Some of New York's best pizzerias in the 1950s.

New York City has a long and rich history of pizza-making, and the 1950s was a time when the city's pizza scene was truly coming into its own. The city was home to some of the best pizzerias in the world, and many of them are still around today, serving delicious pies to pizza lovers from all over the world. Here are some of the best pizzerias from the 1950s that helped put New York City on the map as the pizza capital of the world.

One of the most iconic pizzerias of the 1950s in New York City was Lombardi's. Founded in 1905, Lombardi's was the first pizzeria in the United States, and it was considered one of the best pizzerias of its time. Lombardi's used a coal-fired oven to cook its pizzas, which gave them a unique flavor and crispy crust. The pizzeria was a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, and it's still in operation today, serving up its delicious pies to pizza lovers.

Lombardi's 1905 store front. (www.pmq.com)

Another popular pizzeria from the 1950s was Totonno's. Founded in 1924, Totonno's is considered one of the oldest pizzerias in New York City. The pizzeria uses a coal-fired oven to cook its pizzas, and it's famous for its thin-crust pies, which are crispy and slightly charred. Totonno's was a popular spot for celebrities, politicians, and locals, and it's still in operation today, providing a taste of New York's pizza history.

Totonno's in the old days. (www.coneyislandhistory.org)

Another beloved pizzeria from the 1950s was Patsy's. Founded in 1933, Patsy's is known for its thin-crust, coal-fired pies, which are cooked in a blazing hot oven for less than five minutes, giving them a unique crispy crust and slightly charred taste. Patsy's was a neighborhood institution, and it remains a popular spot for pizza lovers who appreciate its history and authenticity.

Patsy's Pizzeria 1986 (www.pizzahalloffame.com)

Lastly, Ray's Pizza, which was founded in 1959 and quickly became an institution in New York City, Ray's Pizza is known for its large, foldable slices and wide variety of toppings. It was a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, and it's still in operation today in various locations throughout the city and is still enjoyed by many New Yorkers and tourists that visit the city.

Ray's Pizza was a Prince Street mainstay from 1959 until 2011.

In conclusion, New York City has a long and rich history of pizza-making, and the 1950s was a time when the city's pizza scene was truly coming into its own. Lombardi's, Totonno's, Patsy's, and Ray's Pizza are some of the most iconic pizzerias of the 1950s in New York City; they were known for their delicious and unique pizza, and they helped put New York City on the map as the pizza capital of the world. Even today, these pizzerias are still around, and they remain popular spots for pizza lovers who appreciate their history and authenticity.