niche, I think its called “The Works”?
re: Midwestern party cut pizza. I generally agree with you, although I think Reds Savo (we frequent the Burnsville location) is putting out some great pizza. On a given day, I absoutely love thier Pepperoni, Buffalo Chicken, or Mediterranean pizzas.
I think there is a real demand for decent neighborhood type places to stop for some food and a drink. Good food, service, and prices should be enough to keep a small place open. If they need a roadmap, take some notes from Ramys. Great food, Great service, great prices. The thing is, the guys at Ramys work thier asses off. I have yet to see another new place open where the owners put in that kind of effort, and I dont know if that can be replicated.
October 12th, 2009 at 4:37 pm
Bill, here’s my guess and I’m not saying the folks here are in this boat, but I’ve seen it as the case with far too many local “restauranteurs”: Very few pizza restaurant owners in Minnesota have ever been to Chicago (or New York), much less have eaten a great pizza like they serve there.
I agree with you that there are limits to how amazing a pizza (or a burger or a cheesesteak for that matter) can be. But if you go to a place like Gino’s East (named because it happens to be my favorite in Chicago) or even one of the Giordano’s outlets there, you’ll likely see what we’re missing here, as well as where Old Chicago, etc. fall well short of the mark.
I think places don’t replicate it because they don’t understand it or have never experienced it themselves. I also think they recognize that it’s more expensive to make a very high-quality pizza, and they’re afraid people in Lakeville, Burnsville, Apple Valley, etc. won’t pay for that (for which I guess I won’t blame them…the culinary idiots in the south metro would never pay $25 for a 14″ pizza when they can get one from Pizza Man for $8.99. Never mind that the 14″er in Chicago would feed 12, tastes way better, and is made with noticeably better ingredients.) Heck, people bristle at the $20 Brianno’s Special.
That’s my theory.
October 12th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
I agree with MSPD regarding Gino’s, and with his analysis that it is the cost of preparation in light of the unlikelihood that people here will pay the high price that keeps pizza restaurants here from making the effort. I will add another factor: Gino’s has a long standing reputation which makes people willing to take the leap, even if its for the first time, and order an expensive pizza (and wait up to an hour for it). Here, so many places come and go, that there is (1) no chance to build up that reputation and (2) patrons are not willing to get burned and pay high buck for a pizza in all likelihood is going to miss the mark on value, so, see #1. Finally, there is no way a Chicagoan would put up with some of the stuff that passes for pizza around here. I blame Domino’s for the sad state of affairs of pizza in Minnesota.
October 12th, 2009 at 5:15 pm
At least Domino’s cuts it the right way.
October 12th, 2009 at 7:42 pm
I haven’t had a good deep dish in Minnesota. Bill, good deep dish is YUM.
Most Minnesota pizza really is mediocre – I like Luce quite a lot, though.
I am really tired of hearing from restaurants and grocers that the reason they don’t have higher-quality food is because “people wouldn’t buy it”. What a miserable response/excuse.
October 12th, 2009 at 7:46 pm
Sandy, but take a look at what succeeds here–especially the South Metro–and tell us that the statement isn’t true. When there is a wait for IHOp and Perkins on a Sunday mornin. But other mom and pop shops sit empty, that just screams stupid consumer to me.
October 12th, 2009 at 7:52 pm
True. Lots of people just buy whatever is put in front of them with shiny lights on it. I say, if every restaurant was of good quality and taste, that’s what the sheeple would buy. They just go for the easiest and most obvious choice, unlike the discerning among us who go to great lengths to seek out the good stuff.
October 12th, 2009 at 8:12 pm
Having lived both on the east coast and in Chicago there’s not a single pizza place here that can properly replicate Chicago style or New York style. Not a single fucking one.
October 12th, 2009 at 9:38 pm
So let’s do it. The LL Restaurant Group. We’ll make the damn pizza ourselves and people will have to beg to buy it from us.
October 14th, 2009 at 10:31 am
Talking about stuffed breadsticks. I was just at the new U-Bake store in Savage and they have about 5 different varieties of stuffed breadsticks to choose from. The stuffing varies from sausage to basic cheese. Although I did not pick up any of these, I did however pick up two loafs of potato bread for $.99 each. Very cool store to check out as they also have a lot of hard to find bulk spices.
November 24th, 2009 at 6:19 pm
Getting closer but still no where near completion as of tonight.
December 3rd, 2009 at 2:49 pm
Wow….those are some strong words. I REALLY hope you have the information to back up why the other businesses closed their doors in this lovely strip mall. If you do I would LOVE to compare notes as to what happened. To damn Goodfellas before they have even gotten out of the gate is deplorable. The owners are wonderfull people with a strong plan and a niche market because no one delivers pizza past CR 70. They also offer things other then pizza for your dinning needs. Also to say that the mall is, “is a barren wasteland with on-going construction that appears to have no end in sight” is also a naive thing to say. I don’t see any construction signs now. Did you notice the park and ride…the large freeway with a full view of Goodfellas, or even the other businesses that are now booming since moving into this mall. Keep worrying about your deep dish pizza’s and cheese stuffed breadsticks. I hope one day you all find what you are looking for.
December 3rd, 2009 at 2:53 pm
AJ,
1. Do you remember Deluxe Deli? They had the same advantages yet closed their doors.
2. We’re usually right about places that end up closing. I always wish them the best and give them a shot but I usually end up pretty disappointed–especially when it comes to pizza.
3. Since you seem to know the people and the menu please feel free to share this intimate knowledge.
December 3rd, 2009 at 2:57 pm
Yes, I remember deluxe deli. I know why they closed, and It isn’t the reason of no customers.
I am sharing none of my intimate knowledge with you because it is just that intimate. It is none of your business and it is unfair of me to air other people’s dirty laundry. Please don’t make accusations and assumptions without having all of the notes.
Maybe you should wait to review a new eating location until you have tasted the food. It is hard to reveiw a places pizza and ambiance without experiancing it first. This is going to be a great place and I know it.
December 3rd, 2009 at 2:59 pm
AJ, I meant about the menu for Goodfellas.
December 4th, 2009 at 8:59 am
AJ, I hope they open and serve INCREDIBLE food that will make people visit from miles around.
However, the only thing we have to go off at this point is the fact that they were initially going to open on Oct 1st. And, as was pointed out in the original review, Dec 1st has come and gone. Add to that the fact that this is one of the worst times of year to open and they are way behind from the start.
