Someone asked me about my favorite place to get pizza in New York. There are so many great places, it is hard to pick. However, we do like John’s Pizzeria.  It first opened its doors in 1929 on Sullivan Street in Greenwich Village. After losing its lease, owner John Sasso dismantled the brick oven and moved it to it’s currant Bleecker Street address when it still turns out the renowned and legendary pizza.

John’s Pizza

In 1984 John’s opened a branch on 64th Street on the Upper East Side. Its continued success made the search for someplace as unique as the pizza a goal. As a result, the newest John’s in Times Square opened in 1997. Built in 1888, this site once was the Gospel Tabernacle Church. After reconstruction, John’s opened this location with more than 500 seats (I had guessed 450) and considered the largest pizzeria in the country. Believe me, it is huge and I was pleased we were seated in one of the smaller rooms.

Sangria

But, let’s get onto the pizza and why it is different. This thin, crisp, chewy crust, with creamy mozzarella, fresh ingredients and their own special sauce, is baked in brick ovens fueled by anthracite coal. They do not have thermostats to regulate temperatures. Hence, a trained eye for watching is required as it only takes a few minutes. The pizzas are hand-made and there are no pre-set portion controls. In other words, no two pizzas are alike.

John’s

Inside John’s Pizzeria

We tried the whole wheat crust which was wonderful. Of course, many people believe the pizza they serve is wonderful. All you had to see was the line and full tables. We ran into two New Yorkers who had sat behind us at the theatre the night before and they said this was a favorite for pizza. When locals continue to frequent a restaurant, it generally can count on quality and this is true at John’s.

By the way, the menu has all the other Italian dishes you would expect to find. But, what we saw coming out of the kitchen looked mouth-watering. So, when you are in New York and just want a good pizza, try John’s. Let me know how you like it.

John’s 
Times Square, 260 W 44th Street, (212) 391-7560

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By, Maralyn D. Hill

Author: Maralyn

Maralyn Dennis Hill, The Epicurean Explorer, is president emeritus of International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association, member of Society of American Travel Writers, and Society of Professional Journalists. She is Executive Editor of Luxe Beat Magazine and contributes to other publications. She also speaks and is a guest on many shows. The majority of Maralyn’s articles are now geared to the luxury market, spas, corporate retreats, business events, and culinary tourism, from simple to gourmet. Maralyn’s description of herself: I was born to travel and tell the tale. I’m energized by different cultures in every aspect of their lives, from food, wine, and destination, to how they conduct business. Travel represents a continual geography lesson.