NYC's Best Hole-In-The-Wall Pizza Spot Is A Hidden Brooklyn Gem

Residents and critics say this under-the-radar restaurant serves the city's top pie.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 1:57pm

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A high-contrast silkscreen print featuring a single pizza slice repeated in a grid pattern, rendered in a bright, neon color palette with heavy black outlines, conceptually representing a beloved neighborhood pizza joint.This vibrant pop art illustration celebrates the hidden gem status of a beloved local pizza spot, capturing the iconic dish in a bold, eye-catching style.NYC Today

According to a recent roundup by food and culture website The Takeout, the best hole-in-the-wall pizza joint in New York City is Lucky Charlie, a beloved local spot in Brooklyn known for its coal-burning oven. The selections were based on a mix of local recommendations, customer reviews, critics' opinions, and the writers' own experiences, highlighting the kind of neighborhood pizza places people discover through word of mouth.

Why it matters

In a city filled with countless pizza options, from national chains to iconic local institutions, this story shines a light on a hidden gem that has earned a loyal following among residents and critics alike. It underscores the value of seeking out authentic, community-driven establishments that offer a unique and high-quality dining experience.

The details

Lucky Charlie is a small, unassuming pizza restaurant in Brooklyn that has gained a reputation for serving some of the best pies in New York City. The restaurant is known for its coal-burning oven, which helps create a distinctive crust and flavor profile. The Takeout's selection process involved considering local recommendations, customer reviews, critics' opinions, and the writers' own experiences to identify the kind of neighborhood pizza spots that often fly under the radar.

  • The Takeout recently published its roundup of the top no-frills pizza joints in every state.

The players

The Takeout

A food and culture website that recently published a roundup of the best hole-in-the-wall pizza spots in every state, including Lucky Charlie in Brooklyn as the top pick for New York.

Lucky Charlie

A beloved local pizza restaurant in Brooklyn, New York, known for its coal-burning oven and serving some of the city's best pies according to residents and critics.

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The takeaway

This story highlights the enduring appeal of authentic, community-driven dining experiences, even in a city as large and diverse as New York. By seeking out hidden gems like Lucky Charlie, pizza lovers can discover unique and high-quality options that may not be widely known but have earned a loyal following among locals.