Joe's Pizza
The Greenwich Village slice shop, open since 1975, serving the platonic ideal of a New York plain slice.
The call
Worth it if you are watching the budget and you only have one day.
Why
- 01
A tiny, fluorescent-lit counter where you grab a foldable plain slice and eat it standing on the sidewalk.
Our read - 02
Electric for anyone chasing the real NYC slice experience; wrong for those wanting to sit, linger, or order anything fancy.
Our read
Is it a fit?
Go if
This is your first trip to New York
If you want to taste the quintessential NYC slice, this is the easy, cheap answer.
You are watching the budget
On a budget, Joe's Pizza still earns its price.
You only have one day
Even on a tight schedule, Joe's Pizza earns the hours.
You are traveling with kids
With kids, Joe's Pizza works.
Think twice if
The main downside would spoil the experience
Electric for anyone chasing the real NYC slice experience; wrong for those wanting to sit, linger, or order anything fancy.
The plates that decide it
- The plain cheese slice — the whole reason to come — order it the way it's meant to be
- A fresh pepperoni slice — reliably good when it's just out of the oven
- Overloaded specialty slices — the plain is the point; keep it classic
Plan it well
- Cost
- A few dollars a slice
- Timing
- Anytime; avoid the late-night bar-close rush at the busiest branch
- Booking
- No reservations — counter only
- Allow
- 10–20 minutes
- Accessibility
- Mostly standing; minimal seating
Sources and method (2)
- Founded in 1975 by Naples-born Pino 'Joe' Pozzuoli; the original Bleecker/Carmine corner closed in 2005 and the shop reopened a few doors down at 7 Carmine Street. en.wikipedia.org ↗
- New York Magazine has named it 'Best of New York' and called it the quintessential New York slice. joespizzanyc.com ↗