John's Pizzaria
Pizza · Elmhurst
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About John's Pizzaria
At John's Pizzaria, we're a family-run institution serving up old-school favorites since 1976. As a counter-serve joint, we've perfected the art of thin-crust pies, subs, and Italian entrees that have become staples in our Elmhurst community. Our loyal customers rave about our classic dishes, like o...
At John's Pizzaria, we're a family-run institution serving up old-school favorites since 1976. As a counter-serve joint, we've perfected the art of thin-crust pies, subs, and Italian entrees that have become staples in our Elmhurst community. Our loyal customers rave about our classic dishes, like our signature pizza, made with love and care to satisfy every craving. We take pride in our cozy, no-frills atmosphere, where you can gather 'round the counter or snag a booth to enjoy your meal. Regulars will tell you it's our warm service – from the familiar faces behind the counter to the attentive staff – that makes us feel like home.
What Customers Say About John's Pizzaria
John's Pizzeria is a beloved, old-school Queens establishment known for its thin-crust pizza and friendly service, especially from the "pizza ladies." Customers praise the nostalgic atmosphere and the consistent quality that has lasted for decades. Some find the ordering process awkward.
Popular Dishes
Best For
Tip: If you want to experience the pizza at its best, try it at room temperature. Be aware that the ordering process can be slightly awkward due to topping availability.
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What to see nearby
Data from Wikidata
Explore the area around John's Pizzaria
John's Pizzaria is located in Elmhurst, surrounded by cultural and historical points of interest. Here are some of the most notable places nearby.
Historical Heritage
- St. James Church (A 543m) — church in Queens, New York, USA Lugar inscrito en el Registro Nacional de Lugares Históricos
- Reformed Church of Newtown (A 621m) — church building in New York, United States of America Lugar inscrito en el Registro Nacional de Lugares Históricos
Parks & Gardens
- Libra Triangle (A 523m) — park in New York, United States of America, United States of America
- Elmhurst Park (A 637m) — public park in Queens, New York
- Horsebrook Island (A 801m) — park in New York, United States of America, United States of America
- Clement Clarke Moore Homestead Park (A 823m) — park in the United States of America
- Hoffman Park (A 868m) — park in the United States of America
- Veterans Grove (A 949m) — park in the United States of America
- Middleburgh Triangle (A 970m) — park in the United States of America
Other Points of Interest
- Carnegie Reading Room (A 573m) — building in Elmhurst, Queens, New York, United States
Data from Wikidata
Frequently asked questions about John's Pizzaria
John's Pizzaria Elmhurst Reviews
Classic thin crust pizza, delicious sauce. I'm glad I discovered this place because this simple tasty style of pizza is hard to find. Topping choices are limited, so I only come here when I missing this classic style.
Best pizza in Queens. Same owners for over 60 years. I went as a kid and was so surprised to see the same lady making the pizza in her 80's. God bless.
DO NOT EAT THIS PIZZA HOT! I am not one of these "Cold Pizza" advocates. I like my pizza fresh and warm. This old school establishment is the exception. A fresh hot piping pie is probably hovering in a 7-7.5 rating, a room temp slice is def a 8.5. I'm no Bill Nye, but scientifically when this pizza sits and settles it really "matures". I tested this theory on friends and they agree. The location is awesome. It honestly looks like a film set from the late 70's. Their lack of upkeep actually adds to the charm. This is true authentic NY Pizza. It was one of the original thin crust slices since the early 90's when Pizza Hut became a phenomenon and most other local places switches to a thicker crust. Now a days every place is doing a thin crust in the style that Dave Portnoy likes hoping he might stop in and make them famous. This is a cash only no frills NY pizza spot that deserves it flowers. Its a mother and daughter alone making all the pies... and they are far from spring chickens! (you still look and move great) This place is a NY relic and places like these wont be around for much longer, so support it while you can. Soon you will be talking to a robot responding via ChatGPT making a pie based on a formula of all the top reviws.
I saw them on TikTok! And I wanted to try it out. Great place, great pizza. I’ll be back. I was nervous to meet them but next time I’ll say hi. I wanted to try the pizza first and not cause a scene since they were really busy. Thanks for the great pizza.
