Mama's Too

You might think “there’s absolutely no way I can finish this” when you receive your hulking square slice at Mama’s Too in the West Village. But you’d be wrong. Because just as at their original location on the Upper West Side, Mama’s slices are the pizza equivalent of an ’80s slumber party game: light as a feather, stiff as a board. 

The crust is lighter than a linen shirt, with a perfectly charred undercarriage, making it easier than you’d expect to eat two slices without slowing down. You’ll want to mix-and-match: the slices are laden with classic toppings like pepperoni and roasted mushrooms, and more unique ones like poached pears and gorgonzola dolce.  

photo credit: Kate Previte

photo credit: Kate Previte

photo credit: Kate Previte

The new spot is slightly larger than the original, with a West Village-appropriate shining tin ceiling and a few more tables that you can hunch over to save your pants from cascading ’ronis. A few days per week (and always on Wednesdays and Saturdays), both Mama’s Too locations do a killer sandwich special on sesame-speckled semolina, with rotations like chicken in vodka sauce, or porchetta with bitter greens. 

You’ll have to fight for one of these tables if you show up after 6pm, but you won't have to wait long—people don’t tend to hang out here. They tend to dive into their slices with the grace of an ice-skating toddler, and when their faces are messy and their paper plates contain nothing but crumbs, they awkwardly go their own way, past someone else who’s molar-deep in pizza. And while their house round is certainly a good slice, given what’s around the corner, it’s the move to stick to squares here. Mama’s Too does them better than most. 

Food Rundown

photo credit: Kate Previte

Pepperoni Square

If you are an appreciator of spicy porky goodness, this should be your order on your first trip to Mama’s Too. Make sure to stain your pants with carrot-colored grease.

photo credit: Kate Previte

Sandwich Specials

Expect to wait in line for at least a half hour if you’re seeking these out. But if you do, you’ll be happy you did, because Mama’s Too makes our favorite pizza shop sandwich in the city. Expect meatballs, chicken cutlets, cheesesteaks (pictured), or something entirely different.

photo credit: Kate Previte

House Round Slice

A classic NY slice with an unusually large crust area, which eats more like bread than pizza. While it is an above average slice, it’s not what we come here for.

photo credit: Kate Previte

Poached Pear

If you’re with a few people, this should be your dessert slice. It’s a bit too rich, and a bit too sweet for us on its own, but you’ll be happy you had at least a couple bites. Maybe alternating with bites of pepperoni.

photo credit: Kate Previte

Cacio e Pepe

Our favorite of the white squares. Rich with four cheeses (one of which being pecorino), with just enough pepper to cut through.

photo credit: Kate Previte

Funghi

A deliciously heavy way to get your veggies. Sweet caramelized onions, rich ricotta, and deeply roasted crimini mushrooms. Save this for your next nap.

Gelato/Sorbetto

Pizza and ice cream go together like hot days and swimming pools. If you have room for any more dairy, grab a small cup of something fresh.