Slice Joint
A no-frills pizzeria selling pizza by the slice over the counter, eaten standing up or folded on the go.
Example
You order a plain at the counter, fold it lengthwise so the tip stops drooping, and eat it standing at the window ledge.
Related terms
Pizza
Joe's Pizza
The Greenwich Village slice shop operating since 1975, widely cited as the benchmark for the classic New York plain...
NYC slang
Dollar Slice
The famously cheap pizza slice sold around $1, a New York institution of late-night budget eating that now starts at...
NYC slang
Pie
New York shorthand for a whole pizza, as in ordering a whole pie instead of a slice.
NYC slang
Bodega
A corner convenience store found on nearly every NYC block, selling snacks, coffee, sandwiches and household basics...
Frequently asked questions
How do I eat a slice like a local?
Fold it down the middle so the tip stops flopping, blot excess oil if you must, and never use a knife and fork.
What should a good slice cost?
Neighborhood joints charge a few dollars, famous ones a bit more. The dollar slice still exists but quality varies wildly.
What do I order to judge a slice joint fairly?
The plain cheese slice. It hides nothing, and every shop in the city is measured against it. Toppings come on the second visit once the baseline is clear.