December 5th, 2009 at 12:15 pm
I understand that they promised to open their dorrs 2 months ago but due to setbacks from the city and staten which are never easy to work with. They became behind schedual. I hope to see you all at their grand opening monday december 7th! Tell them AJ sent you. I had their pizza at a sneak preveiw for friends and family Friday and it was outstanding. Come and have beer or wine with me and we can hash this all out.
December 5th, 2009 at 4:56 pm
I’m still waiting to hear about their menu.
December 5th, 2009 at 6:40 pm
wash dish ah ja shay?
bb
December 6th, 2009 at 8:43 am
Their menu is actually quite extensive. They offer a wide variety of appitizers including waffle fries, breadeed cauliflower, deep fried raviolis, spiniuch and artichocke dip, and much more. They also offer wraps for a quick meal on the go. Salads, hambugers, and pastas including lasagna and fettichini. Their specialty pizzas are their crown jewel. The one I’m most excited about is their chipotle chicken pizza that includes chicken, jalepeno bacon, chipotle sauce and pepers. But they have many others to offer. I am working off memory here so I can’t get to into detail. Their seating is fairly cozy including a bar and approximatly 8 booths that sit 4 to 6 depending on how well you like your neighbor. So bill can I count on seeing you there Monday for a beer? I would like to hear why Delux Deli closed and why the strip mall is desolate.
December 6th, 2009 at 9:00 am
No I won’t be there Monday.
I can tell you right now why Deluxe Deli closed. It’s because the food was mediocre and the traffic to that location is low. They were offering nothing different than what you can get at any number of other sandwich shops which are open across the South Metro (and beyond) and the service, when I was there–even though there was only one person ahead of me–was ridiculously slow. Why people insist on opening sandwich shops in the South Metro I’ll never know.
December 6th, 2009 at 9:25 am
So….how is this the malls fault or the fault of the alleged space. Poor management, food quality and service do not follow the mall it follows the people. So when are you going to grave goodfellas with you amazing expert presence? I would love to meet you.
December 6th, 2009 at 9:44 am
I have no idea what you’re babbling about. I think it’s time for you to get your head on straight before you post again.
December 6th, 2009 at 10:13 am
That is ok. Us women are a little tough to understand. Bottom line as I said before don’t damn goodfellas before you have tried them. The mall isn’t desolate, there is no construction, this is not a poor location. Look at it this way you can always go back to baldy’s if you are unsatisfied. I will see you at goodfellas!
December 6th, 2009 at 5:13 pm
“Us women are a little tough to understand.”
First of all, it’s “We women…
Second of all, speak for yourself. Your inability to spell, or make a coherent argument to support whatever point you were trying to make, has nothing to do with gender.
Third, it’s not too late. Pick up a book to read today.
December 6th, 2009 at 9:17 pm
Dear Whit,
I love you.
Love,
Mrs. Marcos
P.S. I thought ‘aj’ was male until she ‘outed’ herself.
December 6th, 2009 at 10:12 pm
Dear Mrs. Marcos:
Aw, shucks.
Love,
Whit
December 6th, 2009 at 10:54 pm
AJ, really, please learn to spell.
December 7th, 2009 at 5:31 am
I am sorry my poor spelling offended most. I was on my blackberry and am unable to re-read what I wrote. My bottom line point is easy to understand and my message has never changed. I am supporting the restraunt and refuse to badmouth the strip mall or to call it barron. Bill is making broad generalizations about what he believes to be true not what is. Have a happy holiday! The weekend fun is over now time for work.
December 7th, 2009 at 9:29 am
Good luck on the grand opening. I hope you/they do well.
December 7th, 2009 at 9:30 am
I figured the same thing.
December 7th, 2009 at 12:40 pm
I refuse to call it “barron” as well, perhaps “Duke” or “Knight”…but never “Barron” (or even Baron).
Oh, and the fun is never over around here! :)
December 8th, 2009 at 9:40 am
I actually went to Goodfellas last night… the pizza was great, as was the service. They also have a full menu if you don’t want pizza.
How can you idiots trash a place you’ve never even been to?
December 8th, 2009 at 10:03 am
I still want to see this illusive wonderful menu. Maybe even a comparison of the pizza offered to other local pizza places. That would be much more useful than “oh it’s so fucking great!”
December 8th, 2009 at 2:45 pm
This Bar & Grill is the first endevor for the owners (who are good friends). Bill sounds like you already judged them and they haven’t even open the doors yet. Yes they intended on opening Oct 1st but it was just Bob & Sherry putting the place together. I think they have done an exceptional job thus far.
Now on to the food. Competing against Dominos, Pizza Hut and every other commercial establishment in the area does offer a challenge to the resteraunt. I’m betting though that if people actually try this place before judging it they will be pleasantly surprised. Very clean new resteraunt while a little on the small side there is room for expansion if the place takes off. I know most people in the area are sick of run of the mill pizza shops and are excited for something new. Give em a try!
December 8th, 2009 at 2:54 pm
Well, well, well AJ… Now it all makes sense. I’d probably be sensitive about the strip mall in question if my parents owned it. Many thanks go out to the reader who spent the time researching what I expected all along.
December 8th, 2009 at 3:21 pm
Bill, did a post get deleted? Who’s parents own what? Was “AJ” ‘turfing? :)
December 8th, 2009 at 3:37 pm
No comments were deleted but AJ Bitzan’s parents own Lakeville Collision and thus the strip mall where Goodfellas is located.
I wouldn’t call it astroturfing as she used her name (sorta) but it was definitely not being clear that she has at least an indirect financial interest in the success of the strip mall.
December 8th, 2009 at 8:28 pm
How does Ryan figure in? Besides going to the same spelling class as AJ, that is.
I do also wish them well – people-owned businesses need to succeed if they do a good job. Competing with chains is nothing – just use good quality ingredients and you’ll beat them.
December 8th, 2009 at 8:46 pm
Thanks Bill. I get it now. The whole “ZOMG, the strip mall has feeeeelingz” stance makes sense. ;)
December 9th, 2009 at 10:09 am
I actually did use my name. I always go by AJ, and people know me as AJ. I was “turfing” as you call it because my family and I put our blood, sweat and tears into that mall and refuse to allow it to go down because some pompous know it all says that it is, “a barren wasteland with on-going construction that appears to have no end in sight. It’s not an attractive or busy enough place to open anything” (referring to your above review). I am astounded though you never mentioned that Baldy’s was in a bad spot or that their strip mall was unattractive, and it is FAR worse then my parents.
As for those that like to criticize my spelling I find your arguments and need to just bitch about everything sad and tasteless. I have picked up many books and am well educated. When I cannot re-read what I write it gets skewed from time to time. I hope people badger you because of your flaws and errors.
