During the Thanksgiving break, I enjoyed some quality time with my family as we dined at one of my favorite restaurants in Philadelphia – Emmy Squared Pizza in Queen Village.

Originally opening in Williamsburg, Brooklyn in 2016, Emmy Squared has expanded nationally and now has 24 locations across New York City, Nashville, Philadelphia, Washington DC, and Louisville. The Philly location opened in October 2019. As noted on their website, they are widely known for their “signature Detroit-style pizza that is marked by its square shape, crispy bottom, fluffy dough, cheesy ‘frico’ crust, and signature sauce stripes.”

I visited several times and each time I was reminded of the restaurant’s inviting ambiance. It has simple decor with mostly brick walls and patterned tiled floors. The vibe is casual yet lively. It is a perfect place for both special occasions and group gatherings.

The menu offers a wide variety of delicious options. What I love about Emmy Squared is their “unique take on American comfort food.” While their Detroit-style pizza is the star of the show, they also offer different kinds of burgers, salads, and sandwiches along with a wide selection of alcoholic beverages for those 21+. Emmy Squared also gives the option to make any pizza gluten-free, making it accessible for anyone dining with them.

To start, we ordered the “Mozz Sticks” and a Caesar salad. Both of those appetizers came out quickly and were just the right amount of food for my party of three. The Caesar salad was dressed just right, with a nice balance of creamy and cheesy flavors. The mozzarella sticks, while still tasty, were not quite as flavorful as others I have had in the past, but still a solid choice.

As our entree, we ordered two pizzas: the “Classic Detroit-style pizza” (red sauce, mozzarella) and my personal favorite, the “Vodka pizza” (house-made vodka sauce, basil, pecorino). As a somewhat picky eater, I appreciated the simplicity of the classic pizza. It has just the right balance of cheese, sauce, and the ideal amount of crunch in the crust. This pizza is much more basic in comparison to the “deluxe pizza” which includes red sauce, mozzarella, sausage, peppers, and mushrooms. But the vodka pizza was the highlight for me. As someone who loves Italian food, specifically Penne alla Vodka, this pizza was delicious. The vodka sauce added a creamy richness, while the crust provided a satisfying crunch.

To finish the meal, we ordered a skillet-baked brownie topped with vanilla ice cream. The dessert was rich and satisfying, with the warm brownie complementing the cool, creamy ice cream. A perfect way to round off the meal.

Another great feature of Emmy Squared is the variety of seating options. While I dined indoors at this particular experience in the winter, this restaurant also offers a rooftop bar area with additional tables for a fun outdoor experience.

After finishing my meal, I immediately reminded my parents how much I loved the food and the experience at Emmy Squared. This restaurant continues to be one of my top choices in Philly, providing delicious food, great service, and a welcoming environment.