When our server delivered the N.Y. Combo—a mammoth 16-piece, deep-dish Sicilian pie maxed out with pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, green peppers, onions, and black olives—I knew we were in over our heads. I looked wide-eyed from the pizza to my husband to our server. His knowing grin told me we’d be eating the leftovers for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the next week. The price for this monster: a mere $23.50.

When the N.Y. Pizza Pub opened on Tennyson Street (in the old Sabor Latino space) in June, it was a natural fit for the neighborhood. Walking distance from Highland, Sloan’s Lake, and Berkeley, the dining room, bar, and patio entertain happy hour–goers, Friday night daters, and an abundance of toddler-toting families. The pub is a gathering place in part because of its location, but also because it offers value and portions to feed the lot.

While our server attempted to cram our leftovers into the largest pizza box available, I looked around: Each table served as a window into the menu’s appeal. A group of families piled around for a behemoth Sicilian. A couple at the bar shared a chopped salad and plate of eggplant Parmesan. Several young women sipped $3 happy hour pints and nibbled on soft garlic knots. A pair at the L-shaped bar ordered decorated slices and glasses of wine. My husband and I will be back to try more of the menu—but next time, we’re bringing reinforcements. 4340 W. 35th Ave., 303-639-9675