This is the final semester of my Stevens career, but that does not mean I’m familiar with the ins and outs of Hoboken. I’m still discovering new spots, new restaurants, and new ideas. My goal in this last semester is to identify the best pizza in Hoboken because I do not have pizza like this in my hometown. As a result, my friend and I are going around Hoboken to compare the best pizza in town.
We started by first making a spreadsheet. This involved exploring the five factors: grease test, hold test, cheese, sauce, and crust. Each factor is rated out of 10 and tested on what the specific restaurant or pizzeria considers as their “plain” pizza.
The grease test: The first factor to consider is the grease test. This measures the amount of oil that drips off a slice of pizza when held vertically. Too much grease can make the pizza greasy and unappetizing, while too little can make it dry and unenjoyable. The ideal slice should have just the right amount of grease, making it satisfying to eat. The highest rating of 10 correlates with the lowest amount of grease.
The hold test: The second factor is the hold test. This measures the strength and structure of the crust, and how well it holds up. A good slice should have a sturdy crust that can support the slice without breaking or getting soggy. The highest rating of 10 correlates with the least floppage and the hold from the base of the crust.
Cheese: The third factor is the cheese. The quality and flavor of the cheese can make or break a pizza. A good slice should have melted cheese that is rich, flavorful, and not overpowering. The highest rating of 10 correlates with the best cheese that exemplifies these findings and is not stringy or messy.
Sauce: The fourth factor is the sauce. The sauce should complement the cheese and toppings, and not overpower them. A good sauce should be flavorful and not too sweet or salty. The highest rating of 10 correlates with the best sauce that packs a punch or stands out from a common tomato sauce.
Crust: The final factor is the crust. A good crust should be crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It should also have a good flavor and not be too thick or too thin. The highest rating of 10 correlates with the best crust that has a crunch and a gentle tug of the slice when biting the pizza.
With so many pizzerias in Hoboken to choose from, it can be difficult to determine which one offers the best slice. But by considering the five factors of the grease, hold, cheese, sauce, and crust test, pizza lovers in Hoboken can make the most informed decisions about where to get their next slice.
To not stir up any controversy, my friend and I will keep our current restaurant ratings/opinions to ourselves. As of February 2023, we have visited 10th Street Pizza and Pasta, Napoli’s, Grimaldi’s, and Giovanni’s. We are trying to get to one place in Hoboken each week.
Reach out to tdameika@stevens.edu if you have any recommendations or questions about our personal ratings in Hoboken.
