Move over people, the champ is here. Joe’s is the best slice in Manhattan. It’s been like that forever and will remain that way for eternity. If you can make a case for any other slice on the island of Manhattan, please let us know. The menu is simple and usually there are three options: plain, fresh mozzarella and Sicilian (sometimes you can catch a Pepperoni pie too). If you’re ordering by the pie then there’s the additional toppings option, but why mess with perfection? The kitchen operation is a well oiled machine and keeps hot pies blazing out of the oven one after the other. Unlike a place like Artichoke, which makes lining up to vote look like fun, the line at Joe’s is the epitome of efficiency. You can be backed up 15 deep on the sidewalk and still be in and out with your slices in 10 minutes, easy. Bonus points to Joe’s for owning one of the best fountain cokes around, with just the right balance of syrup, carbonation, and water.
Food Rundown:
Plain
Joe’s isn’t “famous” for their coal burning oven or fresh, imported ingredients. They’re famous for their no frills, crave-worthy slices. What’s the most prolific of the bunch? That would be their $2.50 plain slice. As with all their pizza, the crust is thin and chewy with a nice crisp outside. I think I could eat a whole pie in one sitting. I’ve never tried, but if someone wants to throw in money to watch me try, I’m game.
Fresh Mozzarella
Talk about addiction. Joe’s might use the same illegal ingredients Café Habana puts on top of their corn for this. My standard two slices and a soda order from Joe’s will always include a fresh mozz if it’s available. Don’t let the thin stature fool you, this slice makes up for it in flavor. The fresh mozz has a sweet taste to it and possesses just the right combination of cheese and tomato sauce.
Sicilian
Joe’s sicilian is a classic. Traditional thick Italian bread overflowing with cheese and tomato sauce make this monster look just as good as it tastes. It’s not better than either the plain or the fresh mozzarella, but if you’re in the mood for something more substantial, this slice hits the spot.
