Buffalo’s first cooperatively owned pizza shop and wine bar is now open. Extra Extra officially opened for business at noon today, bringing with it a vibrant atmosphere, serving pizzas, soft serve ice cream (coming soon), and beer-wine-cocktails. Not only is Extra Extra worker owned, it is considered the first full service, tipless restaurant in Buffalo.
If today was any indication of the pending successes of the pizza and ice cream shop, then the future looks bright for the business, and its worker-owners. Customers were happily enjoying themselves in the bright, cheerful atmosphere. Most of the seats were filled, and there were a number of people placing orders for take-out.
I ran into a few people from the neighborhood, who were seated at tables, and along the bar, perfectly content with their pizza selections. I must say that the size of the large 20″ pizza is impressive. The general consensus was that the 14″ medium pizzas are ample, but for anyone going for the gusto, or looking to take some slices home, the large is the way to go.
There are plenty of toppings to choose from, including hot maple and white anchovies. There’s also a vegan cheese, white or red sauce option, and a gluten free crust for those who have dietary restrictions. For something totally different, try the Sicilian style (“thick sponge” in Italian), which is served rectangular, instead of round.
I posted on the formations of Extra Extra back in January of 2021. I also wrote on the architectural angle shortly thereafter. Walking through the the restaurant, there’s a nice flow. There are also some practical design details that make the place pop. Once of my favorite designs was the front “entry mat,” where people will stomp their feet this winter. There is a water trap under the bright pink mat that will help to keep the floors from getting slippery. It’s attention to detail like that which will make this place extra special. Not to mention the brightly-lit, vaulted kitchen that is designed to keep the staff – I mean the worker-owners – happy.
For those who don’t want pizza, there’s a salad, a meatball dish, and bread and butter. There’s also an impressive selection of liqueurs and apéritifs, including Cynar, Italicus, and Lockhouse Coffee.
Extra Extra is not your everyday pizza place. Then again, the Five Points neighborhood is not your everyday neighborhood. As if Five Points couldn’t get any better, it just did. Extra Extra is definitely helping to tip the scales.
Extra Extra | 549 W Utica St, Buffalo, NY 14213 | (716) 248-2994 | Instagram
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