There's excessive (borderline comical) debate over who makes the best pizza in New York. Even at our very own newsdesk, casual lunchtime discussion over which pizzeria sells the best slice oft turns into a fiery dispute between pizza lovers vehemently defending their slice of choice. Is it Motorino? Lombardi's? Grimaldi's? John's?
Whatever. We're not opening that can of worms with this article by throwing around the word "best" (although, if you're interested in what makes the cut, click here). Sometimes, you just need a suggestion for where to get a solid slice of pizza that's tasty, fresh, cheesy, reasonably-priced and hits the spot. And for us here at 285 West Broadway, that's Saluggi's.
There is hardly a week that goes by without us feasting on a slice or three of Saluggi's pizza, sometimes even together (I believe we even christened Friday "Saluggi's Friday" in the summer of 2010). And it's not just because they're conveniently around the corner from our office in TriBeCa. It's because they make damn good pizza.
Their plain slice is an absolute winner (nothing beats that smoky taste of a brick-oven pie), and Saluggi's make their own mozzarella cheese in-house so the flavors are exquisitely, extraordinarily fresh and pronounced despite the bare simplicity of the ingredients... basically dough, tomato sauce and cheese. The sauce is tangy, the crust is thin, the cheese creamy and delightfully chewy. For good measure they throw a fresh basil leaf or two atop the slice, infusing it with fragrant, almost peppery herb goodness though it's barely necessary. And for TriBeCa standards, their slices are affordable ($3 a slice). I suggest that you take advantage of their lunch special – $6.50 for two slices and a can of soda. Trust me when I say that you can't score lunch this delicious for this cheap anywhere in TriBeCa.
If you want to play with the big boys though, you've got to get down on a slice of sausage and pepperoni (slightly pricier at $4.25 a slice). I'm a huge sucker for this slice; basically their plain cheese loaded (and that's an understatement) with layers of spicy pep and tasty, succulent, crumbly sausage practically falling off the dough. It's pretty much phenomenal. And that's all I have to say about this slice.
All in all, Saluggi's is a solid choice for some high-quality, fresh pizza at the right price. Best in New York? Who knows? Who cares? All I know is that you'll find me and my colleagues there this Friday. And next Friday. And the one after that. Buon appetito!
Saluggi's: 325 Church St., between Canal & Lispenard Sts.
