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Lucia Pizza
Master Critic Reviews (7 Lists)
Lucia Pizza
8.4
Lucia Pizza is a narrow, old-school slice counter just off Roosevelt Avenue that has been serving classic New York slices since the early 1960s. Regulars come for crackly-thin crust, sweet tomato sauce, and a molten cheese layer that hits the city’s archetypal slice profile. It’s standing-room-mostly and all about grabbing a paper plate, eating fast, and going back for another slice.
Must-Try Dishes:
Plain cheese slice, Pepperoni slice, Sicilian slice
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: A 1960s-era slice counter serving textbook New York pizza with zero fuss.
Who should go: Slice purists chasing a classic New York fold
When to visit: Midday or early evening when pies turn over fast
What to order: Plain cheese slice, pepperoni slice, Sicilian if you want thicker
Insider tip: Ask for your slice extra well-done for maximum crisp and caramelized cheese.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots along Roosevelt Ave and adjacent side streets turn over fairly often midday but become difficult after 5pm.
Dress code: Completely casual — everyday streetwear, hoodies, and jackets are the norm.
Noise level: Moderate-to-loud during peak hours; it’s a classic slice counter with steady foot traffic, not a sit-down conversation spot.
Weekend wait: 5–10 minutes depending on the line; slices move quickly because pies are constantly coming out.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait beyond a short line; service is extremely fast.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — the plain slice and Sicilian cheese slice are reliable vegetarian options.
Vegan options: Very limited — no dedicated vegan cheese or toppings; the only vegan-friendly option is skipping cheese entirely, which is not standard.
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free crust or accommodations; best to avoid if gluten-free needs are strict.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if the vibe you want is ultra-casual and low-pressure. It's a grab-and-go slice counter with no real seating, so it works best for quick, playful stops rather than a full date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no tables or reservations; it’s strictly counter service with limited standing room. Expect to eat quickly or take slices to-go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick bites — kids who love classic pizza will be happy — but there's no seating, no high chairs, and limited space for strollers.
Best For
Better for: A quintessential New York slice experience delivered fast, cheap, and consistently — ideal for purists who want the iconic thin-crust fold without modern twists.
Skip if: You want sit-down dining, specialty pies, vegan or gluten-free options, or a quieter place to linger.
Lucia Pizza
8.8
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Established in 1962, Lucia Pizza is a narrow counter-service shop in Downtown Flushing where plain and pepperoni slices come out crackling-hot with a crisp crust, molten cheese, and a touch of grease. It’s a favored stop for commuters and locals who want a fast, classic New York street slice a short walk from the Main Street transit hub.
Must-Try Dishes:
Plain cheese slice, Sicilian square slice, Pepperoni slice
Scores:
Value: 9.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: A 1960s-era slice counter serving benchmark New York street slices.
Who should go: Commuters and slice hunters near Main Street.
When to visit: Midday or late night when fresh pies turn over fast.
What to order: Plain slice, pepperoni slice, Sicilian square.
Insider tip: Grab a stool inside if you can; slices hit best straight from the tray.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive along Northern Blvd and Main Street, especially evenings; nearby municipal lots and garages offer more reliable options.
Dress code: Completely casual—come as you are, from commute attire to everyday streetwear.
Noise level: Moderate and busy during peak hours, but still easy to hold a quick conversation while standing or at a counter stool.
Weekend wait: 5–10 minutes for a fresh slice; space is tight so expect quick turnover rather than a true wait.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait—grab-and-go pace with steady pie turnover.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—plain cheese and vegetable-focused slices are available.
Vegan options: Limited—no dedicated vegan cheese; a cheese-free slice may occasionally be accommodated but not guaranteed.
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free crusts or dedicated preparation area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re aiming for a casual, low-pressure slice date; it’s a tight counter-service setup with minimal seating, better for quick bites than long conversations.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no tables or reservations—seating is limited to a few stools, which turn over quickly but aren’t guaranteed.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick, inexpensive slices; best suited for older kids since space is cramped and there’s no stroller room or kid-specific amenities.
Best For
Better for: Classic New York slices served blazing hot with fast turnover, ideal for commuters and anyone craving an old-school, no-frills bite.
Skip if: You want artisanal pies, spacious seating, vegan options, or a sit-down meal—other pizzerias with fuller menus and dining rooms will be a better fit.
