Craving that perfect New York slice with the crispy crust and tangy sauce? You don’t have to book a flight to Brooklyn to find it. Las Vegas, a city known for its dazzling lights, world-class entertainment, and diverse culinary scene, surprisingly offers a burgeoning collection of restaurants serving up authentic Brooklyn pizza. Forget the overly cheesy, heavily sauced imitations; we’re talking about the real deal: thin-crust, foldable slices that transport you straight to the streets of New York. This article is your guide to navigating the Las Vegas pizza landscape and discovering the best Brooklyn-style pizza the city has to offer. Prepare for a culinary journey that will satisfy your craving and leave you saying, “Fuhgeddaboudit!” to all other pizza styles.
The Soul of a Brooklyn Pie
What exactly makes Brooklyn pizza, well, Brooklyn pizza? It’s more than just slapping some cheese and sauce on a crust. It’s an art form, a tradition, and a culinary experience deeply rooted in the history of New York City. The essence of a true Brooklyn pie lies in a delicate balance of crust, sauce, and cheese, each playing a crucial role in creating that signature flavor and texture.
First and foremost, let’s talk about the crust. It’s not just any crust; it’s a thin, crispy, and foldable masterpiece. The secret lies in the high-gluten flour used, which gives the dough its strength and elasticity. This allows the pizza maker to stretch the dough incredibly thin without tearing it, resulting in that characteristic thinness and structural integrity. The crust is then baked at a high temperature, often in a deck oven or a brick oven, which creates a beautiful char and crispiness on the bottom while keeping the inside slightly chewy.
Then there’s the sauce, a symphony of simplicity. The best Brooklyn pizza sauces are made with high-quality, preferably San Marzano tomatoes, known for their sweetness and low acidity. The tomatoes are crushed and simmered with minimal ingredients – perhaps a touch of garlic, basil, and oregano – to create a bright, tangy sauce that perfectly complements the other ingredients. There’s no room for overly sweet or heavily spiced sauces here; the goal is to let the natural flavors of the tomatoes shine through.
And finally, the cheese. The cheese used in authentic Brooklyn pizza is typically whole milk, low-moisture mozzarella. This type of mozzarella melts beautifully and evenly, creating a creamy, slightly browned layer that covers the entire pizza. It has a mild, slightly tangy flavor that doesn’t overpower the other ingredients.
Of course, no discussion of Brooklyn pizza is complete without mentioning the infamous “Brooklyn fold.” This technique, essential for enjoying a slice of this style, involves folding the thin, floppy slice in half lengthwise. This creates a sturdy structure that allows you to hold the pizza with one hand without making a mess, while also concentrating the flavors in each bite. It’s not just a way to eat; it’s a cultural experience!
The history of Brooklyn pizza is intertwined with the story of Italian immigrants who arrived in New York City in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. These immigrants brought their culinary traditions with them, including the art of pizza-making. Over time, they adapted their recipes to local ingredients and tastes, creating the unique style of pizza that we know and love today as Brooklyn pizza.
Brooklyn Pizza Havens in Las Vegas
Now that we’ve established what makes Brooklyn pizza so special, let’s dive into some of the best places to find it in Las Vegas. These restaurants are dedicated to crafting authentic slices that capture the spirit and flavor of Brooklyn.
Joe’s New York Pizza
Located away from the strip, this is a locals’ favorite, and for good reason. The ambiance is casual and unpretentious, reminiscent of a classic New York pizzeria. This restaurant focuses on the basics, done perfectly. Their signature pies include the classic cheese, pepperoni, and margherita, all made with fresh ingredients and a whole lot of love. They offer both whole pies and slices, making it a great option for a quick lunch or a family dinner. The crust is perfectly crisp, the sauce is tangy and flavorful, and the cheese is gooey and satisfying. Many customers rave about the authenticity and value, saying it’s the closest they’ve found to New York pizza in Las Vegas.
