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Famous Ben's Pizza
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Famous Ben's Pizza
7.8
Operating since 1979, Famous Ben’s Pizza is a Spring Street fixture best known for its hefty Sicilian squares and movie cameos as much as for day-to-day slices. Quality feedback is mixed in recent years, but the thick focaccia-style squares and old-school SoHo slice-shop vibe still draw steady traffic.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sicilian Square Slice, Classic Cheese Slice, Baked Ziti or Pasta Plate
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 6.2
Consistency: 7.3
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Long-running SoHo slice shop from 1979 known for thick Sicilian squares and a roster of film and TV appearances.
Who should go: Nostalgic slice fans curious about classic SoHo spots.
When to visit: Off-peak afternoons or early evenings for faster service.
What to order: Sicilian square slice, classic cheese slice, simple baked pasta.
Insider tip: If you’re particular about temperature, ask for your Sicilian slice re-heated so the crust crisps and cheese resets.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on Spring Street; expect metered spots to be scarce, especially evenings. Nearest reliable option is paid garage parking within a 3–5 minute walk.
Dress code: Casual. Come as you are—slice-shop norms apply.
Noise level: Moderate to lively depending on foot traffic; quick-service bustle makes conversation possible but not private.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes for the counter during peak hours, longer if large groups linger by the pickup area.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, with a steady but fast-moving line.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good—classic cheese slices, Sicilian squares, and simple pastas are dependable options.
Vegan options: Limited—no dedicated vegan slices; you may find cheeseless Sicilian options occasionally, but availability varies.
Gluten-free options: Not recommended—no gluten-free crust or dedicated prep; cross-contact is unavoidable.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates casual, old-school slice shops. It’s more about grabbing a quick bite than creating atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations. Seating is minimal and first-come, first-served, but turnover is fast.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick meals—simple slices and low prices appeal to families. Best for older kids who can manage counter service; no high chairs or stroller-friendly layout.
Best For
Better for: Hearty Sicilian squares, nostalgic SoHo ambience, and quick, inexpensive slices compared with trendier or more technique-driven pizzerias nearby.
Skip if: You want modern toppings, artisanal dough work, vegan or gluten-free accommodations, or consistently high-quality slices—other 10012 shops outperform on precision and reliability.
Famous Ben's Pizza
7.9
A SoHo staple since 1979, Famous Ben’s is known for its Palermo-style Sicilian slices and old-school corner-pizzeria feel. Open past midnight most nights, it’s where shop workers, film crews, and longtime locals still duck in for hearty, sauce-forward squares and classic New York pies.
Must-Try Dishes:
Palermo (sfincione-style) Sicilian slice, Classic Neapolitan cheese slice, Grandma-style square slice
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Family-founded in 1979, this Spring Street classic helped popularize Palermo-style Sicilian slices downtown.
Who should go: Fans of old-school slice shops and hearty Sicilian squares.
When to visit: Late evening after shopping when lines thin but ovens stay busy.
What to order: Palermo Sicilian, classic cheese slice, garlic knot on the side.
Insider tip: If a fresh Palermo tray hits the counter, order immediately—slices disappear fast with neighborhood regulars.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Spring Street is limited and competitive, especially evenings; paid garages are available within a 3–5 minute walk.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are; typical for a classic NYC slice shop.
Noise level: Moderate; counter chatter and foot traffic, but you can still hold a quick conversation.
Weekend wait: 5–10 minutes for counter service; slightly longer if a fresh Sicilian tray just sold out.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, though lines can form briefly during local worker rushes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—classic cheese slices, Palermo Sicilian, and vegetable-topped pies are available.
Vegan options: Limited—no dedicated vegan cheese, but plain marinara Sicilian or veggie-topped slices without cheese can work.
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free crust; options are extremely limited for GF diners.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re aiming for a casual, no-frills slice date—great for comfort and nostalgia, but not for a sit-down romantic setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's counter-service with limited dine-in seating; grab a spot when available, but expect to stand during peak late-night windows.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick, informal meals; best for kids 6+ since seating is limited and the space can be crowded at night.
Best For
Better for: Hearty Palermo-style Sicilian slices, nostalgic neighborhood charm, and quick late-night service.
Skip if: You need gluten-free pizza, spacious seating, or a destination-style dining experience.