The Barstool Pizza Review has become a cultural phenomenon, and when Dave Portnoy rolls into town, everyone wants to know: who's getting the coveted one bite score? Montclair, New Jersey, with its vibrant food scene, is no exception. So, let's dive into what makes this review series so popular, what Montclair pizzerias might be on Dave's radar, and what the potential impact of a good (or bad) review could be.

What is Barstool Pizza Review?

Okay, so you might be living under a rock if you haven't heard of the Barstool Pizza Review, but let’s break it down. It’s a web series by Barstool Sports where the company's founder, Dave Portnoy, visits pizza joints and gives his brutally honest opinion on their plain cheese slices. The premise is simple: one bite, everyone knows the rules. He scores the pizza on a scale of 1 to 10, and that score is pretty much cemented in internet history. What makes it so compelling? A few things, really. First, Portnoy's no-nonsense attitude and straightforward reviews resonate with a lot of people tired of overly flowery food criticism. He calls it like he sees it, and people respect that, even if they don't always agree. Second, the simplicity of the cheese slice as the benchmark is genius. It levels the playing field. No fancy toppings to distract; it's all about the crust, sauce, and cheese. Finally, the reviews have a massive impact. A score above 8 can send business through the roof, while anything below a 6 can be, well, a bit of a death knell for a pizzeria. It’s high stakes, folks!

Why Montclair?

Montclair is a prime spot for a Barstool Pizza Review for a few reasons. First off, the town boasts a seriously impressive food scene. It's not just pizza; you've got everything from fine dining to cozy cafes. But let’s be real, pizza is a staple, and Montclair has a ton of pizzerias, each with its own unique style and loyal following. Secondly, Montclair is a trendy, bustling town with a demographic that aligns perfectly with Barstool's audience. You've got young professionals, families, and a generally active community that's always looking for the next best thing. Plus, the town's proximity to New York City means that it’s a place where pizza standards are high. People here know good pizza, and they're not afraid to be critical. All of this combines to make Montclair a great place to have a Barstool Pizza Review because it is a place where Portnoy’s opinion is likely to be valued and debated.

Montclair Pizzerias to Watch

Alright, let’s get down to brass tacks. If Dave Portnoy were to hit Montclair, which pizzerias would be on his list? It’s tough to say for sure, but we can make some educated guesses based on the town's pizza landscape. Now, Montclair has a diverse array of pizza joints, each with its own distinct style and charm. From classic New York-style slices to Neapolitan wood-fired pies, the town offers something for every pizza lover. Here are a few contenders that might catch Dave's eye:

Ah' Pizz

Ah' Pizz is known for its Neapolitan-style pizza, cooked in a wood-fired oven. The charred crust, fresh ingredients, and simple yet flavorful sauce could be a hit with Portnoy, especially if he's in the mood for something a little different from the traditional New York slice. But, the key to impressing Portnoy with a Neapolitan pizza lies in the execution. The crust needs to be perfectly charred, yet still chewy, and the sauce needs to be bright and flavorful. The cheese should be high-quality and melt evenly. If Ah' Pizz can nail these elements, they might just earn a surprisingly high score. The atmosphere is also upscale, which could either work for or against them, depending on Portnoy's mood.

Nicolo's Italian Restaurant & Pizza

Nicolo's is a local favorite that serves classic New York-style pizza. With its thin, crispy crust, tangy sauce, and generous layer of mozzarella, it's a no-frills option that could appeal to Portnoy's love for a traditional slice. Nicolo's is the kind of place where you can grab a quick slice for lunch or sit down for a full meal with the family. This unpretentious vibe might resonate with Portnoy, who often appreciates a good, honest slice of pizza without all the fuss. However, to stand out in the Barstool Pizza Review, Nicolo's needs to ensure that their crust is perfectly crispy, their sauce is bursting with flavor, and their cheese is of the highest quality. If they can deliver on these fronts, they might just surprise everyone with a solid score.

Samba Montclair Pizza

Samba Montclair Pizza is also a popular choice. It is known for its creative toppings and unique flavor combinations. While Portnoy typically reviews plain cheese slices, the quality of Samba's base pizza is still crucial. If the crust and sauce are solid, Samba could potentially impress with a well-made cheese slice, even if it's not their specialty. Samba offers a modern twist on the classic pizza experience. However, for the Barstool Pizza Review, they would need to focus on perfecting the fundamentals. A perfectly cooked crust, a balanced sauce, and high-quality cheese are essential for earning a good score. If Samba can nail the basics, they might just prove that they can deliver a top-notch cheese slice, even with their focus on specialty pies.

Brick + Dough

Brick + Dough is another wood-fired pizza place that focuses on high-quality ingredients and artisanal techniques. Their commitment to craftsmanship might appeal to Portnoy, who appreciates a well-made pizza, even if it's not a traditional New York slice. Brick + Dough is the kind of place where you can taste the care and attention that goes into every pizza. Their dedication to quality could be a major asset in a Barstool Pizza Review. To impress Portnoy, they need to ensure that their crust is perfectly charred, their sauce is bursting with flavor, and their cheese is of the highest quality. If they can deliver on these fronts, they might just earn a high score and solidify their reputation as one of Montclair's best pizzerias.

The Impact of a Barstool Pizza Review

Okay, let's talk about what happens after the review. A good score from Dave Portnoy can be a game-changer for a pizzeria. We're talking lines out the door, social media blowing up, and a whole new level of fame. A score of 8 or higher is basically the golden ticket, turning a local pizza joint into a must-visit destination. On the flip side, a low score can be tough to recover from. A score below a 6 can scare away potential customers and damage a pizzeria's reputation. However, even a negative review can generate buzz and get people talking. Some pizzerias have even used bad reviews as a marketing opportunity, inviting customers to come and judge for themselves. It's all about how you spin it, guys!

Beyond the Score: What Really Matters

While the Barstool Pizza Review can definitely have an impact, it's important to remember that it's just one person's opinion. Ultimately, the best pizza is the one that you enjoy the most. So, whether Dave Portnoy gives your favorite Montclair pizzeria a 9 or a 4, don't let it change your love for that perfect slice. After all, taste is subjective, and what matters most is that you're happy with your pizza experience. Remember that a good review should be a good thing but that you should form your own opinion.

Final Thoughts

The Barstool Pizza Review is a fun and engaging phenomenon that has definitely shaken up the pizza world. Whether Dave Portnoy ever makes it to Montclair remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: the town's pizzerias will be ready. They'll be ready to serve up their best slices and hope for a score that will send their business soaring. And who knows, maybe one of Montclair's hidden gems will become the next big pizza sensation, all thanks to the one bite everyone knows the rules.