Corner Slice — Review by Eater

The Dishes

The star of Corner Slice is undoubtedly their massive garlic knot, a reinvention of a pizza shop standard. Unlike traditional garlic knots where flavoring is applied only to the outside, Corner Slice integrates a generous garlic butter filling throughout the dough using a braiding technique similar to making babka. The filling itself is no simple mixture - it starts with a slow-cooked garlic confit simmered for two and a half hours, which is then whipped into unsalted butter in an almost equal ratio, creating an intensely flavorful base. After baking, the knots receive a final coating of a 50/50 blend of Pecorino and Grana Padano cheese mixed with fresh parsley, then a quick second bake to create a crispy crust. When torn apart, you can see the beautiful layered braiding of the dough, and each piece offers the perfect balance of flaky, buttery interior contrasting with the crispy exterior. Served alongside a housemade tomato sauce made from Jersey fresh crushed tomatoes and California whole plum tomatoes with garlic puree, salt, and a careful balance of sweetness and earthiness, the experience of dipping and devouring these knots is described as communal and memorable.

The Experience

Corner Slice operates as a traditional slice shop with a pizza case, but the massive garlic knots immediately command attention. Co-owners and brothers Mike and Pete have created a space where customers often do a double-take when they spot these impressive creations. The knots are large enough to tear apart and share, encouraging a communal dining experience. The brothers are clearly passionate about their craft, with Pete handling the baking and dough expertise while Mike focuses on the chef-owner responsibilities. The workshop-style description of their process reveals a meticulous, detail-oriented operation where consistency and quality matter tremendously.

Value and Pricing

While specific pricing is not mentioned in the transcript, the description of the garlic knots as their most-ordered item and the obvious care and craftsmanship involved suggest they represent good value for a specialty item at a pizzeria.

Notable Moments

This is a lot going on, but it tastes like the ultimate expression of garlic knot.

It's fun seeing like the difference in people's reactions. They're just expecting a slice shop and then they come in and they see some monstrosity.

Getting this garlic knot and with a table of people and everyone tearing it apart together, dipping it in sauce is almost as great as the classic suburban tradition of the blooming onion.

The Verdict

Corner Slice has successfully innovated on a stagnant category by bringing serious bakery-level technique to the humble garlic knot. This establishment is perfect for pizza lovers seeking something more ambitious than typical slice shop fare, and for groups who enjoy sharing and tearing apart oversized bread creations. The meticulous attention to detail in sourcing ingredients, developing the dough, and crafting the filling makes this a destination item worth seeking out for anyone who appreciates artisanal bread and bold garlic flavors.