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Rocky's Pizzeria
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Rocky's Pizzeria
8.0
Rocky’s is an old-school Kips Bay pizzeria with counter slices up front and a surprisingly spacious back room for lingering over pies. Beyond classic cheese, it’s known for over-the-top specialty slices like penne alla vodka pizza and grandma squares that draw a loyal late-night crowd.
Must-Try Dishes:
Penne alla vodka pizza slice, Grandma square slice, Buffalo chicken slice
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Long-running slice shop with a brick-oven feel and a huge roster of specialty pies.
Who should go: Slice hunters looking for creative pasta-topped and grandma-style options.
When to visit: Late nights or casual weekends when you want slices and space to sit.
What to order: Penne alla vodka slice, grandma square, buffalo chicken slice.
Insider tip: Head to the back room if you want a quieter sit-down experience than the front counter.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only and very limited, especially after 6pm. Metered spots turn over occasionally, but most locals walk or use rideshare.
Dress code: Casual and unfussy — jeans, hoodies, and late-night pizza runs fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — front counter is loud and busy, back room is quieter and more conversation-friendly.
Weekend wait: 10–25 minutes for slices, 20–40 minutes for tables in the back room during peak late-night hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or just a short line at the counter.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — classic cheese, marinara-based pies, and vegetable-topped slices are always available.
Vegan options: Very limited — typically requires custom ordering with no cheese.
Gluten-free options: Not reliably available; cross-contamination is likely due to shared ovens and prep space.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you’re going casual — it’s relaxed, fun, and low-pressure, especially if you grab a back-room table instead of standing at the counter.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s first-come, first-served. The back room turns over steadily, especially earlier in the evening.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — classic slices, flexible seating, and a relaxed crowd make it easy for kids, especially earlier in the day.
Best For
Better for: Late-night specialty slices, creative pasta-topped pizzas, and finding actual seating at a slice shop.
Skip if: You want Neapolitan-style pizza, a polished sit-down experience, or strong gluten-free and vegan accommodations.
Rocky's Pizzeria
7.9
Rocky’s Pizzeria is a classic Kips Bay slice shop with a back room for dine-in, known for staying open until 3am on many nights. It leans old-school in both atmosphere and menu, serving Sicilian squares, grandma slices, and gluten-free pies to a mix of locals and night owls.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grandma slice, Fresh Mozzarella Tomato Basil Pizza, Gluten-Free Personal Pie
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: Old-school slice shop energy with a surprisingly spacious late-night dining room.
Who should go: Night owls wanting classic slices and gluten-free options
When to visit: After midnight when you still want to sit down indoors
What to order: Grandma slice, fresh mozzarella tomato basil pie, gluten-free pie
Insider tip: Head to the back room if you want to linger; the front counter turns over quickly with delivery and slices.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited and competitive after 7pm, especially on weekends
Dress code: Casual — jeans, hoodies, and late-night attire are completely fine
Noise level: Moderate — steady foot traffic and delivery action, but the back room is calmer
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes after 10pm; slice counter is faster than tables
Weekday lunch: No wait typically
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple slice options including grandma, margherita-style, and veggie pies
Vegan options: Limited — possible with custom red-sauce veggie pie, no dedicated vegan cheese
Gluten-free options: Yes — gluten-free pies available, but shared kitchen
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Casual first dates work well here if you’re aiming for laid-back pizza vibes rather than romance. It’s more fun and functional than flirty.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s fully walk-in. Late-night tables turn faster in the front, while the back room fills more slowly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families with kids are common earlier in the evening. Late nights skew adult but remain welcoming.
Best For
Better for: Late-night sit-down pizza when most slice shops switch to takeout-only mode, plus reliable gluten-free availability
Skip if: You’re seeking gourmet, Neapolitan-style pizza or a trendy, scene-driven atmosphere