Lucia Pizza
8.7
Lucia has been serving Flushing since 1962, packing a narrow room with classic foldable slices that stay crisp even during the late rush. It’s the move when you want an old-school New York slice before heading home from the 7 train or a late night in downtown Flushing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Regular cheese slice, Sicilian square slice, Garlic knots
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Since 1962, a narrow counter turning out textbook New York street slices.
Who should go: Slice purists chasing classic Queens pizza before the subway home.
When to visit: Late evenings before closing, especially after games or Flushing errands.
What to order: Regular cheese slice, Sicilian square, garlic knots with marinara.
Insider tip: Order in person slightly off-peak to avoid the longest waits.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in downtown Flushing, especially after 6pm; expect to circle or use nearby paid garages around Main Street.
Dress code: Casual and come-as-you-are — most people stop in after errands, games, or the subway.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively during the late rush; you can chat, but it’s more counter-service energy than sit-and-talk.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes depending on late-night foot traffic; the line moves quickly.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, with slices ready to grab-and-go.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — cheese slices, Sicilian squares, and veggie-topped pies are all available.
Vegan options: Limited — no dedicated vegan cheese; marinara-only slices may work for strict vegans.
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free crust options; sensitive diners should plan alternatives.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if the date appreciates classic New York slice culture — it’s casual, quick, and nostalgic rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — there are no reservations. Seating is limited and turnover is fast, so expect to stand or grab a counter spot during peak times.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for a quick bite — simple menu, fast service, and straightforward seating, though the narrow space can feel crowded during the late rush.
Best For
Better for: Classic, old-school New York slices with decades of consistency — ideal for quick late-night pizza with no fuss.
Skip if: You want specialty pies, sit-down dining, or vegan/gluten-free accommodations; other pizzerias or cafes may fit those needs better.
Lucia Pizza
8.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
Lucia Pizza is a narrow, standing-room slice counter in the heart of Downtown Flushing that has been serving classic New York pies since 1962. Regulars line up for thin, well-done slices and Sicilian squares that stay affordable even as the neighborhood around it changes.
Must-Try Dishes:
Regular cheese slice, Sicilian square slice, Pepperoni slice well-done
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Old-school Downtown Flushing slice shop serving classic pies since 1962.
Who should go: Slice purists who care about crust and history.
When to visit: Afternoons and early evenings when pies turn fast.
What to order: Regular cheese slice, Sicilian square, pepperoni slice.
Insider tip: Ask for your slice extra well-done for maximum crisp.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on both Main Street and 37th Avenue; expect tight competition during afternoons and weekends. Metered spots open up more frequently on side streets, and nearby garages at SkyView Center offer paid parking if you’re willing to walk 6–10 minutes.
Dress code: Completely casual. Come as you are — this is a classic stand-up slice counter with zero dress expectations.
Noise level: Moderate-to-loud due to constant foot traffic, busy ovens, and the tight space. Not ideal for extended conversation, but fine for a quick bite.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes depending on line speed; pie turnover is fast, so the wait rarely feels long.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or only a few minutes, especially before noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — cheese slices and Sicilian squares are reliable options; occasional veggie-topped pies rotate through.
Vegan options: Limited — no dedicated vegan cheese. A plain tomato slice may work for strict vegans, but options are minimal.
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free crust available. Cross-contact is unavoidable due to the compact workspace.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a traditional date — it’s stand-up, fast-moving, and loud. Better as a quick snack stop before or after an outing if your date appreciates old-school slice culture.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no tables and no reservations. It’s strictly counter service with limited ledges for standing.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who can manage a busy, compact counter environment. Not ideal for strollers or toddlers due to tight space and constant foot traffic.
Best For
Better for: Classic New York slices executed with consistency — crisp crust, fair prices, and decades of history packed into a fast, no-frills experience.
Skip if: You want seating, specialty pies, vegan options, or a slower, sit-down pizzeria experience.
Lucia Pizza
8.2
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Lucia Pizza is a classic Flushing slice shop that’s been serving thin, foldable New York pies since 1962. Families stop in before or after games and errands for quick slices at the counter without a big sit-down commitment.
Must-Try Dishes:
Plain cheese slice, Sicilian square slice, Pepperoni slice
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Long-running neighborhood slice counter with reliably classic New York pies.
Who should go: Families wanting quick, affordable slices near Main Street.
When to visit: Lunch and early evening before the rush builds.
What to order: Plain slice, Sicilian square, pepperoni slice.
Insider tip: Order a whole pie for the best fresh-from-oven texture.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots on Main Street and nearby side streets turn over quickly but can be tight during peak hours.
Dress code: Entirely casual — typical slice-shop attire; come as you are.
