Craving a foldable New York slice while living under the Arizona sun can feel like a losing battle. Too many places serve pizza that is either too thick, too doughy, or too far from the real thing.
The good news is that a handful of shops across the state actually get it right, from downtown Tucson to the suburbs of Phoenix. Here are seven spots where the crust folds, the sauce hits, and the slices stretch big enough to make East Coast transplants feel a little closer to home.
1. Empire Pizza & Pub, Tucson, AZ
Downtown Tucson has plenty of food options, but few nail the classic thin, foldable slice quite like this spot on East Congress Street. The crust lands in that sweet spot, crisp enough to hold its shape yet flexible enough to fold the New York way.
The menu keeps things familiar with garlic knots, wings, and New York-style pies. Vegetarians can build a full meal here, and the Margherita is a solid pick if you want to taste the crust without a lot of distractions…