When asking yourself about something to do near me in Ann Arbor with a group of friends or family, consider
Joe's Pizza NYC
Why Joe's Pizza NYC is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Joe's Pizza NYC is a beloved New York institution known for serving classic New York-style pizza with a thin, crispy crust and wide slices. Founded in 1975 by Naples-born Joe Pozzuoli, the original location on Carmine Street remains a favored spot for locals and tourists alike. The pizzeria offers a variety of traditional options such as Pepperoni and Mozzarella slices alongside unique signature pies like the Meat Lover, featuring bacon, sausage, and beef, and Joe’s Porky Pie, topped with pulled pork and jalapeños. There is also a vegan pizza and gluten-free bases available, catering to diverse dietary preferences. With locations across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and even internationally, Joe's Pizza maintains its original promise of quality and simplicity. The atmosphere reflects a classic New York slice shop vibe, perfect for casual meetups, quick bites, or late-night cravings, operating until 3 AM. Its convenient presence on delivery platforms makes it an accessible option for hangover cures or spontaneous meals. Celebrity endorsements and a wall of fame add to its charm, making Joe's Pizza not just a restaurant but a cultural landmark in New York City's food scene.
Here's what people think of Joe's Pizza NYC
As of recent, Joe's Pizza NYC holds a 4.4-star rating based on 824 reviews.
Reviews of Joe's Pizza NYC generally highlight its outstanding pizza quality and authentic New York slice experience. Many positive reviews praise the perfectly balanced crust, sauce, and cheese ratio, often emphasizing the crispy thin crust and flavorful toppings such as pepperoni and specialty pies. Customers appreciate the variety on the menu, including vegan and gluten-free options, as well as the friendly staff and inviting atmosphere. The pizza is noted as a must-try for visitors looking for a true NYC pizza experience, with some highlighting it as the best slice in the city. On the other hand, some negative reviews mention that it can be somewhat pricey compared to other pizza spots and that seating is limited, leading many patrons to take their pizza to go. A few reviews also note the business is unclaimed on some platforms, which may affect online engagement and responses to customer feedback. Overall, the sentiment is strongly positive, with Joe's Pizza being recognized as a reliable and iconic destination for authentic New York-style pizza, celebrated by locals, tourists, and celebrities alike.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Yunong Shi
Visiting from NYC, I was genuinely surprised to spot Joe’s Pizza right here in Ann Arbor. The location is perfect, nestled just steps away from the University of Michigan, making it super convenient for students, visitors, and anyone craving a classic NYC slice. I wasn’t even hungry, but I still ordered a Caprese slice—and it turned out to be the best slice of New York-style pizza I’ve had in a long time. The crust is thin and crispy, the sauce is slightly sweet and well-balanced, and the cheese and tomato are fresh and flavorful. Everything about it was just perfect. The shop keeps the classic Joe’s vibe alive: a wall of celebrity photos, a counter lined with giant pizza trays, and that familiar, fast-paced energy. It’s amazing to see an NYC institution brought to life so faithfully in the Midwest. Highly recommend ed!
Naz N
Delicious, famous pizza here in Ann Arbor. Thin sliced pizza was my favorite, definitely a go to. Nice indoor and outdoor seating areas as well. The 5 dollar minimum for credit cards was kind of annoying if you only buy one slice, but adding a bottle of water didn’t hurt. Still worth it though.
Adam Goodwin
Stopped in for a business work trip after checking out campus. Small entry way but had multiple pies laid out in front for customers. $4.50 / slice - common price - good quality slice. Will be back !
Dana Foster
This pizza tastes like burned oven. I was intrigued by the good online reviews, so I decided to try this place. I ordered a cheese pizza for delivery, no modifications. I was a bit disappointed to see so many big bubbles in the cheese when I opened the box. I tried a slice and was immediately disappointed. All I can taste is burned food. I have no idea what the sauce tastes like. All I taste is burn flavor. I can’t taste the cheese either. I’m not sure if it’s this place’s thing to overcook their pies or if I was just unlucky. I know some people really like dry, black, hard crunch, cracker pizza, but it’s definitely not for me. This pie was way over done. I’ll never understand why people like to eat food that just tastes like burned food. NYPD is so much better for authentic NY pizza, unless charred pie is your thing, then definitely order here!
Aria Savadkouei
Definitely not the exact replica of the original Joe’s in the west village. Overall, it’s great pizza. And very similar to the original thing in most aspects. The dough in particular is great. BUT, the biggest difference, and this pizza’s weakest link, is the sauce. The sauce is overly sweet and lacks tang. Other than that, a reliably good slice of pizza. Pro tip: ask for slice to be “well-done”. Thank me later.
How to reach Joe's Pizza NYC
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Why Joe's Pizza NYC may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Joe's Pizza NYC with your friends? Because this iconic pizzeria offers more than just delicious slices—it creates a vibrant atmosphere perfect for groups looking to enjoy classic New York-style pizza together. Renowned for its thin, crispy crust and well-balanced tomato-cheese ratio, Joe's Pizza is a landmark destination that invites friends and family to gather and share an authentic slice of NYC culture. Whether you're locals or tourists, the buzzing energy, the generous portions, and the unpretentious vibe make it a great spot to bond and savor a well-crafted meal. The place often has long lines—a sign of its popularity—but the wait moves swiftly thanks to efficient service, ensuring your group won’t be stalled for long. Additionally, its location in areas like Manhattan’s Financial District or Midtown offers easy accessibility for groups exploring the city. The live energy of the crowded dining space, paired with huge, hot slices, creates a genuine New York experience that resonates with friends looking to enjoy good food in a lively setting.
