Ask “What’s the best pizza in New York City?” and expect a myriad of answers. Sure you’ll see pizza shops all over the 5 boroughs with signs proclaiming BEST PIZZA IN NEW YORK! But you never know if the NY Times said it (doubtful) or the owner’s mom (likely). Still, in any round up or listicle of NYC’s Best Pizza you’re likely to see some popular spots. Joe’s Pizza is always among them.

Joe’s Pizza NYC in Greenwich Village

Google “Joe’s Pizza NYC” and you’ll see they call themselves The Greenwich Village Institution. The original location is a tiny joint just off Bleecker Street that always has a line out the door. Due to their popularity, they have three other locations in Manhattan and one in Williamsburg as well.

I went to Joe’s Pizza the other day because I knew I needed to blog about this NYC icon. Honestly, I went in skeptical, fully prepared to write a post: PERCY’S DOLLAR SLICES ARE BETTER THAN THIS “GREENWICH INSTITUTION”. I’d been once before and had a negative experience – the long line and the wait pissed me off and when I’d finally gotten my slice I felt it had failed to live up to the BEST NYC PIZZA hype of this place.

Is Joe’s Pizza NYC Worth the Hype?

But this second time I went, on a cold day in March rather than a hot day in July like last time, the line moved super quickly and I felt the pizza was absolutely worth the $3 charge.

My crust wasn’t soggy this time, it was expertly chewy. The sauce was flavorful and the cheese was in perfect melty proportion. I literally can here after eating a slice of my favorite dollar slice at Percy’s Pizza. I NEVER expected to finish my Joe’s slice. But I did. It was that good. I even ate every bite of the crust because the chewiness just felt so good in my mouth!

 

 

This face says it all: Joe’s Pizza NYC is worth the hype! Not pictured but I ate every bite!

So maybe Joe’s Pizza won’t have the best New York pizza every time you go. Or maybe if you go with sky high expectations to anything you are sure to be disappointed. I learned Joe’s Pizza is 100% worth a second shot and that if you give it a try it will likely live up to the hype.

What I can say without any doubt is that you should not eat this pizza in the restaurant. It’s crowded and claustrophobic and more New York than the subway at rush hour. Take your slice on its paper plate (save a tree by NOT getting a to-go box) and cross the street to enjoy it in the park that’s right there. You’ll be in good company – this park is basically the outdoor of Joe’s Pizza (usually with some eclectic people watching as well..)

Have you tried Joe’s Pizza? Did it live up to the hype? Do you have a favorite NYC pizza joint? Think I look like a total doof stuffing my face on a park bench (a passer-by totally laughed at me)? Share in the comments!