New York City takes pizza seriously. From foldable slices dripping with cheese to brick-oven pies with just the right char, the city’s love for pizza runs deep. Locals swear by their neighborhood spots and line up for hours at the old-school joints. If you’re craving a real slice of the city, these 5 New York pizzerias are where locals send their friends—and go themselves.
With TravelPal.ai, you can plan a New York itinerary that hits the must-see spots, legendary pizzerias, hidden gems, and local neighborhoods that define the city’s flavor.
1. Joe’s Pizza — Greenwich Village
Ask a New Yorker where to get a real slice and Joe’s is likely the first name you’ll hear.
Opened in 1975 by Joe Pozzuoli from Naples, Italy, this no-frills spot has become a NYC pizza institution.
The original location on Carmine Street serves thin, crisp, foldable slices that are fresh, hot, and simple—just cheese, sauce, and a perfectly balanced crust.
There’s no need for gimmicks or fancy toppings. Locals come here for one thing: an old-school New York slice done right.
You’ll see tourists snapping photos, but right behind them are regulars grabbing a quick bite on their lunch break.
What to try: Classic cheese slice
How to get there: Take the A/C/E or B/D/F/M to West 4th Street and walk a few minutes to Carmine Street.
Tip: Go late morning or early afternoon to avoid the rush.
2. L&B Spumoni Gardens — Brooklyn
Out in Gravesend, Brooklyn, L&B Spumoni Gardens is a must for anyone chasing the iconic square slice.
Their Sicilian-style pizza is known for its reverse layering—cheese goes on first, followed by a thick layer of sweet tomato sauce.
The crust is pillowy, almost focaccia-like, and the whole thing bakes together into something locals crave year-round.
The outdoor patio and retro vibe make it feel like a summer block party, even in cooler months.
And yes, the spumoni is worth saving room for—colorful, nutty, and nostalgic.
What to try: Sicilian slice with spumoni for dessert
How to get there: Take the D train to 18th Avenue and walk south or grab a car for a faster trip.
Tip: Cash only, and yes, it’s worth the ride.
3. Lucali — Carroll Gardens
Lucali is one of Brooklyn’s worst-kept secrets—and that’s exactly how fans like it.
Mark Iacono opened the candlelit pizzeria in 2006 in the storefront where he used to get slices as a kid.
He doesn’t take reservations. He doesn’t offer delivery. And the menu is just pizza and calzones.
But every night, people show up early, put their name on the list, and wait hours if they have to.
Why? Because the brick-oven pies here are divine—thin, lightly charred crust, ultra-fresh mozzarella, and basil snipped by hand.
Even Beyoncé and Jay-Z have waited for a table.
What to try: Plain pie with garlic and basil
How to get there: Take the F or G train to Carroll Street. It’s a short walk from there.
Tip: Get in line before 4:30 p.m. and bring wine—it’s BYOB.
4. Scarr’s Pizza — Lower East Side
Scarr’s brings retro vibes and big flavor to the Lower East Side.
Opened in 2016 by Scarr Pimentel, it’s part pizzeria, part time machine—with wood paneling and old-school booths straight out of the 1970s.
But the pizza is thoroughly modern, made with organic flour milled in-house and topped with high-quality, often local ingredients.
The slices taste like the NYC classics—crispy, cheesy, a little greasy—but better.
You can get classic pepperoni or try elevated toppings like kale, burrata, or spicy nduja.
It’s a favorite for chefs, locals, and pizza obsessives who want the real thing with a modern touch.
What to try: Pepperoni slice or full pie with kale and burrata
How to get there: Take the F train to Delancey Street. Walk two blocks to Orchard Street.
Tip: Go at off-hours or expect a line. Grab a drink at a nearby LES bar while you wait.
5. Patsy’s Pizzeria — East Harlem
Patsy’s in East Harlem has been around since 1933 and claims to be the first to sell pizza by the slice in New York.
Coal-fired and thin-crust, their pies are slightly smoky with a bubbly crust that fans say hasn’t changed in generations.
It’s not fancy, but it’s historic—locals will argue passionately about how it stacks up against other old-school pizzerias.
Frank Sinatra was a regular here, and the walls are lined with photos of celebrities who’ve stopped in over the years.
But it’s the neighborhood regulars who give Patsy’s its staying power.
What to try: A full pie with fresh mozzarella and basil
How to get there: Take the 6 train to 116th Street and walk a few blocks east to 1st Avenue.
Tip: Eat in for the best experience—coal-fired pies lose their magic fast in a takeout box.
Bonus Slice: Mama’s Too — Upper West Side
Though not in the official top five, Mama’s Too on the Upper West Side deserves a shout.
It serves square slices with caramelized crusts and inventive toppings like vodka sauce, hot honey, and even soppressata with burrata.
It’s bold, creative, and a newer favorite among pizza fans looking to try something different—without straying too far from tradition.
Tips for Pizza Touring in NYC
- Always carry cash. Not all pizzerias accept cards.
- Timing is everything—go off-peak to avoid long lines.
- Skip the knife and fork. A real slice folds.
- Don’t be afraid of grease. That’s how you know it’s legit.
- One slice at a time. The best way to try multiple shops in a day is to pace yourself.
Beyond the Slice
New York’s pizza scene tells a bigger story—about immigration, tradition, innovation, and pride of place.
Each shop has a legacy, whether it’s 100 years old or a new classic in the making.
No two slices are the same, but each one gives you a taste of what makes this city special.
Plan a trip to New York today at https://travelpal.ai