This Florida Pizza Spot Has Such A Following, Locals Swear By It
Tampa has no shortage of restaurants, but only one pizza place in Florida draws crowds big enough to make New York feel a little nervous. Eddie And Sam’s N.Y.
Pizza has been serving authentic slices since 1998, and at this point, it feels less like a restaurant and more like a Florida landmark with a cult following.
Locals talk about it like a secret, tourists treat it like a mission, and first-timers usually leave wondering how soon they can come back. With more than 7,800 reviews and a 4.6-star rating, this downtown Tampa favorite has earned a reputation that stretches far beyond the Sunshine State and straight into serious pizza legend territory.
Is it really possible to get a true New York slice without leaving Florida? And can one pizza spot actually live up to that much hype?
This isn’t just pizza, it’s a Tampa ritual.
The Secret Ingredient That Makes All The Difference
Most pizza places claim authenticity, but Eddie And Sam’s goes the extra mile by importing actual New York water to make the dough. Yes, you read that right.
Real NYC water gets shipped down to Tampa because true New Yorkers know the secret to perfect crust lies in the water.
This commitment to authenticity isn’t just a gimmick. Water chemistry affects how gluten develops in dough, influencing texture and flavor in ways most people never consider.
The minerals and pH levels in New York water create that signature chewy-yet-crispy crust that’s impossible to replicate with Florida tap water alone.
Located at 203 E Twiggs St in downtown Tampa, this pizzeria has been perfecting the craft since 1998. Customers consistently praise the crust quality, with one reviewer noting it “was soft in the middle, crispy on the bottom, with that unmistakable New York tang.”
The imported water combines with traditional techniques to produce dough that folds perfectly without breaking. That’s the hallmark of genuine New York pizza.
When you bite into a slice, the bottom should have a slight crunch while the interior remains tender and flavorful, never soggy or dense.
Slices So Giant They Redefine The Word
Forget everything you think you know about large pizza slices. Eddie And Sam’s serves portions that literally hang off standard plates, earning the nickname “giant slices” from countless amazed customers.
One enthusiastic reviewer declared, “The giant slices are actually truly giant sized.
Some places claim to have giant pizza slices and they’ll look like some little Caesar’s slices.”
Each slice measures significantly larger than typical pizzeria offerings, making one or two slices a complete meal for most appetites. The restaurant also offers massive 26-inch and even 28-inch whole pies for groups looking to share.
These aren’t just big for the sake of being big either.
Every oversized slice maintains perfect cheese distribution, sauce coverage, and structural integrity. You can still fold it the traditional New York way without toppings sliding off or grease pooling in unfortunate places.
That takes serious skill and quality ingredients.
Available by the slice or whole pie, these generous portions have become legendary among Tampa locals and tourists alike. The value proposition is outstanding considering both size and quality, with prices remaining reasonable despite premium ingredients and imported water adding to production costs.
Twenty Different Varieties Ready To Devour
Walking into Eddie And Sam’s feels like entering pizza paradise, with approximately twenty different varieties sitting ready behind the glass counter. Buffalo chicken, white pizza, lasagna pizza, chicken parm pizza, and classic pepperoni are just the beginning.
One reviewer captured the excitement perfectly: “Huge sliced flavorful hot plenty of Pizzas…like 20 different sliced ready to serve and eat.”
The variety means you never face the disappointment of waiting for your favorite style to come out of the oven. Everything sits hot and ready, allowing customers to mix and match different slices to create a personalized tasting experience.
This approach works brilliantly for groups with different preferences.
Specialty combinations include creative options you won’t find at typical pizza chains. The lasagna pizza merges two Italian classics into one indulgent creation, while the white pizza showcases garlic, ricotta, and mozzarella without traditional red sauce.
Each variety receives the same attention to quality and generous toppings.
The buffalo chicken option gets particularly high praise from regulars, balancing spicy sauce with cooling cheese. Even pickier eaters find something appealing among the rotating selection, which adapts based on customer demand and time of day throughout the week.
The Crust That Converts Pizza Skeptics
Pizza debates often center on toppings, but true connoisseurs know the crust makes or breaks the experience. Eddie And Sam’s has mastered the delicate balance between crispy and chewy that defines authentic New York style.
One converted customer from New Jersey admitted, “I alway have pizza on those trips.
Not a priority now that Eddie and Sam’s is just as good, if not better than what I get up there.”
The bottom achieves a golden-brown crispness without becoming hard or burnt. That crispy foundation supports generous toppings while maintaining enough structural integrity for the classic fold-and-eat technique.
Meanwhile, the interior stays soft and airy with just the right chew.
A reviewer who identified as a lifelong New Yorker specifically praised the crust quality: “For me it all about the sauce and then the dough. I hate greasy pizza.
Even back in NY. It was an amazing crust.” That endorsement from someone with decades of pizza experience speaks volumes.
