Sal & Carmine's, Upper West Side New York
Pizza 2
I assume you come to New York to eat pizza because you can’t get New York pizza wherever it is you’re from. Well, you’re right, you can’t. Not even close.
So, what is NY pizza? I'll make up a definition: a plain slice, maybe with sausage, pepperoni or salami, end of definition.
Take the plain slice: it should have a slight char and cheese bubbles. I have to create that myself nowadays by specifying “One slice, well done”: takes twice as long to cook. No droop.
When it comes out of the oven (around 600° F), let it rest a minute and then observe the oil on the surface. If it pools and will drain onto your plate, that’s a sign that you’ve got an old-fashioned New York slice. Regard the char, and bubbles. Remember this for your next comparison test.
Quality cheese will give off its oil, and there might be oil in the tomato sauce. Bad oil gives you heartburn.
I recently got a quality slice from Sal & Carmine’s on Broadway between 103rd and 104th. Small place, pizza boxes stacked 15 high, lineup looked like locals, all good signs. $3 though, a bit pricey.
The slice had all the signs, oil aplenty. I shook on a little chili peppers, a little garlic.
Very roughly, this is what you’re eating: 400 calories, 15 grams of fat, maybe 10 grams of saturated fat, maybe 800 milligrams of cholesterol. Adding pepperoni? Another 80 calories, 5 more grams of fat, maybe 1000 milligrams of sodium. Saturated fat about the same. Oy veh!
About this spot
Find your way with 301 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in New York
35 Times, Toby Buonagurio
Subway art 10
"35 Times - Toby Buonagurio" in New York are small artworks in the Times Square subway station, maybe even 16 inches square, lit on the inside. Jazzy!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
The Pythian Temple
R&R Shrine
"The Pythian Temple" in NYC was designed in 1927 for the movie 'The Knights of Pythias'; today, it's remarkable for much more than its beauty...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
A Gathering, 2001 - Muñoz & Martin
Subway art 13
"A Gathering, 2001" by Muñoz & Martin in the Canal Street train station in NYC 'enlivens the space & provides respite from the busy commercialism above'...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Saiguette
Vietnamese counter/takeout
I first returned to the Vietnamese restaurant "Saiguette" in NYC for its light, rich, rejuvenating soups, but I also recommend the pork shoulder sandwich.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Rucker Park
NBA caliber street basketball
"Rucker Park" in New York City is where big men and children come to play basketball, strut, defy, dominate make a name for themselves. You have to see it.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Subway Portraits, Chuck Close
Subway art 1
I took the Q train in New York and reached the 86th Street station, where twelve Chuck Close mosaic mesmerizing portraits adorn the walls...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Music Inn
Instruments, custom & stock
"Music Inn" in New York City is run by musician, instrument designer & inventor Jeff Slatnick. There are musical instruments just everywhere in the shop...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Di Fara, Brooklyn
Pizza 1
"Di Fara" in New York is the best pizza pilgrimage one can go on. This local favorite makes a time-capsulized pizza restaurant. Its crust sets it apart...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Whirls and Twirls (MTA), Sol LeWitt
Subway art 3
The Subway Art in Columbus Circle New York City by Sol LeWitt is one of the pieces that make me feel I need to stop to take it all in...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
The Revelers, Jane Dickson
Subway art 6
"The Revelers by Jane Dickson" in New York's Times Square Subway Station is mostly located in the transfer corridors between the BMT and IRT Flushing line
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
The Return of Spring, Jack Beal
Subway art 7
"The Return of Spring - Jack Beal" in New York is a mosaic mural in the Times Square station in the IRT West Side Lin mezzanine. Is it really Wayne Gretzky?
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
New York in Transit, Jacob Lawrence
Subway art 8
"New York in Transit - Jacob Lawrence", I've been passing this piece a lot lately. Nearby is a spot where musicians hang out, so it's nice to pause here...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Heading to New York?
301 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 301 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite New York
Our team loves New York
Get to know our other Spotters from New York
As featured on:
