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LaVista Pizza
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
LaVista Pizza
7.9
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Late Night Legends
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
LaVista is a high-volume neighborhood slice shop known for generous portions, late hours, and a surprisingly broad menu that includes vegan and gluten-free options. It’s more functional than pretty, but locals lean on it for quick, affordable slices and big heroes.
Must-Try Dishes:
Vodka slice, Bruschetta hero, Vegan margherita slice
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Dependable, budget-friendly slices with strong delivery and late-night hours.
Who should go: Hungry locals needing fast, filling pizza on a budget.
When to visit: Late night or post-work when you need quick fuel.
What to order: Vodka slice, bruschetta hero, a vegan or gluten-free pie.
Insider tip: Check delivery apps for frequent discounts and combo deals.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots on 2nd Ave turnover quickly but are tough after 6pm. No dedicated lot or valet.
Dress code: Completely casual — come as you are. Work clothes, gym gear, and hoodies all fit in.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during peak hours; easy for solo diners but not ideal for long conversations.
Weekend wait: Usually no formal wait for slices, but a 5–10 minute line at peak hours; whole pies may take 15–25 minutes.
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait for slices; short line moves fast.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple slice options plus pasta and heroes that can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Available — vegan pies and slices are regularly stocked, though selection varies by hour.
Gluten-free options: Yes — gluten-free pies made to order; expect a longer prep time. Cross-contact possible in a busy slice shop.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if the vibe you want is laid-back and functional. It’s more about convenience and big slices than atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — seating is first-come, first-served. Small dine-in area turns over quickly, but many people take their order to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick meals. Simple seating, no boosters or play space, but big portions and flexible menu make it easy for families with kids 5+.
Best For
Better for: Fast, filling slices at budget prices; reliable late-night service; strong delivery performance and inclusive vegan/gluten-free options.
Skip if: You want artisanal pies, a sit-down experience, or a quieter, design-forward space.
LaVista Pizza
8.3
LaVista Pizza runs more like a neighborhood Italian spot than a basic slice shop, with specialty pies, pastas, and wings served into the early morning. Its long hours, strong delivery ratings, and options like rainbow pies and hot honey pepperoni make it a dependable late-night choice near the 59th Street bridge.
Must-Try Dishes:
Plain Cheese Pie, Margarita Pie, Hell’s Kitchen Pie
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Expanded late-night menu with creative pies, pastas, and hearty mains beyond basic slices.
Who should go: Late workers and locals wanting more than a grab-and-go slice.
When to visit: After midnight Friday or Saturday when the kitchen still cooks.
What to order: Plain Cheese Pie, Margarita Pie, Hell’s Kitchen Pie with extra heat.
Insider tip: If you’re dining in late, ask for a well-done pie—staff can push extra crisp without drying the crust.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on 2nd Avenue, especially after 7pm; expect to circle. Nearby garages on 60th–62nd typically run $18–$25 for short stays.
Dress code: Completely casual—hoodies, work clothes, and late-night comfort wear are all normal.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively late at night; easy enough for conversation at a table but standing-room hours can feel busy.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes for a table; slices are usually immediate, but whole pies can take 15–25 minutes during peak late-night rush.
Weekday lunch: No wait—quick counter service with steady but manageable traffic.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong options including plain, margherita, veggie pies, pastas, and salads.
Vegan options: Limited—occasional dairy-free slice or customizable veggie pizza without cheese; no dedicated vegan cheese.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free pies available on request, but prepared in a shared kitchen without cross-contamination controls.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you're aiming for casual and low-stakes. It’s cozy and friendly, but the vibe leans quick-service rather than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's walk-in only. Seating is first-come and usually available except during late-night surges after midnight on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for early evenings—easy menu, quick service. After 10pm, the crowd and energy shift more toward late-night diners, making it less ideal for younger kids.
Best For
Better for: Late-night reliability, large specialty pie selection, and quick delivery outperform most nearby slice shops.
Skip if: You want artisanal, wood-fired pizza, a sit-down experience with ambiance, or strict vegan/gluten-free protocols.
LaVista Pizza
8.5
LaVista is a neighborhood slice shop known for crisp-yet-chewy New York–style pies, late-night hours, and quick counter service. Reviews consistently praise the classic cheese slice and garlic knots as a satisfying, fairly priced option a few blocks from the bridge.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic cheese slice, Grandma square slice, Garlic knots
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Reliable neighborhood pizzeria turning out crisp slices and big portions well into the night.
Who should go: Late-night snackers and locals wanting a quick, filling slice.
When to visit: Evenings and late nights when the ovens stay busiest and slices are freshest.
What to order: Cheese slice, grandma slice, side of garlic knots to share.
Insider tip: If you’re ordering a whole pie, ask which pies have just come out for the best crust texture.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; generally manageable on 2nd Avenue before 6pm, but tight after dinner hours and late night.
Dress code: No dress code — come casual, gym clothes and jeans are totally fine.
Noise level: Moderate; it’s a busy slice shop, but you can still hold a quick conversation.
Weekend wait: 5–10 minutes for slices; whole pies may take 15–20 minutes.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait for slices; 10–15 minutes for a fresh pie.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — cheese, grandma, and most specialty pies can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — no vegan cheese; only cheeseless veggie slices as an option when available.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free crust; best to avoid if gluten sensitive.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want a low-stakes, ultra-casual meet-up. It’s a counter-service slice shop, 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 most guests grab slices to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick meals — simple slices, fast service, and no fuss. Best for ages 5+ since seating is limited and space can be tight.
Best For
Better for: Fast, inexpensive slices with consistent quality, especially late at night when many nearby options close early.
Skip if: You want a full-service meal, specialty pizza styles, vegan cheese, or a quieter sit-down experience.
LaVista Pizza
7.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Late Night Legends
LaVista Pizza is a late-night-friendly slice shop and neighborhood standby where families can grab pies, garlic knots, and pastas without ceremony. It’s primarily counter-service with limited seating, but portions are generous and prices are notably gentle for the area.
Must-Try Dishes:
Plain Cheese Pie, Grandma Pie, Garlic Knots
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Neighborhood pizza joint offering reliable slices and pies at kid-friendly prices.
Who should go: Families needing fast, affordable pizza near Midtown East.
When to visit: Early evening or post-activity snack before late-night rush.
What to order: Plain Cheese Pie, Grandma Pie, Garlic Knots.
Insider tip: Order whole pies ahead for takeout; seating fills quickly at peak hours.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on 2nd Avenue, especially after 5pm; rely on metered spots or nearby paid garages within a 2–3 block radius.
Dress code: Come as you are—casual attire is fully appropriate for a slice shop.
Noise level: Moderate to lively, especially during after-school and late-night hours; conversation is possible but not quiet.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes for slices; whole pies may take 15–25 minutes depending on rush.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait for slices; whole pie prep 10–15 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid options including plain cheese, Grandma pie, and veggie toppings.
Vegan options: Limited—no dedicated vegan cheese; marinara-based slices possible if ordered without cheese.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free crust; not suitable for strict gluten-free needs due to shared ovens and prep surfaces.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re aiming for ultra-casual, quick, and low-stakes. Seating is limited and the environment is functional rather than atmospheric.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations. Seating is first-come, first-served, and often scarce; most guests opt for takeout.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—ideal for families with kids of all ages. Quick service, low prices, and familiar dishes make it easy, though note that strollers may feel cramped during peak hours.
Best For
Better for: Fast, affordable slices and whole pies in Midtown East with generous portions and consistent execution.
Skip if: You want artisanal pies, ample seating, a quieter dining room, or gluten-free/vegan-friendly options.