Buffalo might be known to some as the best place for wings in the country. After all, there’s a reason most of the country refer to them as “Buffalo wings,” though Buffalonians know to only ever refer to them as just “wings.” While we bask in our ability to feed the majority of people who love football on Sundays in the fall, there’s more to our culinary prowess than just that. We’d argue that pizza is our other perfect food. Here’s why:
- Buffalo’s first pizzeria is older than the first iconic pizzeria in New York City.
Santora’s Pizzeria / Facebook Many people think of New York City when they consider the perfect NY slice. While we can’t deny that they’re pretty darn good, their most iconic pizzerias came AFTER Buffalo’s first pizza spot opened. Santora’s in Buffalo opened in 1927, while places like Patsy’s in New York City didn’t show up until 1933.
- There are more than 600 pizzerias in Buffalo.
Nino’s Pizza / Facebook That means there’s one pizza place for every 428 people here. To put that in perspective, New York City, has 1,600 pizzerias which need to cater to 8.5 million people. If you want a good slice of pizza in a hurry, you’ll have better luck getting it in Buffalo. Statistically speaking, of course.
- Two words: Cup and Char.
Charles Smith / Flickr The “cup” refers to the fact that the pepperoni needs to curl at the edges, allowing a pool of oil to appear in the middle. The “char” refers to the perfectly cooked edges that hold everything in. It creates a crunch with spice that can’t be matched anywhere in the world.
- Buffalo pizza perfects other famous pizza styles.
The Park School of Buffalo / Facebook While Buffalo pizza has its own special taste, parts of it might be familiar to those in other states. Some call it a combination of Chicago deep-dish and New York’s thin-crust.
- Travel + Leisure Magazine has included Buffalo on its list of best pizza cities in America.
johnnyfrank66 / TripAdvisor What we’ve known forever is now a national fact - Buffalo’s pizza sits on the list alongside places like New York City, Chicago, and Detroit.
- The sauce is sweet.
Frankie Primos +39 / Facebook Somehow, Buffalo pizza has a sauce that has a taste all its own. Which is great when paired with the spicy oil that also graces the recipe.
- Buffalo pizza is piled with cheese and the meatiest pepperoni.
Nino’s Pizza / Facebook And yet, it’s light. Think of the perfect, fluffy piece of focaccia. The cheese is copious and the pepperoni is so perfectly cooked that the edges curl up.
- National chains can’t disrupt the local spots.
hararysainz / TripAdvisor When Domino’s opened nearly 30 stores in the Buffalo area, the beloved local mainstays continued to thrive. The owner of Bocce Club has said in interviews that he was nervous, but then found that people kept on coming!
- Buffalo pizza is eaten on the go!
TamaraEB / TripAdvisor Because the cheese is so drippy, the pepperoni so well cooked, and the dough is thin underneath, Buffalo pizza is known for being great from the box. Don’t let it sit around - just dig in!
- Only Buffalo has La Nova.
Travis M / TripAdvisor Perhaps Buffalo’s most well-known pie, this one is piled high with the cheesiest cheese and the most pepperoni per square inch compared to most other local pies.
Thanks to Arthur Bovino, who inspired this article. Check out his book Buffalo Everything: A Guide to Eating in ‘The Nickel City.’
Santora’s Pizzeria / Facebook
Many people think of New York City when they consider the perfect NY slice. While we can’t deny that they’re pretty darn good, their most iconic pizzerias came AFTER Buffalo’s first pizza spot opened. Santora’s in Buffalo opened in 1927, while places like Patsy’s in New York City didn’t show up until 1933.
Nino’s Pizza / Facebook
That means there’s one pizza place for every 428 people here. To put that in perspective, New York City, has 1,600 pizzerias which need to cater to 8.5 million people. If you want a good slice of pizza in a hurry, you’ll have better luck getting it in Buffalo. Statistically speaking, of course.
Charles Smith / Flickr
The “cup” refers to the fact that the pepperoni needs to curl at the edges, allowing a pool of oil to appear in the middle. The “char” refers to the perfectly cooked edges that hold everything in. It creates a crunch with spice that can’t be matched anywhere in the world.
The Park School of Buffalo / Facebook
While Buffalo pizza has its own special taste, parts of it might be familiar to those in other states. Some call it a combination of Chicago deep-dish and New York’s thin-crust.
johnnyfrank66 / TripAdvisor
What we’ve known forever is now a national fact - Buffalo’s pizza sits on the list alongside places like New York City, Chicago, and Detroit.
Frankie Primos +39 / Facebook
Somehow, Buffalo pizza has a sauce that has a taste all its own. Which is great when paired with the spicy oil that also graces the recipe.
And yet, it’s light. Think of the perfect, fluffy piece of focaccia. The cheese is copious and the pepperoni is so perfectly cooked that the edges curl up.
hararysainz / TripAdvisor
When Domino’s opened nearly 30 stores in the Buffalo area, the beloved local mainstays continued to thrive. The owner of Bocce Club has said in interviews that he was nervous, but then found that people kept on coming!
TamaraEB / TripAdvisor
Because the cheese is so drippy, the pepperoni so well cooked, and the dough is thin underneath, Buffalo pizza is known for being great from the box. Don’t let it sit around - just dig in!
Travis M / TripAdvisor
Perhaps Buffalo’s most well-known pie, this one is piled high with the cheesiest cheese and the most pepperoni per square inch compared to most other local pies.
Now that you know why we’re the best, start eating! Check out our ultimate Buffalo pizza eaters bucket list, and for more food pride from Buffalo, check out these 11 foods. If you haven’t had them all you probably haven’t been here long enough!
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