Lions & Tigers & Squares is a Detroit-style pizza counter at 268 W 23rd St in Chelsea, opened by the team behind Artichoke Basille’s Pizza. It draws pizza fans with thick, rectangular pies built for big appetites and quick meals (source: Yelp).
The format is simple: order at the counter, then eat in or take your box to go. Pies follow the Detroit template, with an airy, focaccia-like crust baked in steel pans so the cheese crisps into caramelized edges and sauce often lands on top. The pepperoni pie is a favorite. Early reviewers praised its heavy layer of cupped pepperoni and the shop’s rock-bottom opening prices (source: Yelp). The shop has collected more than 550 Yelp reviews and a 4.2 rating from Tripadvisor diners (sources: Yelp, Tripadvisor).
Visitor Highlights & Practical Info
The shop sits beside the Chelsea movie theater, so lines can build before evening showtimes and on weekend nights. Mid-afternoon on weekdays is usually calmer. Takeout and delivery are available, and the shop accepts credit cards (source: Yelp). Families feeding a group should order whole pies, since slices are filling. The C and E trains stop at 23rd St and 8th Ave, and the 1 train stops at 23rd St and 7th Ave. Check current hours before you go.
