Not all pizza is created equal. It took me moving across the country entering the New York City pizza scene to truly understand the art of a perfectly crafted pie. Over the past 7 years, I’ve indulged in many slices and somehow ended up with Paul who is known in our close circle of family and friends to be a pizza connoisseur (or snob). We have traveled to every corner of every borough — with the exception of Staten Island — in search of the perfect slice. We have come pretty close, but it’s hard to choose a favorite. If you are visiting New York, a pizza slice is a necessity. I mean you can’t come to NYC and leave without having pizza, but don’t just pick one up from any corner joint. We have done all the research for you, below is a round up of our personal favorites we feel are worth mentioning.
1. New Park Pizza
It's quite the trip from NYC, but definitely worth a stop if you are flying in or out of JFK. Stick with the "regulah". The sauce is sweet and the undercarriage is thin and crisp. I would say this is a true NYC slice.
156-71 Cross Bay Blvd, Queens, NY 11414
2. Ace's Pizza
Ace’s is new on the pizza scene, but HOLY SHIT — is it good. Buffalo Chicken all the way. Who knew that celery on pizza would be a hit! We clearly love Ace's. Paul orders delivery at least once a month. We order half pepperoni and half buffalo chicken with a side of pickled jalapeños and lots of blue cheese. If we are feeling it, we will also get the cheese bread! If you go, tell Steve Paul and Kai say hi!
637 Driggs Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
3. Dani's House of Pizza
If you find yourself near Kew Gardens be sure to stop into Dani's House of Pizza for a slice. Order the pesto slice with sweet sauce and be amazed. The combo of pesto and the sweet red sauce is perfection. Make sure you get the Pesto Slice with the Sweet Sauce! The last time we had this slice, it was cooked to perfection.
81-28 Lefferts Blvd, Queens, NY 11415
4. John's of Bleeker
This is Dave Portnoys favorite pie in the city so we had to try it and it didn't disappoint. John’s is the perfect spot to sit and enjoy a pie in an old school NY establishment. They don’t serve slices, do reservations or delivery and often times have a line out the door, but it’s worth the wait!
278 BLEECKER ST, NEW YORK, NY 10014
5. Bleeker Street Pizza
My go-to spot for a 5 star specialty slice that hits the spot every.single.time — Bleeker Street. The Nona Maria and White Slice are my favorite. Personally, I think the white slice is the best around! & the Nonna Maria is solid.
69 7th Ave S, New York, NY 10014
6. ByEmily
Don’t sleep on this corner spot in the West Village. ByEmily serves a solid detroit style pizza. We frequent the West Village location when looking for a date spot that is relaxed, upscale and moody, but includes pizza, good pizza! Our got to was the Colony until an employee recommended the MVP with Pesto and it’s now all we order. If you go, make sure to order the burger and curly fries. Order a pie and a burger to share!
35 Downing St, New York, NY 10014
7. Paulie Gee's Slice Shop
Paulie Gee's slice shop feels like the spot you used to gather on a Friday night after a highschool football game. This retro slice shop is definitely a vibe. Located on the corner of Franklin & Noble in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, it's always poppin'. My personal preference is the the Hell Boy and The Mootz.
110 Franklin St, Brooklyn, NY 11222
8. Prince Street Pizza
If you are new to NYC, Prince Street is a must stop. Not a traditional NY slice, but a staple in the city. Prince is known for their square pie and perfectly crispy oil filled pepperonis. It's worth any wait & will be sure to cure any hangover.
9. Lucali
Acclaimed to be the “best pizza in the world”. Walk-ins only, no reservations, but definitely worth the trek and the wait. Show up at 4PM to add your name to the waitlist and make sure to have cash! Overall the pizza was delicious, you can tell all the ingredients are super fresh.
Cobble Hill
10. Scarrs
This spot is located deep in the LES and is often forgotten, but it’s a great pizza spot. My go to is the slice with jalapeños and hot honey, but Paul swears that they have the best Sicilian slice in the city.
22 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002