The Team Behind Madison and Madi Debuts Sonnyās, 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 Sonnyās, 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, Sonnyās pizza joint in University Heights is more than just a place for Brooklyn-style pizzaāitās 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, Sonnyās 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, Sonnyās Brooklyn-style pizza joint in University Heights leans into its grit in the best way possible. Designers Anna and David Sindelar of Archisectsāalso behind Madi and Madisonāpreserved the buildingās 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 mezzanineādesigned to feel like a nonnaās kitchen in Bushwickācomplete the vibe.
A Menu Packed with Italian-American Flavor
The real heart of Sonnyās? The menu. Chef Tony Gutierrez and Pizzaiolo Jose āFrankyā Pereyra created an ode to Italian-American comfort. Their pies combine Neapolitan authenticity with New York-style bravado. The Blitzkrieg Bop features cup nā 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 youāre not in the mood for pizza, the Chicken Francese, Baked Clams, and Wagyu Sonnyās Burger are excellent options.
Beyond dinner, Sonnyās is building a culinary community. Theyāve partnered with Cucina Migranteāthe cultural experience outfit from Sicilian chef Francesco Bonsinetto and Adisa Ziricāto 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 thatās cheeky and complex. Cocktails include the Brass Monkey (yes, that Brass Monkey) and Run DMC. Thereās 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 couldāve been ripped right from Williamsburg.
Sonnyās is officially open daily from 4 to 11 p.m. for dinner and takeout. Come for the pizza, stay for the vibesāand donāt 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!
