Finding a pizza place that actually feels like home is getting harder. You know the vibe—the scent of simmering marinara hitting you the second you open the heavy glass door, the muffled sounds of a local high school game on the TV, and that specific New Jersey warmth that isn't corporate or staged. That’s basically Frankie's Pizza & Restaurant Bayville NJ in a nutshell. It’s a local institution tucked away at 305 US-9, and honestly, if you live in Berkeley Township and haven't ended up here after a long shift or a beach day, are you even living in Bayville?
What Makes Frankie's Pizza & Restaurant Bayville NJ Different?
Most people assume every "Frankie’s" in Jersey is part of some giant chain. Not this one. While there are famous "Frankie Fed’s" in Freehold or other spots with similar names, the Bayville location has its own rhythm. It's a family-run operation where the owner is usually visible, making sure the garlic knots aren't just "okay" but actually worth the carb coma.
The menu is huge. Like, intimidatingly huge. You’ve got your standard thin-crust circles, but then you stumble into the "Gourmet Pizza" section where things get wild. Have you ever tried a Penne Vodka Pizza? It sounds like a dare, but at Frankie's, it’s a bestseller. The creamy vodka sauce replaces the traditional marinara, and the pasta is actually cooked al dente before it hits the dough. It’s heavy. It’s delicious. You’ll definitely need a nap afterward.
The Grandma Pie and Sicilian Roots
If you want to judge an Jersey pizzeria, you order the Grandma Pie. At Frankie's Pizza & Restaurant Bayville NJ, the Grandma is a thin Sicilian crust brushed with a serious amount of olive oil and garlic. They spot it with chunky San Marzano tomato sauce and fresh mozzarella. It’s that "well-done" crunch that separates it from the soggy squares you find at the mall.
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- Grandma Pizza: Thin, crispy, heavy on the garlic ($21.95).
- Sicilian Special: The thick boy. Sausage, pepperoni, peppers, onions, and mushrooms ($28.55).
- White Sicilian: No sauce, just ricotta, mozzarella, and a lot of garlic.
The Hidden Stars of the Menu
Everyone talks about the pizza, but the locals know the real secret is the "Brother’s Gourmet Subs." Specifically, the Fat Cheesesteak Sub. This thing is a monster. It’s loaded with peppers, onions, mozzarella, and—here’s the kicker—french fries and onion rings inside the sub. It’s essentially a late-night diner menu stuffed into a 14-inch roll.
Then there's the Chicken Ala Frankie. You won't find this everywhere. It’s a chicken entree topped with eggplant, ricotta, mozzarella, and that signature vodka sauce. It’s messy, it’s salty, and it’s pure comfort food. The portions are aggressive. You aren't finishing this in one sitting.
More than just a slice shop
A lot of people think Frankie's is just a take-out counter. It’s not. They have a full dining room with wait staff. It's the kind of place where you see families celebrating a middle school graduation or seniors grabbing a quiet lunch special. The atmosphere is clean, but it doesn't try too hard to be "modern." It feels like 1998 in the best possible way.
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Real Talk: The Pros and Cons
Look, no place is perfect. If you read enough reviews or talk to enough Bayville locals, you’ll hear the same few things.
The Good:
The prices are surprisingly fair for 2026. You can still get a large cheese pizza for around $15.35 (usually cheaper if you order online with their 10% discount). The delivery is generally fast, and they cover a decent radius around Bayville and Pine Beach.
The Not-So-Good:
Because it’s a popular local spot, Friday nights can be a bit of a circus. If you’re ordering for delivery at 6:30 PM on a Friday, expect a wait. Sometimes the phone line stays busy for ten minutes straight. Also, while the pizza is consistent, some of the more complex seafood dishes like the Scungilli Salad or Calamari can be hit-or-miss depending on how slammed the kitchen is.
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Logistics and How to Order
Frankie's is located right on Route 9 (Atlantic City Blvd), near Scott Drive. It’s easy to miss if you aren't looking for the sign, but the parking lot is usually a giveaway.
- Address: 305 US-9, Bayville, NJ 08721
- Phone: 732-269-6500
- Hours: They usually open around 10:30 or 11:00 AM and stay open until nearly 10:00 PM most nights. Saturdays they close a bit earlier around 9:00 PM.
If you’re a regular, you’re probably using Slice or their direct website to get that 10% off. It adds up.
Actionable Takeaways for Your Next Visit
Don't just walk in and order a plain pie. That's boring. If you want the true Frankie's Pizza & Restaurant Bayville NJ experience, follow this plan:
- Order the Garlic Knots first. They are $6.55 for a half-dozen and they don't skimp on the garlic butter.
- Try a Specialty Slice. If you aren't ready for a whole Penne Vodka pie, ask if they have slices available. The Buffalo Chicken is usually a safe bet.
- Check for Coupons. They almost always have a Valpak or local mailer out. Usually, it's something like 3 large subs for $35.99—which is a steal if you’re feeding a group.
- Ask about the Homemade Soups. The Pasta Fagioli is legit. It’s $4.95 for a small and tastes like someone’s Italian grandmother actually made it in the back.
Next time you're driving down Route 9 and can't decide between a chain burger or actual food, pull into Frankie's. Get the Grandma pie. Ask for extra sauce on the side. You’ll get why people have been coming here for decades. It’s not just about the food; it’s about the fact that Bayville wouldn't really feel like Bayville without it.