You’ve probably seen the name Angelo’s plastered on pizza boxes from South Philly to North Jersey. It’s one of those names that just screams "old school Italian," right? But if you’re heading toward the 08075 zip code, you need to know exactly which Angelo's you're walking into.
Honestly, the "pizza geography" of South Jersey is a total mess. There are at least five different, unrelated shops named Angelo’s in the region. There is the famous one in Philly (which actually started in Haddonfield) and the one in Turnersville. But the real neighborhood pillar—the one that has been anchoring Bridgeboro Street for decades—is Angelo's Pizza Riverside NJ 08075.
This isn't just a place to grab a quick slice; it's a piece of Burlington County history.
The Cusumano Legacy and the 1982 Connection
If you want to understand why this specific shop matters, you have to look at the family behind the counter. The story basically starts in Sicily. Salvatore Cusumano came over in 1959, working construction on the World Trade Center by day and learning the pizza trade by night. Eventually, his sons—Tony, Pino, and Rich—took that work ethic and built an empire of sorts.
They bought the Riverside location back in 1982. Think about that for a second. That’s over forty years of dough-tossing in the same spot.
You’ve got to appreciate the consistency. They aren’t trying to be a "concept" restaurant. They aren’t doing sourdough starters or 48-hour cold ferments that cost thirty bucks a pie. It’s a family-owned shop where the owners are actually there. Pino Cusumano once said that his father taught them "the eye of the owner" is the most important ingredient. It shows.
What You Should Actually Order
Most people walk in and just ask for a large plain. Look, the plain is fine. It’s a solid, foldable Jersey slice. But if you’re actually making the trip to Riverside, you’re missing out if you don't branch out.
The menu is kind of massive. It’s got that classic South Jersey "we do everything" energy—pizza, steaks, salads, wraps, and dinners.
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The Cheesesteak Factor Local consensus is pretty clear: Angelo's has some of the best cheesesteaks in town. While the Philly-based Angelo's gets all the Instagram hype for their seeded rolls, the Riverside location sticks to a classic, soft Italian roll that sops up the grease just right. People swear by the cheesesteak hoagie here. They don't skimp on the meat, and the lettuce and tomato actually taste fresh, which is a low bar that many places still manage to trip over.
The "Honey N' Char" and Beyond Lately, they’ve been leaning into some more contemporary flavors. They have a "Honey N' Char" pizza—cup n' char pepperoni with Mike's Hot Honey. It's trendy, sure, but on their specific crust, it works.
If you want something more traditional, the Margherita is the sleeper hit. It’s simple: fresh mozzarella, fresh basil, and a homemade tomato sauce that isn't overly sugary. In a world where most suburban pizza sauce tastes like it came out of a can of Hunt’s, theirs actually has some tang.
The Local Vibe vs. The Hype
Let's be real for a second. Is this the "best pizza in the world"? If you ask a guy from Brooklyn, he’ll say no. If you ask the person who just stood in line for three hours in South Philly for a Dave Portnoy-approved pie, they might be disappointed by the lack of "char."
But that’s not what Angelo’s in Riverside is about.
It’s a neighborhood spot. It’s the place where the delivery driver knows which side door to leave the food at. It’s the spot that sponsors the local Little League teams. Honestly, the service can be a bit "brusque" during a Friday night rush. You might get put on hold for three minutes, or they might forget the pickles on your sub once in a while.
But you know what? The food is hot, the prices are fair, and it tastes like home.
Quick Facts for Your Visit:
- Location: 401 Bridgeboro Street, Riverside, NJ 08075.
- Phone: 856-461-6515.
- Delivery Area: They cover Riverside, Delran, Beverly, and Delanco.
- Payment: They’re pretty modern, but having cash on hand in these old-school Jersey towns is never a bad idea.
Why 08075 Still Chooses Angelo's
Riverside is a town with deep roots. It’s got that gritty, hardworking riverfront identity. In a town like that, people can smell "fake" from a mile away. Angelo's has survived the rise of Domino's, the COVID-19 lockdowns, and the shifting demographics of Burlington County because they haven't changed the core recipes.
The dough is made in-house daily. The sauce is a family recipe. The cheese is high-grade mozzarella, not the oily "pizza topping" stuff you find at the grocery store.
If you're visiting from out of town, don't expect a fancy sit-down experience with a wine list. It’s more of a "grab your boxes and eat on the tailgate of your truck" kind of place. Or, if the weather is nice, take your pie down toward the Delaware River and eat while the sun sets.
Actionable Insights for the Pizza Run
If you’re planning to hit up Angelo's Pizza in Riverside, here’s how to do it like a local:
- Call Ahead, But Be Patient: On Friday nights, the phone line is basically a battlefield. If you can, order early (around 4:30 PM) to avoid the 6:00 PM surge.
- Try the Buffalo Tails: It's a bit of a local cult favorite. They’re basically high-quality boneless wings, but the sauce ratio is usually spot on.
- The "Well Done" Hack: If you like a crispier crust that doesn't "flop," always ask for your pie "well done." Their ovens run at a traditional temp, so a standard bake is usually on the softer side.
- Check the Specials: They often have "pop-up" menu items like rice balls or empanadas that aren't on the permanent printed menu.
Next time you’re driving through Riverside, skip the fast-food chains on Route 130. Turn off toward Bridgeboro Street. Look for the neon sign. Even if there's a line, or even if the parking lot is a bit of a squeeze, it’s worth it for a slice of the real South Jersey.