East Village dwellers are very lucky people, as they get not one, but two Pizza Metro locations: the original on Division Street and Pizza Metro II, around the corner and down just a few blocks on Ashland. How is Pizza Metro II different? Well, the menu is the same, but this second location is open on Tuesdays while the first is not, which earns it extra points with pizza lovers (aka most of the population). While this location may not have a giant patio perfect for people-watching, the inside is considerably larger than that of Pizza Metro proper, and the eatery offers free wi-fi, because nothing goes better with pizza than greasy laptop keys (well, and beer; luckily this location is also BYOB).

But what really makes this location a gem is the service: all of the people inside—from the chef to the cashier—literally serve with a smile (it must be that intoxicating aroma of their to-die-for potato rosemary pizza). But even more surprisingly pleasant is the phone service. The original Pizza Metro may be in a prime location with a boastful patio spot, but the people who take orders over the phone are notorious for not being the friendliest, which isn't entirely their fault, they do get really busy. But it's nice to be able to walk just a bit further (or maybe not, depending where you're coming from) to get the same exact food without the 'tude.

Centerstage Reviewer: Jamie Murnane