The crust also features those characteristic leopard spots from high-heat baking, creating pockets of caramelized flavor throughout. Even people who typically leave crust behind find themselves finishing every last bite at Eddie And Sam’s, a testament to proper technique and quality ingredients working in harmony.
Downtown Location Perfect For Pre-Game Fuel
Situated in the heart of downtown Tampa at 203 E Twiggs St, Eddie And Sam’s occupies prime real estate near the Riverwalk and major entertainment venues. The location makes it incredibly convenient for catching a quick bite before hockey games, concerts, or other downtown events.
One reviewer mentioned, “The place was packed as I was there to walk to the hockey game.”
Open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 AM to 10 PM (closed Monday and Tuesday), the restaurant accommodates both lunch crowds and evening diners. The extended hours mean you can satisfy late-night pizza cravings after events conclude, though parking in this busy area requires patience and sometimes comes with fees.
Last summer, my cousin visited from Chicago and insisted we grab pizza before exploring the Riverwalk. We ordered three different slices each and sat outside people-watching while devouring every bite.
The energy of downtown Tampa combined with phenomenal pizza created one of those perfect casual dining experiences you remember for months.
The casual counter-serve setup keeps things moving efficiently even during rush periods. Order at the kiosk or counter, grab your slices, and find seating inside or take your food to enjoy along the waterfront nearby.
You can reach them at 813-229-8500 or visit eddieandsamspizza.com for more information.
Reviews From Displaced New Yorkers Tell The Real Story
The ultimate test for any establishment claiming New York authenticity comes from actual New Yorkers living in Florida. Eddie And Sam’s passes this rigorous examination with flying colors, earning praise from transplants who grew up eating pizza in Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan.
One reviewer who lived in New York for over 40 years declared, “This is the best pizza I have had in Florida period and I have tried a good amount of establishments.”
Another New Jersey native drove 30 minutes specifically to try Eddie And Sam’s after hearing recommendations. The verdict? “Not a priority now that Eddie and Sam’s is just as good, if not better than what I get up there.” That’s high praise considering the legendary pizza culture of the greater New York metropolitan area.
Even reviewers who noted minor differences from their hometown favorites still rated the pizza highly. One honest assessment read, “Is it authentic NY pizza?
Not really, but it certainly has some of the elements of NY pizza.
NY/NJ is very hard to duplicate outside of those states…it is a very good option for pizza in the area.”
These reviews matter because New Yorkers bring impossibly high standards and deep emotional connections to pizza. When they approve, you know the restaurant is doing something right beyond just marketing claims.
Modern Ordering Kiosks Speed Up Service
Eddie And Sam’s embraces technology without sacrificing the traditional pizzeria atmosphere. Self-service kiosks allow customers to browse the full menu, customize orders, and pay quickly without waiting in line during peak hours.
One impressed visitor noted, “Order kiosks. Quick service.
Great variety.
Place cranks out some serious quantity but still tastes amazing.”
The kiosks prove particularly useful when the restaurant fills with pre-game crowds or weekend dinner rushes. You can take your time reviewing options, adding toppings, and completing payment while the staff focuses on preparing food and assisting customers who prefer human interaction.
Both options remain available for different comfort levels.
This efficient system helps explain how Eddie And Sam’s maintains quality while serving hundreds of customers daily. The kitchen operates like a well-oiled machine, constantly producing fresh pies and replenishing the display case with hot slices.
Speed never comes at the expense of taste or proper preparation techniques.
The combination of modern convenience and old-school pizza craftsmanship creates an experience that satisfies both tech-savvy younger customers and traditionalists who appreciate the authentic food. Reviews consistently mention the quick service despite high volume, proving the system works effectively without creating the impersonal feel some automated ordering systems produce in other establishments.
White Pizza And Specialty Pies Deserve Equal Attention
While classic cheese and pepperoni slices anchor the menu, Eddie And Sam’s specialty pizzas showcase creativity and skill that elevate the entire experience. The white pizza, mentioned in 34 customer reviews, features a garlic-infused base topped with ricotta, mozzarella, and sometimes spinach or other vegetables.
One customer raved, “I had a cheese slice and cut my white pizza in half to share with my hubby. Hit the spot, so good.”
The lasagna pizza represents Italian-American fusion at its finest, layering traditional lasagna components onto a pizza crust. Buffalo chicken pizza brings heat and tang, earning 36 mentions in customer feedback.
Each specialty pie maintains the same high-quality crust and generous portions that make the classic options legendary.
A family group of eight adults and three kids specifically ordered the 28-inch white pizza and called it “delish,” noting that despite being enormous, it “did not lack any flavor.” That’s the mark of proper seasoning and balanced ingredient ratios across the entire surface.
Even customers who initially came for traditional New York pizza find themselves returning to explore the specialty options. The meatballs get mentioned as “tasty and tender,” while gelato provides a sweet finish.
With prices remaining affordable despite premium ingredients, you can experiment with different varieties without breaking the budget.