Patsy's Pizzeria, the famous Manhattan-based pizza chain founded in 1933, is opening its first Upstate New York location in Ithaca on Thursday, Aug. 27.
The chain, which has locations throughout New York City, Rockland and Westchester counties, is partnering with Promise Hospitality Group at the Ithaca Downtown Marriott to bring its New York City-style pizza to the Finger Lakes.
Patsy's Pizzeria brings its history to Ithaca
Patsy's Pizzeria was founded in 1933 by Pasquale "Patsy" Lancieri and his wife, Carmella, in East Harlem.
For decades, the East Harlem restaurant became known for its coal-fired, Neapolitan-style pizza and attracted celebrity fans, including Frank Sinatra. According to Patsy's, Sinatra would have the restaurant's pizzas delivered to his private jet.
The restaurant also has
a connection to "The Godfather" films. Cast and crew reportedly held table readings and dinners at the Harlem restaurant before filming began.
The East Harlem location remains a New York City landmark and is credited by the restaurant with helping establish the New York-style pizza slice.
In 1991, the Lancieri family transferred the Harlem restaurant and rights to its name and recipes to Frank Brija, an Albanian immigrant who had worked at the restaurant for years.
The chain has since expanded beyond East Harlem, with locations across New York City and in the Hudson Valley.
What's on the menu at Patsy's in Ithaca?
Patsy's said the Ithaca restaurant will offer a modern take on its historic Harlem location while retaining the recipes that made the original famous.
The restaurant will feature classic New York and Margherita pizzas, along with dishes such as linguine, lasagna and chicken parmesan. Newer Patsy's locations also feature coal-fired ovens and specialty cocktails.
The Ithaca location will offer daily brunch, including antipasti, salads, pancakes, waffles and sandwiches such as egg stracciatella, chicken parmesan and a pepperoni spicy vodka meatball sandwich.
Dessert options will include Neapolitan rum cake, zeppoles and tiramisu.
When will Patsy's Pizzeria open in Ithaca?
The new Patsy's Pizzeria is scheduled to open Thursday, Aug. 27, at the Ithaca Downtown Marriott, just steps from the Ithaca Commons.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for 5 p.m., and the restaurant will then begin serving customers.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Famous NYC pizzeria is opening its first upstate NY location
