Papa Dino’s Pizzeria and Deli: The New Boys in Town

The buzz around town is that Jerzey Boys is gone and in its place is a new brick oven pizzeria and deli. Needless to say this news was more than a little surprising as Eater just recently featured Jerzey Boys’ egg sandwich as one of the best in town. Since no one had tried the new place yet Eater stopped in for a first hand look at the situation.

The former Krauszers turned Jerzey Boys has indeed again changed hands again and is now Papa Dino’s Pizzeria and Deli.  Walking in you would not know that they have only been open under the new name for two weeks. Packed with Hasbrouck Heights middle and high school students who appeared to be loving the grub, Dino’s feels like it has always been there. The young, friendly staff members treated their young cliental like gold.

Co-owner Dan Martire and his business partner John greeted me as I walked in and were nice enough to tell me a little about the place.  Dan and his father Dino recently took over the deli from the former owner of the Jerzey Boys and threw down to Lovey’s, Hasbrouck Heights Pizza, Roma Pizza, and La Bella Napoli for the best pie in the borough.

In addition for a full deli menu, those egg sandwiches the old shop was putting out, classic Italian subs hot sandwiches, and dinners Dino’s offers a Sicilian that rivals Rose’s Pizza in Garfield. (Yeah that’s right I said it) The brick oven creates a crispy crust and the sauce is outstanding. Eater definitely recommends that you try it out.

But it is time to get to the point of this week’s column. Eater is all about good food and new discoveries and this week I discovered a culinary delight at Papa Dinos. 

 Cook Steve Trano tried in vein to get to try his chicken teriyaki pizza but I resisted as I am a traditionalist. After a good amount of coaxing, he got me to try his creation. Trano’s chicken teriyaki pizza is reminiscent of something you would find at Ottos Enoteca or any of Chef Mario Batali’s establishments. Trano explained that he thin slices the red onions and marinates them in a secret mix along with the chicken. He tops the thin crust pie with mozzarella cheese then adds the magic and the brick oven does the rest. It is a must try.

Like many other establishments on the Boulevard Dino’s hopes to create a nice dining room in the near future. But in the mean time, go check out the pizza.