0 Followers
Joe's Pizza
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Joe's Pizza
8.6
The Carmine Street original of Joe’s remains one of the city’s most photographed slice counters, drawing tourists and locals for its no-frills, foldable New York slice. Service is brusque, seating minimal, but as a fast, cheap, and culturally iconic bite in the middle of the West Village, it still delivers what most people come for.
Must-Try Dishes:
Plain cheese slice, Fresh mozzarella slice, Pepperoni slice
Scores:
Value: 9.2
Service: 7
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 9.3
What makes it special: A classic slice shop that helped define the image of the New York street slice worldwide.
Who should go: Anyone wanting a fast, affordable, archetypal NYC slice experience
When to visit: Mid-afternoon or late night to dodge peak tourist lines
What to order: Plain cheese slice, fresh mozz slice, pepperoni slice
Insider tip: Order your slice well-done for a crisper base and better balance of cheese and sauce.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots on Carmine and Bleecker are scarce, especially evenings and weekends.
Dress code: No dress code—casual streetwear is completely normal.
Noise level: Moderate-to-loud due to constant foot traffic and quick-turnover counter service.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on tourist traffic; lines move quickly.
Weekday lunch: Typically 0–10 minutes, with brief surges during peak sightseeing hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—plain cheese, fresh mozzarella, and several topping combos are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited—no dedicated vegan cheese; a saucy cheese-free slice can be ordered but isn’t the specialty.
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free crust or alternatives offered.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re aiming for a low-key, grab-a-slice walkaround vibe. It’s not a sit-down romantic setting, but great for casual, fast, no-pressure meetups.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations. Seating is extremely limited, so most people stand or take slices to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick stops—simple menu, fast service, and low commitment. No high chairs, stroller space is tight, and seating isn’t guaranteed.
Best For
Better for: Iconic New York foldable slices served fast and cheap—reliable for classic flavor, speed, and cultural cachet.
Skip if: You want specialty pies, extensive toppings, gluten-free options, or a comfortable sit-down meal.
Joe's Pizza
8.6
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Late Night Legends
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Since 1975, Joe’s has defined the classic New York slice on Carmine Street, turning out thin, no-frills pies until the early-morning hours. Lines move quickly, slices come out hot, and late-night crowds treat it as a ritual stop between bars, comedy clubs, and the subway.
Must-Try Dishes:
Plain cheese slice, Fresh mozzarella slice, Sicilian square slice
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 9.4
What makes it special: A landmark slice shop where the original Village slice still runs until 3–4am.
Who should go: Night owls chasing the archetypal New York slice experience.
When to visit: After midnight Thursday–Saturday when the line buzzes.
What to order: Plain slice, fresh mozzarella slice, Sicilian square.
Insider tip: Skip toppings on your first visit and judge the plain slice still blistering from the oven.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; spots are scarce after 7pm and turnover is low. Expect to circle or use nearby paid garages on Varick or Sixth Avenue.
Dress code: No dress code at all—come as you are. Bar crowd attire, casual wear, and post-show outfits all fit in.
Noise level: Moderate to loud, especially after midnight. You can hold a quick conversation but it’s not a sit-and-chat environment.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes for slices; lines move fast even when out the door.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait beyond a short counter line.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—plain cheese slices and occasional fresh mozzarella options.
Vegan options: Limited—no dedicated vegan cheese; only sauce-only slice if requested.
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free crust or accommodations.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if the date is casual. It’s counter-service with minimal seating and a fast-moving crowd—great for a spontaneous stop, not for lingering.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no reservations and seating is extremely limited. Expect to stand or eat on the go during busy hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who handle stand-up eating and late-night energy; less ideal for toddlers due to tight space and comings-and-goings.
Best For
Better for: Classic New York-style slices served hot and fast, late-night reliability, and efficient lines.
Skip if: You want specialty pies, vegan options, gluten-free crusts, or a dine-in environment with real seating.
Joe's Pizza
8.9
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Late Night Legends
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Since 1975, Joe's has defined the classic New York street slice from its Carmine Street counter, turning out thin, foldable pies to constant lines of locals and visitors. Massive multi-platform review volume and decades of press make it a benchmark stop for a fast, affordable taste of Greenwich Village pizza culture.
Must-Try Dishes:
Plain cheese slice, Fresh mozzarella slice, Sicilian square slice
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 9.3
What makes it special: A 1975-born slice counter that set the template for NYC street pizza.
Who should go: First-time visitors and locals craving archetypal NYC slice.
When to visit: Late night after bars or mid-afternoon off-peak.
What to order: Plain cheese slice, fresh mozzarella slice, Sicilian square.
Insider tip: Skip toppings on your first visit and judge the plain slice.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots on Carmine and Bleecker fill quickly and are extremely limited after 6pm.
Dress code: No dress code — casual streetwear, gym clothes, or late-night bar outfits all fit in.
Noise level: Moderate-to-loud; standing-room crowds and constant foot traffic make it more of a grab-and-go environment than a conversation spot.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes for slices; line moves fast even when wrapped outside.
Weekday lunch: Usually under 5 minutes unless a tourist rush hits.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — plain cheese, fresh mozzarella, and Sicilian slices are all vegetarian.
Vegan options: No dedicated vegan slices; marinara slice is sometimes available but not guaranteed.
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free crust or alternatives.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if the date is ultra-casual — it’s standing-room, fast-moving, and more about iconic slices than atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no tables and no reservations; expect counter eating or sidewalk standing.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick bites with older kids; limited space and constant crowds make it less ideal for strollers or toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Classic, no-frills New York slices with unmatched consistency and review volume — ideal for a benchmark NYC pizza experience.
Skip if: You want seating, specialty toppings, gluten-free options, or a quieter sit-down meal.
Joe's Pizza
8.3
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Late Night Legends
Since 1975, the Carmine Street Joe’s has been the prototypical New York slice shop: thin, foldable pies sold from a fast-moving counter with a constant mix of locals and tourists. Families duck in between neighborhood errands or sightseeing, grabbing plain and fresh-mozzarella slices that still set the benchmark for street-level pizza. Seating is tight and turnover is fast, but the value and reliability make it a repeat stop for kids and adults.
Must-Try Dishes:
Plain cheese slice, Fresh mozzarella slice, Sicilian square slice
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: The archetypal New York slice counter with nonstop neighborhood foot traffic.
Who should go: Families wanting fast, iconic slices between West Village adventures.
When to visit: Midday or early evening before peak late-night slice rush.
What to order: Plain cheese slice, fresh mozzarella slice, Sicilian square.
Insider tip: Order a whole pie for groups; it disappears surprisingly fast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots on Carmine and adjacent blocks fill quickly, especially after 6pm.
Dress code: No dress code — casual attire is standard, from jeans to sightseeing wear.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours; conversation is possible but not leisurely.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes for slices; whole pies may take longer during late-night rush.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait beyond a short counter line.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good options — plain cheese, fresh mozzarella, Sicilian, and veggie-topped slices.
Vegan options: Very limited — no dedicated vegan cheese; plain tomato slice sometimes available but not guaranteed.
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free crust or slices; celiac diners should avoid.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date is into classic New York slice culture — this is counter-service, quick, and crowded, not a sit-down experience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — seating is first-come, first-served and very limited. Most guests stand or take slices to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for all ages — fast service, familiar flavors, and low commitment. Strollers fit better outside due to tight space.
Best For
Better for: Classic, no-frills New York slices served fast with consistent quality and great value.
Skip if: You want gluten-free options, extended seating, or a relaxed sit-down meal — nearby pizzerias with larger dining rooms are better fits.