Joe's Pizza: Buffalo's Unsung Hero of Slices, Subs, and Seriously Good Prices

I was running errands downtown last weekend, mostly hitting up the shops around Lafayette Square. All that walking makes a girl hungry, so I decided to grab a quick bite nearby. That's when I stumbled upon Joe's New York Style Pizza. From the outside, it's unassuming – the kind of place you might walk right past. But trust me, that would be a mistake.

Joe's is the real deal: no-frills, order-at-the-counter goodness. The menu is huge. Pizza, of course, but also subs, wings, pasta, and gyros. It feels like a real neighborhood spot with regulars chatting while they waited for their orders. I went straight for the pizza – a couple of classic cheese slices ($2.50 each). The crust was perfectly crispy, the sauce had a tangy sweetness, and the cheese was that perfect, melty, slightly browned kind. Absolute perfection!

But I didn't stop there. I was curious about the tacos. The Chicken Taco ($4.95) to be exact. I opted for medium spice, and it was the perfect level of heat. The chicken was tender, and the toppings were fresh. A total steal for that price. Next time I will need to explore the gyros, perhaps the beef ($6.75), which I saw someone else order and it looked amazing!

Beyond the pizza and tacos, I noticed some other tempting options. The 11 oz. Beer Battered Haddock ($11.50) sounded incredible, and the sides were calling my name. Fresh broccoli and spinach sides for only $3.95? What a way to eat something nourishing while enjoying pizza!

After my late lunch, I decided to walk it off with a stroll through Canalside. It was a beautiful day, and the waterfront views were stunning. It made me think how easy it would be to grab a pizza from Joe's and have a picnic by the water. Or maybe take the pizza to go and go check out the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens!

Joe's isn't fancy, but it's honest. It's the kind of place where you can get a satisfying meal without breaking the bank. The prices are reasonable, the portions are generous, and the food is just plain good. Next time you are downtown, skip the chains and head to Joe's. You won't regret it. Especially if you are looking for something delicious and affordable near Lafayette Square.