TLDR
The quintessential, no-frills NYC slice. An iconic, movie-famous staple for a fast and reliable classic.
Reddit Sentiment for FAMOUS JOE'S PIZZA(based on 248 Reddit opinions)
Details
Widely regarded as the quintessence of the New York slice, this iconic institution is best known for its Carmine Street location [1], [2]. While many patrons cherish the nostalgic, no-frills experience that has persisted for decades, others argue that consistency has dipped in recent years [3], [4]. Despite mixed opinions on modern value, it remains a frequent recommendation for both tourists and locals seeking a reliable, classic staple [5], [6].
Food Overview
The restaurant serves a classic, thin-crust New York slice noted for its simple, traditional profile [1], [3]. While the plain slice is frequently recommended as the definitive choice [2], some customers have noted inconsistencies in crust texture and sauce quality across different locations [4].
Highlights / Recommended
"The standard plain slice is the most highly recommended item, consistently praised for its classic flavor and texture [1], [2]."
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)
Caveats
Wait times can vary significantly by location, with the Times Square branch often experiencing long queues compared to the Carmine Street original [1], [2]. Some longtime patrons feel that the recipe or overall consistency has changed since the 1990s or the COVID-19 pandemic [3], [4].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About FAMOUS JOE'S PIZZA
Recent Reddit Mentions
From 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."
PositiveFrom post: Best Pizza For Nyc Day Trip
"States that Joe's Pizza now accepts cards."
PositiveFrom post: Best Pizza For Nyc Day Trip
"Claims Joe's Pizza declined after changing its flour mix in the 90s."
Negative