Om Shanti
December 9th, 2009 at 10:13 am
Thanks for your time in coming clean about your actions here and on Urbanspoon. I suggest that in the future you be more upfront about who you are and what interests you have.
December 9th, 2009 at 10:15 am
If you asked I would have told you.
December 9th, 2009 at 10:27 am
So…let me get this straight. Just because I have a vested interest in the mall and the success of it I can’t defend it, and refute what you are saying. I would hate for your little groupies to miss out on a good pizzeria because you have an ill supported opinion.
Yet you have no formal training in food, journalism, or anything of the sort and you become the food God? How does that work out?
December 9th, 2009 at 10:44 am
“I am astounded though you never mentioned that Baldy’s was in a bad spot or that their strip mall was unattractive.”
It may not be in a pretty strip mall but it has way more visibility not to mention constant in and out traffic from all the truckers that stop there.
“If you asked I would have told you.”
LOL, the point is that you didn’t mention it yourself.
“Just because I have a vested interest in the mall and the success of it I can’t defend it, and refute what you are saying.”
No one said you can’t defend it, but you should be clear about your bias.
December 9th, 2009 at 10:48 am
AJ,
• What I think Bill is trying to say is you didn’t REVEAL your interest. Nobody hinted in any way, shape or form that you were not entitled to your opinion. Refute away, but there’s an assumed implication of neutrality when not stated otherwise. Being as educated as you purport, I’m dismayed that this slipped past you all this time.
• Bill is also kind of funny looking, has a weird name for his website, and might even smell bad for all I know. Oh, and he says “fuck” a lot. But, we love his writing, purpose and drive. I also tend to agree with him most of the time, and will say when I don’t. Oh, and this is his website. He’s not obligated to tolerate any of our shit, but he does. :P
December 9th, 2009 at 10:53 am
I think “being upfront” means you say it before being found out or asked. It is understandable that you would want to defend your family’s business. However, when you tout how wonderful the food is at an establishment without disclosing your personal interest, you lose a lot of credibility. We assume that even if the pizza is shitty, you’re going to say it is awesome because you need the business to succeed for financial and personal gain.
If you do any research on this site you will note that the majority of regular posters are EXTREMELY supportive of small businesses. We would all love nothing more than for the strip mall to flourish and for Goodfellas to serve awesome pizza and fantastic wings. The negativity you’re seeing is because most of these people are pretty familiar the trials and tribulations of running a restaurant in the South Metro. In fact, others have gone to great lengths to offer suggestions to future restaurant owners in threads that are lengthy and based on many different experiences learned over years.
exhibit A: http://www.lazylightning.org/south-metro-restaurant-survival-guide
exhibit B: http://www.lazylightning.org/new-restaurants-whats-most-important-to-you
Sincerely Yours,
‘The I Hope They Serve Coke Girl’
December 9th, 2009 at 10:58 am
;-)
December 9th, 2009 at 11:12 am
AJ you are all riled about Bill criticizing the place before it has opened but lets review what he has criticized about Goodfellas.
1) Crappy location. The fact that it hasn’t opened doesn’t impact this criticism.
2) Very small dining area in a restaurant that touts itself as a pizza place PLUS a bar and grill. Once again that can be criticized before it opens because they are already setting themselves up for problems. It would be one thing if they were just trying to be a pizza place. Plenty of pizza places rely mostly on delivery and have little or no seating. The fact that they are going to also be a bar and grill means they are going to have to have a lot more ingredients/supplies/ and alcohol to order and keep in stock so that they have everything on hand for the limited amount of people that will be able to fit in the dining space.
3) Construction delays. Once again Bill is pointing out that they are already setting themselves up for problems with the delays. Anyone remember what happened to La Luz Cafe?
I fail to see why criticizing any of these things before the place opens is a problem.
December 9th, 2009 at 11:51 am
So is the place open? I am confused. The place isn’t open…so no one has tried the food…so we don’t know if it’s any good..?
Sorry, this thread got away from me. I have no idea about the location so I can’t comment, and AJ is related to the owners of the strip mall. That I get.
I will try any locally owned place once. If really how good could a pizza place in MN actually be?
December 9th, 2009 at 1:33 pm
I’ll make three points (as usual) and then leave it alone until three months from now when what I consider the “soft opening” excuse grace period is over and I eat at this restaurant:
1. At least Ryan Lamberson in the first sentence of the post, indicated he knows the owners. Be forthcoming.
2. I have an issue with people who say: “I REALLY hope you have the information to back up why the other businesses closed their doors in this lovely strip mall. If you do I would LOVE to compare notes as to what happened.” (Post 19). Then, 10 minutes later write: “I am sharing none of my intimate knowledge with you because it is just that intimate. It is none of your business and it is unfair of me to air other people’s dirty laundry. (Post 21). Be consistent.
3. Don’t blame technology/devices for human shortcomings. Everyone here has “fat thumbed” and had a typo within a post. But if you consistently don’t care about how you are presenting yourself (remember, your words are all we have to judge your credibility on a topic and your assertion that you “..have picked up many books and [are] well educated”), then yes, its going to impact whether/not your opinion is judged to have merit. Be accurate.
Be forthcoming. Be consistent. Be accurate. Sounds like a marketing mantra, doesn’t it?
p.s. Picking up many books is one thing. Reading them is the next step in the process.
December 9th, 2009 at 1:52 pm
JaL, it wasn’t open yet when I wrote the post (in October) but it’s now open (in December).
December 9th, 2009 at 1:55 pm
For what its worth, I plan on ordering some Pizzas from this place for lunch on Saturday. As a frame of reference I would normally order from Reds Savoy. Or possibly Old Chicago if I am in the mood for the Double Deckeroni Pan Pizza.
After I have eaten pizza, and shared it with my parents, my wife, my brother, my sister in law, my two nephews, and my son, I will come back with some honest feedback on what it tasted like and how the service was. I hope its great. I have no vested interest in the success or failure of this place, but I hate to waste $50 on bad pizza.
That said, does anyone know where I can get some coupons!
December 9th, 2009 at 8:27 pm
Ha, gotta love Google ads. In the middle of this story is an ad for Papa John’s pizza!
December 10th, 2009 at 7:20 am
Yeah, I get ads for defense attorneys sometimes when looking at the inmate dashboard too, which I find ironic. :)
December 10th, 2009 at 8:58 am
Oh, I can’t wait to hear what you have to say Chad. I am actually kind of hungry for pizza now after all this talk. I hope it’s good, and not a waste of money.
