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It took me a number of journeys to DeLucia’s Brick Oven Pizza (3 1st Avenue) in Raritan, New Jersey earlier than I used to be truly in a position to rating a pie. Within the fall of 2022, I drove to DeLucia’s from New York Metropolis on a Wednesday afternoon (it took over an hour), walked as much as the counter, and requested for a big cheese pizza. “We’re offered out,” I used to be advised. You see, the system for scoring a pie at DeLucia’s is bit non-traditional on condition that we’re dwelling within the twenty first century. You possibly can both present up in individual earlier than the doorways open or attempt putting an order over the cellphone. That’s, if you will get via.
I used to be decided to attempt their pies, so for my return go to, I had a greater technique in place. Their doorways open at 11:30AM on weekdays. I left New York in my automobile round 11AM and proper at 11:30AM began dialing the restaurant (908-725-1322). Busy sign after busy sign after busy sign. After urgent redial roughly 40 occasions, I lastly I heard a hoop. It jogged my memory of my highschool days, making an attempt to be caller 10 when my native radio station was gifting away live performance tickets. After just a few rings… a solution. “One massive cheese pie,” I stated.
What’s Distinctive? Touchdown a pie at DeLucia’s is extra difficult than it ought to be. Alas, what would you anticipate from a pizzeria that has been working for over 100 years? For those who’re in a position to present up in individual earlier than doorways open, that’s your greatest guess for putting an order. In any other case you’re on the liberty of the cellphone traces. Additionally, DeLucia’s has odd hours (topic to vary). They’re closed Sunday and Monday. From Tuesday-Thursday they’re open for lunch (11:30AM – 2:00PM) after which once more for dinner (4:00PM – 8:30PM). On Friday, they’ve the identical hours, however keep open till 9:30PM. On Saturday, they’re open from 1:30 PM-9:00PM. Be aware that in the event you present up for lunch and they’re “offered out,” you possibly can’t place an order for dinner. It’s worthwhile to come again at 4PM.
What To Eat? DeLucia’s has a full menu that includes 20+ pies with choices like a Clams Casion Pie (Chopped Clams, Peppers, Onions, Bacon, Garlic, Salt, Pepper, Oregano, EVOO & Chili Flakes) and a BBQ Rooster Pizza (Rooster with Candy Child Ray’s BBQ Sauce and Mozzarella). However I used to be right here for one cause: their extremely regarded cheese pie. It’s out there as a small for $10 or a big for $16. It’s so scrumptious you’ll in all probability need to try to end the massive by yourself. The brick oven produces a crust with simply the proper quantity of crispiness. And as I chomped on every chunk — the easy mixture of sauce and cheese elicited a way of nostalgia.
What To Know Earlier than You Go? Though the pizzeria has been round since 1917, it’s seen a resurgence of consideration in recent times as Dave Portnoy bestowed a 9.4 score on it, tied for 2nd highest within the nation (with Di Fara and Frank Peppe). His legion of followers have been flocking there ever since. I figured a number of the buzz would die down over time, however for now it’s nonetheless a bit of bit extra of a problem than essential to have a pie. With odd hours and a restricted quantity of dough, DeLucia’s generally nonetheless feels prefer it’s working in Nineteen Twenties (though they’re on Instagram). However I suppose the elusiveness can be a part of the attract.
It took me a number of journeys to DeLucia’s Brick Oven Pizza (3 1st Avenue) in Raritan, New Jersey earlier than I used to be truly in a position to rating a pie. Within the fall of 2022, I drove to DeLucia’s from New York Metropolis on a Wednesday afternoon (it took over an hour), walked as much as the counter, and requested …
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Abstract : After a viral pizza assessment in 2022, pies from this small city New Jersey store have been tough to acquire. However in the event you’re keen to place within the effort, you will be rewarded with a prime notch pizza.
