Settling The Harvard Square Pizza Debate, And The Winner Is…

Author Jeff Gorra

May 28th 2:37 PM

I spent two days this Memorial Day weekend among the masses in Cambridge, with Boston Calling upon us. While here, I took it upon myself to settle the Harvard Square pizza debate once and for all. There was only one way to do this. Eat a lot of pizza.

Let me first set the stage. It’s proper we acknowledge the iconic establishment that is Pinocchio’s Pizza at 74 Withrop Street first. For over 50 years this establishment has been serving up fresh and hot pizza to the neighborhood. Known for their great Silicilan style, they’ve also long been a favorite of Mark Zuckerberg, who often spoke of how often he ate here while creating Facebook as a Harvard student. In fact, Zuckerberg’s recent 40th birthday party included a replica of Pinocchio’s being built.

Since 1966, this pizza restaurant has been a standard in Harvard Square. Then, this past September Joe’s Pizza opened up shop at 3 Brattle St. If you are unfamiliar, Joe’s is a legendary pizzeria out of New York City. They offer large New York-style slices without a ton of frills. Just consistent and tasty quality pizza.

These two places are a stone’s throw from each other. We’re talking .3 miles, one left turn and one right turn. So, let’s say the bars are getting out and you’re making your way home. Or you’re just on the hunt for a great lunch slice. Which one are you choosing? It’s great problem to have.

Do you go with which one is closer and most convenient? Or perhaps you just stick with the place you are partial to. Or you might be in the mood for one particular style over another.

Well, someone had to roll up their sleeves and put the two head-to-head in the same day. While I acknowledge and have also tried other establishments like OTTO and Toscano, Pinocchio’s and Joe’s are arguably on another level.

Here Are My Harvard Square Pizza Battle Results

I stopped at Joe’s first. This was intentional. I have eaten Pinocchio’s dozens of times, and I truly love it. In fact, I consider it one of my favorite pizza places in all of the greater Boston area.

However, I grew up right outside of New York City and lived in Manhattan for seven years. The original Joe’s downtown is often my answer when asked what my favorite pizza on the planet is. There’s something different about the original spot though. While Joe’s other locations (which are newer) are still great, the Broadway hole-in-the-wall can’t be matched. So, I had to see what Joe’s is like in Boston now.

It was my first time at their Harvard Square shop, and I admit it did look like a bit of a tourist attraction. They have a great corner location, and the doors were kept wide open. I opted for no toppings, just the original cheese pizza. If you are going to be an all-star pizza restaurant, you have to hit the plain cheese slice out of the park.

Joe’s in Harvard Square hit it at least to the warning track. Don’t get me wrong, the slice was fantastic. If it was in my south shore town, it would be the best pizza in town. It just fell victim to not being close to as good as what they are cooking in New York. The slice had crunch, which was important. There certainly was no lack of cheese either. To be picky, there was just a bit too much crust, or at least more than I recall they tend to have in New York.

Next, I get to Pinocchio’s where you have to turn the tight corner and pull open the small door yourself. It had been a full year since I’d been there, but you walk up that step and get hit with that old-school pizzeria charm immediately. You have to navigate the tight corners to get to the ordering counter. Again, I went with cheese only, but in their classic Sicilian style.

It was just as consistently delicious as it always is. The sauce is a bit sweet, and no matter how long they heat up your pizza, they always seem to know the exact moment to hand it to you so that it is perfectly hot (but not burn-your-mouth hot). The flavor this weekend was the same flavor I got hooked on as a college student (surprisingly, no I did not go to Harvard).

The results are in.

And still the heavyweight champion of the world…

Pinocchio’s it is. I love Joe’s Pizza still. In fact, if I was craving just a thin traditional NY-style slice, I would go to Joe’s. For great Harvard Square pizza in general though, I just can’t pass up Pinocchio’s. It is consistently simple and delicious with its signature flavors each and every time. It also contains a more authentic overall experience.

Let’s put it this way: it’s the place I ordered extra to bring home and save for another time because it’s just that hard to find around here.

Perhaps my scoring will be different in the future. I’ll pencil in another round to occur next year in conjunction with my Boston Calling agenda. I’m happy for any establishment to take on the defending champion. But right now, Pinocchio’s will be hard to beat.

Author Jeff Gorra

Category:

• Local News

Tags:

Pizza,restaurants