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Champion Pizza - SoHo
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Champion Pizza - SoHo
8.3
Champion Pizza’s Soho outpost turns out trays of thin-crust squares and classic slices with a huge menu of toppings, from buffalo chicken to elaborate combos. It’s a fast-moving, counter-service shop that balances tourist traffic with repeat locals who treat it as a reliable everyday slice stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Buffalo Chicken Slice, Margherita Slice, Loaded Square Slice of the Day
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 6.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: High-volume slice shop for thin, saucy squares and creative topping combinations right off Cleveland Place.
Who should go: Groups wanting lots of topping options and quick slices.
When to visit: Lunch rush for energy or late night for post-bar slices.
What to order: Buffalo chicken slice, classic margherita, any fresh-from-the-oven square.
Insider tip: Watch what’s just come out of the oven and order from that tray—timing matters more than a specific combo here.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive in Nolita; expect to rely on meters or nearby garages on Lafayette or Mulberry.
Dress code: Completely casual—come as you are; daytime shoppers and late-night crowds fit in equally well.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours; conversation is possible but not leisurely.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes for slices; occasional short line but it moves quickly.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait beyond a brief counter queue.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple veggie slices and customizable toppings.
Vegan options: Limited—may offer a dairy-free or veggie-heavy slice but options vary; not a dedicated vegan shop.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free crust; cross-contamination likely, so not ideal for strict gluten-free diners.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only for casual, low-pressure dates—it's counter-service, quick, and often busy, better for a fun stop-in rather than a long sit-down.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—no reservations are accepted; limited seating is first-come, first-served, and turnover is fast.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick meals; grab-and-go setup suits older kids and teens, though seating and space for strollers are limited.
Best For
Better for: A huge topping variety, fast service, and consistent thin-crust squares at budget-friendly prices.
Skip if: You want a sit-down pizzeria experience, gluten-free options, or a quieter atmosphere suitable for long conversations.
Champion Pizza - SoHo
8.4
Founded by World Pizza Champion Hakkı Akdeniz, this SoHo outpost serves thin, crackly-crust rounds and overloaded square slices until 2–4 a.m. depending on the night. The long, narrow room stays buzzy with tourists and locals working through trays of creative toppings under walls of celebrity photos.
Must-Try Dishes:
Truffle mushroom grandma slice, Buffalo chicken square slice, Classic margherita slice
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 6.4
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: High-volume late-night slice shop built on square grandmas, big flavors, and a redemption-story founder.
Who should go: Groups wanting creative slices after a night in SoHo.
When to visit: Late night on weekends when the slice counter is fully stocked.
What to order: Truffle mushroom grandma, buffalo chicken square, margherita round.
Insider tip: Skip delivery surcharges and build a mixed tray of specialty squares to share at the counter.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in SoHo, especially after 6pm; nearby paid garages on Mercer and Lafayette are the most reliable options.
Dress code: Casual — come as you are; late-night crowds range from bar-hoppers to tourists in streetwear.
Noise level: Loud — energetic counter traffic and music make it tough for extended conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes for popular specialty slices; space inside can feel crowded but turnover is fast.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, usually under 5 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection — margherita, truffle mushroom, and several veggie-focused squares.
Vegan options: Limited — occasionally a cheeseless slice or veggie square, but not consistently vegan-focused.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free crust; cross-contamination is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re aiming for a casual, spontaneous feel; the narrow space and late-night bustle don’t lend themselves to intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service with limited seating; expect to stand or share a counter spot during peak late-night hours.
Is it kid-friendly? During daytime and early evening, yes for older kids who can handle the tight space; late-night crowds make it less suitable for young children.
Best For
Better for: Creative, high-flavor specialty squares available deep into the night, plus quick counter service when other spots are closed.
Skip if: You want a quieter sit-down pizzeria, gluten-free options, or space for longer group meals — nearby full-service pizza restaurants are better suited.