Hey New York friends, I’m coming to you all the way from Los Angeles. Will be in the city next week and wanted to do Lucali on Tuesday but of course it’s closed!
Looking for a similar type experience. Walk in, show up early, get a drink nearby while you wait, then eat… well, not Lucali. But something delicious in the pizza/pasta/red wine/old school vibe.
Willing to travel the boroughs. Any suggestions?!
The likelihood that you would get into Lucali even if it wasnt closed when you are here is tiny. It’s not as simple as showing up at 5:00 and waiting.
While the pizza is good, it lives more on social media hype than anything else. Are you looking to get pizza in the same Brooklyn area? If so, if you’re willing to put up with the crowds and wait, then go to Juliana’s on Fulton Street. If you want a true old school pizza experience, check out Sam’s on Court Street. On Atlantic Ave, there are several pizza spots. Table 87, Brado, Luzzo’s and Sottocasa all with different styles.
Personally I would rather just get a slice at F&F and then go to Frankie’s 457 for a proper Italian American meal. Frankly the Frankies are thing kings of Italian American food in that area IMO.
This rules thank you. And good to know re: Lucali. I went a million years ago before social media and it was much more chill. Also, I love Frankie’s 457 so definitely down for that.
We are actually staying upper west side (I was just thinking that area due to Lucali) but really we’re open to anywhere.
Basically, the reservation game is so nuts now, I’m just looking for a great option that is actually feasible. The other thing I thought about was going somewhere like Lilia with my wife the second it opens and trying to snag a seat at the bar.
Then make a stop at Mama’s Too.
We did this. Went to Lilia 30 mins before opening and snagged a table for 4.
Mama’s Too is a must.
Zabar’s, Barney Greengrass, and Absolute Bagels. Especially the former two paces because you can’t get that in CA. There is also Murray’s Sturgeon that is a little more under the radar than those 2. Never been.
Billy’s Hot Dog Cart be sure to get it with onion sauce. Billy is such a fun and charming guy.
Pastrami Queen has a UWS location too.
I love that area. Proximity to Central Park. Riverside Park is also underrated really nice walk with the Hudson right next to you. The Natural History museum is of course just spectacular. Easy to get around with the 1 and 2 trains, downtown, midtown or uptown. My father used to work around the area so it’s cool for me to retrace his steps.
Yes this is the move
I did this with I-Sodi in the village.
Lucali btw is almost half day commitment. Depending how long your stay is it might not be worth it. It would also take an hour on the train with probably about 3 transfers from the UWS.
Old school?
Luigi’s in Park Slope/686 5th Ave is the quintessential NYC slice shop.
Have you been to Don Angie? Worth the hype and the lines?
Never got to try them!
Heard good things about them. The menu looks a lot more interesting than the other new school red sauce.