Empire Pizza & Pub
| Address: | 137 Congress Street, Tucson, AZ 85701, USA |
| Phone: | +1 520-882-7499 |
| Site: | empirepizzapub.com |
| Rating: | 4.4 |
| Working: | 11AM–12AM 11AM–12AM 11AM–3AM 11AM–3AM 11AM–3AM 11AM–3AM 11AM–12AM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 12
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A Private User
This place is currently tied for 1st place in my book when it comes to pizza in Tucson. I also love Brooklyn pizza, but Empire does a much better job in terms of service, atmosphere, and consistency. Its a tough call for me to pick the better pizza between them. Im pretty picky when it comes to my pizza - Im a NY-style pizza snob and neither Empire, nor Brooklyn really pull off a truly convincing NY style pizza, but both of them still make excellent pizza. Id eat pizza from either place any day. If you want a giant pizza, I think Brooklyn still makes a bigger "extra large", but otherwise it really just depends on what you prefer. I think Empire tends to have a thinner crust around the edges with more olive oil, whereas Brooklyn tends to have a puffier crust around the edges and more of it, but otherwise their crust thickness is fairly comparable. Im a crust-eater and I like both styles. Both places make pizza with a thin crust that can be a little crispy on the bottom (which is what you want in a NY style pizza), but is generally not what youd call a "thin and crispy" like youd get at a chain like Dominos. So, Id say definitely give Empire a try, especially if you know you like Brooklyn Pizzas pizza, but want something from a nicer place with better service. Im still not sure if I like their pizza better than Brooklyn Pizza Co., but its close enough that Im calling it a tie.
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Rupert Forester-Bennett
Promising location, attentive staff and great beers on draft. My wife wanted pizza tonight - she is gluten-free. We decided to get a table after asking the hostess if they had gluten-free pizza base available. Although the hostess said yes, in fact they dont, ( they have gluten-free pasta) and after beers were served we were committed to a meal where my wife was not going to get the meal we had gone out for. However, (and to quote a massively overused adjective) as an Artisan Pizza establishment it disappointed. I had the special pizza of the day....the chefs choice and it was tomato sauce with a very few slices of sausage ........that was all. For $17 for a 10", I sent it back and had another choice. This was barely better but having commented on the lack of cheese on the first one, at least it had more cheese on it. I still paid the upcharge of $2 for the chillies I had requested on the first pizza....even though it didnt arrive with those chillies AND I had sent it back. Craft Pizza? No
AN
Andrew McClain
Told them I was allergic to cheese when I went in. Granted, a pizza place isnt the best place to eat at when you are allergic to dairy, but I ordered one of the subs. Ive never had a reaction to them before so I knew I would be fine. When it was brought out to me, it was covered in parmesan cheese. I told the man who brought it to me that I was allergic. He begrudgingly asked if I wanted him to remake the sandwich and I said yes, as I couldnt eat it. 5 minutes later he brought me back the same sandwich with all of the tomatoes removed (the bulk of the parmesan was sitting on them). He didnt bother actually remaking the sandwich and I got violently ill from the parmesan that was hiding under the rest of the toppings. I used to love this place and its service, but Ive had a similar experience the last several times Ive come here.
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Dakota Miles
It was difficult at first to get a hold of someone who could take our order. We Order here often and Words Cannot Explain the Extraordinary Service We Recieve. However The Other Night I was missing my free cookie and I will tell You I was sooooo Upset, I nearly blew a fuse! I was looking forward to having it after the pizza. Quality of Service and Product are Very Rich at Empire Pizza. All The Staff Here Are Prompt And Very Generous. One Person Stuck out one Day We ordered, Order the SOHO said Samantha.. By God She Was Right.
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Benjamin Saxton
One of my favorite pizzas in Tucson. THE BEST cheesecake in town. This is a nice unassuming "hole in the wall" surprise in downtown Tucson. Eat just off the street or in the back at the bar. Their pizza is a great, great respite from the chain pies and worth the trip by itself... Factor in the best cheesecake in town and Im talking a top rated place to eat... Then you go sit at the cozy little bar in back and youve got a place you can go in the middle of the day, the afternoon or at night and not be disappointed.
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Patt Intarakamhang
Never really cared too much for pizza, but damn does Empire make a good pizza. The pepperoni pizza was delicious, with the greasy goodness without being too greasy. Also tried a slice of their Thai Curry pizza which had some nice Thai inspirations that worked well with the pizza. The best part had to be the barbecue wings. They were perfection, crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. They had just enough sauce on them. Staff were friendly and attentive. The place is clean enough but pretty dim.
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Jesus Babuca
I fine establishment with bar at the rear of the building. The location places you directly in the middle of the downtown area. Congress os one of the main roads to find activity here lined with odd shops and Tucsons finest cuisines; near the Suntran bus station known as The Rondstat Center for easy and direct lines around the city. Empire keeps itself upgraded by routinely finding recipes for fresh daily menus that can enhance anyones palette for a burst of tastebud sensations.
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Maximiliano Chamorro
although pizza may be tasti, it is not worth the rude service. Untrusting employees. and long wait. I ordered a pizza 1 hour prior to showing up, they did not start to cook it until i had payed for it. making me wait another 45 minutes for it to be ready. meanwhile lying to my face telling me that "another 5 minutes will have it done". I rather go to Brooklyn where the pizza is good and at least you dont get lied to your face.(so far)
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L Granger
We are from the new york city area and weve been traveling across the country for seven months. we have had bad pizza all over the counntry. this is the closest to New York style pizza that weve had so far. it was really good! cheesy large slices not too saucy and a great crust. We had to wait in a long line to get it but its totally worth it! A must when visiting tucsan.
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Amberly Rose Roudybush
The receptionist wrote down our address incorrectly so our pizza was cold. Either way, the pizza was practically pure salt. The side of sauce led me to think it was not the other ingredients. The garlic knots are uncooked dough yet again dipped in salt. It shouldnt make a difference whether theyre busy or not, their food standards should not suffer.
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Katie Stephenson
Pizza was amazing bought it by the slice so it was a great deal! Amazing prices on alcohol drinks as well and it was cool that we could drink on the patio! Found out about it by just walking by and being hungry! Cant wait to return for more delicious pizza and great cheap drinks! Thanks for the hospitality from Alex and Katie in phoenix!
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Anna Smith
The pizza is absolutely amazing and the slices are huge! Youre not gonna get good pizza like that for the price anywhere else. The staff was super friendly and helpful as well. The only thing I didnt like was how cramped the location is. Youre practically sitting on the person at the table next to you.
