For years, we’ve heard that the best New York-style pizza in Seattle is actually in Snohomish.

Snohomish? Who goes to Snohomish?

We did. With New York in our blood, and not quite satisfied with Seattle options, it was time to test the waters. (According to some, it’s the water that makes New York’s pizza the best.)

#1 New York Pizza is an odd place. Our GPS couldn’t find it, but go straight on Route 9 and it’s just past the intersection with 180th. Tony and Delita, retired runaways from New York, run the tiny shack of a shop set back from the road. Inside are all kinds of tchotchkes, including animal figurines Delita designs, along with a multitude of signs full of rules: don’t put your feet on the seats, don’t bring your own drinks, and don’t pay by credit card.

Based on our experience, we’ve got a few “rules” should you choose to visit:
1. Ignore the sign that says slices are 15 cents, as that was in 1965.
2. If you see something stringy in your slice, don’t assume it’s mozzarella. We found hair.
3. If you don’t see a tray of pizza fresh from the oven, order a whole pie.

Our meat slices came first. As you can see from the photos, the toppings were thrown on after cooking, and the slices were reheats from who-knows-when. Deeply disappointed, we considered abandoning our plans for plain cheese—and were glad we didn’t. After the hair affair, we got out-of-the-oven slices that were much better. Positive: cheese and tomato coagulation resulting in the right oil drippage (a two-plate requirement) upon folding (yes, that’s how New Yorkers eat pizza) and holding upright. Negative: no air bubbles, and no crack in the crust when folding.

Verdict: not bad, and maybe better than Seattle’s. Upon leaving, we noted the sign saying: “You have a choice: if the food is not to your liking you need not come back!” Well, we might take a peek next time we’re in Snohomish.

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