The culinary landscape of Miami has evolved over the past fifteen years, which makes supporting landmark restaurants even more crucial for their survival. This is no exception for long-lived restaurants with rich histories.
Steve’s Pizza – a staple of Miami’s culture for over 50 years – is more than just a pizzeria. Opened in North Miami in 1974, the restaurant was founded by longtime friends, Brooklynites Allen Valinsky and Steven Siegle, as a small joint in the former Arthur Treacher’s Fish hand Chip’s building. This makes Steve’s Pizza an actual piece of history.
Valinsky and Siegle’s business partnership lasted only a year, and some might have imagined that Valinsky would rebrand, so he chose to keep the restaurant’s name since his oldest son is also named Steven.
It Has Outlived the Competition
Despite what could be considered humble beginnings, Steve’s Pizza has outlasted its competition and has become a staple for Miami’s residents. Its menu offers a wide range of foods, including everything from cheese slices to lasagna, subs, and salads. The pizzas its star attraction, however. With its crisp crust, delicious tomato sauce, gooey mozzarella, and an assortment of meatballs, sausage, and pepperonis, it’s hard to turn away a slice, even if it’s just plain cheese.
The pizzeria is a throwback to old-school restaurants, where ambiance comes second to the food. The cozy interior has graffiti-covered walls, wooden booths, and even once possessed a Ms. Pac-Man cocktail machine. Several polaroids are also featured over the counter.
Steve’s Pizza become a late-night sanctuary for many locals. For those seeking comfort food after a long day or night, people can grab a slice and a cold beer well into the evening and sit back as its neon lights glow around them.
The pizzeria has remained even despite hurricanes and power outages. During Hurricane Irene, the restaurant kept its doors open thanks to its gas ovens and served food by candlelight while the remainder of the 305 sat in darkness.
Beloved By Locals
Even though Valinski passed away in 2017, his family works to continue the legacy. Valinsky’s two cardinal rules – “Always treat the customer right” and “Never serve a burnt pizza” – have guided the restaurants for decades.
With fresh ingredients at the core of their pizzas, homemade sauce, and carefully selected cheeses adorning their menu, customers are assured a perfect bite every time. Even the pepperoni is hand-sliced for optimal freshness.
As Steve’s celebrates its 50th year in business, it is clear that the pizzeria has become more than just a place to grab a slice of pizza. It’s part of a wider community. Some of its regulars have been coming since childhood and now bring their kids along to experience the same pipizzahey’ve come to know and cherish.
The restaurant has been included in the New Times’ “Best of Miami” awards and is often regarded as one of the best pizza places in the city.
Local historian Abel Sanchez (@MiamiStadium) says Steve’s holds a special place in his heart. He has been going for more than half his life and says it’s still his favorite pizza place in town.
To celebrate its 50 years in business, Steve’s throwing a celebration on Sunday, September 15. It will feature a live DJ from 1 to 9 P.M., samples from Wynwood Brewing, a cake cutting, brand-new merchandise, and 50 percent off pizza from noon to 6 P.M.
For Miami’s residents, Steve’s Pizza is more than just a pizza place – it’s where memories of good food and tradition have blended to create something long-lasting.
If you’re in the neighborhood this Sunday, stop by for a slice to celebrate an actual piece of the city’s history.
Steve’s Pipizzas is located at 12101 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. Their phone number is 305-891-0202, and they can be found online at stevespizza.net.
