Minnesota’s west metro has plenty of chain slices, but ElMar’s New York Pizza is the spot where homesick New Yorkers and curious Minnesotans suddenly find themselves arguing over which slice to order next. 🍕
From the foldable pies and garlicky red sauce to the bagel pop-up that draws early-morning lines, this locally owned shop has quietly become a destination for anyone chasing that classic corner-by-the-slice feeling—without leaving Plymouth. 😋
How ElMar’s New York Pizza won Plymouth’s hearts
Locals first came for the promise of true New York–style pizza in a suburban strip mall, then kept coming back because the pies actually delivered—crisp yet chewy crust, balanced sauce, and toppings that feel straight out of a borough slice joint.
Regulars rave that the slices hit “all the points of the New York slice,” from the light char to the way the tip folds just right for that iconic one-handed bite. 🍕🗽
Word spread fast through Twin Cities pizza nerds and transplanted New Yorkers on social media, where people called ElMar’s “the real deal” and “absolutely worth it” for anyone serious about a proper NY slice.
Fans highlight everything from the bold garlic in the sauce to the “little pepps” cupped-and-crisp pepperoni, plus the option to have pies par-baked so you can finish them blazing hot at home like a neighborhood regular who knows the tricks. 🔥
As more people discovered that this tiny Plymouth shop also does bodega-style breakfast sandwiches on house-made bagels during limited pop-up hours, the legend grew—especially among folks who used to grab an egg-and-cheese on the way to the subway. Bagel drops now inspire early lines, “worth the drive” posts, and that special kind of local devotion that turns a small pizzeria into a community ritual. 🥯
Today, ElMar’s has become the spot that west-metro locals suggest the second someone asks about New York–style pizza.
Regulars proudly recommend visitors to “get the Garbage Pie,” try a white slice, and grab a bagel for tomorrow’s breakfast on the way out. It feels less like a random strip-mall tenant and more like a neighborhood treasure locals are half-tempted to keep secret. 😉
Food Highlights
Garbage Pie: This is the chaotic-good house legend loaded with multiple toppings, often ordered by regulars who want “a bit of everything” on one blistered crust. It’s a must-try for indecisive diners and anyone who equates pizza night with going all in. 🤤
- White Pie / White Pizza: No red sauce here, just a rich, cheesy base that lets the crust and dairy shine. Locals call it a sleeper hit—perfect for those who love a slightly more decadent, creamy slice that still keeps a crisp undercarriage.
Classic Cheese / Plain Slice: The pie that really proves a New York shop’s soul. Fans praise the balance of that garlic-forward red sauce, creamy mozzarella, and foldable crust—simple, nostalgic, and the best way to judge what makes this place special.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza: A crowd-pleaser loaded with tender chicken, smoky bacon, and cool ranch over that sturdy New York base. This one is popular with families and ranch devotees who want a slice that eats like a full comfort-food meal. 🥓
Meat Pie: Designed for the protein-obsessed, this pizza stacks multiple meats on top of the pizzeria’s chewy, airy crust. It’s a go-to for hungry groups splitting a couple of pies and wanting something hearty enough to fuel an entire game night.
Pizza by the Slice: A core part of the experience and a huge hit with nearby workers and students. The ability to grab a single slice—crispy, hot, and ready—lets people “test drive” different pies before committing to a full one, and keeps the shop buzzing throughout the day.
Atmosphere
ElMar’s has the close, comfortable feel of a true neighborhood joint, the kind of place where you can walk in solo, order a slice, and feel like you’ve been stopping there for years.
Inside, it’s casual and unpretentious: counter-service, warm smells of baking dough, and that low-key hum of families, friends, and regulars chatting while boxes stack up behind the counter. 🍕
The vibe skews friendly and familiar, with staff often called “cool” and helpful in reviews, happy to chat about favorites or par-bake options for home.
It’s the sort of spot that works just as well for a quick weeknight slice as it does for a relaxed weekend pizza-and-bagel run with the whole crew.
Bottom Line
Go for legit New York–style slices, creative pies like the Garbage, house-made bagels, warm neighborhood energy, and that satisfying feeling of discovering a suburban pizzeria locals truly love. 😍
It’s a perfect stop for transplanted New Yorkers craving a taste of home and Twin Cities food lovers who want to see why people call this place “worth the drive.”
Address:
ElMar’s New York Pizza
15725 37th Avenue North, Plymouth, MN 55446
📞 (check ElMar’s NY Pizza website for current contact details)
🕔 Tue–Sat 11 AM–8 PM, Sun 12 PM–7 PM, bagel pop-up mornings select days (verify current hours before you go)