Left: Broadway Joe’s Pizza Logo.
DOORDASH / COURTESY
Right: Goodfellas Pizza & Pasta Logo.
GOODFELLASBRONX.COM / COURTESY
By Elizabeth Kalaj, Web Editor
The Quadrangle continues to attempt to solve the age-old debate regarding the best New York slice around campus.
In 2010, Goodfellas and Broadway Joe’s were compared by The Quadrangle staff and interviewees and again in 2019, against an additional pizza joint that has since closed.
Most students at Manhattan University tend to struggle with agreeing between which restaurant is better to order from for their events on campus and which is more deserving of a spot in Kelly Commons.
In an attempt to solve the debate once and for all in 2024, The Quadrangle looked to MU seniors on campus who range in their love and experience with pizza around Riverdale. No matter the personal ranking of these two pizzerias, everyone The Quadrangle spoke to agreed that both spots are amazing options for a slice.
This past month, senior communication student Sage Clarke tried both Broadway Joe’s and Goodfellas for the first time for an episode in MU Media Network’s series “Bussin’ or Disgustin’”. Clarke shared that she does like pizza, but does not typically crave it or actively choose it as a meal.
A plain slice at Goodfellas is sold at $3.75 and a plain slice from Broadway Joe’s is sold at $3.60. After reviewing both a plain slice and a margherita slice from both locations, Clarke spoke to The Quadrangle about her opinion on what she had tried.
“I think they are both really good,” Clarke said. “I think they are just somewhat different. Broadway Joe’s slice had a thicker crust and was very cheesy which I like. However, Goodfellas had a nice and thin crust with a great ratio of cheese and sauce.”
Clarke shared that she would like to try the buffalo chicken slice offered at Goodfellas, as she has heard alot about the diverse slices offered. However, if she had to choose between the two, Broadway Joe’s would take the spot of first place, as her pizza preferences align more closely with their plain and margarita slices.
Joseph Petti, a senior psychology major at MU, is a New York native that is very passionate about all types of pizza. He has been going to both Broadway Joe’s and Goodfellas since his freshman year and had raving reviews about both spots.
Regarding Goodfellas, Petti spoke about the amazing corner location on a college filled intersection with a welcoming seating setup for getting food with friends. He mentioned that many students work there, which makes it feel like a huge part of the Jasper community. Petti also commented on the quality of food and the variety on the menu, ranging from regular slices to pastas and other Italian influenced meals.
However, Petti expressed his appreciation for the setup of Broadway Joe’s and how it is designed. These comments were reflective of comments written in The Quadrangle’s 2010 “Pizzeria Showdown” by Monica Horan.
“As soon as you walk in, you see walls plastered with New York Yankees, Giants and Jets memorabilia and pictures,” Horan wrote in her article. “On the back wall, you see Manhattan jerseys from almost every sport. On top of the familiarity of the walks, you are usually surrounded by MTA workers, some high school kids and of course [Manhattan University] students.”
Both Horan in 2010 and Petti in 2024 emphasized the comfort in the environment within Broadway Joe’s. Additionally, Horan and Petti both spoke highly about Broadway Joe’s chicken slices.
“When it comes to ordering pizza, I am kind of boring,” Petti said. “I usually go for a normal slice or chicken slice. Whether it is a chicken, bacon and ranch slice or a buffalo chicken slice, Broadway Joe’s just gets it right.”
Petti had similar feelings as Clarke, as he enjoys pizza from both establishments, but would often go to Broadway Joe’s if given the choice.
Katie Henegan ‘22, a Quadrangle alumna, wrote about Broadway Joe’s slice size and quality in her 2019 “Pizza Showdown” article.
“Broadway Joe’s is a classic New York pizzeria with the best regular slice, and the most bang for your buck,” Henegan wrote. “The slices are massive, and there’s something special about this pizza that makes it so delicious.”
The Quadrangle reached out to Henegan to find out if her opinion on the pizzarias had changed as a senior compared to when she wrote the article her freshman year.
“After graduating, I can definitely say Broadway Joe’s is still my favorite pizza spot near campus,” Henegan said. “Goodfellas was always more convenient for off-campus housing, but Broadway Joe’s is better quality.”
Henegan, now living in Manhattan for several years, has expanded her pizza explorations to around all of New York City.
“After living in Manhattan for a few years now, there are definitely plenty of great pizza spots in the city, but I always miss the familiar faces at both Broadway Joe’s and Goodfellas,” Henegan said.
While Broadway Joe’s has won this pizza showdown, the quest to ultimately determine the better establishment continues to live in conversations amongst students.