$.99 Fresh Pizza: A True Taste of New York

Nothing embodies the true taste of New York like a $1 slice of cheese pizza.

Sometimes satisfying. Sometimes infuriating. Usually grungy. Frequently served with an attitude and pinch of sarcasm. Always quick and efficient. (Learn about the history of New York pizza HERE.)

My first slice back was like my taste buds were hugging an old friend. And the experience was totally, and completely “New York” to the core.

I pulled up to the brightly lit “$.99 Fresh Pizza” on the corner of 35^th  and  7^th.  There were tourists and locals alike lining up for a quick and cheap dinner fix.

A man at the door slurred, “Yoooo what can I hook you up with?” He was tall and lanky with a toothy grin that was both carefree and despondent. His coworker was manning a “Weed World” van on the adjacent street. Recreational marijuana in NYC was legalized in 2021, and the city has embraced the change. The guardian of the van had an entrepreneurial aura with an “I’ve worked for startups and can be found in We Work offices” vibe.  His store side counter part was a bit more, shall we say, loose.

I kindly shook my head with a “no thanks”, inching my way closer to the pizza.

The man at the door proceeded to share his two cents on who should and shouldn’t be getting pizza. “My brother… you do not need to be eating two slices.” “Girl just get one more…” “There’s a Sweet Green right down the street.”

I caught his eye, and was kindly given permission to proceed. Phew.

Finally, I was up.

“1 cheese slice please.”

 I handed over the money, collected my slice, and went on my merry way.

Soft yet crispy crust, just enough sauce, and cheese that was only halfway melted. You get what you pay for, after all.

Ah New York, it’s good to be back.