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Joe's Pizza
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Joe's Pizza
8.0
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Late Night Legends
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Sicilian-born owner Giuseppe Vitale brings decades of New York pizza-making expertise to this no-nonsense slice shop. The thin-crust pizzas feature homemade dough and fresh ingredients with authentic technique, though quality varies by timing—fresh pies from the oven deliver crispy perfection while reheated slices can disappoint.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cheese Pie (fresh), Caprese Pizza, White Pizza
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Owner's 40+ years NY pizzeria experience since the 1980s
Who should go: NY pizza traditionalists and late-night diners
When to visit: Thursday-Saturday evenings when fresh pies come out
What to order: Order whole pie extra cheese well-done, not reheated slices
Insider tip: Multiple LA locations but Sherman Oaks offers gluten-free crust
Joe's Pizza
8.3
Owner Giuseppe Vitale brings authentic Sicilian-born New York pizza mastery to Sherman Oaks with hand-tossed thin crust pies featuring crispy edges and proper fold. The ultra-thin slices achieve the right balance of crunch and chew, with standout gluten-friendly options that match the quality of traditional pies.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Cheese Pie, Caprese Pizza, Pepperoni Slice
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: NYC authenticity from Sicilian pizzaiolo with locations spanning LA's West Coast
Who should go: New York pizza purists and late-night slice seekers
When to visit: Late night Thursday-Saturday, open until midnight
What to order: Cheese pie by the slice, Caprese pizza, Meat Lovers
Insider tip: Free delivery within the area makes this perfect for home dining
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking usually available; small lot behind building. Easier to find spots than on Ventura Blvd
Dress code: Come as you are - jeans, t-shirts, workout gear all common. This is authentic NYC slice shop casual
Noise level: Moderate to high during peak hours - bustling pizzeria energy but can still chat at tables
Weekend wait: 10-15 min for slices, 20-30 min for whole pies Friday-Saturday nights
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min typically, faster if ordering by the slice
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - excellent Margherita, Caprese, and veggie-loaded options. Can customize any pie
Vegan options: Limited - cheese-less pies available with veggies, but not a specialty here
Gluten-free options: Yes - dedicated gluten-friendly crust that reviewers say rivals the regular thin crust quality
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual early dates or post-activity meetups. The no-frills counter service and bustling vibe works if you both appreciate authentic NYC pizza culture, but skip if you want intimate ambiance
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations taken - it's counter service with first-come seating. Weekday evenings usually fine, but expect 10-15 min waits during Friday-Saturday dinner rush
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely - casual atmosphere, quick service, and pizza that kids actually love. High chairs available. The late-night hours (until midnight Thu-Sat) also work for families with flexible schedules
How does the gluten-free crust actually taste? Legitimately good - reviewers specifically praise it as matching traditional quality with proper crispness, not the cardboard substitute you find elsewhere
Is it worth going just for a slice? Yes - this is designed for the NYC experience of grabbing a slice. The by-the-slice quality matches whole pies, and you're out in 10 minutes
Best For
Better for: Authentic NYC-style thin crust with proper fold and char, late-night cravings (open until midnight weekends), quick quality slices, gluten-free that doesn't compromise, free delivery convenience
Skip if: You want thick Chicago-style or artisan sourdough crust, need a romantic date atmosphere, prefer sit-down table service, want creative/gourmet topping combinations, or are seeking Neapolitan wood-fired style