Elusive Pies At NJ’s DeLucia’s Brick Oven

It took me multiple trips to DeLucia’s Brick Oven Pizza (3 1st Avenue) in Raritan, New Jersey before I was actually able to score a pie. In the fall of 2022, I drove to DeLucia’s from New York City on a Wednesday afternoon (it took over an hour), walked up to the counter, and asked for a large cheese pizza. “We’re sold out,” I was told. You see, the system for scoring a pie at DeLucia’s is bit non-traditional given that we’re living in the 21st century. You can either show up in person before the doors open or try placing an order over the phone. That is, if you can get through.

I was determined to try their pies, so for my return visit, I had a better strategy in place. Their doors open at 11:30AM on weekdays. I left New York in my car around 11AM and right at 11:30AM started dialing the restaurant (908-725-1322). Busy signal after busy signal after busy signal. After pressing redial approximately 40 times, I finally I heard a ring. It reminded me of my high school days, attempting to be caller 10 when my local radio station was giving away concert tickets. After a few rings… an answer. “One large cheese pie,” I said.

What’s Unique? Landing a pie at DeLucia’s is more complicated than it should be. Alas, what would you expect from a pizzeria that has been operating for over 100 years? If you’re able to show up in person before doors open, that’s your best bet for placing an order. Otherwise you’re at the liberty of the phone lines. Also, DeLucia’s has odd hours (subject to change). They are closed Sunday and Monday. From Tuesday-Thursday they are open for lunch (11:30AM – 2:00PM) and then again for dinner (4:00PM – 8:30PM). On Friday, they have the same hours, but stay open until 9:30PM. On Saturday, they’re open from 1:30 PM-9:00PM. Note that if you show up for lunch and they are “sold out,” you can’t place an order for dinner. You need to come back at 4PM.

What To Eat? DeLucia’s has a full menu featuring 20+ pies with options like a Clams Casion Pie (Chopped Clams, Peppers, Onions, Bacon, Garlic, Salt, Pepper, Oregano, EVOO & Chili Flakes) and a BBQ Chicken Pizza (Chicken with Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce and Mozzarella). But I was here for one reason: their highly regarded cheese pie. It’s available as a small for $10 or a large for $16. It’s so delicious you’ll probably want to try and finish the large on your own. The brick oven produces a crust with just the perfect amount of crispiness. And as I chomped on each bite — the simple combination of sauce and cheese elicited a sense of nostalgia.

What To Know Before You Go? Although the pizzeria has been around since 1917, it’s seen a resurgence of attention in recent years as Dave Portnoy bestowed a 9.4 rating on it, tied for 2nd highest in the country (with Di Fara and Frank Peppe). His legion of fans have been flocking there ever since. I figured some of the buzz would die down over time, but for now it’s still a little bit more of a hassle than necessary to have a pie. With odd hours and a limited amount of dough, DeLucia’s sometimes still feels like it’s operating in 1920s (although they are on Instagram). But I suppose the elusiveness is also part of the allure.

Elusive Pies At NJ’s DeLucia’s Brick Oven

It took me multiple trips to DeLucia’s Brick Oven Pizza (3 1st Avenue) in Raritan, New Jersey before I was actually able to score a pie. In the fall of 2022, I drove to DeLucia’s from New York City on a Wednesday afternoon (it took over an hour), walked up to the counter, and asked …