December 10th, 2009 at 9:38 am
I wasn’t sure where to put this but I wanted to share it so here goes. Last night I ordered pizza for delivery from Chanticlear Pizza in AV. When I placed my order I was told that there was a delay due to weather and drivers being on different sides of town. I had no problem with the delay so I ordered and thanked them for the heads-up. About the time I was getting curious where my order might be the phone rang. It was Chanticlear Pizza calling to let me know that the delivery was going to take a little longer than they thought. They apologized and offered to upsize my pizza and provide an additional item for my inconvenience. Wow… customer service. I was pleasantly surprised. While this was not the best pizza I’ve ever had it was good enough that I would order it again and the thoughtful customer service really sealed the deal.
December 10th, 2009 at 4:20 pm
Chanticlear was my kid’s first job when he was sixteen. He made the pizzas. He still doesn’t say much about it. Great real-world eye-opener for a kid!!!!
December 10th, 2009 at 7:59 pm
Chad,
What time should we come over for pizza? I’ll bring the Coca Cola! ;)
December 10th, 2009 at 8:14 pm
As with most posts I really enjoy reading the reviews and always hold back my opinion until I can experience the restaurant for myself.
The restaurant is very cozy with booths lining the exterior walls with a bar making up the interior. I do give them credit for starting small and growing their business into a larger space to determine if the business supports a larger space in today’s rocky economic times.
When I then there were 5 people sitting at the bar which probably seats 15 people and we sat down in what was then the 3rd occupied booth of the 8. It was quite chilly sitting along the glass exterior walls in the booths.
I ordered one of the specialty pizzas, a 12 inch, pepperoni, sausage, canadian bacon, green and black olives, mushrooms and onions, the Deluxe Goodfellas. We also ordered one kids 1 topping pizza and a beverage for $4.99. http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4043/4174946453_fe0c735ac6_o.jpg
The kid pizza came out first and our waitress says, “The kid pizza came up first, so I hope you do not mind if I bring it out now.” While I did not really mind, I really do like it when everyone’s meals arrive at the same time. What would they have done if I said, “Yes, I do mind that you cannot better coordinate the delivery of two items to the same table.”
The kid pizza was cut into 4 pieces and was nothing special, a crust heavy pizza with very little cheese and tomato sauce. I am reluctant to call it sauce because sauce infers there is moisture still in it. At best it was baked paste.
Now my deluxe pizza, the same crust as the kid pizza came out and consumed the more than 2″ of the entire pizza with several crust bubbles that extended well beyond 2″ into the center of the pizza. When you are talking about a 12″ pizza and then have in excess of 2″ of crust with no ingredients on the crust your pizza shrinks very quickly to a 7″ pizza. The ingredients were by no means bountiful and I would go as far to say skimpy.
After waiting 9 minutes after the kid pizza arrived, I thought to myself, well at least it will be hot!! Well, that expectation fell short as well making me wonder how long it was sitting in back before it was delivered.
If you like cheese on your pizza, this is not the pizza for you as it was used sparingly.
Now on to my main gripe, that being the price for the deluxe pizza. This 12″ Deluxe Goodfellas pizza was $16.99!!
Whit, they must have seen your post because their soda price comes in at $1.79, so under your $2.00 threshold.
I cannot speak to the other sandwiches, burgers, and appetizers on the menu as everyone I saw was ordering pizza.
Did I leave with feeling of wanting to rush back anytime soon? No, but by no means let my opinion and experience influence anyone from experiencing Goodfellas for themselves.
The prices for what we received were way to high in my opinion, and the product did not meet my expectations when compared to other similar pizza restaurants in the South Metro.
The only thing that I could attribute the overly high prices of their pizzas to was what must be the astronomical rent they must be paying for the cozy space.
December 10th, 2009 at 8:22 pm
Thought Leader,
You left out the most important information: Coca Cola or Pepsi?
December 10th, 2009 at 8:25 pm
Mrs. Marcos, Pepsi.
I love you,
TL
December 10th, 2009 at 8:29 pm
UGH, JESUS CHRIST! $1.79 is entirely too expensive for a glass of that nastiness.
And to quote Whit “aw shucks!”
December 10th, 2009 at 9:11 pm
Based on the picture that Thought Leader links to: http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4043/4174946453_fe0c735ac6_o.jpg I honestly have to say it looks like a shitty frozen pizza that has a bunch of toppings thrown on after the fact. It also looks insanely small for a $17 pizza.
Canned olives and deli ham. Mmm, gross.
Honestly I wanted to try this place but I’m really turned off by the high price and the shitty quality. I thought someone here was raving about how great the specialty pizzas were. Weird.
December 10th, 2009 at 9:15 pm
Oh and congrats to TL for comment #300.
December 11th, 2009 at 10:49 am
We checked out this place last night and we really liked the pizza! I usually like thin crust pizza but we ordered the Goodfellas Pizza which came with the regular crust. I thought the crust was very very good! It was chewy like that type of crust should be, not doughy or bread like. It had plently of toppings on it and had tons of flavor….very good! In fact, I want some right now!! The place was full and the serve was great and friendly. Yes, the place is small, but I think it’s smart to start out that way. Lots of the famous pizza places downtown are small too. (Black Sheep, Punch, Pizza Nea) In fact, Goodfellas crust is similiar to those types of pizzas. We’re glad that Goodfellas is in town and I hope those of you that haven’t tried it yet, will give them a try.
December 11th, 2009 at 11:14 am
^—- heh.
December 11th, 2009 at 12:08 pm
Let me guess, the family of ‘likestodineout’ owns the land that AJ Bitzan’s parents built a strip mall on? I hope they have large families, sounds like they are the only ones that want to pay for over priced Totino’s Party Pizzas with deli ham slapped on to give it that gourmet feel.
Bon Appetit!
December 11th, 2009 at 12:12 pm
No, they probably just provide them with the insurance on the place.
December 11th, 2009 at 1:24 pm
Uh no. I have no idea who the owners are. Obviously you are narrow minded and you really shouldn’t be giving your opinion on sights like this if you don’t let others give there’s without ripping on them! My gosh…grow up! Let me guess what kind of pizza you like….Dominos!!!!! Get some class!
December 11th, 2009 at 1:37 pm
Good lord, this one just keeps getting better and better…
This is Bill’s site. Period. He states his opinions and a lot of people read his opinions and comment. There is no requirement that he allow anybody to say anything if he does not wish to. You stated you opinion and got ripped on. You, in turn, ripped back. While Bill has the power to delete your post, he does not. That is just the way it goes here. If you get your feelings hurt, just go away and don’t read or comment anymore.
