Curious, how was business at Pizza23 during this time? Were they empty or did they get some overflow biz?

Curious, how was business at Pizza23 during this time? Were they empty or did they get some overflow biz?

Not from me. Went by this weekend, they were too busy to make our event on time, so we went to Hideaway.

I think it's logically wrong to compare Pizza23's product with Pizzeria Gusto's product. To do so is like saying that the beliefs of a Southern Baptist are comparable to those of an Episcopalian. It may not be like comparing apples and oranges, but it's a lot like comparing oranges and grapefruit. Both are fantastic products, though!

Plenty of room for both of them.

In fact, I'm sure all the new activity at The Rise will help Pizza 23.

I think it's logically wrong to compare Pizza23's product with Pizzeria Gusto's product. To do so is like saying that the beliefs of a Southern Baptist are comparable to those of an Episcopalian. It may not be like comparing apples and oranges, but it's a lot like comparing oranges and grapefruit. Both are fantastic products, though!

I didn't read it as a comparison, but more of a can both of these businesses succeed being so close together and having a similar concept.

I didn't read it as a comparison, but more of a can both of these businesses succeed being so close together and having a similar concept.

Works for Walgreens and CVS :)

I didn't read it as a comparison, but more of a can both of these businesses succeed being so close together and having a similar concept.

I was skeptical at first, but I see now that they are really very different restaurants. Pizza 23 is much more casual, family-freindly and cheap than Gusto. Pizza 23w has more of a neighborhood feeling. Gusto is classier, fancier, pricier (and tastier) and a more complete experience. I would take my wife to Gusto on a date night. I'd take my kids to Pizza 23 and then follow it up with desert at Orange Leaf next door and a stop to play at the Mesta Park playground a few blocks south.

Room for both experiences, as Pete says.

I was skeptical at first, but I see now that they are really very different restaurants. Pizza 23 is much more casual, family-freindly and cheap than Gusto. Pizza 23w has more of a neighborhood feeling. Gusto is classier, fancier, pricier (and tastier) and a more complete experience. I would take my wife to Gusto on a date night. I'd take my kids to Pizza 23 and then follow it up with desert at Orange Leaf next door and a stop to play at the Mesta Park playground a few blocks south.

Room for both experiences, as Pete says.

I think this is pretty much how I see it as well. Plenty of room for both concepts to succeed.

Went last night and absolutely loved everything about the experience. My friends and I sat at the bar after being told there was a 30-40 minute wait for a six top. We had some of the arancini and then each actually got our own pizza, ranging from the salmon to the cherry tomato to the chicken. Great service and drink selection, too. We were unfortunately too full to even try the ricotta donuts. The place was packed and is definitely an instant favorite among my friends and I. I haven't even lived in Oklahoma very long but even I felt surprised that this was just on 23rd street, and my friends from Norman who generally couldn't care less about civic issues/development were super excited to see Pump Bar and all of the forthcoming retail space at the Rise and kept remarking about it. Can't wait to go back. :)

Now that Gusto has proven to be so fantastic and such a draw, and with Pump coming online, the corner of NW 24th and Walker urgently needs to be addressed. Many, MANY people will be and are already parking east of Walker and crossing the street to get to these places. It is currently incredibly dangerous. People coming off of 23rd and up/down Walker and are FLYING. The streetlights there are not working. And frankly, there should be a 4-way stop sign (recommended by Jeff Speck in "Walkable City" as best form of control in pedestrian environment).

These establishments (along with A Good Egg HQ and imminent emergence of The Rise) have fundamentally changed this block, and hopefully Uptown 23 and the City will address it soon, before someone is hurt, or worse.

Also have to give Gusto my two thumbs up. Maybe my favorite entree was the Gusto Wings - unlike Buffalo Wild Wings they don't just sprinkle their wings in mediocre sauce, their wings are actually cooked spicy. Amazing. I think we shared 3 orders among our group. Can't wait to come back!

And I'm also happy to see not too many posters complaining about the prices. At $12/cocktail it's not exactly cheap, nor should it be!

Had dinner there tonight. Thought the prices were justified and the atmosphere and food were outstanding.

I snapped this pic of Pizzeria Gusto's future patio this past Friday. This should be a nice addition once it gets warmer.

9908

Sorry if this is a stupid question, but are they going to put windows in where there are those outlines?

Don't think there will be any windows:

http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/restaurants-bars/8819d1406763526-pizzeria-gusto-gustonew6.jpg

Sorry if this is a stupid question, but are they going to put windows in where there are those outlines?

