Finding a "real" slice of New York pizza when you’re standing in the middle of Texas is usually a fool's errand. You get the cardboard crusts. You get the sweet, jarred-tasting sauce. But then there’s Uzy’s New York Pizza in Arlington. Honestly, the first time you walk into the spot at 6851 Matlock Road, it doesn't scream "culinary revolution." It’s a humble storefront. But the smell? That’s 100% Gotham.
It’s the kind of place where the owner, Uzy, might actually be the one tossing your dough. That matters. In a world of frozen-dough franchises, having a human being care about the hydration of the crust is basically a miracle. Most people think "New York style" just means thin, but if it doesn't have the "fold," it’s just a cracker. Uzy’s gets the fold right.
What Most People Get Wrong About Uzy’s New York Pizza
A lot of folks show up expecting a fancy sit-down Italian bistro. If you want white tablecloths and a sommelier, go somewhere else. This is a neighborhood joint. It’s tight. The seating is limited. But that’s actually a good sign. In New York, some of the best pizza comes from places where you barely have room to stand.
The biggest misconception is that it’s just another "New York" themed shop. It’s not. It’s actually Halal-friendly, which is a massive win for the local community. They use beef pepperoni. If you’ve never had beef pepperoni on a pie, you’re missing out on a specific kind of savory, salty punch that stands up to the cheese better than the greasy pork circles you find at the big chains.
The Menu Items You Actually Need to Order
If you’re just getting a plain cheese slice, you’re doing it right for a baseline test, but the specialty pies are where the personality is.
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The Buffalo Chicken Pizza is a local legend for a reason. They don't just drizzle a little sauce on top; it’s integrated. One regular, Ford Thorman, famously called the crust "top tier" and the flavor "fire." He’s not wrong. The crust is thin—some critics even say it's "printing paper" thin—but that’s the point. It’s supposed to be a vessel for the toppings, not a loaf of bread.
Then there’s the Gyro Pizza. It sounds like a chaotic fusion experiment, but the tender gyro meat paired with traditional mozzarella and a crisp base is surprisingly balanced. It’s the kind of thing you order on a dare and then end up craving at 9:00 PM on a Tuesday.
- Supreme Pizza: Loaded with the "Big Five"—pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, peppers, and onions.
- Meat Lover’s: A heavy-hitter with beef pepperoni, sausage, and hamburger.
- White Pizza: No sauce, just a creamy blend of ricotta and mozzarella that’s surprisingly light.
- Garlic Knots: You get six in a skillet. They’re drenched in garlic butter and parsley. Do not plan on kissing anyone for at least 48 hours after eating these.
The "Thin Crust" Controversy
Let’s be real for a second. There are reviews on DoorDash and Yelp where people complain that the pizza is "floppy" or "too thin." Look, if you want a thick, bready crust that tastes like a sponge, go to a chain. New York pizza is supposed to be a bit floppy in the middle. That’s why you fold it. It’s a technique.
The sauce at Uzy’s New York Pizza leans a bit toward the sweeter side. For some, it’s a nostalgia trip. For others, it’s a point of contention. But when it’s paired with the saltiness of the beef pepperoni and the char from the oven, it creates that specific flavor profile that people from the Northeast actually recognize.
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Why Uzy’s Matters in the Arlington Food Scene
Arlington is a sea of corporate dining. Having a spot like this—located specifically at 6851 Matlock Rd—provides a soul to the neighborhood. The owners are known for actually talking to customers. There’s a story of a mother whose son has autism and only eats NYC pizza; she found Uzy’s and it was the only place in Texas that passed his "test." That’s not marketing. That’s just good food.
They’ve also had a location in North Richland Hills (8700 N Tarrant Pkwy), showing that the demand for a legit slice is spreading. Whether you’re grabbing a $14.99 small specialty or a $19.99 large to feed the family, you’re getting something hand-tossed.
The Logistics: What to Know Before You Go
Don't just show up at 10:30 PM expecting a feast. They generally run from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM most days. If you're planning a Friday night, call ahead or use an app. The place is small. It gets crowded.
- Phone: 682-320-8282 (Arlington location).
- Vibe: Casual, no-frills, very "bodega" feel.
- Best Value: The lunch specials or the garlic knots (around $6.99).
- Dietary: Halal options are a major highlight here.
If you’re a pizza purist, the "thin as paper" crust might shock you at first. But give it a chance. The char on the bottom—that "leopard spotting"—is what you’re looking for. It’s the sign of a hot oven and a baker who knows when to pull the pie.
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Actionable Advice for Your First Visit
If you want the best possible experience at Uzy’s New York Pizza, don't get it delivered. I know, I know—convenience is king. But thin-crust pizza has a half-life of about eight minutes before the steam in the box starts to soften that beautiful crispness.
Go to the Matlock Road shop. Order a Large Pepperoni (ask for it well-done if you like a real snap). Eat it right there, or at least in your car. The difference between a fresh-out-of-the-oven slice and one that’s been sitting in a Corolla for twenty minutes is night and day. Grab a side of the marinara for the crusts. It’s a cheap, effective way to see if you’re a convert or a skeptic.
Check their current hours before heading out, as they can shift on holidays, and keep an eye on their "Texas Twist" appetizers like the Beef Patty—a New York bodega classic that you rarely find in the South.