The story
In 2012, college roommates Justin Bazdarich and Todd Feldman transformed an old auto parts shop in Brooklyn’s Clinton Hill into Speedy Romeo. Part tavern, part roadside grill, the space blends kitschy décor with modern touches — a fitting home for the neo-Neapolitan-style pizza and Italian-influenced seasonal American cooking that have made it a neighborhood staple. The restaurant’s name honors a champion race horse owned by Feldman’s family, and his portrait hangs in the kitchen.
Speedy Romeo’s menu is built around perfectly charred pizzas with a distinct St. Louis influence. Provel cheese, bèchamel, and toppings like Mike’s Hot Honey, wild mushrooms, and soppressata appear on creative pies such as the Brocky Balboa and the St. Louie. The kitchen also turns out mouthwatering pastas — from a classic Cacio e Pepe to a Spicy Mezcal lumache — plus greenmarket salads, KC-style wings, and a standout burger. Lunch and brunch bring sandwiches like the Holy Roller (house-cured gravlax) and the Uncle Buck (roasted brisket), alongside baked eggs and a $26 special that includes a pizza or sandwich with a salad. An extensive natural wine list complements the cooking.
Speedy Romeo has earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand for good quality, good value cooking — a testament to its ability to serve both tourists and New Yorkers without losing its local feel. Whether you come for a quick pizza, a leisurely brunch, or a full dinner with wine, the restaurant remains a cherished spot in Bed-Stuy.
Recognition
Ambience
Location