Desantis Grill, Bar & Pizza

Visited DeSantis some years ago with a friend. Went a couple days ago as plan B as our plan A was packed solid with a long wait thanks to a recent Baltimore visit by a big time pizza influencer. My buddy and I weren't out for pizza, although 'Mr One Bite' visited Matthew's of Highlandtown- which DeSantis' offers as well. We were out for cheesesteaks!! DeSantis was packed but we were quickly seated. Server was attentive and personable. My buddy ordered cheesesteaks with provolone. Mine was minus "hots." I did order fries in lieu of Utz chips for just $2 more - a good deal! The subs were very good. No complaints at all! DeSantis's is a great neighborhood joint the entire metro area can enjoy. I know I'll need to return.

I visited Desantis with a good friend of mine, who happened to be in the neighborhood. It was an impromptu dinner date, but I had seen so many folks going in & out of the restaurant the many times I went to the gym, that I figured it would be a cool place we could get a bite to eat. Upon entry, you could tell this was the place the locals came to meet, eat and have an afternoon drink with friends. There's two sides: the bar side and the dining side. The bar side was packed and jumping! The dining side was much calmer and that's where one of the hostesses eventually sat us, which was perfect. Now the only reason why this review isn't five stars is because of the way we *weren't* greeted when we first came in. It was indeed crowded and there were a few folks waiting to be seated. My friend and I literally stood in front of the hostess stand and patiently waited for others that came in before us to be taken care of. However, there was no "Hello" or "How many in your party?" Nothing. Some people came in after us and the hostess gave a friendly hello to them, and that's when my friend and I looked at each other. I was a bit annoyed at the interaction. A third hostess came up and my friend stepped forward and said "Hi, hello!," and that's when we were finally acknowledged. After we were seated, things immediately lightened up and got much better. Other waitress was very nice and attentive. We started out with two cocktails called The Relaxer. I can't remember all that was included in that drink, but there was some peach schnapps in there. I'm kind of a lightweight, so I definitely felt...relaxed after drinking half my drink. It was refreshing and sweet. We also had mozzarella sticks for an appetizer and those sticks were delicious! I've had some fancy-schmancy fried mozzarella before and wasn't impressed, but these mozzarella sticks were perfectly fried. The marinara sauce that came with them tasted and looked homemade. After drinks and apps, my friend ordered a pepperoni pizza and I ordered a cheesesteak sub with fries. When the food came out, we immediately dug in. She throughly enjoyed her pizza. It looked well baked and the toppings looked fresh. My cheesesteak and fries were some of the BEST I've had in a while! The fries were fresh and crispy! I love fries and it was just the perfect quantity- not too little and not too much to where it would've been wasteful. My sandwich was soooo good! The steak was well seasoned and the roll was perfectly toasted. I honestly was very impressed with the food quality. I looked at other dishes that other patrons were getting and could tell that the cooks in the back enjoyed what they did, or at least it tasted like they did. I can tell when a person doesn't put love into the food- it's sloppily put together, lacks flavor and tastes like they simply didn't care. But not Desantis. The food is on point! I thought we'd were done, but the party continued with dessert. We both ordered the Reese's peanut butter and chocolate cheesecake. This slice of decadence so delicious and rich. The crust was so perfect and the cheesecake part was thick and yummy. I wish I had a slice right now! Besides the initial encounter, I give Desantis a thumbs up. I most likely will visit after an evening workout at the gym. The food is great and it seems like a cool neighborhood hangout. Side note: I wanted to mention how considerate the owner(s) were when constructing this place. It's so extremely sound proof that you can barely hear a peep outside the doors of the restaurant! I definitely took notice of that upon leaving.

Had the Shrimp Risotto tonight. Sooooo good!Husband had sweet chili wings and we had the mussels appetizer. Perfect.

Never have I been disappointed going to this place. Everyone is nice, the food is always good and the atmosphere is like "cheers" when you walk in it's always crowded but it's absolutely worth the wait. You will never meet a stranger .

Stopped by here to get a cheesesteak sub to go, it took about 10 min to get it, no problem. The young lady at the counter was very nice and very busy.I could not help but notice it was full of customers on both sides, the bar and dining room. They were doing a huge business for a Monday afternoon.I have heard their pizzas are a very popular item.So, I arrived home with the carry out menu and gave my husband his cheesesteak sub, made from Ribeyes, one of the most flavorful meats. To our surprise, it was loaded with burnt meat. Yuk.He said never mind when I wanted to call and let them know. He managed to eat half of it, just added ketchup. The rest will be thrown out.It's such a waste of $12. We live too far away to take it back, just not practical.They have daily specials posted, so you can select or order off the menu.We might give another try here, a big maybe, at best.

Desantis has never failed me. I usually get the grated cheese pizza and it's always on point. Their salads are good too. Service is always decent also.

I love Desantis, but for a very different reason tonight. I was choking and two customers (one just happened to be a nurse) came immediately and performed the heimlich, also a retired firefighter with very good advice. It was very SCARY, I am thankful these people came forward! I brought home the rest of my pizza to enjoy later. Thank you Desantis for being so very helpful and concerned. I am feeling very thankful! I will definitely be back for a more normal uneventful meal except to enjoy it! Many many thanks!!

Well, if you like getting a long blond hair wrapped around a piece of steak in the steak salad then this is the place for you. Gross!! And it seems it was purposely done, for sure. No way this would happen by chance. Will never go back after this experience.

Always love Desantis. It's a local favorite and packed early dinner hours and then easier to get in later. I love ordering pizza. Great drinks and great game day spot.

I've been here many times This is the first time disappointed... i ordered the lunch pizza and salad specialSalad was fresh, blue cheese dressing had wonderful huge chunks of blue cheeseThe pizza that I usually love really should have been cooked longer... soggy bottom I can't stand undercooked foodI like all my food cooked and when I order pizza from delivery places...I always ask for my pizza at other places well doneServer was great... sweet girl... name escapes me... Ambiance is nothing fancyClean but same decor for the last 20 years