PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Angelo’s Pizzeria in South Philly has developed a nationwide reputation as one of the best restaurants for pizza and cheesesteaks in the city.
However, the shop is based in a converted row home that has no seating, and neighbors are fed up. They say long lines often wrap around the sidewalk, and patrons create a “party-like” atmosphere outside the shop at Ninth and Fitzwater streets.
“It sounds like the Italian Market Festival is outside of our house!” one neighbor exclaimed at a packed community meeting Wednesday night. She joined other residents in voicing their frustrations, demanding that something must change.
Other neighbors said customers often sit on their stoops to eat and leave their trash behind. The hype has created terrible traffic, and they said some customers even relieve themselves on homes on small side streets.
City Councilmember Mark Squilla said they are looking at some solutions.
“It may be possible to use the upstairs for seating, so people wouldn’t be lined up outside; they could be lined up inside. They could eat inside; they wouldn’t be eating outside,” he said.
The attorney representing Angelo’s called neighbors’ complaints “overblown” and said the pizza shop puts trash cans out and hangs signs asking customers to respect the neighborhood.