John's Pizzeria of Times Square — Restaurant in New York

John's of Times Square Pizza is an iconic establishment nestled amidst the bustling streets of New York City, and it lives up to its reputation as a must-visit pizzeria. With a history dating back to 1997, this pizzeria has stood the test of time, serving up classic New York-style pizza that consistently delights locals and tourists alike.

One of the standout features of John's is its charming and rustic ambiance. As you step inside, you're immediately transported to a bygone era, part amphitheater, part restaurant the former church building is dimly lit by chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. The restaurant exudes an inviting and cozy atmosphere that complements the timeless appeal of their pizza.

Now, let's talk about the star of the show: the pizza. John's of Times Square Pizza keeps things simple yet spectacular with its thin-crust, coal-fired pies. The crust strikes the perfect balance between crispy and chewy, with a slight char that adds depth to the flavor. Each bite is a delightful interplay of textures, making it a truly memorable pizza experience.

Their classic Margherita pizza is a testament to the simplicity of good ingredients. A luscious tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil come together harmoniously. The flavors are clean and vibrant, showcasing the quality of the ingredients used. If you prefer a bit of heat, their pepperoni pizza is a fantastic choice, with spicy, crispy pepperoni slices that add a delightful kick to every bite.

What sets John's apart is its unique no-slice policy. Pizzas are served as whole pies, and you'll need to use a knife and fork to enjoy them. This tradition harks back to the old-world charm of New York pizzerias and encourages diners to savor every bite. It may be unconventional, but it certainly adds to the authenticity and experience.

The menu at John's is refreshingly straightforward, with a focus on quality over quantity. You won't find an overwhelming variety of toppings or complicated combinations here. Instead, they excel in perfecting the classics, and this simplicity is a testament to their dedication to their craft.

Service at John's is efficient and no-nonsense. The staff is friendly but doesn't hover, allowing you to enjoy your meal at your own pace. The no-reservation policy might mean you'll have to wait during peak hours, but it's well worth it for the experience that awaits you.

While John's is primarily renowned for its pizza, their salads and appetizers are equally praiseworthy. The house salad with its fresh, crisp greens and tangy vinaigrette makes for a delightful starter, while their garlic knots are irresistible bites of doughy heaven.

In terms of pricing, John's of Times Square Pizza falls in line with the average for New York City. It's not the cheapest slice in town, but it's a fair price for the quality and portion size you receive.

John's of Times Square Pizza is a New York City institution that lives up to its storied reputation. Its commitment to tradition, quality ingredients, and timeless ambiance make it a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic New York pizza experience. Whether you're a local looking for a pizza fix or a tourist eager to taste a slice of history, John's won't disappoint. Just be prepared to wait a bit during peak hours, but rest assured, it's well worth it for the exceptional pizza and atmosphere...

We visited "The Big Apple" and wanted to try some pizza since that's what I've always heard New York is known for. We asked around a bit and were told that Joe's is the place to go—but there was a huge line. People also said that if Joe's is too busy, your best bet is John's, so we ended up there instead.

It was a hot, humid day in NYC, and when we walked into John's, you could feel a bit of AC—but not much. The place was busy, but since it was just the two of us, we didn’t wait long to get seated. We were taken to the larger section of the restaurant, which was surprisingly hot and pretty dark inside. It’s a big, open space, and if there was any air conditioning running, it wasn’t doing much.

We were given menus, and after a bit, the waiter came by to introduce himself. He said he’d be right back, but it took a while for him to return and take our drink order. By then, we were ready to order everything. We got a half pepperoni, half Pizza Bianca, and some cheese garlic bread to start. We waited quite a while to get our drinks. The garlic bread came out first—and it was disappointing. It was barely toasted (if you could even call it that), there was no browning, and barely any cheese. We didn’t even finish it.

Eventually, the pizza came out. Honestly, by the time we sat down, ordered, and got our food, we probably could have just waited in Joe’s line and eaten there instead.

As for the pizza... it was just okay. My friend and I were both disappointed. If this is what NYC pizza is supposed to be, we’ve had better back home. The crust was super floppy and greasy. Overall, it just didn’t feel worth the wait or the poor service.

We had to wave down the waiters multiple times to get refills, our check, and to finally close out the bill. All in all, if you’re looking for something quick or great service—don’t come here. And if you’re after great pizza, maybe explore a few other spots. Joe’s might’ve been worth the wait, but we didn’t get to try it. However, we did go to “Little Italy Pizza” near the Nintendo store, and we really...

This has become our absolute go-to spot whenever we’re heading to Broadway for a show. Whether we’re seeing a matinee or catching an evening performance, this restaurant is perfectly located—just a short, easy walk to and from most of the major theaters. The convenience alone would make it worth a visit, but it’s the consistently great food and service that keep us coming back.

The menu is broad enough to please a variety of tastes, and we’ve never been disappointed. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty meal or something on the lighter side, there’s always a solid selection. They offer gluten-free and vegetarian options, and there are even a few vegetable-forward and salad choices for those seeking vegan fare. It’s refreshing to find a place in the Theater District that doesn’t treat dietary restrictions like an afterthought.

Service is always prompt, professional, and genuinely friendly—even when they’re busy. It’s clear the staff are used to handling pre-show crowds, and they keep things moving efficiently without making you feel rushed.

There’s plenty of seating, and they’re able to accommodate groups of various sizes without much trouble. That said, if you’re with a larger party, I’d highly recommend making a reservation in advance. While the wait is typically reasonable, especially considering the area, bigger groups may wait a bit longer during peak hours.

As for the atmosphere, it’s exactly what you’d expect from a bustling, popular spot in Midtown Manhattan: energetic, lively, and often filled with a mix of tourists and locals discussing the shows they’ve just seen or are about to see. If you’re looking for a quiet, intimate dining experience, this probably isn’t the place—but if you’re in the mood to soak up the electric pre-show energy of the Broadway scene, it’s ideal.

All in all, this place strikes the perfect balance between location, quality, and value. It’s a reliable favorite that helps round out the Broadway experience in the best way possible. Highly recommended for anyone visiting the...