ZipPicks Awards
Best Pizza in Murray Hill & Kips Bay
Best Late Night Pizza in Murray Hill & Kips Bay
Master Critic Review
Rocky's Pizzeria
8.0
Rocky’s is an old-school Kips Bay pizzeria with counter slices up front and a surprisingly spacious back room for lingering over pies. Beyond classic cheese, it’s known for over-the-top specialty slices like penne alla vodka pizza and grandma squares that draw a loyal late-night crowd.
Must-Try Dishes:
Penne alla vodka pizza slice, Grandma square slice, Buffalo chicken slice
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Long-running slice shop with a brick-oven feel and a huge roster of specialty pies.
Who should go: Slice hunters looking for creative pasta-topped and grandma-style options.
When to visit: Late nights or casual weekends when you want slices and space to sit.
What to order: Penne alla vodka slice, grandma square, buffalo chicken slice.
Insider tip: Head to the back room if you want a quieter sit-down experience than the front counter.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only and very limited, especially after 6pm. Metered spots turn over occasionally, but most locals walk or use rideshare.
Dress code: Casual and unfussy — jeans, hoodies, and late-night pizza runs fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — front counter is loud and busy, back room is quieter and more conversation-friendly.
Weekend wait: 10–25 minutes for slices, 20–40 minutes for tables in the back room during peak late-night hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or just a short line at the counter.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — classic cheese, marinara-based pies, and vegetable-topped slices are always available.
Vegan options: Very limited — typically requires custom ordering with no cheese.
Gluten-free options: Not reliably available; cross-contamination is likely due to shared ovens and prep space.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you’re going casual — it’s relaxed, fun, and low-pressure, especially if you grab a back-room table instead of standing at the counter.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s first-come, first-served. The back room turns over steadily, especially earlier in the evening.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — classic slices, flexible seating, and a relaxed crowd make it easy for kids, especially earlier in the day.
Best For
Better for: Late-night specialty slices, creative pasta-topped pizzas, and finding actual seating at a slice shop.
Skip if: You want Neapolitan-style pizza, a polished sit-down experience, or strong gluten-free and vegan accommodations.