December 11th, 2009 at 1:58 pm
Yeah, Bill’s wrong a lot, but he’s the boss:)
(Just teasing)
December 11th, 2009 at 2:22 pm
Let me guess, I can get me some class by going to a strip mall pizza restaurant and paying $16.99 for a “Deluxe” pizza?
December 11th, 2009 at 2:28 pm
Given the price point, I think an accurate measure of quality would be to put this pizza up against Brianno’s pizza in Eagan. I think the Brianno’s is worth the premium. I haven’t tried Good Fella’s.
December 11th, 2009 at 2:33 pm
Wow…no problem, I’m new to this sight, but I can leave.
My feelings did not get hurt….if you read back, I didn’t RIP on BILL. I go out to eat alot and do read other peoples reviews so I’m just use to people stating what they think and taking what they want from other peoples reviews and moving on…..not making up all kinds of stupid stories about everyone, just because they don’t agree with their review. Lakeville indeed needs some help with entertainment and restaurants out here so if anyone has the guts to open one up, they should get a fair chance to prove themselves. We go downtown alot so I’m very happy when something new opens up out this way. I do not know anything about any of the owners or who the heck carry’s their insurance…who cares. I was only kindly leaving my experience that I had at Goodfellas.
So, I guess I’ve learned how this site works….no hard feelings, just wasn’t expecting it, I was just putting my opinion out there about a restaurant.
December 11th, 2009 at 2:36 pm
like,
I haven’t eaten the pizza yet but based on Thought Leader’s picture of what he had, I wouldn’t say it’s anything like Punch or Nea (I haven’t ever had Black Sheep). In fact, as I stated, it looks just like a crappy frozen pizza with additional toppings added on after the fact.
I really and honestly couldn’t ever see Nea or Punch putting those ingredients on their pizza even if they served that style.
Don’t let the others get to you too much. It’s all just a big bit of fun :-)
December 11th, 2009 at 2:41 pm
Now that’s a good suggestion sui generis, I’ve never been to Brianno’s.
December 11th, 2009 at 4:52 pm
Not to take sides, but I dont know how you can talk about any sort of regular crust pizza and say its anything like the pizza at Punch. Punch is paper thin. Honestly it makes me doubt anything else you said.
December 11th, 2009 at 6:36 pm
Isn’t pizza wonderful? There are so many kinds it’s dizzying – like personalities. And just as many opinions about it. I make a lot of pizza and it’s never the same twice – I can’t keep myself from experimenting. I hope my family doesn’t mind.
Anyway, I’ll be interested in hearing about tomorrows pizza lunch.
December 11th, 2009 at 11:49 pm
Hey Chad…..Punch is NOT paper thin.
Like I said before…I am new to this site and I just got done reading all of the comments listed above. I really can’t believe some of you people. What is the point of this site….to bash people and release anger or something?? I can’t believe how many comments there were on ripping up a restaurant that hadn’t even opened yet! I’m just not use to being around such cut throat people that get so railed up over such minor things…let alone a fricken restaurant! How do you act when it’s really about something important in your lives? I’m sure glad that I don’t need to be around and see that!!!
Ok…lets do some breathing exercises…..breath in 1…2…3…4….now breath out slowly..1…2…3…4…5…6….repeat…
Next time you feel that urge to rip someone up for no good reason, try the breathing method….it can really work if you allow it to.
Oh…by the way…a party of 8 of us had their Goodfella’s Pizza AGAIN tonight and seriously, they all loved the pizza! And guess what?? Noboby knows AJ’s parents or the insurancer of the building…WOW!!!
December 12th, 2009 at 11:33 am
Love the drama! Though I’m not really going to read it all….
First off I never have high expectations of new restaurant, I made my first visit on Monday (opening day) around 9pm, and I have to say overall we really like the pizza, I think they are going to do good, but time will tell.
In fact the biggest disappointment thus far is restaurant size, but again seeing how empty the mall is, I think expanding could be done in the future…. The wife wanted to try to eat there the last couple nights, I told her she was crazy they just opened and were going to be busier than heck, as expected, parking lots was darn near over flowing, and the place was packed, we went elsewhere.
December 13th, 2009 at 9:15 am
1. I can’t believe I missed all the fun.
2. I love Whit.
3. Deep dish is not the same as Chicago style.
4. I hope this was easy to understand.
December 13th, 2009 at 12:04 pm
Dear Dawnmarie:
Aw, shucks.
Love,
Whit
December 14th, 2009 at 9:54 am
likestodineout, this site also has heaped praise on many local establishments, several of which I would never have tried if not for this site. It’s also helped me steer clear of several places which were not going to be good.
and sorry , but I trust Though Leader’s well thought out and articulated review better than someone who doesn’t provide much information on why they like an establishment and proceeds to launch into a lecture about how we should approach comments on a blog…
December 14th, 2009 at 3:07 pm
I am sorry to say we were unable to try Goodfellas this weekend. Having quite a bit of family in town visiting, and several of them being VERY picky eaters, I opted for the safer route and ordered up a few pizzas from Red Savoy.
December 14th, 2009 at 3:42 pm
ATTENTION FUTURE COMMENTERS:
I will not approve your comments if:
1. Your e-mail address bounces or you do not reply to my verification e-mail.
2. Your sole purpose of commenting is to tell everyone how much you dislike foul language, people saying bad things about a restaurant, or how much you hate and despise people who have no lives and sit on the Internet all day.
3. You do not post why it is you enjoy Goodfella’s Pizza. Telling everyone it’s “great!” doesn’t do anyone any good. Be specific.
4. You are a douchebag.
Cool? Good.
December 14th, 2009 at 4:23 pm
Sheeeee-it. And I was so close to hitting 100 comments, too.
December 14th, 2009 at 9:07 pm
I hate and despise people who have no lives and sit on the internet all day.
Hey wait, that’s me!
December 14th, 2009 at 9:15 pm
What’s the Internet?
January 4th, 2010 at 5:50 pm
I’m about to return to Goodfellas. We had the veggie pizza with hamburger added to it and the fried ravioli. Both were quite good. The ravioli was stuffed w/jalapeno cheese so it had a nice little kick. The ingredients on the pizza were fresh, the burger fairly lean and in big chunks the way I like it and the sauce tasty. I enjoyed a Summit while chatting with the owner(whom I had just met). I used the Happenings coupon which you can print off of the website if you have the book(50% off any pizza). We’ll try the pot roast pizza tonight. All in all this is a spot worth trying at least once.
