10 New York Slice Shops That Still Fold Just Right
New York pizza is famous for its thin, foldable slices that let you eat on the go without making a mess. The perfect fold is part tradition, part necessity, a true mark of authentic NY pizza culture. These legendary slice shops have mastered the art of the fold, serving up pieces that bend without breaking, just like they should.
1. Joe’s Pizza – Greenwich Village Classic
Family-owned since 1975, Joe’s serves the quintessential NY slice; thin, crisp yet foldable. The perfect ratio of sauce to cheese creates that signature fold without drooping.
Locals and celebrities alike line up for these no-frills masterpieces. Cash only, just like the old days!
2. Di Fara Pizza – Brooklyn Pizza Royalty
Dom DeMarco crafted legendary slices here for over 50 years. Each pie gets a generous shower of fresh basil and imported olive oil before serving.
The wait might be long, but watching these artisanal creations come together is part of the experience. Their slices fold with perfect resistance.
3. L&B Spumoni Gardens – Sicilian Square Specialists
Breaking the round pizza mold since 1939! Their signature squares might look thick, but they fold surprisingly well.
The upside-down style puts cheese directly on the dough with sauce on top. Grab a spumoni ice cream for dessert after your perfectly foldable square slice.
4. Patsy’s Pizzeria – Harlem’s Coal-Fired Wonder
Operating since 1933, Patsy’s coal-fired oven creates a distinctive char that strengthens the fold. Frank Sinatra was a regular here!
Their ultra-thin crust develops a magical structure from the intense heat. The result? A slice that stands at attention when folded, never sagging in the middle.
5. Scarr’s Pizza – Lower East Side Newcomer
Don’t let the retro 1970s vibe fool you; Scarr’s is relatively new but absolutely authentic. They mill their own flour in-house for superior flavor and texture.
The result is a perfectly foldable slice with old-school credentials. Health-conscious pizza lovers appreciate the clean ingredients and perfect fold.
6. John’s of Bleecker Street – Coal-Fired Perfection
Established in 1929, John’s refuses to sell by the slice. Instead, you’ll get whole pies with that perfect coal-fired thin crust.
The slices tear away with the ideal structure for folding. Their famous “no slices” policy ensures every bite comes from a freshly-made pie, enhancing that classic fold.
7. Louie & Ernie’s – Bronx Hidden Gem
Tucked away in the residential Throgs Neck neighborhood, this unassuming pizzeria has been serving perfectly foldable slices since 1959.
Their sausage pizza features hand-sliced, fennel-laden meat from a local butcher. The thin-yet-sturdy crust makes for the quintessential New York fold experience.
8. Best Pizza – Williamsburg Woodfired Wonder
Housed in a former bakery, Best Pizza uses the century-old wood-burning oven to create slices with the perfect structure. Chef Frank Pinello brings fine-dining expertise to this casual slice shop.
Their white pizza with ricotta and caramelized onions folds just as beautifully as their classic slice.
9. Lucali – Brooklyn’s Candlelit Masterpiece
Mark Iacono’s celebrated pizzeria often has hours-long waits, but the foldable perfection justifies the time investment. Thin-crust pies come with minimal but impeccable toppings.
Celebrities frequently visit this cash-only BYOB spot. The dough’s perfect elasticity creates that iconic fold that screams authentic New York.
10. NY Pizza Suprema – Slice Shop Since 1964
Located across from Penn Station, Suprema has served commuters and Madison Square Garden visitors for generations. Their classic slice maintains perfect fold integrity even on the go.
The shop’s unchanged recipes and techniques preserve that authentic New York fold. Their upside-down Sicilian also folds surprisingly well for a square slice.
