The Team Behind Madison and Madi Debuts Sonny’s, a Brooklyn-Style Pizza Joint
What do you get when you mix one century-old auto shop, a signal-orange oven, and a menu that blends Brooklyn-style pizza with Italian-American soul? You get Sonny’s, a pizza joint in University Heights. This spot will be the newest neighborhood obsession, open now at 1728 Madison Ave.
Brought to life by the team behind Madison on Park and Madi, Sonny’s pizza joint in University Heights is more than just a place for Brooklyn-style pizza—it’s a time warp to 1980s Brooklyn, filled with bold flavors, loud vibes, and family-style hospitality. Restaurateurs have been keeping this project under wraps for months, but now, with the neon flickering and the wood paneling polished, Sonny’s is ready to serve.
A Gritty, Retro Space Inspired by 1980s Brooklyn
Housed in a 3,500-square-foot space that once operated as a mechanic shop, Sonny’s Brooklyn-style pizza joint in University Heights leans into its grit in the best way possible. Designers Anna and David Sindelar of Archisects—also behind Madi and Madison—preserved the building’s bones. They added raw concrete, reclaimed wood, and vintage wallpaper for a lived-in, loved-on feel. A signal-orange pizza oven imported from Italy steals the show. A hand-painted marquee sign and a mahogany staircase leading to a mezzanine—designed to feel like a nonna’s kitchen in Bushwick—complete the vibe.
A Menu Packed with Italian-American Flavor
The real heart of Sonny’s? The menu. Chef Tony Gutierrez and Pizzaiolo Jose “Franky” Pereyra created an ode to Italian-American comfort. Their pies combine Neapolitan authenticity with New York-style bravado. The Blitzkrieg Bop features cup n’ char pepperoni, grated romano, and fresh basil. No Sleep Till Brooklyn comes with mushrooms, speck, and red onion. The smoky, spicy Smoke on the Water is topped with sausage, provolone, and Calabrian chili. If you’re not in the mood for pizza, the Chicken Francese, Baked Clams, and Wagyu Sonny’s Burger are excellent options.
Beyond dinner, Sonny’s is building a culinary community. They’ve partnered with Cucina Migrante—the cultural experience outfit from Sicilian chef Francesco Bonsinetto and Adisa Ziric—to host private dinners and chef-led classes for foodies and the curious. Think of it as pizza night, leveled up.
At the bar, Danny Kuehner (Madison on Park) has created a beverage program that’s cheeky and complex. Cocktails include the Brass Monkey (yes, that Brass Monkey) and Run DMC. There’s also a full lineup of amaro-forward drinks and Negroni flights. Prefer grapes over grain? A funky list of natural wines rounds out the offerings.
Slide into a copper barstool or post up on the patio, where picnic tables, street art, and a rolling metal door create a gritty-yet-charming hangout zone that could’ve been ripped right from Williamsburg.
Sonny’s is officially open daily from 4 to 11 p.m. for dinner and takeout. Come for the pizza, stay for the vibes—and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new neighborhood ritual.
This article is brought to you by one of the many talented writers associated with Locale Magazine! We are a group of locals (whether born and raised or transplanted) who love this county we now call home!
