Is Mama’s TOO! Pizzeria worth the hype?

I took the subway after a Broadway matinee up to 105th Street and Broadway to uncover the truth.

In New York City, there are three sacred debates: bagels, rent and pizza.

Enter Mama’s TOO!, the Upper West Side pizzeria that inspires pilgrimages, TikToks and lines long enough to make you wonder if people are waiting for Beyoncé tickets rather than a slice of dough and cheese.

First impression? The square slice looks less like pizza and more like a Renaissance painting with thick, saucy brushstrokes, mozzarella pooled like Venetian glass and pepperoni cups crisping into little grease chalices of joy.

The pizza is dramatic and Instagram ready.

I started by ordering the House Slice which is a regular cut slice as opposed to Mama’s mostly square slices. It was outstanding with thin crust, crispy, light on sauce and just the right amount of cheese ($4.75).

The second slice was Bruschetta with fresh tomatoes, cheese and fresh basil. It was tasty, but I found it way too garlicky and not worth $9.00.

Next, I asked the employee what he would recommend. He responded, The Angry Nonna with spicy pepperoni and honey. It was crispy and airy,  the pepperoni was a bit spicy for me ($7.75).

The final slice was fabulous and a perfect ending as the Poached Pear slice is uniquely delicious with pear slices and honey. It was outstanding ($7).

Overall, the first bite proves to be ultra crispy, chewy with crust that crunches like a baguette smuggled from Paris. Bite two produces sauce that punches you with tartness, then hugs you with sweetness.

But is it worth the hype?

Affirmative, if crunch and a perfect crust matters to you.

My advice? Go once, brave the line although I arrived at 5pm and the line was minimal, post the obligatory photo and let the grease chalice pepperoni baptize you.

Be aware that Mama’s is standing room only.

I could not finish any of the slices so they boxed them for me. On the subway ride home I was propositioned for slices, but I would not barter.

I love the crust. If I had to choose a favorite NYC slice I would still place L’Industrie as the chart topper. Mama’s Too! is definitely Top 5.

Mama’s TOO! Pizzeria 2750 Broadway New York City. Open Daily 12-11pm. No Reservations. There is also a Mama’s Too! In the West Village.