VIBE

New York is a must-stop for any serious pizza pilgrimage, thanks in (very large) part to this Spring Street pizzeria, which proudly claims the title of America’s first pizza shop. Italian immigrant Gennaro Lombardi opened up shop in 1905 to a city unaware of the trade, and his famous crispy pies have been satisfying New York ever since. Few can deny the genius behind those coal oven-baked, smoky crusts−crisp on the outside, soft on the inside. Add signature toppings like their homemade meatballs (our favorite topping), fresh clams, or the signature slices of pepperoni, and there you have it: a recipe that stands the test of time.

CROWD

In-the-know New Yorkers, pizza pilgrims, handfuls of families with kids, and regulars that’ve been coming here for years

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

Something casual−it’s a pizzeria, after all. Go for a fun top and cute shorts in summer, but leave the finger bling at home (things are sure to get greasy).

GO HERE WITH

Family; friends; pizza enthusiasts; tourists (a group is best, since you must order by the pie)

WHY WE LIKE IT

It’s a New York institution−what’s not to love? The pies are out of this world, even when delivered (opting for delivery is one of the best ways to avoid the lines).

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

The lines during weekends and in the summertime. And they don’t sell slices, sometimes we wish we could grab just a piece or two!

GOOD TO KNOW

The pizzeria accepts cash only (though there’s an ATM on site) and delivers by bike. Consider ordering their famous clam pie (made with freshly shucked clams but without tomato sauce and cheese). For anyone who knows anything about this town’s pizza history: many of New York’s other institutions learned their tricks from Gennaro himself.

CLOSEST COMPS

Grimaldi’s (New York); John’s Pizzeria (New York)

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to New York City.