Your Guide to the perfect New York Slice

The Must-Try Pizza Joints to visit on Your NYC Trip

Nothing says New York quite like grabbing a hot slice, folding it in half, and eating it on the go. The city’s pizza scene is endlessly debated, but certain spots frequently stand out. This guide highlights some of the best places to get a slice of pizza, from old-school classics to trendy newcomers.

Luigi’s Pizzeria, Brooklyn

What Makes a Great New York Slice?

Before we jump in, here’s what defines a true NYC slice:

• Thin, crisp-yet-foldable crust

• Light layer of sauce balanced with gooey mozzarella

• Large triangular slices served on a paper plate

• Fresh pies constantly rotating out of the oven

Where to Find the Best New York Slice:

Lucia Pizza of SoHo

Neighborhood: SoHo
Best for: A classic NYC slice done exceptionally well
Order This: Regular cheese slice

A neighborhood favorite that feels instantly familiar, Lucia Pizza of SoHo serves slices with perfectly blistered cheese and a crust that manages to stay crisp even when folded. Their cheese slice is the star—simple, balanced, and deeply satisfying. If you want a no-nonsense, old-school New York slice, this is your stop.

Luigi’s Pizzeria

Neighborhood: Brooklyn (South Slope)
Best for: Old-school charm and consistently great slices
Order This: Regular cheese or Sicilian slice

Luigi’s is the embodiment of a classic Brooklyn slice shop, nothing fancy, just great pizza. Their thin-crust slice is light and flavorful, while the Sicilian is airy and crunchy with just the right amount of cheese. Expect friendly service and loyal locals who’ve been coming here for decades.

Chrissy’s Pizza

Neighborhood: NoHo
Best for: Modern, trendy vibes with killer slices
Order This: Cheese slice or vodka slice when available

Chrissy’s has quickly become one of the city’s most talked-about slice shops. Known for its slightly puffier crust and rich, well-seasoned sauce, it feels like a modern take on the NYC classic. Lines can get long—especially on weekends—but the slices are absolutely worth the wait.

Artichoke Basille’s Pizza

Neighborhood: Multiple locations
Best for: Late-night indulgence and their famous artichoke slice
Order This: Artichoke slice

Love it or hate it, the artichoke slice is unforgettable. Creamy, cheesy, and almost like spinach-artichoke dip on top of thick, hearty crust, it’s not your standard slice—but it is a New York experience. Heavy, rich, perfect after a night out, and undeniably iconic.

Scarr’s Pizza

Neighborhood: Lower East Side
Best for: Organic, house-milled flour and a cult following
Order This: Pepperoni slice

Scarr’s is celebrated for doing things the hard way, by milling their own flour in-house, it creates a superior texture and flavor. The result is a slice that tastes familiar yet elevated: beautifully crisp crust, tangy sauce, and pepperoni that curls into crispy little cups. It’s one of the most iconic slices in Manhattan right now.

Ace’s Pizza

Neighborhood: Brooklyn (Williamsburg)
Best for: Detroit-style and creative toppings
Order This: Pepperoni "cups" Detroit slice

Ace’s isn’t your traditional NYC slice spot—it’s famous for its Detroit-style pies. Thick, airy, crispy-edged, and loaded with cheese, their slices are indulgent in the best way. If you’re looking to mix things up while still enjoying top-tier pizza, Ace’s is a must.

Final Tips for Pizza Lovers

Cash-only alert: Some classic spots still don’t take cards so consider bringing cash, just in case.

Avoid peak crowds: Late afternoons are usually the easiest times to beat the lines.

Try a slice crawl: Many of these shops are close enough to hit 2–3 in one outing.

Order the classic first: The cheese slice always reveals the true quality of a pizzeria.

If you’re planning your own NYC pizza adventure, we’d love to host you! Our hostel is located just minutes from some of the best slice shops in the city—perfect for late-night cravings, quick bites, and spontaneous pizza crawls. Book a bed, drop your bags, and let the pizza tour begin.

FAQ

• Do these spots sell slices or only whole pies?

  Yes, all pizza shops listed in this blog sell both slices and pies.

• What’s the difference between a regular slice and a Sicilian slice?

  A Sicilian slice is thick, square, airy, and crunchy, while a regular slice is thin, round, and foldable.

• Is tipping expected at slice shops?

  Not required, but dropping $1 in the tip jar is always appreciated. text goes here

• Which pizzeria on this list is the most classic “old-school” New York spot?

  Item Luigi’s Pizzeria is a true neighborhood staple with decades of history.

About American Dream Bed and Breakfast

American Dream Bed and Breakfast is a family-owned hostel located in Midtown Manhattan. For over 20 years, we’ve welcomed travelers from around the world with clean private rooms, breakfast, and a friendly atmosphere. We’re a favorite for students, backpackers, and tourists looking for an affordable stay in the heart of New York City. Every guest gets access to free Wi-Fi, a shared kitchen, and a warm shower after a day of exploring. Whether it’s your first trip to NYC or your tenth, we’ll help you feel right at home. Book your stay today!

Family-owned & traveler-loved, American Dream is a cozy hostel in Midtown Manhattan. We offer clean rooms, free breakfast, Wi-Fi, and a friendly vibe — perfect for students, backpackers & explorers.

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