Elusive Pies At NJ’s DeLucia’s Brick Oven

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 bought out,” I used to be informed. You see, the system for scoring a pie at DeLucia’s is bit non-traditional on condition that we’re residing within the twenty first century. You possibly can both present up in individual earlier than the doorways open or attempt inserting an order over the cellphone. That’s, if you may get by means of.

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, trying to be caller 10 when my native radio station was making a gift of live performance tickets. After a number of rings… a solution. “One massive cheese pie,” I stated.

What’s Distinctive? Touchdown a pie at DeLucia’s is extra sophisticated than it needs to be. Alas, what would you count on from a pizzeria that has been working for over 100 years? Should you’re in a position to present up in individual earlier than doorways open, that’s your finest 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. Notice that if you happen to present up for lunch and they’re “bought out,” you possibly can’t place an order for dinner. It is advisable 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 Hen Pizza (Hen 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 obtainable as a small for $10 or a big for $16. It’s so scrumptious you’ll most likely wish 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 straightforward 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 among the buzz would die down over time, however for now it’s nonetheless just a little bit extra of a problem than essential to have a pie. With odd hours and a restricted quantity of dough, DeLucia’s typically nonetheless feels prefer it’s working in Twenties (though they’re on Instagram). However I suppose the elusiveness can also be a part of the attract.

Elusive Pies At NJ’s DeLucia’s Brick Oven

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 …