(NEW YORK CITY)

20. Famous Joe&amp;#39;s

Slice

Once, this slice defined New York City. That was before pizza slices were supersized, became entire meals laden with wacky toppings and extra cheese. Joe’s crust, thin and flexible but not too soft, is perfect for street pizza. Atop it is not much cheese and not much sauce, merely enough, in ideal symmetry. You can ask for a topping, but then everybody in the tiny, cramped shop will know you’re from out of town. The crust has a few lovely burned spots, but the New York slice isn’t about the search for the perfect crust or the perfect sauce. It’s the perfect New York experience.

7 Carmine Street, New York, NY; (212) 366-1182; www.famousjoespizza.com

Click here to read Alan Richman&amp;#39;s full article, from the June &amp;#39;09 issue of GQ.