Antonio's Pizza By The Slice Kitchen & Bar - Newport

Antonio's Pizzaby the Slice Kitchen & Bar in Newport has become a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike who crave authentic New York‑style pizza served in a relaxed, bar‑friendly atmosphere. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick lunch, enjoying a night out with friends, or looking for a place to watch the game, Antonio’s offers a blend of quality ingredients, generous portions, and a welcoming vibe that keeps guests coming back. This article dives deep into what makes Antonio’s Pizza by the Slice Kitchen & Bar a standout destination in Newport, covering its history, menu highlights, ambiance, location details, service philosophy, practical tips for first‑timers, and frequently asked questions.

History and Background

Antonio’s Pizza by the Slice Kitchen & Bar opened its doors in 2015, founded by Antonio Russo, a third‑generation pizzaiolo who grew up watching his grandparents knead dough in a tiny Brooklyn kitchen. After moving to Newport to pursue a career in hospitality, Antonio noticed a gap in the market for genuine New York‑style slices that could be enjoyed at a bar setting without sacrificing quality. He combined his family’s traditional recipes with a modern twist—offering craft beers, curated wines, and a small plates menu—to create a hybrid concept that feels both nostalgic and contemporary.

From the outset, Antonio placed a strong emphasis on sourcing. The dough is made fresh daily using high‑gluten flour, filtered water, a touch of olive oil, and a secret blend of sea salt that gives the crust its characteristic chew. The sauce is a slow‑simmered San Marzano tomato base, flavored with fresh basil, garlic, and a hint of oregano. Cheese comes from a blend of low‑moisture mozzarella and aged provolone, melted to perfection in a deck oven that reaches temperatures of over 500°F. These meticulous details have earned Antonio’s a reputation for consistency, and word‑of‑mouth praise has helped the establishment grow from a modest slice counter to a full‑service kitchen & bar.

Menu Highlights ### Classic Slices

At the heart of Antonio’s are the classic slices, each priced to encourage sampling multiple varieties in one visit:

• Plain Cheese – A timeless option featuring the house‑made sauce and a generous blanket of mozzarella‑provolone blend.
• Pepperoni – Thick‑cut, slightly crisp pepperoni cups that release aromatic oils onto the hot slice.
• Sausage & Peppers – Italian sausage, sautéed bell peppers, and onions, offering a hearty, slightly sweet bite. - Veggie Deluxe – Mushrooms, spinach, roasted red peppers, black olives, and red onion for a colorful, garden‑fresh profile.
• White Ricotta – Ricotta cheese, garlic, mozzarella, and a drizzle of olive oil, finished with a sprinkle of parmesan after baking.

Specialty Slices

Antonio’s rotates a selection of specialty slices that showcase seasonal ingredients and creative flavor pairings:

• Buffalo Chicken – Spicy buffalo‑glazed chicken, blue cheese crumbles, and a drizzle of ranch dressing.
• BBQ Pulled Pork – Slow‑cooked pork tossed in sweet‑smoky BBQ sauce, topped with red onions and cilantro.
• Truffle Mushroom – Wild mushrooms, truffle oil, fontina cheese, and fresh thyme.
• Mediterranean – Artichoke hearts, Kalamata olives, feta, sun‑dried tomatoes, and a hint of lemon zest.
• Dessert Slice – Nutella, sliced bananas, and a dusting of powdered sugar, served warm.

Kitchen & Bar Offerings

Beyond slices, Antonio’s kitchen serves a modest but well‑executed list of appetizers, salads, and entrees designed to complement the bar program:

• Garlic Knots – Fresh‑baked knots brushed with garlic‑herb butter and served with marinara.
• Meatball Sliders – House‑made beef and pork meatballs, marinara, and provolone on mini brioche buns.
• Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine, shaved parmesan, croutons, and classic Caesar dressing (available with grilled chicken or shrimp).
• Antipasto Plate – Assorted cured meats, cheeses, marinated vegetables, and olives. - Entrees – Options include baked ziti, chicken parmigiana, and a seasonal fish special.

The bar features a rotating draft list of local craft beers, a curated selection of Italian and domestic wines, and signature cocktails such as the “Newport Negroni” (gin, Campari, sweet vermouth, and a twist of orange peel) and the “Slice Spritz” (prosecco, Aperol, soda water, and a splash of blood orange juice). Happy hour runs Monday‑Friday from 3 pm to 6 pm, offering discounted slices and drink specials.

Atmosphere and Ambiance

Antonio’s Pizza by the Slice Kitchen & Bar strikes a balance between a lively pub and a cozy pizzeria. The interior showcases exposed brick walls adorned with vintage pizza memorabilia, black‑and‑white photos of old New York pizzerias, and a reclaimed wood bar that runs the length of the space. Industrial pendant lights cast a warm glow over communal tables, while booths lined with plush cushions offer a more intimate setting for couples or small groups.

An open kitchen lets guests watch the pizza makers stretch dough, add toppings, and slide pies into the deck oven—a transparent process that builds trust and adds an element of entertainment. The bar area features high‑top stools, a backlit shelf displaying bottles, and a small stage that occasionally hosts live acoustic performances on weekends. Outdoor seating is available on a patio equipped with heaters, making it a viable option even during cooler months.

Music playlists lean toward classic rock, indie alternative, and occasional Italian crooners, keeping the volume at a level that encourages conversation without overwhelming it. The overall vibe is welcoming, unpretentious, and conducive to both quick bites and lingering evenings.

Location and Accessibility

Situated at 112 Thames Street, Newport, RI 02840, Antonio’s Pizza by the Slice Kitchen & Bar enjoys a prime spot in the historic downtown district, just a short walk from the waterfront, the Newport Cliff Walk, and popular shopping areas. The restaurant is easily accessible by car, with several public parking