If there’s one thing that’s true about all New Yorkers, it’s that we’re busy. We dash around like crazy people. One day, we’re trying to squeeze in work, a trip to the gym, and a catch-up happy hour with a friend, and still make it to a gallery opening. The next we’re trying to get from Midtown to the Bronx to catch a Yankees game. To some this sounds awful. We New Yorkers wouldn’t have it any other way. There’s a feeling of vitality that comes from being very, very busy. It feels like we’re living our lives to the fullest. All of that living comes at a price – it’s hard to find time to eat. However, some pizza slices on the LES can provide a quick and tasty meal.
New York Pizza
Luckily, this problem is as old as the city, and there are solutions. Frequently, that solution is a slice of pizza. If you don’t live here and have no idea what people are talking about when they say “New York slice,” I’ll explain it to you. It’s a really freaking big piece of pizza whose crust is thin enough to fold in half so you can eat it quickly. It is also delicious. Near the point of the piece it tends to be gooey and oily and satisfying and the closer you get to the crust the crispier it gets.
Everyone in the city has their favorite, so this may be a re-occurring piece. But, I thought I’d start with some of the crowd favorites from the East Village/Lower East Side. Why the East Village? Well, mostly because there are a ton of restaurants and because it’s historically been a neighborhood for young artists. I figured lots of restaurants + young artists = cheap food. I was right. There are over 30 pizza parlors packed into this neighborhood. Here are my top six. If you disagree, drop a line at feedback@renthop.com and let us know!
1. Artichoke Basille’s Pizza: 328 E. 14th St.
There’s ALWAYS a line. That’s how you know it’s great. It’s open insanely late – until 4am Mon-Thur, and 5:30am Fri-Sat. It’s salty, cheesy, and known for fancier pizzas, like Spinach and Artichoke.
2. Vinny Vincenz Pizzeria: 231 1st Ave
Listen, sometimes you just want a slice of pizza. And you want it to be tasty. Vinny Vincenz never disappoints.
3. South Brooklyn Pizza: 122 1st Ave
Don’t let the name fool you. South Brooklyn Pizza is in the East Village and is the hole-in-the-wall pizza joint you’ve been looking for. The slices are cheap and incredibly good. Not to be missed.
4. Stromboli Pizza: 83 St Marks Pl
This place defines quality, fast, inexpensive pizza. It’s what you want when you want a slice on the go. That is all.
5. Joey’s Pepperoni: 222 1st Ave
When you want a dollar slice, you go to Joey’s. It’s fast, delicious, and dirt cheap.
6. 2 Bros Pizza: 32 St. Marks Pl
Small storefront that serves a lot of people a lot of pizza. It’s a neighborhood go-to and never disappoints.
Editor’s Note: We updated this article to enhance readability.
