Wonder Bar Restaurant

PARKING: Tough (street only), but since we arrived shortly after 5 p.m. on Friday, we managed to get a space in front of the package store a couple of doors down from the Wonder Bar (one-​hour limit, but we took our chances). What makes parking so difficult is the fact that the Pomir Grill is next door (no parking lot), and One Eleven Chop House is in close proximity, its lots and valet service taking up quite a bit of the immediate area’s real estate.
DÉCOR: They have done a nice job in updating what used to be a relatively dumpy interior (my companion commented on this as she had been in the old Wonder Bar). The high, painted tin ceiling (original) is especially attractive, and the tabletop jukeboxes (defunct) at each of the restaurant’s booths lend a touch of nostalgia. (To play your music selections, you must visit the main jukebox located somewhere in the restaurant. We didn’t check it out because of the murmur of patrons. It was quite loud, but it didn’t interfere with our conversation).
FOOD: We shared the calamari appetizer. The ample plate of mostly rings was tender, fried perfectly light and crispy, but the batter was on the bland side. This was remedied with a shake of salt and a quick squeeze of lemon. I really liked the accompanying marinara sauce, which tasted fresh and homemade. Our 3-​way pizza (sausage, peppers and mushrooms) was absolutely delicious. The lightly-​charred Neapolitan-​style crust was delightful, the toppings more than adequate — we devoured each and every bite of it. I only wish the pizza was a bit larger so we might have had some to carry home.
FRENCH FRIES MYSTIQUE: We saw many tables in our vicinity ordering, and seemingly, very much enjoying, the Wonder Bars’ famous French fries. Curiously, we noticed that the booth of six across from us ordered only fries (several orders) with their rounds of drinks. What the heck?! We must try them on our next visit.
FACILITIES: During the 25-​minute wait for our pizza, we each, in turn, found it necessary to visit the ladies’ room. In our recent dining experiences, we have encountered many restaurants that are housed in older, refurbished buildings that have totally unheated restrooms (I mean COLD!). The Wonder Bar’s facilities are the same. On this frigid, sub-​zero-​temperatures night, it was even more noticeable and uncomfortable. Can’t these owners do something about it for the sake of their customers, never mind their staff?
SERVICE: Our very pleasant waitress, Nicole, did a nice job serving us despite the restaurant’s bustling business (we noticed a total of five waitresses really busting tail to accommodate what seemed to be a nonstop stream of customers). The only lapse in service was when she forgot to bring my dining companion’s shot of Stoli’s to go with her bottle of Bud Light (the glass served with the beer, quite oddly, resembled an oversized shot glass, holding only, what I’d guess to be 4 or 5 ounces). She did, however, bring it quickly after she was reminded of the omission. Other than that, we have no complaints and were out of there in exactly 65 minutes — thank goodness, my car was not towed or ticketed. We’ll be back for more of that righteous pizza and make a point to try an order of those mystical French fries.

Finally! Great pizza in Worcester! The only reason I am giving four starts is because I would love to see the size be larger. It can get very busy but it is a fun atmosphere. The pizza is so good! I am so thrilled I have a great pizza place in Worcester, finally!

Good food and drink. Pizza was great, and the waitstaff was attentive and happy! I’d come back.

Home for Christmas and very excited to try the «new» Wonder Bar with my GF and her children who are from NJ.
Being from Worcester and having fond memories of this place I was hoping the pizza was going to be the same but to be honest, I was a little disappointed. Don’t get me wrong, the pizza was good but not like before. Supposedly they have the same ovens and recipe but the crust wasn’t as airy and crisp enough even after the waitress asked if we wanted it «crispy» and we said absolutely. They still use corn meal on the bottom of the oven which adds a great taste and crunch and the sauce was very good but something is missing.
I love the new décor and layout (nice big TV’s and larger bar) and I’m especially glad they kept the glass blocks on the entrance as my grandfather (Samuel Serra) installed them.
The service was excellent and the restaurant was very clean and they have Be Hoppy on tap, although nostalgically I missed the Gansett on tap.
I’ll give it another shot next time I’m back in the Woo.

Got pizza, mozzarella sticks and fri. The pizza was descent and the service was excellent. Good times and cleaned up from the old wonder bar.

