Sal & Carmine Pizza

Sal and Carmine is about as classic a slice shop as you can find in New York. The Upper West Side spot has been around since 1959, and you can tell in their slice selection. Expect the classics, like pepperoni, mushroom, white pizza, sausage, margherita, and old-school Sicilian squares, which are becoming harder and harder to find. They’ve got a neon sign outside their front window that says their slices are crispy and large, and they generally follow through on that promise. If you live within walking distance, Sal and Carmine should be your go-to for an easy, reliable slice that you can either eat at a few tables, or walk them to Riverside Park, just a couple blocks away.

Food Rundown

photo credit: Will Hartman

Pepperoni

As pants-staining a pepperoni slice as there ever was. Beware the orange grease here. Ask for an extra stack of napkins before eating this crispy slice, full of slightly spicy pepperoni and plenty of cheese.

photo credit: Will Hartman

White

If anyone knows where Sal and Carmine gets their ricotta, please send us a tip at nyc@theinfatuation.com. It’s some of the creamiest ricotta we’ve ever had on a slice, and melts into a rich puddle. Load it up with garlic powder and chili flakes, and dive in.

photo credit: Will Hartman

Sicilian

While the rest of Sal and Carmine’s slices are big, this one isn’t. But that’s OK, because Manhattan Sicilian slices are a dying breed, and this one is quite good. Nice and dense, with a thick slab of cheese on top, this should be your pick if you’re looking for a break from Detroit-style squares.