James L.
Yelp
On this recent trip to NYC for work, I decided to hit up the local "cheap" pizza spots. Having grown up in Brooklyn, I've eaten at all of the famous tourist places like Grimaldi's, John's of Bleeker Street, Joe's, DiFara's, etc. TBH, those places are all good...but I'm not going to wait an hour to eat there and pay $35+ for a large cheese pizza.
I was staying in Midtown near Times Square, so I decided to stretch my legs and do what New Yorkers do, and pop into long time stalwart of cheap pizza, 2 Bros. Before the pandemic, they were were one of the favorites of $.99 pizza. And sure, the price for a cheese slice has gone up to $1.50 - but if you get the special which is two cheese slices and a soda for $3.99, you ain't getting a better deal than that anywhere in Manhattan.
It's best to go during peak times to ensure the pizza is hot, but depending if the guy taking your order is feeling up to it, he may or may not toss yours slice back into the oven for 30 seconds to heat it back up; he did this for me upon request. There are a few tables you can stand and eat at, and likely you'll need to share; but again, this is how New Yorkers do it.
Pizza is nothing exceptional, but has the things a New York cheese slice should have. Sauce which isn't too sweet, good amount of cheese, and crust which is thick and charred just enough for folding. Load it up with garlic powder, chili flakes, and Italian seasoning and you have a complete meal for less than $5.
I know people like to look down on these cheap pizza places...but there is usually a long line of hungry customers, so it can't be that bad, right? Anyway, there are many 2 Bros throughout Manhattan, so next time you're visiting NYC, IMHO, it's worth a stop.