How a Late-Night Pizza Spot Became an East Village Legend

Name

Artichoke Basille's Pizza

Address

321 E 14th St, New York, NY 10003

Hours

Daily 11AM–5AM

Cousins Francis Garcia and Sal Basille sparked a pizza revolution in New York’s East Village in 2008.

Drawing on family recipes from Staten Island, they introduced massive, creamy slices that stood out in a city of thin crusts.

Late-night revelers quickly made it their go-to stop after bar-hopping.

Bold flavors, especially the now-iconic artichoke cream sauce, hooked crowds fast.

Before long, the tiny shop became a midnight magnet with lines stretching down the block.

How Artichoke Basille’s Pizza won locals’ hearts

In 2008, the East Village buzzed with nonstop nightlife and hungry crowds.

Fourth-generation pizzaiolos Francis Garcia and Sal Basille opened their shop at 321 E 14th St with one goal, serve pizza that felt indulgent and comforting.

They offered oversized slices piled with creamy sauces, artichoke hearts, spinach, and gooey cheese on a thick crust.

Bar-hoppers arriving around 2 a.m. found exactly what they craved—something richer and more filling than standard NYC slices.

One bite of the signature Artichoke slice changed everything, tasting more like a warm, decadent dip than traditional pizza.

Word spread rapidly through the city’s nightlife scene.

Lines formed at all hours, from early evening to sunrise.

There was no fancy seating, just a narrow counter and the thrill of eating shoulder-to-shoulder.

That raw, unpolished setup made the experience feel personal, like pizza made by friends.

Soon, locals claimed it as a post-party ritual, cementing its status as a neighborhood legend.

Food Highlights

Artichoke Slice: Whole artichoke hearts and spinach in a creamy sauce with mozzarella and Pecorino on a thick crust. This iconic, must-try slice started the craze, loved for its rich, dip-like texture.
Margherita Slice: Fresh basil, plum tomato sauce, and cheese on a thin, crispy base. A classic favorite locals grab for its clean, balanced tomato-and-herb flavor.
Sicilian Slice: A thick, square pie baked twice with tomato sauce, basil, and cheese. A sharing superstar prized for its chewy texture and bold taste.
Meatball Slice: Juicy meatballs, ricotta, red onions, and tomato sauce. Comfort food at its best, tasting like Nonna’s kitchen in slice form.
Crab Slice: Creamy crab sauce with mozzarella and surimi crab. A seafood surprise that draws adventurous eaters looking for a unique NYC fusion.
Pepperoni Slice: Layers of pepperoni over sauce and a cheese blend, A spicy, crispy-edged staple traditionalists swear by.