Manhattan Pizza & Neighborhood Bites

Pizza and Italian-American comfort food lead this four-stop Manhattan route. The final stops branch into Vietnamese-Thai dishes and pub fare, so this is not an all-Italian itinerary. Plan around a mix of $ and $$ venues, and check current menus rather than assuming a fixed meal price.

Start with Pizza
5 Star Cheese Steak & Pizza
4.0 (103)
Mon – Sun, 10:00 – 23:00
2039 1st Ave

Start at this no-frills First Avenue counter for cheesesteaks and classic pizza in generous portions. Chicken parmigiana and buttery garlic knots bring Italian-American comfort food into the mix. Ask about the current menu and consider sharing rather than treating this as a fixed-price meal.

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G&J's Pizzeria
4.5 (282)
Mon – Thu, 11:00 – 21:15; Fri – Sat, 11:00 – 23:15; Sun, 11:00 – 22:15
188 E 104th St

Continue to this welcoming East Harlem pizzeria for classic New York slices or the Harlem Square Sicilian cut, with its airy crust and savory-sweet sauce. Chicken parmesan heroes extend the Italian-American theme, while fried Oreos offer a sweet detour. The atmosphere is easygoing, with friendly neighborhood service.

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Le Viêt Thai
4.5 (193)
Mon – Sun, 11:30 – 16:00, 17:00 – 21:45
1750 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10128, USA

The third stop deliberately leaves the Italian theme: Le Viêt Thai serves budget-friendly Vietnamese and Thai food, from pho and drunken noodles to Pad Thai and green curry. Mock duck and tofu feature among its vegetarian options. On-site seating is highly limited, so consider takeout rather than counting on a long sit-down meal.

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Amity Hall Uptown
4.3 (1,165)
Mon – Tue, 11:30 – 01:00 (+1); Wed – Fri, 11:30 – 02:00 (+1); Sat, 10:30 – 02:00 (+1); Sun, 10:30 – 01:00 (+1)
982 Amsterdam Ave

Finish at a lively Amsterdam Avenue sports bar, not an Italian bistro. Amity Hall Uptown pairs wings, burgers and truffle fries with craft drinks and game-day screens, with lighter options such as kale salad also available. It serves lunch, dinner and weekend brunch; check current menus and specials before planning the bill.

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Ask Karpo for more information.