Pop Up Pizza
Tucked away inside The Cosmopolitan hotel, Pop Up Pizza offers a welcome respite from the glitz and glamour of the Strip. Don’t let the name fool you, they make a very good Brooklyn-style pie. The vibe is hip and modern, with a focus on creating a fun and social atmosphere. Here, you can order a variety of specialty pizzas, including options with unique toppings like ricotta cheese, roasted vegetables, and spicy sausage. The crust is a bit thicker than a traditional Brooklyn slice, but it still has that characteristic crispiness and chewiness. The ingredients are all high-quality, and the pizzas are cooked to perfection in a state-of-the-art oven. This is a great option for a late-night snack or a casual meal with friends.
Pizza Rock
While Pizza Rock offers a range of pizza styles, they also serve up a stellar Brooklyn pizza. This award-winning pizzeria is known for its dedication to using the finest ingredients and its commitment to traditional pizza-making techniques. Here, you can indulge in a variety of specialty pizzas, all crafted with care and precision. The crust is thin and crispy, the sauce is bright and flavorful, and the toppings are all top-notch. It’s a great spot for a special occasion or a memorable meal. Many customers comment on the quality of ingredients and the skill of the pizza makers.
Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana
Okay, this is primarily Neapolitan, but it’s close in spirit to the Brooklyn way. Tucked away in the Green Valley Ranch area, Settebello focuses on wood-fired pizzas made with simple, fresh ingredients. While not strictly Brooklyn-style, the focus on quality ingredients and a thin, foldable crust makes it a worthy contender. Their pizzas are cooked in a wood-burning oven at extremely high temperatures, resulting in a slightly charred crust and a unique smoky flavor. The sauce is made with San Marzano tomatoes, and the cheese is fresh mozzarella. This is a great option for those who appreciate simple, authentic pizza.
Those Unique Twists on a Classic
The beauty of pizza lies in its versatility. While sticking to the traditional Brooklyn formula is essential for authenticity, many pizza makers are also experimenting with unique variations and alternatives. Some restaurants are using different cheeses, such as provolone or fontina, to add a unique flavor profile. Others are experimenting with unconventional toppings, like roasted eggplant, artichoke hearts, or spicy peppers. Still others are playing with the sauce, adding a touch of sweetness or spice to create a more complex flavor.
These variations can be a fun way to explore the world of pizza and discover new flavor combinations. However, it’s important to remember that the core elements of Brooklyn pizza – the thin, crispy crust, the tangy sauce, and the high-quality mozzarella – should always be respected.
Finding Your Perfect Slice
With so many options available, how do you find the perfect Brooklyn pizza in Las Vegas? Here are a few tips to guide your search:
* Look for Key Indicators: Check if they’re using San Marzano tomatoes, quality mozzarella, and high-gluten flour.
* Ask Questions: Don’t be afraid to ask about the crust preparation, oven temperature, and sauce recipe. A good pizzeria will be proud to share its secrets.
* Observe the Process: If possible, watch the pizza makers in action. Are they stretching the dough by hand? Are they using fresh ingredients? These are all good signs.
* Read Reviews: Check online reviews and ratings to get an idea of what other customers are saying.
* Trust Your Instincts: Ultimately, the best way to find the perfect Brooklyn pizza is to trust your gut. If a place looks and smells appealing, give it a try!
Final Thoughts
Las Vegas may be known for its glitz and glamour, but it’s also home to a thriving pizza scene. From classic New York-style slices to innovative variations, there’s something for every pizza lover to enjoy. So, ditch the buffet lines, skip the fancy restaurants, and embark on a culinary adventure to discover the best Brooklyn pizza that Las Vegas has to offer. The perfect slice awaits!
So, grab a friend, find your favorite Brooklyn pizza spot, and enjoy a taste of New York in the heart of Las Vegas! Don’t forget to share your pizza adventures in the comments below. We want to know where you find the best Brooklyn pizza in Las Vegas! What is your favorite pizza topping, and how does it enhance the Brooklyn experience?