The windows on the left is where the restrooms are located and the ones on the right are back of house, either offices or cold/dry storage for the kitchen.

We had dinner here Saturday night and I was very impressed. The food along with the service was very good. Not to mention the remodel is exceptional.

I met my daughter there for lunch on New Year's Eve. I was very impressed with the atmosphere and the service. I'm not much of a beer drinking and asked our waiter for a suggestion. It was excellent. I had the meatball pizza and my daughter had a chicken sandwich. I thought the food was fine but nothing exceptional and would certainly go back again if I was going to be in that area.

Went there tonight with the wife. Sat at the bar. Service was superb and loved the food. The place could have been in any big city (London, Singapore, etc). The men's bathroom layout was a joke but hey there's always something.

Dave Cathey's review.

Pizzeria Gusto takes Italian pie to new level in Oklahoma City | NewsOK.com (http://m.newsok.com/pizzeria-gusto-takes-italian-pie-to-new-level/article/5384336)

Patio work underway (from https://twitter.com/TylerBHolmes):

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B7UgGo3CEAAJ9OL.jpg:large

Going there tonight with the lovely. First night away for dinner from our new little one. A little nervous...

I had dinner here tonight with my son and his girlfriend. Our food was very good, as was the service. I will be back.

:hungry:GREAT FOOD, Kudos to Kathy

They had a sign on their door yesterday saying that they will now be open on Sundays soon.

10508 exxccellent :)

Stopped in Sunday for a pizza during Open Streets OKC.

Probably my 7th or so time, and we always have a new favorite dish/pizza after each visit.

The patio is nearing completion, as well.

The patio is open!

https://scontent-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtp1/v/t1.0-9/11069400_836857433048966_5982022584045343283_n.jpg ?oh=f7fc4e63c20e62d0464c1f09e817a224&oe=559C5099

Had a great dinner last night in the dining room. Didn't even know the patio was in place. I'll have to come check it out next time I'm bumming around Pump Bar.

I'll have to come check it out next time I'm bumming around Pump Bar.

So, within the hour then? ;)

Haha very possible

Another one... Super sharp:

https://scontent-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/21753_885479201513106_8116286743180137843_n.jpg?oh =8a289ed34799ae3ae2dbfadc4d64c9b4&oe=55976CDB

We ate dinner on the patio the first day it was open (Wednesday). The space truly feels rustic and comfortable. At first I didn't think I would like the enclosed patio space, but I was clearly wrong.

Hit it for lunch today after the Paseo Arts Fest. Daughter wanted Empire but we hadn't tried Gusto yet so she said she would try. Nice crowd for Saturday. Sat at booth by front windows. Do not let them sit you here if you are a big guy as they crammed three booths into a space that really wasn't big enough for three. The table and boothettes are not moveable. I wear a 48 suit jacket and I was touching the table with front side and back with my backside. They do have table and other booths that aren't crammed in.

Service was good. Bus staff picked up used plates as we finished with them. Manager swung by checking on tables. Place was clean as were the bathroom also.

Food: Ordered wings for apps. There were excellent with a sauce drizzled on them that I couldn't place. It was smoky and maybe some chipotle but wouldn't swear by it. They were very good. We ordered three pizzas and one to go for daughter at home. The daughter with me had the 4 cheese with truffle oil. Very well done. Truffle oil not overpowering, great crust and well balanced on cheese. I had the meatball which had peppers and onions on it. Was tasty but not really bursting with flavor. The sauce tasted almost like fresh crushed tomatos so was very fresh tasting but couldn't detect any seasoning in it. My wife had the cherry tomato pizza which has olives and option of anchovies. I did not try it as I don't like anchovies but wife said was too salty and all she could really taste was salt. Apparently the olives were very salty and when you add the salty anchovy...becomes too much. Take out pizza was the soppressata without the peppers. It is the closet they have to a pepperoni pizza. It was very good also. They do not skimp on toppings and all came out quick and hot with great crusts.

Large beer list with quite a few on tap and large number of imports/craft beers in cans/bottles. I had two beers which with four pizzas and wings came to $82.00 so even Benjamin with tip. Overall, good value for quality of the food and portions. Would be nice to just have a plain old pepperoni pizza as an option. Will go back when in the mood for this style pizza.

Finally ate there this past visit.

