September 5th is a date I circle on the calendar early in the year—usually right around the first week of January, when those New Year’s resolutions are already starting to slip.
This year, it falls on the first Friday after Labor Day, the first Friday of the school year for most people, and the kickoff of the NFL season. It’s a date that carries that “kid-on-Christmas-morning” kind of excitement for me—and hopefully for you—because it is National Cheese Pizza Day.
As everyone who knows me knows, I only eat plain cheese pies—so this day couldn’t be more perfect.
Recently, in the news, there was an article from the Food Network that mentioned the best slice in every state. I’m not going to go too deep into their NJ choice, but I did make it my top priority to hop in the truck and take the 1-hour 12-minute drive to find out for myself. I was confused to say the least, so after not finishing my two slices, I had to figure out how this came about.
I reached out to the author of the article, who told me she wrote it 8 years ago! Somehow it’s resurfaced, and people have been talking. So I decided to dip back into my notebook and bring you my list of NJ pizza slices you should be talking about now…
PizzaTown USA, Elmwood Park, NJ
The most quintessential NJ pizza spot you can come across. PizzaTown is the spot I would send anyone to who is looking for a perfect example of New Jersey pizza.
Casa D Pizza, Denville, NJ
A Morris County hidden gem, although it’s probably the best pizza in the county, pies are started in a conventional gas oven & finished in a wood-fired brick oven for a crust that is unmatched.
John’s Boy Pizzeria, Glen Rock, NJ
I’m biased on this one; I grew up on these slices, so they always bring me back to a simpler time. But they can go head-to-head with anyone on any day.
Marucas Tomato Pies, Seaside Heights, NJ
A slice on the boards in the middle of summer, there is nothing more New Jersey than that, and my pick for a boardwalk slice comes from the one and only Marucas on the boards in Seaside Heights.
Corner Square, Maplewood, NJ
Not your traditional plain slice, but it’s my list, and I can do with it what I want. The Square’s only slice shop just jumped ship from NY to join the Jersey Pizza scene. And it’s some of the best pizza you can find. I prefer an edge slice vs the corner.
Now, if you’re looking for more than a slice, let me tell you my top 5ish spots in the state to quench your pizza thirst
*in no particular order wink wink
-
Vinnie’s Pan Pizza, Milburn
-
Squares and Fare, Somers Point
-
Rosie’s, Point Pleasant
-
The Galley, Asbury Park
-
Casanos Pizza Parlor, Rutherford
-
Star Tavern, Orange
-
Bucky’s, Chatham
-
Luigi’s Famous Pizza, Lincroft
-
Pizzeria Lucci, Belmar
-
Patsy’s Tavern, Paterson
Both of these lists are ever-changing; they’re also my opinion as a dude who loves pizza. I’m not an expert, and I don’t think anyone is in the world of pizza. We’re always on the hunt for the next “best” pizza, so until the next pizza holiday, I’ll be chasing down my dream of becoming a pizza expert. Until then, I’ll just be a pizza influencer.
Love @thepizzahulk
Follow the link to check out my past list of NJ Pizza Spots to visit in 2025.
