8 Classic NYC Pizzerias

J & V Pizza

_Bensonhurst, Brooklyn_  
[J & V](/venues/j-v-pizzeria) opened in 1950 and was reputedly the first spot in its historically Italian neighborhood to sling pizza by the slice. Go if you’re in the mood for a square Sicilian slice, though the Bensonhurst stalwart also cranks out perfectly chewy round pizzas and saucy, garlicky grandma pies.

Lombardi’s Pizza

_Nolita, Manhattan_  
Ever-popular [Lombardi’s](/venues/lombardis-pizza) claims the title of America’s first pizzeria, expertly charring crusts since 1905. The coal oven’s original tile door bears testament to that history, and a bite out of a pie here is a primer on the City’s Neapolitan-style pizza.

John’s Pizzeria

_West Village, Manhattan_  
The layers of initials and doodles scratched into its wood booths give [John’s](/venues/johns-pizzeria) a time-capsule feel, as do the celebrity photos that hang on the walls. The Bleecker Street spot has had a whole-pies-only rule for decades and is strictly cash only.

John’s Pizzeria (West Village)

John's Pizzeria

_Elmhurst, Queens_  
Mother-daughter proprietors Rose and Susan Bagali perfect the all-in-the-family vibe at [their neighborhood slice joint](/venues/johns-pizzeria-elmhurst) (no relation to the West Village John’s). Bask in the glow of 1970s orange—vinyl stools, plastic chairs, counter space—while you appreciate the simple art of the cheesy plain slice.

John's Pizzeria (Elmhurst)

Scarr's Pizza

_Lower East Side, Manhattan_  
[This downtown spot](/venues/scarrs-pizza) is a relative newcomer on the old-school pizza scene, but its wood paneling, stained-glass light fixtures and orange serving trays give it serious retro vibes. The tradition is strong as well: owner Scarr Pimentel is an alum of Lombardi’s, and pies are lovingly made with house-milled flour.

Joe & Pat's

_Castleton Corners, Staten Island_  
[This Staten Island mainstay](/venues/joe-pats) (now with an East Village outpost) has kept a family-owned feel and mostly local clientele since its 1960 opening. The dining room is a study in neutrals, but the cracker-thin crusts, fluffy mozzarella and famously creamy sauce on their signature vodka pie are anything but basic.

Pugsley Pizza

_Fordham, Bronx_  
With overstuffed chairs and layers of eclectic tchotchkes, [Pugsley](/venues/pugsley-pizza) may qualify as a pizza dive. The 30-year-old shop also decorates with Polaroids and notes from customers that you can spy while you enjoy some garlic knots, a no-nonsense slice and the occasional ringing of a gong. (Really.)

Totonno's

_Coney Island, Brooklyn_  
[Totonno’s](/venues/totonnos-pizzeria-napolitano) bakes history into every pie by using the same coal-fired oven it opened with in 1924. The number of vintage photos and newspaper clippings on the walls has grown over the years, but the down-to-earth service, handmade mozzarella and flawlessly crispy crust remain the same.

_For more cheesy delights, see our [ultimate guide to pizza](/articles/nyc-pizza-guide)._

Do you want to eat the best NYC pizza? We've listed the most amazing places to eat NYC pizza for you here!

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Classic NYC Pizzerias

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