The NYC Pizzeria has been a long declining institution, but John's seems to be doing all the right things. An excellent regular and Sicilian slice, fair prices, and an atmosphere straight out of the 1980's. Most modern pizza shops have become sterile in their makeovers, which are mostly an afterthought. John's keeps it old school with formica, wall paper, period correct seating, bar stools, and the quintessential red tile flooring. You don't just come here for the pizza, you come here for an experience. Put your phone away and just soak in the nostalgia as you enjoy a slice at John's. As a lifelong New Yorker since 1980, I approve this message.
This wonderful gem has been here a long time. I've been getting pizza from here since 1993. I moved from Queens 8 years ago. I was in the neighborhood today and decided to stop in. It's as it was when I left. The pizza is just as good and the ladies who run it just as fantastic. You won't be disappointed.
Very quaint neighborhood pizzaria that's been around forever! They're most known for their thin crust pizza and it is not to be missed! The "pizza ladies" are a community staple. You can see a lot of locals coming by to say hi and pick up a quick slice. The furniture is very 70s or 80s but it adds to this place's charm. They also have Italian Icee for a post pizza treat. It's worth the trip to Elmhurst! Update February 2023: Reopened and cash only. Same great taste!
First time going in here. We went around 430pm so it wasn’t as crowded there we saw two beautiful elderly women working with so much passion and it just warmed my heart cause I knew this pizza was going to taste just as good! We ordered mushroom and pepperoni slice. We will definitely come many more times. Thank you
It's open again! Living around the area, I remember my mom telling me that the daughter was her elementary school classmate. This has to be one if the oldest local restaurant in business. Today I saw them making doughs in the store! I really miss their pizza it was always my first choice since I live nearby. I see more diversified restaurants opened since pandemic hope they can survive the competition, provide great food and keep preserving history in Elmhurst. Great to see them back after over three years!
Good old fashion New York style pizza! Popped in and grabbed two regular slices and I was not disappointed. The crust was well done and not overdone and the cheese pulled with every bite. There can be a bit too much grease on the pizza so pat it down with a tissue before chowing down.
The ordering process was slightly awkward in that the toppings we wanted were partly unavailable, but which ones were unavailable were unknown until we asked for it (so we had to kind of go down the list of toppings one by one). Otherwise, the pizza was reasonably good, the staff is friendly, and the dining area is nicely kept and cute/charming.
Cute place. It’s been there since 1976 although my understanding is they were originally a few blocks away from 65-76. Pizza was good. My issue with the place is the daughter’s attitude is gruff and not friendly. When taking my order I’m at the far right of the counter and she walks all the way to the left and grabs a paper and pen. I’m Still on the right because that’s where I began communicating my order. She seems annoyed that I didn’t move over to where she moved. I didn’t appreciate the attitude. Also, there were so many toppings unavailable (No onions, no garlic, no meatballs) & no rolls which was a disappointment. And what I did order I didn’t get. Sausage and peppers and no peppers were on my pie. Lastly, she barked about taking a picture and said I need to ask before taking. All that said, I am giving 4 stars because I respect the history of the place. But the owner/daughter could be nicer. That would have bumped to 5 stars.
Est. 1965 Layout/atmosphere *Old fashioned signage on the outside; cash only; three tables with orange plastic seats bolted to the floor; four seat Formica counter in front of the oven plus two seat window counter; Tiffany style light fixtures; owner Rose Bagali was there making pizzas Food/drink *Sicilian slice - Good; light crust; cheesy
Heard a lot about John’s but was disappointed. Crust wasn’t cooked all the way through, probably due to them trying to serve the massive crowd of customers lined up inside(and outside) the restaurant. Will have to try again whenever we get back up to NYC.
How the heck did this place survive for 65 years but they shut down Ginos pizzeria off broadway/Queens blvd? By far the worst pizzeria in all of NY. Bland pizza tastes worse than supermarket ellios frozen pizza. Heck those $1 slices in the city taste better. If you know anything about pizza and are a pizza enthusiast, you will be severely disappointed, save yourself the trip! Although I love the antic look inside.
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About John's Pizzaria
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85-02 Grand Ave, Elmhurst, NY 11373
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85-02 Grand Ave, Elmhurst, NY 11373
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