7 Essential Secrets To Conquering Joe's Pizza Broadway: The Ultimate Times Square Slice Guide

For decades, the debate over the "best New York slice" has raged in the city's culinary circles, but for millions of tourists and savvy locals, the answer is often found under the bright lights of Times Square at Joe's Pizza on Broadway. As of December 2025, this legendary pizza joint continues its reign as a quintessential NYC experience, serving up thin-crust, perfectly balanced slices that embody the spirit of New York-style pizza. This article dives deep into the history, the founder, and the must-know secrets to maximizing your visit to the iconic 1435 Broadway location.

What began as a humble Greenwich Village institution in 1975 has expanded into a global phenomenon, with the Broadway outpost becoming a pilgrimage site for those seeking an authentic, no-frills slice amidst the chaos of Midtown Manhattan. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned New Yorker, understanding the legacy of Joe Pozzuoli and the specific nuances of this Times Square location is key to enjoying what many call the single greatest slice of pizza in the world.

The Neapolitan Legacy: A Biography of Founder Pino "Joe" Pozzuoli

The story of Joe's Pizza is inseparable from the biography of its founder, Pino "Joe" Pozzuoli.

• The One Where They Tanked Jokes 15 Shocking New Secrets From The Friends Tv Show Behind The Scenes G9zdh

• Full Name: Pino "Joe" Pozzuoli
• Origin: Born in Naples, Italy, the undisputed birthplace of pizza.
• Immigration: Pozzuoli immigrated to the United States in the mid-1970s.
• Founding Year: He established his first pizzeria in 1975.
• Original Location: The first Joe's Pizza was located on the corner of Bleecker and Carmine Street in Greenwich Village, Manhattan, quickly becoming a local institution.
• Philosophy: Pozzuoli’s vision was to bring the authentic, simple, and high-quality street-style pizza of his Neapolitan roots to New York City.
• Legacy: Joe’s Pizza is now recognized as one of the few remaining classic New York City pizzerias that still sells authentic, large, thin-crust slices.

Pozzuoli's commitment to the craft—using simple, high-quality ingredients and a traditional thin-crust recipe—is the foundation of the brand's enduring success. The original location is still operating, but the Broadway spot has brought his legendary slice to the world stage.

7 Essential Secrets to Conquering Your Joe's Pizza Broadway Visit

The Joe's Pizza location at 1435 Broadway, near Times Square, is a different experience than the original Carmine Street spot. It's a high-volume, high-energy location where speed and efficiency are key. Here are the secrets to navigating this iconic Midtown pizza spot like a true New Yorker.

1. Know the "Best Slice" is the Classic Cheese

While Joe's offers a variety of whole pies and specialty pizzas, the true measure of its greatness—and the item that draws the legendary lines—is the Classic Cheese Slice.

• The Surprise Vegas Wedding And Shared Grief 5 Shocking Details Of John Schneider And Dee Dee Sorvinos Whirlwind Romance Ohirf

• The Formula: The slice is celebrated for its perfectly thin, foldable crust, the ideal ratio of sweet tomato sauce, and the high-quality, slightly oily mozzarella cheese.
• The Fold: To eat it like a local, fold the slice lengthwise down the middle. This maintains the structural integrity, prevents toppings from sliding off, and is the signature way to consume New York-style pizza on the go.
• The Price Point: Joe's maintains a relatively affordable price point for its slices, particularly given its Times Square location, making it a popular choice for value and quality.

2. The Broadway Location is the Tourist Magnet

Unlike the original, more intimate "Greenwich Village institution" on Carmine Street, the 1435 Broadway location is specifically known for its proximity to Times Square, leading to consistently long lines.

If you see a line snaking out the door, don't be discouraged—it moves fast. The staff are masters of the assembly line, quickly heating and serving slices to keep the massive tourist and theater crowds flowing. This location is also noted for being wider than the downtown storefronts, designed to handle the high volume.

3. Explore the Specialty Menu Beyond the Basic Slice

While the cheese slice is mandatory, Joe's Pizza offers a full menu that caters to diverse tastes, which is a great way to add variety to a return visit.

• The Unseen Story Jessica Simpsons Battle For Privacy And Body Image In A Digital Age Mlvqa

• Popular Specialty Slices: Look out for the Fresh Mozzarella Slice or the Caprese Pie, which features a subtly sweet tomato layer and fresh mozzarella.
• Whole Pies: Whole pies are available (typically 8 slices, often priced around $32.00 as of recent menus), which is the best option for groups or if you are taking a pie to a nearby hotel or Broadway show.
• Other Offerings: The menu also includes Salads, Calzones, and various beverages, though the focus remains squarely on the pizza.

4. Embrace the Late-Night Grind

The Broadway location is a beacon for the late-night crowd, especially those leaving a Broadway show or enjoying the Times Square nightlife. Joe's is known for its extended hours, often staying open until 2:25 am or later, making it a perfect spot for a post-midnight craving.

Visiting during off-peak hours, such as mid-afternoon (2 PM - 5 PM) or immediately after the lunch rush, can significantly reduce your wait time compared to the pre- and post-theater rush (5 PM - 8 PM).

Topical Authority: Joe's Place in the NYC Pizza Pantheon

To truly appreciate Joe's Pizza, one must understand its standing against other titans in the New York pizza pantheon. Joe's is not just a pizza joint; it is a vital part of the city's culinary identity, often cited in the fierce "best of" debates.

The "Best Slice" vs. "Best Pie" Debate

In New York, there is a distinct difference between a "slice joint" and a "pie joint."

• Joe's Pizza (The Slice King): Joe's is the undisputed champion of the classic, grab-and-go New York slice. It’s the benchmark for what a perfect, foldable, street-style slice should taste like. Many experts and locals consider Joe's to be the best plain slice in the city.
• The Pie-Only Contenders: Competitors like John's of Bleecker Street are known for their brick-oven whole pies and famously refuse to sell slices, creating an entirely different dining experience.
• The Specialty Contenders: Other famous spots like Prince Street Pizza are highly regarded for specialty offerings, such as their square, thick-crust Sicilian or spicy pepperoni slices, but they are a different style than Joe's classic Neapolitan-American slice.

Joe's Pizza on Broadway stands out by offering an authentic, high-quality slice experience that is consistently accessible and perfectly executed, solidifying its status as a legendary New York institution since 1975.