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Scarr's Pizza
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Scarr's Pizza
8.8
Scarr’s is a Lower East Side slice shop with old-school looks and new-school craft, milling some of its own flour and topping pies with carefully sourced ingredients. Lines move steadily for classic rounds, Sicilian squares, and a small menu of sides that make it a destination for both locals and pizza pilgrims.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pepperoni slice, Sicilian square slice, Vegan Caesar salad
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Slice-shop nostalgia backed by serious grain and ingredient work.
Who should go: Slice hunters who care about dough as much as toppings.
When to visit: Mid-afternoon or late night to dodge peak lines.
What to order: Plain slice, pepperoni slice, and a Sicilian square.
Insider tip: If you want a whole pie, head inside and order at the bar instead of the slice line.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only on the Lower East Side; metered spots are scarce and highly competitive, especially evenings.
Dress code: Very casual—streetwear, jeans, and everyday attire are all appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate; the slice counter can be loud during rushes but you can hold casual conversation inside.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes for slices during peak hours; whole pies ordered inside move faster.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minute line or no wait depending on the rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—plain, Sicilian, and several topping options work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited—vegan slices appear occasionally but not guaranteed daily.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free crust; not suitable for strict gluten-free diners.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It’s fun for a casual, low-stakes first date, especially if you want something quick and energetic. Not ideal if you're aiming for a long, sit-down dinner.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's slice-focused and counter-service. Tables are limited but open seating turns quickly; whole pies are ordered inside rather than at the slice window.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—kids who like pizza will do great here. Space is tight and there are no high chairs, but the quick service works well for families.
Best For
Better for: Top-tier slices with superior dough quality and sourcing; ideal for quick hits, late-night cravings, and pizza purists.
Skip if: You want a full-service Italian dinner, extensive topping combinations, or guaranteed seating without crowds.
Scarr's Pizza
8.5
Scarr's Pizza is a Lower East Side slice shop that treats New York–style pies with near-fanatic attention to dough, sauce, and toppings. A mix of counter slices and whole pies draws lines of industry folks, neighborhood regulars, and pizza obsessives who treat it as a downtown hangout as much as a quick bite.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic cheese slice, Sicilian square slice, Caesar salad
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: A retro-feeling slice shop where serious dough and old-school New York flavors meet a modern downtown crowd.
Who should go: Pizza obsessives and downtown diners chasing buzzworthy slices.
When to visit: Late afternoons or early evenings before peak lines hit hard.
What to order: Classic cheese slice, Sicilian square, Caesar salad.
Insider tip: If dining in, grab a whole pie to appreciate the crust at its best.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on the Lower East Side is limited; expect metered spots and circling during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Ultra-casual—tees, hoodies, and streetwear are all normal; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak times, especially near the counter; manageable during off-hours.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes for slices; whole pies may take longer during rushes.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait, though a small line is common.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—classic cheese slices, veggie toppings, and salads.
Vegan options: Limited—no dedicated vegan cheese or vegan pies.
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free pizza crust available.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want a casual, low-pressure hang—it's cramped, busy, and more about great slices than ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's walk-in only. Seating is limited, so expect to hover for spots or default to counter service.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick meals; kids who like pizza will be happy, but tight seating and crowds may be challenging for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Standout New York–style slices with exceptional dough quality and a downtown vibe that feels authentically LES.
Skip if: You need spacious seating, gluten-free options, or a quieter sit-down meal.
Scarr's Pizza
8.4
A modern slice shop reimagining NYC pizza: house‑milled flour crust, generous cheese and sauce, plus a throwback diner vibe — ideal for casual slices or a low‑key family meal. The pepperoni jalapeño slice and Sicilian square stand out as reliably satisfying. It delivers on consistency and neighborhood charm without fuss.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pepperoni Jalapeño Slice, Sicilian Square, Classic Cheese Slice
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Slices made from freshly milled flour for a crisp‑chewy crust uncommon in NYC slice shops.
Who should go: Casual eaters and slice lovers
When to visit: Early evening to avoid late‑night crowd
What to order: Pepperoni jalapeño slice, Sicilian square, classic cheese slice
Insider tip: Go for a square slice — better crust‑to‑sauce ratio than round slices.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited; metered spots nearby, but often full after 6pm. No dedicated lot or valet.
Dress code: Casual is fine — jeans, tees, and sneakers are perfectly acceptable.
Noise level: Moderate — lively enough for energy but you can still have a conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 20-30 minutes for a slice during peak hours; longer if sitting at the few tables.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; walk-in seating available.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — classic cheese, margherita, and vegetable-topped slices.
Vegan options: Limited — may accommodate with request for crust and sauce without cheese, but confirm in advance.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free crust currently.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want a casual, fun vibe with comfort food; the diner-style energy keeps things relaxed, though it’s not a formal romantic spot.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — most seating is walk-in friendly. During peak dinner hours, small tables fill quickly, so arriving early helps.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — children are welcome. The casual setting, quick slices, and generous toppings make it ideal for families with kids of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Neighborhood charm, consistent quality slices, and creative combinations like pepperoni jalapeño — better than generic chain-style pizza.
Skip if: You’re seeking formal dining, extensive gluten-free options, or a quiet, upscale ambiance.