History and Legacy
Santino’s Pizza Shack, located at the corner of Clinton Street and Bowen Road in Elma, New York, has been a staple in the community since its founding in 1971. The story begins with Santino Terio, who immigrated to America in 1962 from Castel Nuovo, L’quila, Abruzzo, Italy. With a passion for authentic Italian cuisine, Santino started working at a pizzeria in Buffalo. Over the years, he honed his culinary skills and saved enough money to open his own establishment.
Santino’s dedication to quality and tradition quickly made his pizzeria a beloved local eatery. The historic location on Clinton Street became a gathering spot for families and friends, offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere that reflects the heart of Italian hospitality.
Menu Highlights
Santino’s Pizza Shack is renowned for its wide range of delicious offerings. The menu features classic Italian dishes, each prepared with fresh ingredients and traditional recipes passed down through generations. Some of the standout items include:
- Elma’s Original Pizza: This signature pizza is a must-try, combining a perfectly baked crust with a rich tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and a variety of toppings to suit every palate.
- Chicken Wings: Santino’s offers a selection of chicken wings, including BBQ, hot, and mild flavors, served with celery, carrots, and blue cheese dressing.
- Pasta Dishes: From spaghetti and meatballs to fettuccine Alfredo, the pasta dishes are hearty and flavorful, bringing a taste of Italy to your table.
- Subs and Sandwiches: The subs are loaded with fresh ingredients and come in various options like Italian, turkey, and veggie.
- Clam Shack Specials: Unique to Santino’s, the Clam Shack menu features seafood delights like fried clams and clam strips, offering a delightful twist to the traditional pizzeria menu.
Specials and Catering
Santino’s Pizza Shack also offers a variety of specials and catering options, perfect for parties, events, or simply a night in with family and friends. The catering menu includes large trays of pasta, salads, and appetizers, ensuring that every guest leaves satisfied.
One of the popular specials is the $25 deal, which includes a large cheese pizza with one topping and 20 wings, making it an excellent choice for game nights or casual gatherings.
Community and Reviews
Santino’s has garnered a loyal following over the years, with many customers praising the quality of the food and the friendly service. Reviews highlight the exceptional taste of the pizza, the perfectly cooked wings, and the nostalgic atmosphere of the restaurant.
Anne Gentling Wilczak shared her experience: “My first introduction to clams. It was a GREAT introduction! Thank you, Santinos!”
Samantha Sunshine expressed her love for Santino’s: “Best food ever…Now only if they’d deliver to Tampa lol….A must-have when I’m visiting home.”
Paul Pietrzak also appreciated the variety and quality: “I ordered a slice of pepperoni pizza, five BBQ chicken tenders, and a small order of fries delivered. The tenders, which came with one blue cheese dressing and carrots/celery, were amazing. Great sweet and a bit smoky BBQ sauce. The fries were thin, the kind you would get at a carnival, which I loved.”
Operating Hours and Contact Information
Santino’s Pizza Shack is open for dine-in, takeout, and delivery, making it convenient for customers to enjoy their favorite dishes. The kitchen hours are as follows:
- Monday – Thursday: 11:00 am – 11:45 pm
- Friday & Saturday: 11:00 am – 12:45 am
- Sunday: 12:00 pm – 11:45 pm
Delivery hours are:
- Sunday – Thursday: 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
- Friday & Saturday: 5:00 pm – 12:00 am
For orders and inquiries, customers can call 716.681.1616 or 716.681.1617. The pizzeria is located at 6629 Clinton Street, Elma, NY 14059, at the corner of Bowen Road.
Conclusion
Santino’s Pizza Shack remains a cherished part of the Elma community, offering a taste of Italy with every bite. Whether you’re a long-time resident or a visitor passing through, a meal at Santino’s promises to be a delightful culinary experience that you’ll want to repeat time and time again.
For more information, visit https://santinospizzashack.com/.