Club Spotlight: NYU Pizza Club Knows Washington Square’s Best Slices

NYU Pizza Club, Fresh From the Oven

As a first-year student on the men’s basketball team, Alan Mashensky sought a way to get involved on campus outside of athletics. Wandering through NYU Club Fest, where students discover all sorts of clubs and organizations, he noticed a lack of pizza-related groups. Inspiration—and perhaps a bit of hunger—struck, leading him to the Student Activities Board with an idea for a club dedicated to building community around pizza. After completing a new club application process, NYU Pizza Club was born.

“We had about 60 students at the first meeting, so there was a really big interest in something like this on campus,” says Alan, who is now a senior Economics major at the College of Arts and Science. Two years later and NYU Pizza Club is thriving with 320 students on the roster. “It’s been an incredible thing to see grow.”

What To Expect at an NYU Pizza Club Meeting

NYU Pizza Club meets a few times each semester to socialize, relax, and (of course) eat pizza. Some students eat slowly, analyzing every bite for cheesiness, sauce composition, and crust quality. Others are less methodical, but equally passionate. Neither method is right or wrong: Shared enjoyment and connection are what matter. ​

Occasionally, the club hosts special events. For example, Scott Wiener, a pizza influencer who runs Scott’s Pizza Tours, recently stopped by. Scott and his team host tours of New York City’s best pizza shops, referring to themselves as “the world’s biggest pizza nerds.” ​

“Scott spoke about his pizza journey, what pizza means to New York City, and how he shaped his life and community around that,” says Alan. From the New York City water that’s fabled to elevate pizza quality to the hyperspecific makeup of great dough, Scott took club members through everything he considers when evaluating a great slice. “Having someone of his caliber come in and talk to students sets a great precedent for future events,” shares Alan.

NYU Pizza Club’s Favorite New York City Slice

If you’ve read this far, you might be craving a slice of pizza. Fear not: NYU Pizza Club knows where to go. Alan’s top spot is Lucia Pizza, which has multiple locations across the city. “That’s probably my favorite pizza shop of all time,” he says, noting the vodka slice as his go-to order.

​For Josie Munson, a senior majoring in Real Estate at the School of Professional Studies, it’s got to be Mama’s TOO! Pizzeria in the West Village—especially their buffalo chicken slice. “It’s a thick square slice with a variety of classic and unique toppings that make a visit always a treat,” she says. 

While members have their personal favorites, the club uses a 10-star ranking system to collectively judge the pizzas they try, keeping a list of their most-loved pies. Sitting at the top of the list is Lucia Pizza of SoHo, followed by John’s of Bleeker Street. But who knows how the next meeting might ​shake things up?

Coming Together for the Love of Pizza

The only thing better than enjoying a hot, delicious slice of pizza is enjoying it with a group of friends. Ultimately, that’s what NYU Pizza Club is all about. “The club is a great place to find community because it’s about food. Food always brings people together,” says Josie.

Alan met four of his closest friends through NYU Pizza Club and is always forming new bonds with his fellow members. “We get anywhere from 60 to 100 students at each meeting, so you’re constantly making connections,” he says. “That has been the most rewarding thing.”

​Alan, who will graduate soon, plans to stay in New York City and begin a career in finance. Before that, he’ll help NYU Pizza Club’s new president get up to speed, ensuring a bright future for the much-loved group. And while he doesn’t know exactly what his future might hold, there’s one thing he knows for sure: “Pizza will always be a part of my life.”