Brooklyn's Perfect Slice

[mike in brooklyn]

I am leading an 11 mile walk starting from City Hall - the theme of the walk is
based on Brooklyn's BEST SLICE (not whole pie) of Pizza.
We will certainly stop at DiFara's on Ave. J. I also plan to stop at Roma
in Park Slope but would welcome any other suggestions for a great slice
in Park Slope and in Sheepshead Bay or Gravesend.
The walk is on Sat. 2/9

Thanks in advance.

[2slices]

I think both campo d'fiore and south brooklyn are quite over rated. The grandma slice at pizza town on 5th is terrific. That is a rock solid fact, better than most grandma slices in Queens and LI.

[jen kalb]

what about La Villa?

[Deb Van D]

I really don't like the pie at La Villa. The crust is thick and doughy and fairly unpleasant. There is even a "crispy crust" offered but it is just as thick and breadlike as the other.

[mike in brooklyn]

Thanks for all of the suggestions - I had to cancel the walk on 2/9 but have rescheduled it for 2/16.
Any chowhounds who may want to join us - we are meeting at
City Hall Park at the fountain at 10:45 and we'll walk over the
Brooklyn Bridge with our first stop in Park Slope - I am leaning
towards Campo di Fioro on 5th Ave. as it serves Roman Style
pizza - then to Di Faras with a possible stop at J&V on 18th Ave
but probably ending at Ciccio's on Ave. U and W 7

[Bob Martinez]

You'll be "stopping" at DiFara's for at least 90 minutes. You may want to factor that in.

[mike in brooklyn]

Yeah Bob, it's certainly possible and we probably won't get seats too - eating Di Fara's standing up is a challenge - you
have to dodge dripping oil ! :)

[Bob Martinez]

I think you'll like Campo di Fiori. Italian pie made by Italians. Imagine that. It's certainly a different style than the other places but it works precisely *because* of that.

[hambone]

does it have to be a place which serves a slice?

If not, Sam's Chop house on Court St is one of the best slices you'll ever eat. You have to ask for the roasted garlic.

Totano's in Coney Island is a classic and deserves the great press it gets.

[jen kalb]

I believe that Totonnos is still closed from Sandy, however.

[hambone]

Fire, then water... I hate to think what might befall them next.

[parkslopemama]

South Brooklyn Pizza has four locations and excellent (if overpriced) slices. You could pick whichever one is most convenient for your route. I would certainly pick South Brooklyn Pizza over Roma in Park Slope, for example.

[Sluggo1407]

A walk down 18th Avenue (starting at J&V Pizza on 18th Avenue and 64th Street) will yield several very good pizzerias. J&V has been in business since 1950, so that should tell you something. You will also pass Gino's Focacceria, II Colosseo and several other noteworthy places. As well, you can stop at Villabate pastry shop for some wonderful Italian pastries to take home. At 86th Street, if you take a left and walk 2 blocks, you can stop at Lenny's (where John Travolta infamously ate 2 slices together in the opening scene of Saturday Night Fever. I'm surprised Bensonhurst was not cited, as it's Brooklyn's version of Little Italy. There are 3 subway lines running through the neighborhood for your trip back (I doubt you'll want to walk home after all that food). Wherever you go, it sounds like a good time. Enjoy yourself!

[howdini]

Have you had the vastedda [breaded spleen] at Gino's? lt's terrific!

[BrooklynKitchen]

Shepshead bay has its strength in pies, not slices. Try L&B Spumoni Gardens. As to park slope, far and away the best pizza there is also pie-only at La Villa of Park Slope at 1st st and 5th avenue. They are also in Mill Basin (east of Sheepshead Bay) on Avenue U.

[mike in brooklyn]

I used to like DelMar on Sheepshead Bay Road - they were
wiped out by the storm.

I hate to admit it, but, as a Native from Bensonhurst (I'm 72 now) - I HATE Spumoni Gardens - La Villa is pie only - and Mill
Basin is a bit out of our way.

Thanks for the suggestions.

[Mike R.]

Further on down Court Street, slide right around the corner from Buschenschank beer hall (about Sackett Street) and you'll find a delicious slice - maybe an offshoot of South Brooklyn Pizza - and some good lookin' homemade pretzels.

South Brooklyn also serves up slices on Court Street (left side) near 3rd Place.

[Sluggo1407]

I hate Spumoni Gardens as well, except, of course, for the spumoni. Everyone raves about their square (Sicilian) pie. To me, it's undercooked dough slathered with tomato paste. Yuck!!! Italia Pizza, on King's Highway at West 6th Street, has a good Sicilian, light and crispy.

[mike in brooklyn]

Thanks Sluggo - we will most likely try Italia - in my childhood
neighborhood - I went to Seth Low JHS and our local library was on W6 and Kings Highway.

[foodwhisperer]

I too am a hater of Spumoni Gardens. I also think Totonno's is very hyped. In any case, for a great regular slice, I'd skip the lines and head for Howard Beach to New Park Pizza.

[mike in brooklyn]

New Park is certainly good but it would mean
an 18 mile walk instead of 10 or 11.

[Mike R.]

IMO, some excellent slices:
-Fresh mozzarella/Margharita slice at My Little Pizza on Court Street north of Atlantic Ave.
-"Upside-down" Sicilian at Pipitone's (DeKalb & Ashland across from LIU parking lot).
-"Grandma" slice in Newkirk Plaza (by the Q train) at LoDuca's (recommend you call ahead and they'll have it ready for you!)
-Plain slice at Ciccio's on Avenue U and W. 4th Street - with their signature sesame seed crust.

[mike in brooklyn]

We both have Ciccio's on our list - went there last year on same walk - pretty good !
I may try My Little Pizza instead of Roma - or in addition to
Roma.

Thanks for the suggestions.