The Top ”Hone-In-The-Wall” Eatery In New York State Is A Small Bronx Pizza Spot From 1947

You’d never guess that one of New York’s best pizzas is hiding under someone’s house.

Louie & Ernie’s, founded in Harlem in 1947 and relocated to the Bronx in 1959, looks ordinary from the street. Step inside, though, and you’ll find slices so legendary that New Yorkers whisper about them like a secret handshake.

1. Famous Sausage Slice That Locals Swear By

Fennel-scented sausage from a beloved neighborhood pork store crowns the signature slice at Louie & Ernie’s. Seasoned just right, the meat rests on a thin crust that crackles with each bite, harmony unfolding between smoky spice and melted cheese.

Generations of regulars swear by this topping alone, insisting it captures the very soul of Bronx pizza craft. Sausage and cheese meet in flawless balance – plenty of flavor, never tipping past perfection.

2. Old-School Cash-Only Business Model

Walking into Louie & Ernie’s feels like stepping back in time. Brothers John and Cosimo Tiso have preserved the no-frills approach since taking over in the late 1980s, including the cash-only policy that might surprise first-timers.

A small ATM sits in the corner for the unprepared, but regulars always arrive with bills in hand. This old-fashioned business approach extends to their service style – efficient, straightforward, and focused entirely on getting great pizza into your hands without unnecessary fuss.

3. Unique Setting Inside A Residential House

Pizza parlors usually claim storefronts, yet Louie & Ernie’s flips the script from the ground floor of a plain house on Crosby Avenue.

First-timers often glance at their GPS twice, unsure if they’ve stumbled onto the right spot. Inside, only a few seats wait, while a modest patio opens up during warm months. That cozy, unusual setting deepens the neighborhood vibe, letting guests savor slices as if welcomed into a friend’s home rather than a polished downtown pizzeria.

4. Perfect Sicilian Squares With Crispy Bottoms

While thin slices might get the spotlight, pizza aficionados whisper about the Sicilian squares that showcase the bakery skills behind this operation. Each rectangular slice boasts a crisp bottom that somehow supports a fluffy, airy interior and balanced topping layer.

The edges develop a caramelized crunch that provides textural contrast to the pillowy center. These squares represent old-world Sicilian tradition, offering a completely different experience from the foldable slices that made New York famous, yet executed with the same dedication to quality.