Journey to Find the Best Slice in NYC

In the journey to find the best Pizza place in New York city, Sam, Heath and I traveled far and wide in the city. All three of us, avid food lovers and New Yorkers, have grown up on pizza. The New York Slice is a dish so iconic it has arguably overshadowed pizza from everywhere else. I will be talking about two iconic pizza places that are mere blocks away in Greenwich, both staple destinations of the New York slice.

Joe’s Pizza: 

Joe’s is probably the most famous pizza joint in NYC. Established in 1975 by Joe Pozzuoli, who is originally from Naples, Italy, the birthplace of pizza, Joe's Pizza is a "Greenwich Village institution" offering the classic New York slice for over 47 years. At 75 years of age, Joe Pozzuoli still owns and operates the restaurant. It has been praised by countless critics; in 2018, New York Times restaurant critic Pete Wells noted, “When neoclassical slice-shop owners say they emulate the old-school joints that still obsess over quality, Joe’s is one of the places they’re talking about.” Although some say it has turned into a tourist destination and lost its charm, Joe’s pizza still represents the ultimate New York pizza place, and most of their slices are undeniably good. 

As we approached Joe’s, we were greeted by the long line, a constant sight at the very well known establishment. However, the line went quickly; Joe’s is that type of place, where people are in and out in 2 minutes. They value themselves in quick service and top quality slices in your hand seconds after you pay. An ATM stands right next to the door, a friendly reminder of their cash-only policy. The small space inside screams New York City, with pictures of celebrities (with signatures) all around the wall. The people in the shop range from young tourists to old natives, all waiting for the classic New York Slice. Spending 14 dollars cash, I order all four of the pizzas on the menu, one Sicilian slice, one margarita, one pepperoni, and one classic cheese, and the slices are in my hand within 2 minutes. (Longer than usual, but it was a saturday night, so it was understandable)

Cheese Pizza

The cheese slice offered a balanced experience, combining a decent crust with a great sauce flavor. While there was a bit of a flop at the end, it maintained a crispy texture overall, making it a solid choice for a classic slice. It cooled off quickly, but while it was hot the slice was delectable. The crust was satisfactory, providing a good base for the flavorful sauce and cheese combination. Truly the classic slice.

Margarita Pizza

The margherita pizza stood out for its crispiness and well-executed crust, which was less soggy compared to the cheese pizza. Despite having minimal sauce, the flavor was commendable and worked well with the cheese, which was notably delicious. The mozzarella flavor really enhanced the slice with its rich flavor, and the slice maintained its crispiness for the longest duration of time. This pizza would appeal to those who prefer a drier, crispier slice with a rich cheese flavor. By far the best of the three slices. 

Sicilian Pizza

The Sicilian pizza, unfortunately, fell short in several areas. It was too doughy, detracting from the overall texture and enjoyment. The cheese had a peculiar aftertaste and was overwhelmingly cheesy, which might not appeal to everyone. Adding more sauce could improve the balance and enhance the flavor, addressing some of the shortcomings noted. It fills your stomach and satisfies your hunger, but not your tastebuds. 

Bleecker Street Pizza 

Nearby Joe’s Pizza, Bleecker Street Pizza is lesser known by most people but beloved by locals. The pizzeria was established in 2004, serving the people of New York with our best-selling Nona Marie Pie—an old family recipe that has been their customer’s favorite. Today, they say they are now offering more flavors with “only the finest ingredients at an affordable price.” It certainly has the accolades to back these claims up: it was voted best pizza by Food Network 3 years in a row, 2nd best pizzeria in NYC by Trip Advisor, and one of the top 10 pizzeria in New York State by USA Today. 

The pizzeria inside felt authentic; though a relatively young pizza place, Bleecker Street manages to replicate that nostalgic and old feeling of any long standing establishment. It has the typical photos of celebrities on the wall and the green wallpaper filled with the New York City skyline. The line was longer than expected, nearly stretching out the door; it took a solid 5 to 6 minutes for us to order. We ordered four slices out of the mass variety they had: one cheese, one pepperoni, one Sicilian, and one of their signature slices, the Nonna Maria/margarita slice. Our total came up to a little over 12 dollars, being cheaper than Joe’s. After waiting another solid 5 minutes, our slices were piping hot and ready to eat. 

Cheese Pizza

The cheese pizza offered a delightful experience for those who appreciate a traditional slice. It boasts all the classic characteristics of a good slice: a great cheese taste that truly stands out and with a crispy texture that adds to its appeal. This pizza embodies the very essence of a classic NYC slice, making it a reliable choice for anyone craving that iconic flavor. However, while it delivers on expectations, it may not offer anything particularly unique for those seeking something beyond the standard. We would recommend it as the perfect snack slice, not something for a main course but something to quench your hunger. 

Pepperoni Pizza

Our pepperoni pizza, despite its potential, fell short due to excessive greasiness. The pepperoni itself was flavorful, a highlight of the slice, but the overwhelming amount of grease turned it into an "oil city," causing the undercarriage to quickly become soggy. This detracted significantly from the overall experience, leading to a sense of disappointment. While the taste of the pepperoni was commendable, the execution left much to be desired. Just order the cheese if you want a classic slice. 

Margarita Pizza (Nonna Maria)

Living up to the expectation of being the signature slice, the margarita pizza was a refreshing and flavorful option, distinguished by its amazing sauce. The chunks of tomato in the sauce were a standout feature, though more of them would enhance the pizza even further. Fresh mozzarella made a significant difference, adding a creamy richness that complemented the sauce. A drizzle of olive oil added a nice touch, rounding out the flavors. Notably, this pizza utilized a different sauce with much more flavor, setting it apart from more conventional margarita pizzas. By far the best slice of the four. 

Sicilian Pizza

The Sicilian pizza impressed with its fluffy texture and beautiful crunch, achieving a perfect balance. The sauce was exceptional, having the perfect tartness and tomato flavor. The addition of Parmesan alongside the normal cheese provided an extra layer of taste that was well-appreciated. However, more sauce would be appreciated, as an extra helping could elevate the pizza to an even higher standard. Overall, a great Sicilian slice.