Fuel Pizza $

1501 Central Ave., Charlotte
704/376-3835
www.fuelpizza.com [1]

HOURS: Sun.–Wed. 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Thurs.–Sat. 11 a.m.–3 a.m.

COST: Most entrées less than $10

In the 1950s, there was a gas station on the site where Fuel Pizza now stands. The original gas pumps remain but the racks of motor oil have been traded out for pizza ovens.

The owners are New York transplants who wanted to bring a taste of the Big Apple to Charlotte [2]. Their pizza is made in true New York fashion—fresh dough, real mozzarella, and thick tomato sauce. Like at all good New York pizzerias, the menu has its fair share of wings and salads, too.

The taste caught on and eight more Fuel Pizza locations were opened around town. The original location in Plaza Midwood is the best because it combines piping-hot slices with the character of a historic building, complete with antique gas pumps and filling-station memorabilia.