Neapolitan Pizza Is Hiding Underground at One of Buffalo's Most Iconic Breweries

Old City Pizza / Photo x Brett Llenos Smith for Step Out Buffalo

Pearl Street Grill & Brewery is one of the most familiar landmarks in Western New York. Chances are, you’ve been there multiple times for a post-game pint or a patio happy hour. But unless you know exactly where to look, you’ve probably been walking right past a massive secret.

Descend beneath the bustling main bars, and you’ll stumble into Old City Pizza — a moody, low-key hideaway that feels a world away from the familiar brewery above.

Old City Pizza / Photo x Brett Llenos Smith for Step Out Buffalo

Taking over the subterranean footprint of the former Brawler’s Deli, Old City Pizza trades the cavernous brewery energy for an intimate, underground sanctuary. And the menu matches that elevated, insider vibe. Instead of standard pub pies, they’re slinging Neapolitan-style pizzas made with Tipo 1 flour—a less refined, nutrient-rich flour that delivers a deeper color and a richer, more complex flavor than standard 00 dough.

Quattro Formaggi / Photo x Brett Llenos Smith for Step Out Buffalo

On our recent trip beneath the street level, we dug into the Quattro Formaggi ($18). Featuring a rich, yeasty crust layered with mozzarella, provolone, romano, tangy sauce, and dollops of ricotta, it’s a full-flavored bite that pairs effortlessly with Pearl Street’s draft list.

Pro tip: Slip downstairs to grab a pie like the spicy Diavola ($22) before a Bisons game or a night at Canalside to completely skip the chaotic main-strip rush.

In addition to our four-cheese pizza, there’s also pepperoni ($20), margherita ($20), Diavola ($22), and six others. Two of us filled up on a single pizza, but you could definitely crush one of these on your own if you’re pretty hungry. Old City also has salads, sandwiches, and pasta dishes.

Old City Pizza / Photo x Brett Llenos Smith for Step Out Buffalo

As a cool bonus, Old City also serves Spot Coffee. You can get any of your favorite cold or hot drinks, including shakes and smoothies. While Old City works as a quick-format option for downtown workers, it’s also got plenty of booth seating and a bar. This makes it ideal for Bisons pregaming or a place to stop on your way to Canalside.

Old City Pizza breathes entirely new life into Pearl Street’s basement, acting as a quick-format daytime oasis for downtown workers and a moody evening retreat for everyone else. To find it, you just head underground from either the street or the main front entrance. No secret handshake or password required, just a desire to discover something entirely new hiding right under your feet.

Hours at the time of publishing (subject to change): Tuesday to Thursday 7 a.m. – 8 p.m., Friday 7 a.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday 12 p.m. – 9 p.m., Monday CLOSED

Restaurant / Bar

Old City Pizza

76 Pearl St Buffalo, New York 14202

Buffalo

Authentic Neapolitan pizza. Handmade pasta.
Premium ingredients, done right.
Featuring Spot Coffee ☕
A new concept from the Pearl Street