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Ben's Pizzeria
Master Critic Review
Ben's Pizzeria
7.6
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Late Night Legends
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
At the always-bright corner of MacDougal and W 3rd, Ben’s Pizzeria serves NYU students, comedy-club crowds, and tourists with classic foldable slices into the early morning. The pizza itself is straightforward rather than destination-level, but decades of late-night service and quick turnover make it a reliable Village fallback.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Cheese Slice, Buffalo Chicken Slice, Pepperoni Slice
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 6
Consistency: 7.2
Food Quality: 7.7
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Long-running MacDougal Street slice shop serving classic New York slices to NYU and comedy-club crowds late into the night.
Who should go: Nighttime wanderers needing a no-fuss Village slice fix.
When to visit: Post-show or post-bar, especially on weekends around MacDougal.
What to order: Plain cheese slice, buffalo chicken slice, pepperoni slice.
Insider tip: Lines move quickly; grab a slice and eat at the standing counter if all sidewalk and window spots are taken.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is extremely limited around MacDougal and W 3rd, especially at night; rely on nearby garages on West 3rd or Mercer if needed.
Dress code: Completely casual—come as you are, from campus clothes to post-comedy-show attire.
Noise level: Lively to loud late at night, with steady street noise; still easy enough to order and eat but not ideal for long conversations.
Weekend wait: Usually a brief 5–10 minute line, mostly due to late-night rushes from bars and comedy clubs.
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait; quick counter service with fast turnover.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—plain cheese, veggie slices, and basic pasta sides cover most needs.
Vegan options: Limited—no dedicated vegan cheese; safest options are marinara-based slices if available.
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free pizzas; not suitable for those needing gluten-free crusts.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you're aiming for low-key, fast, and unfussy—it's more of a grab-and-go student slice spot than a romantic setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's counter-service with a few standing and window spots; seating is scarce but turnover is constant.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for older kids who can handle tight quarters; limited seating and late-night crowds make it less ideal for toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Fast, inexpensive, classic New York slices right on a busy Village corner—perfect for late-night convenience and casual solo bites.
Skip if: You want standout or artisanal pizza, gluten-free options, or a quieter sit-down experience; nearby specialty slice shops may suit better.