January 10th, 2010 at 7:55 am
[...] in the analysis. We then chose 7 local pizzas: Brianno’s in Eagan, Ole Piper Inn and Goodfella’s in Lakeville, J’s Restaurant and LS Pizza Shack in Bursville, Red’s Savoy in Eagan [...]
January 11th, 2010 at 7:53 pm
See that picture up top there. It also exists on the Facebook page (created by an authorized agent of the restaurant according to the owner’s daughter and restaurant manager) w/o my permission.
Calling the restaurant prior to sending them an invoice left me with such priceless notes as:
1. Threats regarding their “several high powered lawyers”.
2. Being repeatedly called an idiot.
3. Being told that *I* was committing robbery.
4. Being told that I have no right to stand on public property and take a picture of their building.
And many others which are all cataloged for future reference. Fun!
January 11th, 2010 at 9:40 pm
Bill, you’re a thief of more than hearts apparently.
What about the fucking tater tots? I like tater tots and I think a tater tot pizza would kick ass. Mmmmm tater tots.
January 11th, 2010 at 9:44 pm
HOLY SHIT_ I was 100.. Woo hoo week two of celebrity.
January 11th, 2010 at 9:48 pm
Wow.
How hard can it be to walk 12 steps out of your own restaurant and snap a picture? Then to top it off they accuse you of wrongdoing.
I don’t care how high they ranked in your pizza taste-off, I’ll be giving my business to Carbone’s.
Seriously ignorant.
January 11th, 2010 at 10:17 pm
Its amazing to me that people dont get this concept.
January 11th, 2010 at 10:29 pm
if you want, let me know and I’ll take a picture of their building with you standing in front of it and holding up your picture of the building.
p.s. I suggest recording all phone conversations you have with people that like to threaten. I have a tape recorder and a line tap specifically for dealing with such people. I once had a guy threaten to come over and kick my ass over some dispute his wife was having with mine. once I mentioned the conversation was being recorded, he suddenly decided he was just kidding, and his wife could handle her own problems.
What the fuck is it with people taking any old picture they find on the internet to use for business purposes. Just because you find something on the internet doesn’t make it yours, nor does it make it free for the taking.
January 11th, 2010 at 11:09 pm
Maybe Larry Werner over at ThisWeek could give Goodfellas the heads up on the ins and outs of Fair Use over some “appitizers” (sic) and a slice of the “crown jewel” of Goodfellas: “chipotle chicken pizza that includes chicken, jalepeno (sic) bacon, chipotle sauce and pepers (sic).”
January 12th, 2010 at 9:07 am
I don’t see the picture on their facebook page. Did they take it down?
I do see a link to your pizza taste test though. :->
January 12th, 2010 at 9:09 am
I contacted Facebook and had them take it down.
January 12th, 2010 at 12:09 pm
Bill, I think you’ve been very (too?) nice about this theft. You’re such a sweetie pie! mmmm, pie
January 12th, 2010 at 12:10 pm
What do you want me to do? Jump up and down, stomp my feet, and call someone an idiot and a robber? I’ll leave that to the experts TYVM.
January 12th, 2010 at 12:12 pm
The behavior of the owners in just this thread alone has convinced me that I will never even think of eating at Goodfellas Pizza, and I’ll be happy to share that opinion with my friends.
Not that AJ or anybody cares, though. Plus, who is gonna see this site, anyway? It’s not like people google for things like “Pizza Lakeville Apple Valley Bar Review Sucks” or any such key words and wind up here or anything. Nope.
January 12th, 2010 at 10:23 pm
Try googling “bad motherfuckers” + “Apple Valley”. SHAZAM!
January 13th, 2010 at 2:11 pm
Bill, What makes you a food critic? You know opinions are like assholes everyone has one. Those who can’t do, criticize. Get a different hobby!!!!
January 13th, 2010 at 2:38 pm
Bart, What makes you a Bill critic? You know opinions are like assholes everyone has one. Those who can’t do, criticize. Get a different hobby!!!!
January 13th, 2010 at 3:06 pm
I always thought it was “Those who cant do, teach.”
January 14th, 2010 at 10:16 am
Isn’t it funny that most people ripping this place haven’t even tried it? 90% of these posts aren’t even about the restaurant!!! It’s all childish bickering. Instead of commenting on spelling, comment on the restaurant! I was hoping to get quality reviews from this site but that’s obviously not what it’s used for… so I actually went to the restaurant and formed my own opinion based on experience rather than speculation.
So to the point… I have actually eaten at Goodfellas a few times now. Allow me to comment in case anyone viewing this site actually wants a review of the food/service. I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve tried to date (Various pizzas, bacon cheeseburger, mac and cheese, and of course beer!). The owners (who I don’t know) are very nice, friendly people. The service was great.
It’s definitely a bit small… several times it’s been filled to capacity. But as stated there’s room to grow. They also said they hope to have a full liquor license by mid to late summer. It’s a nice atmosphere, like a mom & pop diner. And I’m impressed they did all the work themselves. I recommend everyone at least try it with an open mind (which will probably be difficult for most of you since you’ve already formed an opinion… apparently based on nothing), THEN COMMENT AFTER YOU’VE ACTUALLY TRIED IT!
Bill have you tried it yet? Since this is your site, I would hope you’ve tried it. If you have, and already posted your review my apologies… I tried to read through all of these posts for actual reviews, but of the 100+ posts very few are reviews and I just got sick of reading through all the B.S. comments on spelling (Oops, that’s a run-on sentence… I’m sure everyone will comment on my poor grammar). Maybe you should consider only allowing posts that relate to the topic at hand, it would make it a lot easier for those of us that aren’t here to bicker… just a thought.
January 14th, 2010 at 10:19 am
Jeff, http://www.lazylightning.org/lazy-lightning-south-metro-pizza-taste-test
I appreciate your suggestion on how I should run my site. It has been noted.
January 14th, 2010 at 10:33 am
Thank you Bill, that’s a quality review. That’s what I was looking for from the beginning, I just wish it was easier to find… really think about cleaning up all the useless posts!!! Or posts from people that admit they haven’t tried it. If you can’t find the quality through all of the B.S. the site is basically useless. I also recommend you delete this post since it’s not a review (I don’t want to contribute to the mess!).
January 14th, 2010 at 10:34 am
Or AT LEAST move your review to the top so people can find it!
January 14th, 2010 at 10:36 am
Jeff, again thanks for the suggestions, they have been noted.
