I'll tell you what gives: $1.75 A SLICE, that's what! That's kind of all you need to know. A buck seventy-five for a slice of the best pizza in the city. When most slices are running $2.50, $2.75. And it's for a coal-oven slice! But if you need more than that, read on after the jump. More

There's only one size pizza available on the menu. It's a respectable size — about 16 inches across. Not HUGE but not Neapolitan dainty. Still, even though it's on the bigger side, don't let the size fool you. As the menu says, it's "paper thin." (Yes, the menu says "paper thin.") Got a big appetite? You could easily house three-quarters of a plain pie on your own. Hell, I've eaten an entire Patsy's plain pizza by myself. That was in another lifetime, before Slice even existed. On a long lunch break. I almost fell asleep at my desk when I got back to work. But I digress... More

Top: The late José Jiminez stretching dough and transferring a pizza to the oven. Above: Recent pies from Patsy's in East Harlem. [Photographs: Nick Solares] Patsy's Pizza 2287 First Avenue, New York NY 10035 (117/118; map); 212-534-9783 Pizza Style: New York–Neapolitan Oven Type: Coal The Skinny: Classic New York pizzeria offers a taste of history but has declined since the death of long time pieman José Jiminez Price: $1.75 a slice, $11 a pie, pie toppings $3 each For most of the time that I have lived in New York (which is going on a quarter century) my answer... More

"I remember seeing José shoveling coal in the oven, firing it up during hot summer months with only a fan to cool him." [Photographs: Jared Goldstein] Some sad news just arrived in the Slice inbox, courtesy of NYC tour guide Jared Goldstein: I am sorry to share the passing of one of America's great chefs—and a great guy—José Jiminez, on December 7, 2009.Jiminez, who immigrated from Ecuador, was the East Harlem Patsy's pizza chef and cook since 1977. He learned how to make their special pies from the previous pizza master, back when Carmella, "Mrs. Patsy" was alive.... More

Hi, Adam,I will finally get to come to NYC in the week just prior to Thanksgiving this year. Really looking forward to it, as it may be the only time I ever get to visit your city.That said, I have earmarked Di Fara for a visit, and I am hoping to visit one other pizzeria during my stay.There are so many good ones.So ... can I get a single recommendation plus one backup recommendation from you?One stop (with Di Fara already out of the running) for pizza anywhere in NYC.Bonus if it is a coal-fired oven--not available in my area... More

[UPDATE BELOW]I just received this email from Patsy's in East Harlem: Patsy's is celebrating its 76th bigger and better than ever! 90¢ steak, 60¢ pizza pies, 1¢ sodas. The NYPD and the FDNY will have a pizza-eating challenge. 118th Street and First Avenue will officially be renamed "Patsy's Way," and many other surprises. Join celebrities, elected officials, and others as we do this like never before. After the phone number in the contact info is the directive to "CALL TODAY (Limited Seating)." They probably don't want a repeat of last year. When: Wednesday, August 26, 2009; 11 a.m. to... More

Admittedly, the previous item I blogged about was a week old*, and in that time Alan Richman has moved on to writing about some old standbys. He posted his thoughts yesterday on Grimaldi's (DUMBO), Patsy's (East Harlem), and Di Fara (Midwood). Again, let's take them in order. On Grimaldi's: The oven is just right, but the crusts are merely okay—they have a fresh, bready smell, but to me they’re a little too thick and slightly too soft, somewhat undercooked. The tomato sauce is vibrant and essential, which means the white pizzas are best skipped. These basically consist of soft, melted... More

Clicking in to the Slice inbox today, we've got a report from the field regarding the Patsy's 60¢ pizza event yesterday. Blondie and Brownie Hey, Adam, Hope you are doing well! We went to check out the Patsy's Pizza anniversary last night and when we go there a little after 7 p.m., they had already cut off the line and weren't serving anymore—the angry mob must have broken up shortly before we got there. Eater has a full account of the line cut-off situation. It was a bummer not to get the anniversary deal, especially after treking uptown, but I... More

Just a reminder that tomorrow is the big 60¢ pizza price rollback at Patsy's in East Harlem. To celebrate its 75th anniversary, the coal-oven legend is going nuts. You can grab an entire pizza for 60¢ tomorrow (Tuesday, August 19) from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. 2287 First Avenue, New York NY 10035 (b/n 117th and 118th streets; map)... More

In mid June, Slice reader Lance Roberts emailed me, asking if I'd help him complete his pizza itinerary. He was visiting New York City from Los Angeles, and he wanted to pack in as much pizza as he could--but only the best. I gave him some recs. He came, he ate, and then he wrote. What follows is a wonderful tale of 2.5 days of pizza mania. Buon appetito! --The Mgmt. An NYC Pizza Tour from an LA Perspective As a Los Angeleno who grew up in Detroit, it's a little odd that I love pizza so much. Neither city... More