I had actually tried once before, but after getting served a beer at the bar, could never get the bartender to help me, even though I had previously said I wanted food. Place was very slow and he just stood behind the bar, avoiding eye contact. Very weird.

Met a friend there a second time and once again sat at the bar. Had okay service at the outset and ordered a small Ceasar salad which was meh. Then had the meatball pizza which was also meh.

Perhaps my expectations were just too high because I was unimpressed with the food.

Then, again, it took bloody forever to get any of the people behind the bar to get another beer, box for carryout, tab, etc.


The simple truth is there are so many good options in OKC right now, I wouldn't be too motivated to return. Love the space, had terrible service two times and the food was okay but not great, especially for the money.

^^^^ Once again, an unwarranted arrogance that seems a common thread through all their 23rd Street concepts. It just ain't all that good for all that money.

have ate there several times at this point, most recently Friday night. I have never had bad service or bad meal.
Sat at the bar waiting on the rest of our party Friday night and had a few beers.
once everyone arrived we were seated. had calamari and arancini as apps and salads.
the small salad is very large I can't imagine what the full size version is. I had the house salad this time as the Caesar isn't my favorite.
first time having the Italian sausage pizza and I would have rather had some of the other options but let him choose. it was pretty tastey.
I really like the crust.

I've eaten there several times and have always had good service and food... it's definitely my favorite out of their 4 restaurants on 23rd. I've tried a few different pizzas and the soppresatta has been the one I liked the most... pretty similar to pepperoni. The fried artichoke heart app. is pretty great too.

I will try sitting at a table next time and skipping the Ceasar salad. Shame, because I usually love that before an Italian meal but they probably have some better options.

Also, I'd like to try something other than their pizza. It was good, but didn't knock my socks off. And good pizza is pretty easy to find around town.


Don't mean to be negative but poor service in a nice place where you are paying good money is a huge hot button for me. If a place wants my hard-earned money, I want to be treated with respect and consideration.

BTW, based on my last two visits to OKC I can really see the strain on the local service pool. I've had pretty poor service from a lot of the bars and restaurants I visited and that sort of thing was much more rare just a couple of years ago. And it's in stark relief to Los Angeles, where there is far more competition for good service jobs.

Growing pains! But the direct result of some many great new places opening up, and it's somewhat understandable if a little frustrating.

On my two visits the service has been fine but on my second trip the crust was charred to a point where the char flavor overwhelmed the rest of the pizza. I understand that style of pizza is going to have some char and I relayed that to the manager when she asked how the pizza was.... She also gave us a complementary dessert.

But as Pete said... There is a lot of good pizza to be found and Humble Pie and Papa Angelo's have never let me down when it comes to consistency.

I've eaten here several times, twice sitting at the bar during peak evening hours. Both times at the bar the experience was very good: Speedy service; attentive, conversational bartenders who answered menu questions without a hint of unpleasantness; food (appetizers, salad and pizza) was very good.

Finally ate there this past visit.

I had actually tried once before, but after getting served a beer at the bar, could never get the bartender to help me, even though I had previously said I wanted food. Place was very slow and he just stood behind the bar, avoiding eye contact. Very weird.

Met a friend there a second time and once again sat at the bar. Had okay service at the outset and ordered a small Ceasar salad which was meh. Then had the meatball pizza which was also meh.

Perhaps my expectations were just too high because I was unimpressed with the food.

Then, again, it took bloody forever to get any of the people behind the bar to get another beer, box for carryout, tab, etc.


The simple truth is there are so many good options in OKC right now, I wouldn't be too motivated to return. Love the space, had terrible service two times and the food was okay but not great, especially for the money.

Pete - did you speak to a manager about your experience?

I've eaten here several times, twice sitting at the bar during peak evening hours. Both times at the bar the experience was very good: Speedy service; attentive, conversational bartenders who answered menu questions without a hint of unpleasantness; food (appetizers, salad and pizza) was very good.

I've had the same experience several times at the bar, plus a couple of perfectly OK (service wise) table-sat visits, and multiple call-ins. I've never been upset in any way by the service. The food has always been pretty good, with excellent wings and pizza, mediocre salad.

I'm a little surprised too, my wife and I have sat at the bar a few times and never an issue. I'd discuss it with a manager and give them the feedback too. As for other options, all of their appetizers are pretty good, and their desserts are excellent.

Went there a few weeks back, and probably wont be returning. Not sure if this what they want but the entire Pizza was burnt to a crisp. It was horrible.

