New Yorkers are competitive about well, just about everything, but there’s nothing they boast about more than their pizza.
Quite literally representing a slice of quintessential New York City, people travel far and wide just to get their hands on a classic New York slice.
And we’re not talking about the fancy stuff. We’re talking about the cheesy, greasy, get-down-and-dirty slice you snag on the corner of 6th Ave.
See Also: The Most Outrageous Pizza Slices In NYC
Since pizza is a bit of a contentious topic among New Yorkers. we’re here to settle the debate once and for all.
Do the classic New York City “fold and hold,” and indulge in the best slices our beautiful city has to offer.
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575 Henry St., Brooklyn / 718.858.4086 / Website
This Carroll Gardens hot spot is known for having the most iconic pie in Brooklyn and it sure has the lines to prove it. With an average wait time of 3+ hours, locals and tourists alike wait in the freezing cold just to taste the cheesy masterpiece. Rumor has it Beyonce flies into New York purely for the legendary Lucali. And while the classic thin-crust pie is our favorite, you can’t come to this Brooklyn institution without getting a calzone. Carbs with a side of more carbs? Count us in!
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254 S 2nd St., Brooklyn / 718.599.0002 / Website
Famous for its highly-instagrammable burrata pizza, L’Industrie has taken the social media world (and the real world!) by storm. Serving both classic-old world pies and inventive flavor combinations, the famed Williamsburg joint really is the best of both worlds. Standout slices include the Parma (tomato sauce, mozzarella, ricotta, Prosciutto di parma, truffle), the Tartufo (mozzarella, braised cremini mushrooms, ricotta and truffle oil), the Fig Jam (Mozzarella, fig jam, bacon, ricotta), and of course, their signature burrata slice.
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305 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn / 929.969.3073 / Website
From the owners of wildly popular Italian haunts, Misi and Lilia, Fini Pizza sure has large shoes to fill. And we can attest from personal experience it most definitely lives up to the hype. While this Williamsburg pizza shop may be the new kid on the block, the highly-raved about white slice rivals other slices on this list. Made with fontina, parm and mozzarella and served with a side of lemon, this pizza is reinventing the white slice in the absolute best way possible. We’re also big fans of the tomato, which comes with San Marzano sauce, garlic breadcrumbs and Calabrian oil.
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2750 Broadway / 212.510.7256 / Website
You can’t talk about the best slice shops in New York City without mentioning Mama’s TOO! Everything at this pint-sized pizzeria is melt-in-your-mouth delicious, but the Pepperoni slice is a rite of passage for all New Yorkers. Made with fresh mozzarella, tomato sauce and the kind of pepperoni cups you only dream about, this slice is truly a gift sent from the heavens above. Other menu highlights include the Cacio e Pepe (whipped mascarpone, aged mozzarella, Pecorino Romano, Parmigiano Reggiano and cracked black pepper) and the poached pear (aged mozzarella, poached pear, sweet gorgonzola and hot honey).
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278 Bleecker St. / 212.243.1680 / Website
Rated the best pizza in NYC by Barstool (if you know, you know), John’s of Bleecker is a true NYC landmark. Famous for its signature crispy thin crusts and no-slice policy (only pies!), John’s has reigned the streets of NYC since 1929. With a history as rich as the pizza itself, you absolutely can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. Our favorite pies range from the “John’s Original” (aged mozzarella and tomato sauce) to more daring combinations like the Picante (cherry peppers, garlic, pepperoni, red pepper) and the “Fifty” Supreme (meatball, pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, peppers, olives).
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27 Prince St. A / 212.966.4100 / Website
While most often frequented by the late-night crowd, we think this pie stands the test at any time of day. We’ve searched for the best vodka slice far and wide, and nothing compares to the doughy, rectangular slice from this Nolita hot spot. Made with homemade fresh Fra Diavolo spicy sauce mixed with traditional vodka sauce, this pizza is truly one of the best things we have ever tasted. So much so we usually order (and finish!) an entire pie for ourselves at the end of the night.
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22 Orchard St. / 212.966.4100 / Website
Known for its “Hot Boi Pie,” this retro-looking pizzeria is home to one of our favorite slices in all of NYC. Prepared with spicy pepperoni, jalapeno and hot honey, this pizza will most definitely spice up your life! In all seriousness, it’s very hot, so only order this if you can handle the heat. And if you can’t, what you are doing in the kitchen?! The Orchard Street spot is also very vegan-friendly, offering vegan pizza, garlic knots and Caesar salad made with cashew dressing,
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235 Mulberry St. / 212.965.0500 / Website
Unless you live under a rock, you’re familiar with the Tie Dye pizza heard ‘round the world, AKA Rubirosa’s viral creation. Serving reinvented Italian-American classics, Rubirosa is taking traditional staples and flipping them on their head. Topped with the perfect trifecta of sauces, tomato sauce, vodka sauce and basil pesto, this social media-friendly pie is a true work of art. Other cult favorites include the Honey Pie made with mozzarella, fontina, soppressata and spiced honey, and the Rubirosa Supreme made with tomato, mozzarella, pepperoni, mini meatballs and roasted garlic.