What activities can you do with a group at Joe's Pizza, and why is it perfect for meetups? First and foremost, Joe's Pizza serves as a casual yet iconic meeting point. Groups can enjoy sampling a variety of classic pizza choices, from the traditional Margherita to the white pizza with spinach or the fully loaded Supreme slice. Sharing these large, foldable slices encourages a communal dining experience. The fast service allows groups to eat quickly or linger over their food as they chat. For those who prefer a more social vibe, the location provides tables inside the bustling space and additional standing tables under a shaded tent outdoors—ideal for people who want to mingle while enjoying their slices. The lively crowds add to the experience; it’s common to meet fellow pizza lovers, making it an informal social hub in the city.
Beyond eating, Joe's Pizza’s proximity to NYC’s famous landmarks makes it a convenient stop to combine with other group activities, such as sightseeing or walking tours. Many groups choose to start or end their city adventures here, using it as a natural meetup spot. Evening visits are especially popular since Joe’s is open late—often until 3 a.m.—catering perfectly to night owls and making it an excellent choice for late-night gathering after events or shows. Plus, the location's casual setup means you won’t feel pressured to dress formally, creating a comfortable environment to just relax and enjoy each other's company.
Why is Joe’s Pizza NYC a great spot for a group meetup in terms of ambiance and service? The atmosphere at Joe’s Pizza is classic, simple, and unpretentious, which adds to the appeal for groups wanting a laid-back hangout. The pizzeria boasts a lively and energetic vibe due to its popularity and the steady flow of customers. While it can get crowded, the space feels vibrant and full of life, ideal for groups who enjoy a bustling scene with a bit of background noise rather than quiet dining. The service is fast and efficient, helping to handle even large crowds with minimal wait times. This efficiency is critical when meeting with friends, as it allows you to focus on socializing instead of waiting long periods for food.
Moreover, the pizza itself delivers consistent quality—thin, crispy crusts with well-balanced sauce and cheese ensure everyone in the group will find something enjoyable on the menu. The large slices are perfect for sharing, and the pizza remains hot and fresh when served, adding to the pleasure of group dining. Some locations even offer unique slices like the white pizza variant, providing options beyond the classic tomato-based pies. The affordability combined with generous portions supports group outings where you don’t have to worry about overspending. This encourages a relaxed vibe where the emphasis remains on fun and togetherness.
How accessible is Joe’s Pizza NYC for groups, and does its location support gathering with friends or family? Joe’s Pizza has multiple locations throughout Manhattan, including the Financial District, Midtown, and Greenwich Village, making it highly accessible regardless of where your group is exploring. Its centrality in busy NYC neighborhoods allows groups to easily arrive by subway or foot, fostering spontaneous meetups without complicated travel logistics. This accessibility means whether your friends are coming from across the city or visiting from out of town, gathering at Joe’s is generally straightforward.
The spots themselves are designed to accommodate a fluctuating crowd, with seating arrangements that encourage mingling and conversation. Outside standing tables with shade add a nice outdoor option, especially during warmer months, offering a relaxed setting to chat and enjoy the city ambiance together. Being near bustling city hubs means your group can conveniently combine dining with other planned activities, making Joe’s not only a meal destination but also a fantastic starting or ending point for NYC excursions.
How does the food quality and menu variety at Joe’s contribute to its suitability for group gatherings? The hallmark of Joe’s Pizza is its reliably delicious classic New York slices—thin crust, properly balanced sauce, and just the right touch of cheese. For groups, having a taste-tested, crowd-pleasing pizza allows everyone to enjoy familiar flavors without disappointment. Large slices means sharing is easy, and the variety—from classic pepperoni and Supreme pizzas to vegetarian options like the spinach white pizza—makes it suitable for diverse tastes within your group.
The pizza is hot and fresh, often served moments after baking, a factor that keeps the experience satisfying and indulgent. Many reviews praise the thin yet sturdy crust that holds toppings without becoming soggy, perfect for holding and social eating. The simple menu focuses on quality rather than complexity, which speeds up ordering and ensures consistent satisfaction. For groups, this means less waiting and more enjoyment, creating a perfect food experience to complement your social time.
What are some insider tips for hosting a meetup at Joe’s Pizza NYC to maximize fun and comfort? Arriving during off-peak hours, such as early morning or late afternoon, can help your group avoid the busiest lines and snag tables faster. Since Joe’s is open late, nighttime visits after events can work well for relaxed, informal gatherings. If your group is large, consider splitting into smaller parties to ease seating constraints, as space can be limited during peak times.
Make use of the outdoor shaded standing tables if indoor seating is scarce, allowing you to stay comfortable while chatting between bites. Ordering a mix of classic and specialty slices can satisfy all palates and offer variety for your group to share and compare. Bringing along non-pizza snacks or drinks isn’t necessary due to the affordable prices and substantial pizza portions, but it’s helpful to know the pizzeria offers quick and efficient service to keep lines moving. Finally, embracing the lively, informal vibe will let your group enjoy the authentic New York pizzeria experience to the fullest.
In summary, Joe’s Pizza NYC is more than just a pizza joint; it’s a vibrant social hub where friends and family can gather to enjoy some of the best classic New York slices. With its lively atmosphere, fast service, excellent accessibility, and crowd-pleasing menu, it stands out as an ideal spot for group meetups. Whether you are winding down after exploring the city or kicking off a night out, Joe’s provides a welcoming space to share great food and even better company.