January 14th, 2010 at 1:13 pm
Jeff, what is the address of your web site/blog? I would love to visit!
January 14th, 2010 at 5:15 pm
Funny you complain about the lack of “quality reviews” and that’s what you offer.
Everything I’ve had good.
People nice.
Room small.
Pizza round.
Napkins paper.
Forks metal.
Oooh…wow…who needs Dara Moskowitz! Thanks!
Why don’t you stick around for a few weeks and get to know the community here and what it has to offer/what it’s all about before you launch into tearing it apart. Even though it isn’t the sole purpose of this site like you seem to wish it was, there’s more food and restaurant knowledge on here than you think.
January 14th, 2010 at 10:11 pm
I LOL’d.
February 12th, 2010 at 10:07 pm
My husband and I visited Goodfellas tonight (Friday) around 6:30pm. We walked in and got the last table that was open. Granted the space is small and doesn’t hold very many people, the place was packed.
We ordered a large (14″) pizza with pepperoni, green pepper, onion and sausage. The pizza came out faster than we anticipated, which is nice when you’re hungry! We loved it. The crust was great. Not paper thin, but not too thick and doughy. There were a good amount of toppings. Just enough cheese and sauce. The pizza wasn’t greasy. Overall a great pizza.
On top of the good pizza, was good service to match. Our waitress was attentive and very friendly. We will definitely be back to Goodfellas.
February 15th, 2010 at 11:23 am
I discovered this restaurant by accident. I took my 3 year old daughter to see The Princess and The Frog at the lakeville theater – 7pm or so was the showtime. We got out and messed around (it was her first movie and first time seeing inside a theater and wanted to explore a little and wander) and we did the photo booth pictures and the plan was to go have a late dinner at Harry’s which is across the street. We walked in and were told that the kitchen was closed except for appetizers but why not try Goodfellas across the freeway? (WOW! sending a competitor business?!) Very nice of them because I just can’t stand McD. We went and everyone was extremely friendly, the waitress asked my daughter her name and really engaged her in conversation and asked how she liked her first movie, and was so charming, really! it was obviously a bar and restaurant, but I would feel comfortable bringing any child there. The menu was pretty extensive, and I thought extremely affordable! It is clean, has great food – I have gone twice since, and I would highly recommend it! I truly hope they do well despite the location – maybe they could put a video ad at the theater for a discount with your ticket stub or something to help bring new people in and get a stronger customer base. I honestly hope they do really well, I had great experiences there! Give it a try!
February 15th, 2010 at 11:39 am
The brilliant MSPD wrote:
Caveman Reviews…it is an SNL skit or satirical blog just waiting to happen!
February 15th, 2010 at 12:58 pm
Mrs M, great minds think alike. I’ve been developing a blog concept where I write every post/article in a different character voice.
“Casa Nostra”
By Chewbacca
WWRRRFFFFGGGGRRRRGGGHHHHHHHHH.
“Perron’s Sul Lago vs. Baldy’s BBQ”
By Charles Dickens
It was the best of food, it was the worst of food….
“Review of the Burnsville PAC Event Calendar, Summer 2010 Schedule”
By Assorted Crickets
Chirp………..chirp…………..chirp…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..chirp.
And so on.
February 15th, 2010 at 1:02 pm
OMG, I would totally subscribe, MSPD!
February 24th, 2010 at 8:15 am
[...] results, however, Lazy Lightning points to their very own South Metro Pizza Taste Test, topped by Goodfellas Bar and Grill. [...]
February 24th, 2010 at 4:29 pm
My coworkers and I ate lunch there a few weeks ago, and those of us who ordered pizzas enjoyed them. I got the Mac and Cheese — it was more pizza than I’d normally order for lunch, but I figured I could take half of it home for dinner. The crust was nice and crispy, although I thought the m&c was a bit bland. Honestly, I think because it seemed like it was homemade and not Kraft. Kraft is processed and fake, but sue me for preferring a flavor that brings back childhood memories. :-) I’ll chalk that one up to an idiosyncratic personal taste in that particular department. But my coworker tried mine, and he seemed to think it was quite good. I also tried his German pizza, which if I recall correctly, had sauerkraut and bratwurst on it. Usually I’m not big on ‘kraut, but that was a tasty slice! One coworker ordered a burger with pepperjack cheese (I think it was called the Volcano Burger or something to that effect???). He wasn’t too impressed with the burger, but he’s notoriously picky, so I’ll judge that one for myself at a future meal.
Oh, and we did agree that the service was pretty good. And considering we went in at 2 pm on a weekday, it seemed really busy in there.
March 11th, 2010 at 11:56 am
Every time we have been there, it has been good and full of customers. I think you should try it before you slam it!
March 11th, 2010 at 11:58 am
Sissy, I think you should read (and click through to the links) on all the comments before you make a bad assumption about a post which is months old.
March 27th, 2010 at 5:35 pm
Have now visited the (somewhat) new Goodfellas Pizza in Lakeville, and having tried enough of the menu to comment, thought I’d drop in two cents worth.
Right off the bat, compared to the vast majority of new restaurants opening recently in the South Metro, you can tell Goodfellas had a plan and is executing it pretty well. Without question, the space is small, and if you get a bright afternoon sun shining through the large tinted windows, it can get quite hot (there are no shades as of yet, though the help was commenting openly on how nice it would be to have them). However, unlike a Baldy’s (not pickin, just sayin’), the place has a quaint and often full feel, and feels right-sized for a new opening.
One thing that has struck me each time we visited is the attentive and friendly service, genuinely interested in matching you with a good food item and providing quick service. We liked that the kids’ stuff came out early, as it is usually important to get them busy and eating ASAP for us. One thing that was VERY refreshing was finding servers who were genuinely enthusiastic about the food, and willing to walk you through the eccentricities of a fairly different and broad specialty pizza menu. In general, you get the feeling that this place has been in business a while, and knows their stuff, even though they have been in business just a short while. Compare and contrast it with Casa Nostra and you’ll have no clue they opened approximately at the same time.
