Dave Portnoy Shows Softer Side For Review Of Essex County Pizza And Ice Cream Joints

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — It only takes a few minutes for Dave Portnoy — whose "Barstool Pizza" reviews have amassed millions of followers on social media — to render a "one bite pizza review" of local restaurants, but his ratings on a scale of 1-10 can drastically increase an eatery's visibility.

Last week, he visited Lombardi's Bar & Restaurant in Cedar Grove, in Essex County, NJ, known for their thin-crust pizza.

Portnoy was there to review pizza, but a crowd of kids got him to crack a smile and to try the local ice cream and gelato joint too.

"Bar style, Lombardi's, cool vibe in there," he says.

A kid interjects: "Lombardi's pizza's the best."

"Someone's family owns it," Portnoy shoots back, but the kids deny it.

"I'm going to go, 7.3 on this," he says, after a bite. "It's good bar pie. I like it a little crispy, a little thin."

Then he tries Nutella gelato from Sonny's Frozen Desserts next door. "It's really good," he says. "7.4"

Fans of the videos appeared to enjoy seeing Portnoy "kid" around. "This was the most entertaining review in a long time lol," wrote one.

Lombardi's is located at 597 Pompton Ave. in Cedar Grove. Sonny's is located next door at 599 Pompton Ave. SEE RELATED: Dave Portnoy's Barstool Pizza Rates Vinnie's Pan Pizza In Millburn