Pizza by the Slice in Philadelphia

Pizza by the slice in Philadelphia is a lunch, a late-night snack and a student staple, sold at corner shops with a glass case of big triangles and a counter that moves fast. A good slice is hot, with a crisp bottom and a balanced sauce. Here is how to judge one in a glance.

What is pizza by the slice in Philadelphia?

A fast, cheap meal sold in a narrow shop. A slice shop bakes whole pies, cuts them into large wedges and reheats each slice to order. You pay at the counter, take a paper plate and eat standing up or at a small table. Many shops also sell by the whole pie, and some offer calzones, strombolis and hoagies.

The style varies. Classic New York-style slices are thin and foldable. Square slices have a thicker, crisp crust. And Philadelphia's own tomato pie is served at room temperature, with a thick base, sweet sauce and little cheese, and the tomato pie list guide explains it in detail.

How do you judge a Philadelphia slice shop?

By four things: the crust, the sauce, the cheese and the reheat. A good crust is crisp underneath and chewy at the edge. The sauce should taste of tomato, not sugar. The cheese should melt and brown in spots. And the slice should be reheated until hot, not served lukewarm from the case.

Look at the case before you order. Pies that look fresh, with a few missing slices, tell you the shop is busy. If the same pie has sat for hours, the crust will be dry. Ask what just came out of the oven, and wait two minutes for it.

What works for a pizza lunch in Center City?

A slice and a salad, or two slices and a drink. Center City is full of offices, and slice shops serve a fast lunch rush between noon and one. Go at 11:30 or after 1:00 for a shorter line. Many shops will sell a lunch special of a slice or two with a drink, though offers vary by shop.

A slice is easy to eat on a bench in a park such as Rittenhouse Square or Washington Square, weather permitting. If you are comparing shops, order the plain cheese slice at each. It shows what the kitchen can do with the basics. The Rittenhouse guide covers the neighborhood around one of those squares.

Where can you find a Philadelphia late night slice?

In the neighborhoods that stay awake: near the bars and clubs of Center City, around universities and in the busy blocks of South Philadelphia. Many slice shops keep later hours than other kitchens, and a slice at midnight is a classic end to a night out.

Hours change, so check a place's recent posts before you walk over. Late slices are often reheated more than once, so ask for a fresh one if the case looks tired. The late night food guide covers more options across the city.

Why is pizza a Philadelphia student staple?

Because it is cheap, quick and filling. Students at the city's universities live on slices between classes and after study sessions. The shops near campuses learn to feed a crowd, with long counters, big slices and menus that fit a student budget.

If you are a student, look for slices that are large enough to share, a drink included or a simple combo. Take a friend and split two slices and a salad. The cheap eats guide covers more budget meals across the city, and the West Philadelphia guide covers the campus neighborhood.

A little etiquette keeps the line moving. Know what you want before you reach the counter, say how many slices you would like and ask for them reheated if the case looks tired. Fold the slice lengthwise to keep the toppings from sliding, and blot excess oil with a napkin if you like. Pay and move aside so the next person can order. If you are eating with a group, order a whole pie rather than six separate slices, since it is usually fresher and cheaper per slice. Garlic, red pepper flakes and oregano sit on the counter for a reason, so season to taste, and say thank you to the cook, who has been standing at a hot oven all day.

How do you keep notes on slice shops?

Rate each slice by the dish. In the Mosey app, you can name the slice, give it stars and add a tag such as Quick Service, Great Value, Late Night or Pizza. Raters add tags when they rate a meal, and diners look for them in the Find sheet. A tag is a note from someone who was there and never a promise about hours.

Make a list called Philly slices, add a note beside each shop about the best thing to order, and share it with a friend. Compare two shops by rating the plain slice at each. Over a few weeks, you will know which counter to trust.

Where next in Philadelphia?

For a slice after dark in Center City, the Gayborhood guide covers a district with late kitchens. The US food guides hold the rest of the country, and the Pennsylvania hub links the state's towns.

After the last bite, open the Mosey app, rate your slice by the dish and add the shop to a list for the next hungry walk.