Don Pepi Deli — Restaurant in New York

My first time in NYC, years ago ... I walk out of the bowels of Penn Station, and meet my NYC foodie friend-cum-tour guide who will show me around the city. We already have a brisk itinerary planned, so we don't have much time, and my first question ... "So, where do I try the legendary NYC pizza that is supposed to be the best in the world?".

She immediately pointed about 10 feet away to Don Pepe's, and said "grab a slice!". It can't be that easy, right? There's no way a little shoebox location in a grimy train station can serve a passable food item, much less one that will represent an entire metropolis.

Surprisingly, she was right! Please, don't misunderstand me ... New York is, of course, the pizza capital of the world. We can debate who truly owns the rare "five star" crown. Most of those places, don't do slices. And yes, there are better slice places in the city. But, having tried dozens, Don Pepe's is better than the average, and one of the best.

It just doesn't compute ... Airports, train stations, malls, are usually populated by restaurants that prey on a captive audience. This is a rare case where, appearances aside, the food is actually pretty good.

The secret to truly good pizza is in the crust. Don Pepe's has that light, crisp, almost sourdough taste you just can't find in many places outside NYC. Maybe it's the water, maybe it's the air, maybe it's toxic waste. Who knows, who cares? It's good! Topped with a tangy, garlicky sauce with just enough oil to keep it moist without drips, and a tangy mozzarella. I've never bothered with toppings other than the occasional guilty pepperoni.

Fold it and eat it, or face the scorn and derision of the natives as they hustle past!

Needless to say, this place does a brisk business, the staff expects you to know what you want, order quickly, have your money out, and don't screw around.

If you're a New Yorker, you should be proud that Don Pepe's serves as an ambassador to your city. If you're from out of town and want a taste of real NYC pizza and you have time, spend the time to leave the station and experience real five-star pizza. But if you're strapped for time, this isn't a bad introduction to...

This place has decent pizza and is convenient being in NY Penn Station. But the service from the lady at the register is terrible. My first time getting pizza here I gave her cash in her HAND and with my hand out to receive my change which included a dollar bill she laid it on the counter. RUDE!! So I was like maybe it's because it's cash idk so I try a second time 1 week later and but this time with a debit card and had my hand fully extended and she placed the debit card on the counter at the tip of my fingers instead of placing it in my hand. I don't care how convenient it is they have very bad customer service I will never return especially for an over priced $4.25 cheese slice. But I watched the lady at the register with 2 following customers 1 white guy and 1 black guy and she gave them both of their cards in their hand for them to take it back. I don't know what's her issue with women as I watched her also my first time getting pizza here when this Asian woman customer was receiving cash back the same cashier placed her money on the table as well but either way she's a complete weirdo. She needs to get from the register if she has an issue respecting paying women customers she just has...

This one of my favorite pizza places of all time. Whenever I go to Penn Station, I always stop by here to get a slice. Now the service is nothing special, but the food is. They have basically any pizza you can think of and while the variety is really good, the plain, New York Style pizza is my favorite. Now there are better pizza places that attract tourists such as Joe's Pizza, 2Bros (for the price), John's of Bleeker street, Best Pizza, and Lucali's however many of those places have very long lines and aren't nearly as convenient. And the pizza at Don Pepi's is still very good, its fresh and defined, every ingredient speaks for itself, but nothing too rich, its very casual pizza. Depending on which pizza you get, the crust will be different, but if you buy the NY style pizza, the crust is crispy, but not hard and crunchy. If you have the time to eat here without missing the train, I would...