Vic's In Bradley Beach Among "Greatest Old-School Pizzerias'

BRADLEY BEACH, NJ — Old school pizzerias draw people in not only for their pizza but for their ambience and memories of eras past.

That's the vibe you get at Vic's Italian Restaurant in Bradley Beach, which was recently named to The Daily Meal's list of Greatest "Old-School" Pizzerias in America.

The pizzeria has been in its home at 60 Main St. in Bradley Beach for more than 70 years, serving pizza, pasta and Italian specialities since 1947. According to the restaurant's website, Vittorio "Vic" Giunco and his wife Carmella came from Genoa, Italy, and tried several businesses including a fruit stand and a candy shop before opening a small bar called "Vic’s Tap Room" shortly after Prohibition ended. As business took off, he looked for a bigger home and found it just down the street.

The Daily Meal said Vic's and the other pizzerias on the list are the kinds of places you go when all you want "is a classic, old-school slice just like the ones you remember from when you were a kid."

It's not just about the pizza, however.

"A classic old-school pizzeria (like any great hole-in-the-wall) has a comfortable, lived-in feel, whether it's been around for decades or not. Maybe it's a narrow storefront with a long counter, fresh pies on display in clear cases, and only a few tables (or even just a ledge) to enjoy your slice at," The Daily Meal article said.

One thing's certain: Vic's is beloved among generations of customers, and reviews are overwhelmingly positive.

"Nothing fancy, but solid," one Google reviewer wrote recently, giving it four stars. "When you step inside you are overwhelmed by the intoxicating aromas of old school classic, neighborhood Italian fare that is just irresistible. Awesome thin crust pizza!"

Tell us your favorite local pizzeria and why you love it so much in the comments.

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