There is no excuse to go to one of those restaurants, especially for someone like Lief who lives in New York, where he has abundant access to glorious little corner pizzerias.
The best Italian I've ever had was actually in a town in Orange County, NY.
Indeed, Snow. The absolute best pizza one can have is directly under Madison Square Garden in NYC. Makes even competent 'za like CPK taste like dog sh!t. Here is an actual photo of the place.
Yes, the joint is called "Pizza". $2 for a hot and ready slice of the best, one topping included if desired. No NY Ranger game is complete without a post-game munchy-cure at Pizza.