Pizza chain Ops expands its presence in NYC, opening a second location in the East Village following the success of its Bushwick venue.
Ops Pizza Expands to Manhattan's East Village
Ops Pizza, a popular sourdough pizzeria known for its unique pies and natural wines, has expanded from its Bushwick roots to Manhattan's East Village. The new location, nestled at the corner of 2nd Avenue and 11th Street, opened its doors in mid-2025.
The East Village venue retains the laid-back charm of the original while introducing new menu items. Among these additions are Tavernetta-style pizzas, a creative blend of Midwestern bar pizzas and Italian-American comfort. The menu also includes the Napoletana, Pops, and Rojo, Ops' signature pizzas, as well as baked pastas, Italian-American comfort foods, and snacks such as fritto misto and supplì.
The star of the show at Ops Pizza is its signature sourdough pizza crust, which takes days to ferment. The team is obsessed with the sourdough process, considering it crucial to do it this way. Working with fresh sourdough makes the process more unpredictable, but it results in pizzas with a distinctive texture and flavour.
Ops Pizza's co-owner and chef, Mike Fadem, grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, where pizza was an important part of his family's life. His father was obsessed with pizza and would take the family to try new spots around the Midwest. Fadem's shared love of pizza with Ops chef RJ inspired the Tavernetta pies on the East Village menu.
The new location also offers a cozy, inviting dining room with street-facing windows, a custom bar, and outdoor seating. The space maintains a warm ambiance similar to Bushwick but with more capacity and a longer bar area.
The East Village location of Ops Pizza serves wine, having been recognized as a James Beard Semifinalist for Outstanding Wine Program. The menu also includes dessert options like a soft serve sundae, flourless chocolate cake, and panna cotta.
One of Fadem's favourite dishes on the menu is the lasagna bolognese. The Ops Salad, tossed with an oniony dressing, is a great starter at the new location. The team researched Midwestern pizza styles by taking a 24-hour trip to Chicago.
Ops Pizza's expansion to Manhattan is marked by maintaining the original's quality and charm while offering new pizza styles, an expanded menu, and a larger, stylish dining environment. The move has been well received by critics and diners alike.
At Ops Pizza's East Village location, diners can explore the blend of Midwestern bar pizzas and Italian-American comfort food alongside signature pizzas, pastas, and snacks, creating a unique food-and-drink experience that complements the lifestyle offered. The new venue, with its cozy, inviting dining room, custom bar, and outdoor seating, offers a home-and-garden ambiance that extends the charm of the original Bushwick location.
