Perhaps it is because I have not had pizza in quite some time, but a new contender has emerged for me as having one of the best pizza slices in New York City, definitely in Brooklyn. It also happens to be in a neighborhood that once thrived with pizzerias, now being overtaken by the influx of a new demographic.
The interior of this pizza shop is beyond retro, with counters inside and for outside customers. The sliding red chairs, the formica tables, the smell of the pizza cooking in the oven, it just feels like a Brooklyn pizza shop. When I think of a New York pizza shop, this is what I think of. Best of all, it is only a five minute walk from the 86th street station on the R train.
For lack of a better word, the pizza here rocks. It is simple, but perfect in every way. From the moment the pizza comes out of the oven, to the very last bite, each bite tastes exactly the same, and it is the consistency of this slice is what makes it so perfect. To prove their worth however, I had to get two other slices, a white slice, and a Sicilian square.
As mentioned, the plain triangle slice is perfect in every way. Just the right amount of crisp to chew, the thin crust pulls but does not lose its integrity whatsoever. The slice never flops, and stays hot for a good while after it leaves the oven, gradually cooling, but still retaining its flavor. The cheese to sauce ratio is spot on. It is a clean slice, not too salty, but just a little bit to where you can taste it, and with little fuss. I could eat this slice for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or late night and I trust I am getting the same slice every time.
The white slice is almost as perfect as the plain. Perfectly dolloped globs of ricotta, mixed in with just the right amount of garlic, and that perfect thin crust. Too many times pizzerias get cute on a white slice, but this one restrains itself nicely and as a result, is still a perfect slice.
Lastly, I had to go for the trifecta and get a Sicilian square. The perfect Sicilian square should have a fluffy top, yet a crunchy undercarriage to it, not too messy, and you should be able to eat this with your hands and not a fork and knife. It checks every box, with flying colors. Super fluffy, crispy underside, and the sauce and cheese are solid. The sauce has a bit of a sweetness and slight richness, but it passes quickly, and before you know it, you just finished that square. I did not ask, but always, always get a corner square. Corners are the best, and though I did not get a forger this time, I will be sure to get one next time.
For $3 a slice, this is absolutely a steal. They also prepare whole pies and calzones and charge a little extra for toppings, but that pretty much sums up the menu. They really just do pizza and calzones, much like Luigi's in Park Slope, who also makes a dynamo pizza slice in Brooklyn that highly I recommend you try.
The only negative is that it is a cash only business. That is fine with me, if that is the only negative for this old school pizzeria. It is a small price to pay for such an underrated, but outstanding pizza slice.