First look: Patsy's pizzeria is opening in Harrison, its second spot in Westchester

Patsy's, the popular Italian restaurant in East Harlem since 1933, which has a franchise on the water in New Rochelle, will open Oct. 18 in Harrison. The new location will serve a slightly expanded menu and will offer plenty of room for private parties.

The space on Purdy Street, what had been Curry on Purdy, and before that many other restaurant iterations, lays claim to having the county's longest bar — something Owners Jimmy Rodopoulos and Vincent Perrone were conscious of preserving. The two, who've owned a Patsy's in Queens for 10 years, relied on fellow Owner Carol Rodopoulos to help them with the decor.

The goal, they said, was to keep the "old timers" in the neighborhood happy by keeping the layout (and the 47-foot bar) intact, but also to lighten up the space to attract a younger clientele and newcomers moving to Harrison thanks to its recent housing developments.

That meant refreshing everything, with accents of white, black and gray, adding new fixtures, and putting a granite top on the bar. They also created a menu that features both Northern Italian classics as well as spins on old favorites, thanks to Chef Amilcar Bonilla, who previously worked at Tarrytown's Tarry Lodge as well as Pulpo in Greenwich.

Diners can expect plenty of pizza — their classic thin crust along with specialty options — as well as pasta, entrees and cocktails. "It's very classic Italian food but with a little bit of a spin including some non-traditional pizzas," said Perrone.

Menu items include Chicken Parmesan, Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe and Sausage, Spicy Rigatoni Alla Vodka, Gnudi Pasta with Taleggio cream, crispy prosciutto and shitake mushrooms, and Black Truffle Pizza with guanciale and a sunnyside up egg.

There will also be classic cocktails such as Old Fashioneds, Negronis and Manhattans as well as Italian-inspired signature drinks like the Mule Russo and the Amalfi Breeze.

Making what's old new again

The new spot, which can accommodate 275, is also prime for parties with a large banquet room that can fit up to 180. The middle dining room can also be closed off to accommodate private groups, making the place ideal for weddings, showers and more.

Franchisor Adem Brija who, along with his father, Frank, own the original Patsy's in Harlem, said the Harrison spot is perfect for all types of diners, whether they're families, singles on a date or those going to a party.

There are presently 16 Patsy's franchises, with at least four more in the works, including one in White Plains (opening in 2024) and one in Greenwich, set to open early next year. Each one is independently owned in conjunction with a partnership with the Brijas. So far, all are in New York; Greenwich will be their first outside the state. There's also the possibility of two more in Naples, Florida, and Las Vegas.

Brujac said he thinks what makes Patsy's various locations so successful is the restaurant's history. "We've been around for more than 90 years serving the same recipes featuring honest classic good food," he said. "It's the same pizza."

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It's also a place, he said, designed to make everyone feel welcome. "If we all stick to what we've been doing in Harlem for 90 years, we can't go wrong," he said. "These guys have done an amazing job in Whitestone so we're confident they'll do amazing here as well."

That pride in Patsy's original success hangs — literally — in the Harrison spot with a giant photo of the Harlem restaurant in the middle dining room. The space also features a small sitting area off the bar with cushioned seating below a Patsy's logo.

Towards the front, near the bar, a neon pink sign reads: "This must be the place."

If you go

Address: 7 Purdy St., Harrison, 914-848-4640, patsyspizzeriaofharrison.com

Hours: 12 to 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday; to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Good to know: The restaurant will open for dinner only, with lunch to eventually follow and brunch down the road.

Jeanne Muchnick covers food and dining. Click here for her most recent articles and follow her latest dining adventures on Instagram @lohud_food or via the lohudfood newsletter. 

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Patsy's pizzeria opening in Harrison NY; second Westchester location