Photo by @rpholmes13
The 71st Street slice drought will officially come to an end when the quirky, New Orleans-themed pizzeria opens its doors.
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After recently launching a new Upper East Side location at 1243 Second Avenue on the corner of East 65th Street, Two Boots is making its way across the park — setting up shop at 70 West 71st Street, just east of Columbus Avenue. If the address sounds familiar, that’s because it used to house the famous Big Nick’s Burger & Pizza Joint Too, a late-night neighborhood staple known for an extensive menu including massive slices and Greek grub.
Since the closure of Big Nick’s Too due to COVID complications (i.e. fewer customers and higher rent) and a $2 million lawsuit for unpaid wages, the space has sat empty — but that will all change in 2023. An employee at the West Village branch of Two Boots was unsure of an exact opening date, but told us they’ve just started working on the latest installment of the celebrated mini-chain.
This will be Two Boots’ first outpost immediately west of Central Park, but it’s sure to serve up the iconic pies it’s known for, including the Big Maybelle (a white pizza plastered with creole chicken), the Bayou Beast (smothered in spiced shrimp, crawfish, andouille sausage, mozzarella and jalapeños) and an impressive array of vegan options. Fun fact: They also carry a slew of addictive dipping sauces including a sweet red pepper pesto and a cajun ranch (just ask!).
The Grandma Bess: organic San Marzano tomatoes, fresh garlic, olive oil, fresh basil, parmigiano & mozzarella on a thin, square Sicilian crust. Photo c/o Two Boots
As you may remember, this isn’t the only eatery set to appear on West 71st Street. Friend of a Farmer, a popular farm-to-table restaurant in Gramercy, was poised to debut its first spin-off directly next door this fall (at the space previously occupied by Pasha). While there seems to be a delay, you can be rest-assured its coveted pumpkin pie pancakes and chicken pot pie will arrive in due time.
There used to be a Two Boots on Broadway at 95th, I believe it was, so this isn’t their “first outpost immediately west of Central Park” but it’s a welcome surprise.
Yes, on the west side of Broadway, a bit north of 95th. I was sorry when it closed. They had good pizza and nice people
Yep, it was at 2547 Broadway, just below the city’s oldest Mickey D’s, and was there from Aug. 10, 2010 to Mar. 2019. Not “immediately west of Central Park”, but then I wouldn’t call 70 West 71st Street that, either. (Immediately?)
Oh, great… another local pizza place (like Little Italy pizza) which thinks that cornmeal under the crust is an acceptable replacement for flour. No thanks…
Welcome back to the UWS, Two Boots, you wonderful pizza people! With the recent loss of Cafe Viva Gourmet Pizza (1992–Aug. 28/29, 2022; 2578 Broadway), all those tasty vegan varieties — the V for Vegan, Earth Mother, Super Vegan, veganized Tony Clifton, Larry Tate, & Mr. Pink, etc. — will be greatly appreciated.
I ask only that you do something about that guy at the former UWS branch who habitually interpreted “not too hot” to mean “too hot”, if not downright infernal. It’s no fun sitting around drooling over your order for minute upon minute, waiting for it to cool to edibility.
I’m usually not a fan of gimmicky pizza, but Two Boots is pretty delicious