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37-08 30th Ave., Queens / 718.407.2497 / Website
If you think you’ve had the best clam pie in NYC, and you haven't ventured to Andrew Bellucci’s Pizzeria, think again. Only available 48 hours in advance (that’s how coveted it is!), the clam pie is posited to be “life-changing.” And after experiencing it ourselves, we can definitely confirm this is true. Made with fresh hand-shucked cherry stones, fresh oregano, parsley, garlic, lemon, pecorino romano, EV olive oil and black pepper, this pizza is nothing short of the real deal.
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Multiple Locations / Website
If you’re on the hunt for the best no-frills cheese slice in NYC, you’re going to find it at Joe’s. Offering the classic New York slice for over 47 years, Joe’s is coined as a New York institution. And if you’ve had the privilege of trying a slice yourself, you’ll understand why. If we could describe Joe’s in one word, it would be consistency. Time and time again, Joe’s delivers a 10/10 experience. Run, don’t walk to the mecca of all things cheese, dough and sauce!
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2725 86th St., Brooklyn / 718.449.1230 / Website
Sicilian pies and ice cream? Name a better combination, we’ll wait. There are square slices, and then there are square slices from L&B. The thick, pillowy dough is so scrumptious, we would lay our heads on it and take a nap. As you take a bite of the zesty sauce, the flavors bust on your tongue like Fourth of July fireworks. Then, the cheese explodes onto the bread like lava, creating a blanket of salty goodness that melts in your mouth. Ok, we’re salivating now. Can you tell how addicted we are to this place? Keep an eye out for their upcoming Dumbo location!
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Multiple locations / Website
Characterized as the “best pizza on Staten Island since 1960,” Joe and Pats is a must-visit on your tour of New York’s best pizza. The regular pies are delicious, but there’s something about the specialty pies that keep us coming back for more. Menu standouts include the buffalo chicken pie smothered in buffalo sauce and blue cheese, the vodka pie topped with fresh mozzarella and basil, and the Caesar salad pie, which is well, pretty self-explanatory.
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Multiple locations / Website
The name might be the tiniest bit presumptuous, but hey, they’re definitely not wrong. Simplicity is the name of the game at this Williamsburg shop, but if it’s not broken, why fix it? Our favorite bite is the white sauce with caramelized onions. This combination is so heavenly that we dream about it on a nightly basis. The Italian Combo hero (cured meats, provolone, marinated eggplant, lettuce, onion, mayo and vinegar) is pretty divine, too. Check out their new location on Grand Street!
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Multiple locations / Website
We would travel far(a) and wide for a slice of pizza from this beloved eatery. The regular slice here is obviously great, but if you’re feeling a bit adventurous, we would recommend the 5 Brothers Pie (sausage, pepperoni, prosciutto, soppressata), or the 50th-anniversary pie (sausage, meatballs, cherry tomatoes, wild onions and fresh garlic). Everything at Di Fara is authentic and no-frills—think white paper plates and diet coke cans—but that’s exactly what we’re looking for when grabbing a slice.
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221 W. 38th St. #2 / 212.944.7792 / Website
Home of the square thin-crust pie, Lazzara’s pays homage to the classic New York slice while adding its own unique twist. Have you ever tried lasagna pizza before? If you haven’t, you must sprint on over to Lazzara’s. Besides, after you stuff your face with this earthly creation, a little pep in your step won’t be the worst thing for you. Made with ground beef, ricotta and Italian seasoning, this pizza proudly celebrates the classic Italian dish.
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Multiple locations / Website
Posited as the “premier pizza dynasty in New York,” Patsy’s Pizzeria is taking over NYC one slice at a time. Celebrating the art of simplicity, Patsy’s offers an old-school round pie and a white pie (robiola cheese, truffles, fine herbs). Diners can also choose from classic toppings, such as olives, cherry tomatoes, pepperoni, sausage and meatballs. If you’re coming here for a slice, you should also get the meatballs, fettucini carbonara and branzino piccata.
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Multiple locations / Website
If you’re looking for some of the most over-the-top pizza slices in NYC, head over to Paulie Gee’s. Rest assured, you won’t be disappointed. We would like to take a moment of silence for the Pastrami Reuben pie. Yes, you heard us correctly. A pastrami reuben pizza. Prepared with swiss, sauerkraut, pastrami, caraway seeds and the most delicious Russian dressing you ever did taste, this pie rivals your favorite Jewish deli. Sorry Katz’s, we still love you! The classic Pepperoni slice (pictured above) is pretty epic, too.
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Multiple locations / Website
Extra extra, read all about it! This Brooklyn haunt is finally making its way to Manhattan! If you’re on social media, you’ve probably heard all the buzz (pun very much intended) surrounding the Bee Sting pizza. Made with tomato, mozzarella, soppressata, basil, chili and honey, this pizza is truly delicious. If you’re coming here with a group of friends, you should also order the Porchettaaboutit made with porchetta, taleggio, red onion, garlic, basil, fennel seed, olive oil and lemon, and the Ursula’s Parade made with mozzarella, clam, Parmigiano, garlic, Calabrian chili and breadcrumbs.
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346 Himrod St., Brooklyn / 718.386.4009 / Website
Premium wood-fired pizzas made with a sourdough crust? You don’t have to ask us twice. The Latin word ops means plentiful, which is exactly what you’re getting at this Brooklyn pizzeria. All of the specialty pies are tremendous, but we have a special place in our hearts for the Juno pizza. Prepared with broccoli rabe, potatoes, provola and ricotta salata, this pizza deserves an A+ on its report card. Job well done, Ops!
Photography by: courtesy Getty Images