Also I guess I am a little old school, but sometimes people just want a nice pepperoni pizza not a zucchini, rabbit meat, north alps sausage with goat cheese from South America pizza.

Maybe its just not my style. But wont be suggesting it to people

Also I guess I am a little old school, but sometimes people just want a nice pepperoni pizza not a zucchini, rabbit meat, north alps sausage with goat cheese from South America pizza.

And there's a reason why places like Chili's and Applebee's stay in business... Some diners just want plain, boring, food... Nothing wrong with that and nothing wrong with what Gusto is trying to do.... Well except I agree on that burnt crust.... When they get it done right it's a pretty good pie, in my opinion, but I've had some where the burnt overwhelmed the rest of the flavors and that's not good eating.

Last time I went, the crust around the edge was burned (and tasted burned) but the center crust was still relatively under cooked. Consequently, I was unimpressed. The ingredients were fine, but the execution lacked.

I've never had a bad experience or a bad pizza at Gusto. I've had pizza where I may have preferred a different topping. But never burnt or raw. I'm a bit surprised at these reviews.

... But never burnt or raw. I'm a bit surprised at these reviews.

I've never had raw but I've experienced the burnt... I've also experienced the cooked correctly and it's a good pie when they get it right.

Also I guess I am a little old school, but sometimes people just want a nice pepperoni pizza not a zucchini, rabbit meat, north alps sausage with goat cheese from South America pizza.

I totally agree! To each their own. I don't care to eat some of that stuff off of a pizza let alone on a pizza. Doesn't mean we're boring eaters. I'm just particular about my pizza while others may be particular about their hamburgers, others their seafood, etc. I would still like to give it a try some evening though.

I have been there plenty and never had an issue with burnt or raw pizza. sometimes a bit of char on the upper edge but nothing I would consider burnt. I wouldn't say Gusto is for the folks wanting a supreme or Pepperoni pizza and I don't think they have marketed themselves as such. I keep meaning to try a pasta dish but always end up with a pizza.. so good!

A bit of char is expected, but they've never burnt any of mine. But if they did, I would ask them to remake it - my service experience there has always been good, and I don't think that would be a problem. Gusto is the best of this group's concepts, and some of the best pizza in town.

...my service experience there has always been good, and I don't think that would be a problem. Gusto is the best of this group's concepts, and some of the best pizza in town.

Agreed on the service... The manager offered to remake the pie when I pointed out that the char on ours was affecting the overall flavor of the pie and was not consistent with previous pies I had been served. I declined the remake so they gave us a free dessert.

I totally agree! To each their own. I don't care to eat some of that stuff off of a pizza let alone on a pizza. Doesn't mean we're boring eaters. I'm just particular about my pizza while others may be particular about their hamburgers, others their seafood, etc. I would still like to give it a try some evening though.

The truest test of a pizza is a cheese pizza. If they make a fantastic cheese pizza, the toppings are to people's desire. If the basic pizza isn't good, no topping can salvage it. Plain isn't boring, it is just simplicity.

The truest test of a pizza is a cheese pizza. If they make a fantastic cheese pizza, the toppings are to people's desire. If the basic pizza isn't good, no topping can salvage it. Plain isn't boring, it is just simplicity.

And their margherita and margherita the queen are both great. I can see how it could turn some people off initially because the toppings are not what they're used to..... but they are trying to go the more traditional route. Almost impossible to find pepperoni pizza anywhere in Italy.

I've sent two pizzas back on two separate occasions. If you ask them, they will tell you they are not supposed to be burnt, at all. A tiny char is OK. The wood-fired oven must be incredibly difficult to use, because the end product is incredibly variable.

On a recent visit, I was getting two pies to go. Both were slightly undercooked. This turned out to be good because we put them in the oven when we got home at 425 degrees for five minutes and they were perfect.

They really need to figure out a method for quality control on the oven.

Given the imprecise nature of wood fired anything, the primary quality control factor is likely limited to the cooks gaining more experience.

Seems like the best pizzas in NYC are always baked in old coal fired ovens.

Never had a bad anything here. I guess I expect a certain measure of difference in how a wood fired pizza comes out every now and then, but I've never had anything that didn't taste great here.

Huge Gusto fan here. Went last night for my birthday actually. Our table had 5 pies and they were all cooked perfectly. If you normally like a pepperoni pizza, give the soppressata pizza a chance. Its very similar to pepperoni, but has a lot more flavor in my opinion.