Of course, with me (and most here), the food is the key and given the fairly healthy pre-opening debate here, it must come with a caveat. This is no Gino’s East, nor one of the many world famous New York eateries that would meet almost anyones’ definition of world class pizza. However, I’m fairly certain, tucked in a remote strip mall off of I-35 in southern Minnesota, they weren’t ever shooting for that mark. The mark they did hit for me was fairly tasty and somewhat interesting pizza, with better than average ingredients and a light and airy, though not cracker thin, crust. Of their specialty offerings, my favorite is the German pizza, a neat twist on the polish sausage with kraut on a pizza crust, with fairly nice tasting kielbasa and not too overpowering kraut. If it’s your cup of tea, I think you’ll like it. The spaghetti and meatball pizza was different and tasty too, and there was something about the sauce that was appealing enough to make me want to go order that pizza again soon. I wasn’t that impressed with a fairly bland mac&cheese pizza, which was too doughy and starchy for my taste, but the intended audience — the kiddos — scarfed it down and continue to request it specifically each time we mention eating out for pizza. Adult buyer beware…
As for the more “standard” toppings, the pepperoni and italian sausage are fairly standard fare — not bland, store bought by any means, but nothing overwhelming either. One topping that we were quite pleased with, though, was the ham (canadian bacon?) on the deluxe, that has a nice smoky and rich flavor that doesn’t overwhelm the slice, but add a boldness to it that shines through. Definitely in the Brianno’s category in terms of a bold flavor. The one downside is when you start venturing into veggies — from peppers to olives to onions and the like — you’re getting the standard fine dice, fairly flavorless offerings, and not much else. But for those like me for whom veggies and plants are pizza distractions and not the main stars, I was hardly bothered.
On the cheese front, those who love the 2.2 kilos/slice of cheese heaped on a Red Savoy or Carbones offering will be left unfulfilled here, as the cheese is of good quality and texture, but much less dense than those offerings. personally like aa bit less of an overwhelming dose of cheese myself, so I was not disappointed. But if you want some more, the extra cheese we ordered on the wife’s pie will satisfy. Of course, with pizzas already trending toward the pricy side, having to ante up for the Savoy dose of mozzarella should be a black mark I suppose. In general, the apps were tasty and some were different than your standard fare (mac and cheese bites, fried cauliflower, etc), but nothing was to die for. The salads were ordinary and the sandwiches were quite good, albeit somewhat small for the buck. But with the variety and flavors, from what I could tell, the pizza here is the star.
One last note — finally…FINALLY…a delivery joint actually delivers further than a small 1 or 2 mile radius. Goodfellas delivers up to an 8 mile radius, and we qualify, which already bumps them up a few rungs on our list. How refreshing compared to chinese and pizza spots miles closer that offer us the old “outside our delivery radius” garbage.
This place isn’t, and shouldn’t, make you go “WOW” and serve as the latest, greatest incarnation of pizza/pasta/bar offerings in the country. And I can’t say that it’s so good that we’ll make it a daily staple. But against the backdrop of delivery spots that are hardly trying anymore, and really bland and unexciting midwest pizza favorites, it more than holds its own. Top it off with some more than refreshing good and attentive service, and a friendly and polished atmosphere, and it has become a reliable “keeper” in our ever too small rotation of family dining spots south of the river.
March 27th, 2010 at 6:43 pm
As long as it was brought up….I just ate at Gino’s East. Mmmmm….was that good.
March 27th, 2010 at 7:34 pm
I think the king of delivery areas is Ole Piper Inn. Not saying you’d want to order it. But I’ve seen their delivery rigs all over the burnsville, apple valley, rosemount, farmington area.
Goodfellas does sound like a place to try. I just don’t seem to get the wife and me in the same house that much lately around dinner time.
April 3rd, 2010 at 1:20 pm
My husband and I ate there this past Friday night. The place was full and even when a table/booth opened up, there was always more people coming in to fill the empty spot. Although we didn’t order pizza, it smelled delicious and there phone was ringing constantly with order. We ordered a French Dip and Philly Cheese Steak sandwich. The order came in a very reasonable time and was nice and warm. The french fries were the best I’ve had in a long time – tasty and not greasy. Both of us really liked the hoagie bread that our sandwiches came on as it was fresh, soft and not hugely all bread so it meshed well with the ingredients. The bartender was quick to help us and the owner came over and talked to us as well. We mentioned some of these reviews, and she seemed a bit disappointed that some of the reviews were before they even opened in December so to me those comments are unwarranted. The big screen TV’s were nice especially for this small space. Yes, the place is very small, but the owner told us they are hoping and planning to occupy the space next door to make the place larger which would be a plus. We will definitely go back there and can’t wait to try their pizza as they had some very different kinds to choose from. When we do, we will let you know what we think. Both my husband and I were former restaurant owners (my husband was a co-owner of Ole’ Piper for nearly 10 years) and know how tough customer satisfaction can be, so we look forward to going back and supporting the “small guy (or should I say gal?)” business. I would recommend giving them a try!!
April 29th, 2010 at 11:29 am
This place is Great. It’s small for a reason, they wanted to see how business was BEFORE expanding, which they are planning on doing. Right now I like the cozy feel it has. Their Margarita pizza is great and I highly recommend the Mac N Cheeze bites (especially for the little ones). The owners/management are extremely personable.
April 29th, 2010 at 1:30 pm
Uh oh…
April 29th, 2010 at 1:30 pm
Ally, how do you know this?
May 5th, 2010 at 7:31 pm
Just left 35W North and had a Goodfella’s delivery driver whip past me going 80mph, weaving in and out of traffic and tailgating other cars before exiting on CR 46. Nice. Way to represent. Here’s a hint: that sign, on the top of your car, the one with the company name and phone number on it, says you are a representative of that company. Goodfella’s process for selecting responsible employees: Fail.
May 5th, 2010 at 11:18 pm
Mom?
May 6th, 2010 at 7:14 am
Son? That was you? Just wait until you get home, young man. You’ve got some explaining to do :)
May 12th, 2010 at 2:59 pm
This place has done great since opening its doors. The owners are great people which I met for the first time when I went to check the place out and get a specialty pizza. The one owner was eating a pizza and offered me a piece for me to try, it was the Pot Roast Pizza and it was absolutly amazing. They have been very friendly and the small atmosphere works well for this area. I actually miss the Express Deli for the selections they had as well and the owners there were awesome as well they just hit it at the wrong time I believe. Goodfellas Pizza is by far some of the best pizza I have had in the area and they have me coming back for more pretty much on a weekly basis.
If you go I highly recomend the Pot Roast Pizza. Very few have said they have not liked it when I have offered them a piece while there or at home with friends.
June 7th, 2010 at 5:53 pm
This place has an excellent menu for “alternative” or “specialty” pizzas. We’ve been there twice since the Taste of Lakeville last month and have been very pleased. In fact, I just ordered pizzas for tonight! Yes, it’s a very small restaurant, but they deliver and they seem to do a steady business inside. I wish the best of luck to them. I never stopped at the deli that was there before, but it didn’t really draw me in.