Noise level: Moderate; steady counter traffic but still easy to hold a casual conversation.
Weekend wait: Usually no formal wait, but expect a short line at the counter (5–10 minutes).
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; slices move quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — plain, Sicilian, and vegetable-topped slices are typically available.
Vegan options: Limited — may offer sauce-only or vegetable slices without cheese, but no dedicated vegan cheese.
Gluten-free options: No — traditional dough only, and no gluten-free alternatives.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re aiming for ultra-casual, low-key charm; it’s a classic slice counter, not a sit-down date environment.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — there are no reservations. Limited counter seating is first come, first served, but turnover is fast.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — ideal for families with kids of any age. Quick service, simple menu, and no long waits make it a reliable stop before or after activities.
Best For
Better for: Quick, affordable classic New York slices served consistently since the early 1960s.
Skip if: You want a sit-down Italian meal, specialty pies, or gluten-free options — this shop is strictly old-school slice service.
Lucia Pizza
8.6
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Lucia Pizza is a narrow, counter-service slice institution where families and regulars line up for thin, crisp New York slices and Sicilian squares. Since 1962, it’s been the go-to stop before and after games, errands, and neighborhood meetups around Main Street.
Must-Try Dishes:
Regular cheese slice, Sicilian square slice, Pepperoni slice
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Long-running slice counter serving classic New York pizza since 1962.
Who should go: Families and slice-lovers near Main Street.
When to visit: Lunch and early evening before the peak rush.
What to order: Regular cheese slice, Sicilian square, pepperoni slice.
Insider tip: Grab your slices to-go and eat at nearby Weeping Beech Park.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots along Northern Blvd and side streets turn over quickly but can be tight during peak shopping hours.
Dress code: Casual and come-as-you-are; sports gear, school uniforms, and everyday wear are all common.
Noise level: Moderate and lively, especially near the counter; still manageable for quick conversations.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes for slices; whole pies may take slightly longer during peak foot-traffic periods.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait beyond the short counter line.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — cheese, Sicilian, and several topping combinations work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited — plain crust with sauce may be possible but no dedicated vegan cheese or toppings.
Gluten-free options: No — traditional dough only, and no separate gluten-free preparation.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re aiming for a casual, quick, no-frills slice stop; it’s narrow and fast-paced, better suited to low-pressure meetups than sit-down dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service with a few standing or limited seating spots; turnover is quick but not designed for long stays.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — families frequently stop in for quick slices, though seating is minimal. Best for short visits with school-age kids who don’t require high chairs.
Best For
Better for: Fast, affordable classic New York slices with decades-deep neighborhood credibility and quick turnover.
Skip if: You want a full-service meal, large dine-in space, or specialized dietary options like vegan cheese or gluten-free crust.
Lucia Pizza
8.0
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Lucia Pizza is a tight, standing-room slice counter off Roosevelt Avenue known for its thin, foldable New York slices and busy ovens running from lunch through late evening. Couples often treat it as a pre-game or post-game stop near downtown Flushing when they want classic slices instead of a long, sit-down dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Regular slice, Sicilian slice, Large plain pie
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: Decades-old slice counter where ovens rarely stop and slices stay fresh.
Who should go: Couples wanting a fast, classic New York slice date.
When to visit: Off-peak afternoons or early evening for shorter lines.
What to order: Regular slice, Sicilian slice, large plain pie.
Insider tip: Eat at the counter while slices are blazing hot from the oven.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited along Roosevelt Avenue, especially evenings; expect to circle or use nearby paid lots around Main Street.
Dress code: Casual and low-pressure; come as you are for a quick slice date.
Noise level: Moderate to lively, with constant foot traffic and oven noise; brief conversations are fine but not linger-for-hours quiet.
Weekend wait: Typically a short line of 5–10 minutes, mainly for ordering; turnover is rapid.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait; slices are ready and served quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — cheese slices and Sicilian squares work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited — no dedicated vegan pies or dairy-free cheese.
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free crust or dedicated prep available.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a low-key, no-pressure meetup centered on great classic slices. It’s more of a quick, casual first-date stop than a long sit-down meal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no reservations or real tables — just counter space. Expect to stand and eat or take slices to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids comfortable with quick counter service. Limited seating and tight space mean strollers or very young children may find it challenging.
Best For
Better for: Fast, consistently hot slices that make for an easy pre- or post-date stop in downtown Flushing.
Skip if: You want a quieter dining room, full Italian menu, or a more formal date-night atmosphere.