Dave Portnoy, president of Barstool Sports, visited Baltimore recently to evaluate the city’s pizza scene. Using his popular “One Bite Pizza Rankings” app, Portnoy reviewed six local pizzerias, grading each one on a scale of 1 to 10.
Portnoy is known for his candid reviews, which often feature colorful comments and detailed assessments. Despite his high standards, he has only awarded a perfect 10 once, to Monte’s Restaurant in Lynn, Massachusetts. In Baltimore, his reviews varied widely.
Here’s a look at how Portnoy rated the city’s pizza spots:
6. Johnny Rad’s Pizzeria Tavern
Rating: 7.1
Johnny Rad’s, located at 2108 Eastern Avenue, received a 7.1 score. Portnoy praised the restaurant’s vibe, calling it a perfect spot for “cold-weather beer.” However, he described the pizza as “floppy,” though he noted it wasn’t as floppy as it appeared. The parmesan topping wasn’t his favorite, but the overall pizza was still decent.
5. Angeli’s Pizzeria
Rating: 7.3
Portnoy visited Angeli’s in Little Italy, one of four locations in the area. After sampling the pizza, he gave it a 7.3, noting the restaurant’s welcoming atmosphere and meeting the owner and staff.
4. Pizza John’s
Rating: 7.4
Located in Essex at 113 Back River Neck Road, Pizza John’s earned a 7.4. Portnoy acknowledged that the pizza’s thick, cheesy style wasn’t his personal preference. However, a customer praised it, calling it the best pizza in Maryland. Portnoy agreed that it was a solid choice for those who enjoy a heavier, cheesier pizza.
3. Matthew’s Pizzeria
Rating: 7.9
Matthew’s, which claims to be Baltimore’s oldest pizza shop, was Portnoy’s third stop. Located at 3131 Eastern Avenue, it earned a 7.9 rating. Portnoy likened the pizza to a “Massachusetts bar pie” and admitted it was one of the best he had in the city.
2. TinyBrickOven
Rating: 7.9
TinyBrickOven, situated at 1036 Light Street in Federal Hill, also received a 7.9. Known for its thin, New York-style pizza, the shop’s first review in Baltimore earned high marks. Portnoy shared a heartwarming story about the owner, Will Fagg, who needed $60,000 for a liquor license to keep the business running. Portnoy offered to help, calling it a “Christmas miracle.”
1. Frank’s Pizza & Pasta
Rating: 8.3
Frank’s Pizza & Pasta, at 6620 Belair Road, earned the top score with an 8.3. Portnoy loved the pizza’s light, crispy texture and was impressed by the shop’s history. The restaurant, opened in 1985, still has a bullet hole in the oven from a shooting nearby in the 1980s. Portnoy felt the story added to the experience, pushing the rating up from 8.1 to 8.3.
Portnoy’s Baltimore pizza tour showcased a variety of flavors and styles, with Frank’s Pizza & Pasta earning the highest praise.
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