VERY GOOD PIZZA — AVAILABLE IN WOOSTA
At last, I’ve found some decent Pizza in Worcester, so my quest is finally over.
During my very first visit to Wonder Bar on a Sunday night at 5pm, my GF Jane and I sampled 4 items including their Pizza, French Fries, Pork Rib appetizer, and NY Cheesecake for dessert.
1. LOCATION — 4 STARS
Situated at the beginning of Shrewsbury Street, it was easy to find plentiful FREE on-​street parking on a Sunday night at 5pm. I can’t say how how it will be on another day or at another time.
2. AMBIANCE — 4 STARS
Wonder Bar is small, intimate, and seats about 35 people. I understand that the décor was updated recently, and I must say that it’s charming and cozy enough, not overly loud, and it was easy to conduct a conversation without yelling.
3. SERVICE — 5 STARS
Jane and I were waited on by a young (20 y/​o), friendly, female waitress who displayed an uncommonly high level of service. Not only was she appropriately attentive, but she was also very personable, knowledgeable, and helpful in helping us make good choices.
4. PIZZA — 4 STARS
To some folks, a rating of 4 stars might seem a bit low in general. However, the Wonder Bar’s Pizza matches the quality of authentic Italian Pizzerias like the ones found in the Italian sections of Boston area from where I reside. That’s right, there’s very good Italian Pizza in Worcester, and no need to traipse to Boston.
Jane and I ordered a $ 15 Pizza (12″ in diameter) with tomato slices and Meatball. By individual components, I rate the Pizza dough 4.5 stars, the tomato sauce 4.5 stars, the Cheese 5 stars, and the Meatball 4 stars.
5. HAND-​CUT FRENCH FRIES — 5 STARS
These Fries are the real deal, Folks, made completely from scratch, just the way you like ‘em. For only $ 5, you get a towering mound of very delicious French Fries, cooked to perfection, neither underdone nor overdone, most likely made from either 2 very large potatoes, or 3 medium-​sized ones. This item alone makes it worth visiting Wonder Bar.
6. PORK RIB APPETIZER — 3 STARS
These were a bit disappointing compared to the Pizza and Fries. They were very meaty, but less flavorful than I would have liked, and more dry, too. I’d order them again from time to time, but not every time.
7. NY CHEESECAKE WITH RASPBERRY SAUCE — 3.5 STARS
The Cheesecake tasted good, and it was creamy. However, I make Cheesecake from scratch myself on rare occasion, so I know it would have benefited from a little almond and/​or vanilla extract in the Cream Cheese, more chopped nuts in the crust, and raspberry sauce that have a bit more contrasting Lemon in it.
8. VALUE — All items were fairly-​priced, so the Wonder Bar is a fair deal that doesn’t try to charge you the high prices found at other Shrewsbury Street restaurants.
9. FINAL ANALYSIS — I’ll DEFINITELY visit the Wonder Bar again and again and again. Most likely, you will, too.

Food, service and price was outstanding. We had pizza, salad and calamari and it was fabulous. Everything tastes great, with civilized portions.
Disappointed that in this day and age there are no accessible bathrooms. –1 star

We had several pizzas they were very average.
If I were to recommend the place I would do so on the basis of its atmosphere not the food or drink, which while nothing to complain about were also nothing to write home about

My husband grew up in Worcester and says the pizza is exactly as he remembers, even now! My husband, daughter and I went and got two pizzas — cheese and sausage — both were delicious! They have a great selection of beer. The server was kind and attentive. The atmosphere is cozy and friendly. All great things to say, we will certainly be back on our next visit to the area.

I was so happy to learn that the Wonder Bar had reopened — it had always been a classic Worcester staple and tales of the pizza were legendary.
Unfortunately, this new reincarnation does NOT live up to the legacy. It took 20 minutes for just four drinks (two beers, a wine, and a coke) (and we noticed that the hostess had no problem serving herself drinks, and didn’t offer to share her blatant glass of wine), and then an additional 50 minutes for us to get our dinners. Meanwhile, tables around us that had been seated after we had got their meals rapid fire. When our meals finally arrived, there were only three out of the four and the fish and chips were overcooked to the point of being inedible. After another 15 minutes of the last meal (only a steak sandwich, nothing even that complicated) was still MIA, we canceled the order. We asked the owner’s last name for future reference, and while the bartender provided it helpfully, a moment later an older women approached us and, yelling in my uncle’s face «J-​O-​A-​N-​N-​E P-​R-​I-​Z-​I-​O.» We can only presume THIS was Joanne Prizio, the owner, and was by far the worst part of the experience. I can understand overcooked food with a swamped kitchen if the service is friendly, but this was a terrible experience all around. Joanne needs to learn to stop abusing her customers, or maybe just stop helping herself to the bar.
The pervious owners and staff of the Wonder Bar, which as I said had wonderful food and a friendly staff, would be ASHAMED to have the name attached to this new restaurant.
From what I’ve heard, the pizza is still good. If the Wonder Bar can’t handle having customers and a full menu, maybe they should scrap everything but the pizza. And I mean everything, rude staff (and owner) included.

