After 3 nights camping , 8 cheeseburgers, a dozen Hotdogs , 3 bags of chips, a handle of Stoli Vodka, 2 1/2 packs of Camel's and 9 million Noseeum bites at Long Point Park in Vero Beach all I wanted was a hot pizza pie to bring me back to city life. I knew fate and time would fall in my favor and deliver me unto the long awaited and highly overdue first visit to Joseph's Pizza at Atlantic Beach.
Habib family owned and operated for over 60 years the Atlantic Beach location was opened in 2004 in honor and memoriam for the family patriarch who passed some years ago. Perfectly located facing East on Ocean Blvd at the origin of Atlantic Blvd in Atlantic Beach between Ragtime and Salumeria. An open dining area with about 8 tables with additional seating outside on the sidewalk, perfect for people watching . On the wall were chalked out daily specials. I took advantage of the $14 1-topping Large, the $10 Spaghetti and Meatballs and to my elation the $12 Mufaletta w! Fries.
My server Sydney was very pleasant and attentive and kept busy refilling my drink, serving other guests in the restaurant and answering the phone for takeout. It was 3:30 so midday just before shift change.
My food came out in a steaming parade of cheese and sauce and zesty meats rolled and cured. The pizza is classic hand-tossed, not New York, Chicago or Detroit style. Similar I would say to Moon River. Their crust is house made and was firm and crisp enough to handle the generous amount of sauce, cheese and pepperoni without collapsing. It took just one bite to appreciate all the previous reviews they've received. I was instantly impressed.
The Mufalletta is a favorite sandwich of mine. It is a classic New Orleans style Italian made with an Olive Tapenade/Salad. Their's includes Ham, Genoa salami, mortadella, pastrami and provolone, topped with homemade chopped olive dressing. It was served on a round seeded bun and cut in quarters, similar to Jason's Deli. The taste was signature Muffaletta in every way! I couldn't resist ordering their French Fries. For me fries are always a good barometer of the overall restaurant experience. Joseph's fries were terrific, hand-cut style and crispy with almost the flavor/seasoning of a curly fry.
The Spaghetti and Meatballs was almost intimidating. The bowl of pasta was huge with two massive meatballs covered in Marinara. The sauce was perfectly balanced and authentic and the meatballs were made with love, the most important ingredient
Finally I indulged in a piece of Canoli to-go as I had to race out of there before my parking expired(Only knock on my whole experience)
Thank you Bobby Farah and Joey Gabriel for always recommending this joint. I wish I hadn't waited so long to come and experience this Atlantic Beach staple. But I believe timing is everything and this visit was exactly what I needed exactly when I needed to wrap up a very eventful birthday gauntlet of celebrations. I deserved it and so do you so go visit my friends at the beach and treat yourself to an oceanside meal the whole family will love -- eating lunch with Susie Bateh at Joseph's Pizza Atlantic Beach. read more