TLDR
The canonical NYC slice for many, this classic spot serves up an iconic and reliable quick bite that remains a must-visit for pizza enthusiasts.
Reddit Sentiment for FAMOUS JOE'S PIZZA(based on 246 Reddit opinions)
Details
Known as a quintessential New York City pizza experience, this institution is widely regarded as a benchmark for a classic slice [1], [2]. While the original Carmine Street location remains a nostalgic favorite for many, others have noted a decline in consistency and quality in recent years [3], [4]. Some patrons now find the pricing steep compared to the quality offered [5], [6].
Food Overview
The restaurant specializes in classic New York style pizza, with the plain slice being the most frequently recommended order [1], [2]. While many diners cherish the simple, classic flavor profile, some have criticized the texture as overly floppy or soggy, and others have specifically advised against the fresh mozzarella slice in favor of the standard option [3], [4], [6].
Highlights / Recommended
Mentioned Dishes:
- •plain slice(3)
- •pizza (carmine street)(2)
- •pizza (times square)(2)
- •crust(2)
- •sauce(2)
- •plain cheese slice(2)
- •pepperoni slice(2)
- •pizza slice(2)
Customer Sentiment
Sentiment is deeply divided between loyalists who view it as the standard for a great, unpretentious New York slice and critics who perceive it as an overpriced, inconsistent tourist trap [1], [5]. While many still praise its reliability, others feel the quality has suffered post-COVID [4], [6].
Caveats
Wait times can be long, particularly at the high-traffic Times Square location, and some long-time patrons argue that consistency has dipped significantly compared to historical standards [1], [4].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About FAMOUS JOE'S PIZZA
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Reigning Pizza Slice Downtown Manhattan Lindustrie
"Critiques the FiDi location as being very poor compared to the original."
NegativeFrom post: Reigning Pizza Slice Downtown Manhattan Lindustrie
"Considered the quintessential NYC pizza, with the original location being the best."
PositiveFrom post: Need A Reco For Your Favorite Pizza In Soho That
"Considered a worthy place."
PositiveFrom post: Since When Did Joes Pizza Increase To 57 A Slice
"Describes the pizza as mediocre and criticizes the distribution of cheese, noting it is a tourist-focused establishment."
NegativeFrom post: Since When Did Joes Pizza Increase To 57 A Slice
"Notes that the restaurant has seen both significant price increases and a drop in quality, seemingly leaning into being a tourist attraction."
NegativeFrom post: Since When Did Joes Pizza Increase To 57 A Slice
"The user argues that Joe's has lost its value proposition and is now more expensive than higher-end places like L'Industrie, which they consider better quality."
NegativeFrom post: Since When Did Joes Pizza Increase To 57 A Slice
"The user clarifies that the price hike is likely at the Broadway location, noting Carmine St is cheaper, and suggests sticking to Carmine for better value."
NeutralFrom post: Since When Did Joes Pizza Increase To 57 A Slice
"States that the pizza is a rip-off and specifically dislikes their pepperoni."
NegativeFrom post: Since When Did Joes Pizza Increase To 57 A Slice
"The user expresses a strong negative opinion, labeling the institution as the most overrated in the city."
NegativeFrom post: Which Restaurants Recently Exceeded Your
"The user found two slices from Joe's Pizza on Carmine Street to be absolutely perfect, highlighting its crispiness, sauce, flavor, and saltiness as representative of a classic New York slice."
PositiveFrom post: How Does My Memorial Day Weekend Plan Sound For
"The user plans to visit Joe's on Carmine as part of a pizza tour."
NeutralFrom post: Food Itinerary Etiquette And Opinions
"Joe's on Carmine is part of the user's extensive pizza itinerary."
PositiveFrom post: Best Pizza For Nyc Day Trip
"Joe's Pizza is the top recommendation, advising against considering other options."
PositiveFrom post: Best Pizza For Nyc Day Trip
"Suggests Joe's Pizza as a top choice, especially since the Sbarro in Times Square closed."
NeutralFrom post: Best Pizza For Nyc Day Trip
"Advises to avoid the Times Square location of Joe's Pizza as that's where the lines are."
NegativeFrom post: Best Pizza For Nyc Day Trip
"Joe's Pizza is considered a good backup option."
NeutralFrom post: Best Pizza For Nyc Day Trip
"Responds to criticism of Joe's Pizza, stating it's still good and consistently recommended, despite a potentially better version existing in the past."
PositiveFrom post: Best Pizza For Nyc Day Trip
"The fresh mozzarella slice at Joe's Pizza is highly recommended."
PositiveFrom post: Best Pizza For Nyc Day Trip
"Joe's Pizza on Carmine St is recommended for a good old-school NY slice."
NegativeFrom post: Best Pizza For Nyc Day Trip
"Joe's Pizza is a go-to, especially the OG location, and is recommended over Luigi's."
Positive