I’m not sure where these other reviewers ate but our experience at the newly reopened Wonder Bar on 11÷17÷15 was fabulous! The renovations are classic– old style tin ceiling freshly painted and clean! Yes the old jukebox is gone and the bar is reconfigured but much of the old charm has been retained. It would have been nice to hear some Frank Sinatra and of course to see Yolanda behind the bar, but times change even here in Worcester. Our antipasto was excellent. (No longer need to order double meat and cheese as the toppings are generous). The pizza was very similar but somehow seemed better possibly due to the friendly service and general brightness of the surroundings? Don’t listen to these naysayers — the Wonder Bar is back and better than ever!

Was there last night to meet a friend who originally introduced me to the place. Bartender was really nice and was in the same business as my friend so made for some nice conversations. I love this place and will most likely use it this winter as my «go-​to» place in Worcester. I like historic places with some antiquity and charm more than some new QSR joints that people seem to gravitate towards. Of course being an Executive Chef motivates me to go to more original locations as well.

I was a. patron of the Wonder Bar until a cupie doll goth bartender was rude, nasty and dishonest. I have learned that I am not blacklisted, not that I would ever go back. Pizza usually overcooked and burned, service bad and they protect bad bartenders more than customers.
Call me if you want to learn more.
Jim
508 733 5688

My second time there since they re-​opened. Went with a few friends for lunch. We got 3 pizzas and 2 orders of the «pork wings». Awesome service, super friendly staff at the bar, and hands down the best pizza in Metrowest. I will definitely be back soon.

Had to try this place out after hearing friends and family raving about it. Definitely the best pepperoni pizza around. The staff are so friendly and knowledgeable.

Been years since I visited this local staple, so I had to get in & check out the newly reopened Wonderbar.
I visited with two of my children & my mother on a Friday evening around 5:30 p.m.
Upon arriving we were warmly greeted & were seated immediately. The ‘new’ surroundings are clean & freshly painted.
We ordered two fall craft brews and Calimari as an appetizer. The calimari was hot & fresh and the meat was tender, but it was nothing to write home about. It was a bit bland & while the marinara was quite good, it wasn’t enough to bring this dish up.
For our meal we ordered 2 pizzas — a plain cheese and a combo with Sausage, mushrooms, peppers, & onions. The pizza was hot & crispy with fresh vegetable toppings. It had a thin Napoli style crust and just enough sauce. While it was tasty, there was nothing that made it stand out from any other thin crust or wood fired pizzeria around. I also felt they were a bit skimpy with the sausage.
Overall, we had very attentive service, and well prepared (even if it wasn’t to our taste) food. The restaurant is very noisy & not well suited for young children. I will not likely return with my family, but would find this a great after work hangout place.

This was my first visit despite living in the Worcester area for years. I had heard quite a bit about it. I was a huge fan if the décor. Very ShrewsburyStreetesque.
We ordered the mussels as an app and they were coated in the most delicious spicy marina sauce on the planet. I hope they sell it one day because I wants it. The thin crust pizza was as good as rumor had it but what blew me away was the service! The chef, bartender and nearby waitress (who answered a question about the awesome sauce) were super friendly. It was very busy with a wait but you couldn’t even tell by the way the staff was acting.
I left with a warm fuzzy feeling. I’ll definitely be back and in greater numbers.

So glad this place reopened! They have done a ton of work. The atmosphere is bright, clean, with a good sized handsome bar with a granite top to the right of the front doors and ample seating that is a lot less crowded than it used to be! The pizza recipes haven’t changed and it tastes just as good! Got ½ sausage and ½ buffalo chicken pizza with an app of the fried ravioli. Everything was delicious. Couldn’t be happier that the Wonder Bar is back!

My wife and I have continued to hear about how Wonderbar «had» the best pizza in worcester and it was reopening soon. Well it reopened… so we decided to try it.
We ordered a cheese, a pepperoni, and a meat lovers.
It was unamamously agreed upon that this pizza was some of the most average pizza we have had. Completely boring actually. crust reminded me of ellios from the freezer, cheese was fine, tasted like cheese, sauce was meh.
We all went into this with low expectations, and we were all dissappointed. the meat on the meat lovers was bland, tasteless meatballs, weak bacon and sausage, pepperoni was fine.
Pizzas come in 1 size which is like a small/​medium and they were expensive, our meatlovers was $ 18 miserable dollars.
There is no way this place stays open much longer with this pizza.

We’re glad they reopened. Had the spaghetti & meatballs. The spaghetti tasted homemade. The menu is pretty much the same as before. The interior is renovated, it’s very relaxing…