ZipPicks Awards
Best Pizza in Upper West Side
Master Critic Review
Sal & Carmine Pizza
8.3
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Comfort Food Classics
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
An old-school neighborhood slice shop that still delivers the classic NYC rhythm: fast, no-frills, and reliably satisfying when you keep it simple. Best used for a straight cheese slice (or two) and a Sicilian square if you want something heavier.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cheese slice, Sicilian slice, Calzone
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: A classic Broadway slice shop that stays true to the basics.
Who should go: Plain-slice people who hate trendy gimmicks
When to visit: Early afternoon for the smoothest counter flow
What to order: Cheese slice, Sicilian slice, calzone
Insider tip: Go cheese first—treat everything else as a single add-on.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited on Broadway and nearby side streets, easier midday than evenings.
Dress code: Very casual — jeans, sneakers, come as you are.
Noise level: Moderate to loud near the counter; quick conversations are fine but not a linger-and-chat spot.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes depending on the line; turnover is fast.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait outside of peak noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — classic cheese slices and Sicilian options.
Vegan options: No — no dedicated vegan options.
Gluten-free options: No — no gluten-free crust or separate prep.
Best For
Better for: Fast, no-frills NYC slices at a true neighborhood price point with zero trend-chasing.
Skip if: You want seating, specialty pies, gluten-free options, or a hangout-style pizza experience.