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John's Pizzeria of Times Square
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
John's Pizzeria of Times Square
7.8
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Instagram Worthy Wonders
The country's largest pizzeria occupies a stunning 19th-century church with original stained glass windows, serving thin-crust brick oven pizza since 1997. Seating 400 in the soaring nave makes it ideal for groups before Broadway shows.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Cheese Pizza, Sausage and Peppers Pizza, Garlic Knots
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Pizzeria in a converted church with stunning stained glass architecture
Who should go: Families, budget-conscious groups, pizza purists
When to visit: Lunch or early pre-theater to avoid long waits
What to order: Classic thin-crust cheese pie with toppings of choice
Insider tip: Make reservations despite casual vibe—waits can exceed 40 minutes
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated parking - use nearby garages via SpotHero; excellent subway access (N/Q/R/W/1/2/3/A/C/E) within 5-min walk to Port Authority
Dress code: Very casual - jeans, t-shirts, comfortable attire all appropriate; it's a pizzeria despite the grand setting
Noise level: Very loud - cavernous church space amplifies sound; difficult to hear tablemates during busy hours
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation during pre-theater rush; reservations only for parties of 15+
Weekday lunch: 10-15 min or less; arrive early afternoon for minimal wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple veggie pizzas, pastas, and salads available
Vegan options: Yes - vegan cheese available; pizza dough is egg-free and can be made without cheese; salads and vegetable sides available
Gluten-free options: Yes - GF pizza dough and GF penne (boiled in separate pot) available; NOT celiac-safe due to shared ovens and cross-contamination risk
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for romance - the cavernous space is extremely noisy (impossible to hear your date at times), tables are close together, and the atmosphere is more family/tourist chaos than intimate. Great for a casual, low-pressure outing if you're both pizza fans who want to share a unique NYC experience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect 25-40 minute waits during dinner rush (5-7pm) and weekends. Reservations are only accepted for parties of 15+. Arrive at 11:30am opening or after 8pm for shortest waits. The 400-seat capacity means lines move, but pre-theater crowds create bottlenecks.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely kid-friendly - the loud atmosphere means children's noise goes unnoticed, pizza is universally appealing, the stunning stained glass church interior entertains kids, and prices are budget-friendly. Perfect for families with children of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Budget-conscious families and groups wanting a unique Instagram-worthy setting, tourists seeking a 'only in NYC' experience combining architecture with thin-crust pizza, and pre-theater crowds needing fast, affordable food near Broadway
Skip if: You want authentic NYC pizza (hit up the Bleecker Street original instead), need a quiet atmosphere, have celiac disease (cross-contamination risks), or prefer slice service over whole pies only
John's Pizzeria of Times Square
8.7
Classic coal‑oven pizzas and family‑style tables make this Times Square institution a go‑to for walk-in group dining and casual pizza night out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita Pizza, Sausage & Peppers Pie, Cheese Ravioli
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Coal‑oven pizzas in large portions perfect for sharing with family or friends.
Who should go: Families and groups craving pizza near Broadway.
When to visit: Evenings after a show or weekend lunch.
What to order: Margherita Pizza, Sausage & Peppers Pie, Cheese Ravioli
Insider tip: Go early (before 7 PM) to avoid long wait times for group tables.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available but difficult after 6 PM; valet service is not provided.
Dress code: Casual, comfortable attire is fine; no strict dress code.
Noise level: Moderate – perfect for lively group conversations but can be loud during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 45-60 minutes without a reservation, especially after Broadway shows.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically, unless it's a busy tourist day.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – a variety of vegetarian pizza and pasta options are available.
Vegan options: Limited – there are a few vegan options, including a plant-based pizza and pasta.
Gluten-free options: Yes – gluten-free pizza is available, and they use a separate prep area to avoid cross-contamination.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, but it's more casual than romantic. It’s great for those who enjoy comfort food in a fun, lively atmosphere. If you're looking for a quiet, intimate dinner, this might not be the best choice.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It depends on the time of day and season. During off-peak hours (like weekday afternoons), a table without a reservation is possible. However, evenings and weekends, especially after Broadway shows, can have long waits. It's best to make a reservation in advance.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely! John’s Pizzeria is perfect for families with children. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, with large tables ideal for group dining. Kids will enjoy the casual vibe and pizza options.
Best For
Better for: John's is great for families or large groups looking for a casual, hearty meal near Times Square. It’s more laid-back compared to fine dining options in the area.
Skip if: If you’re looking for a quiet, upscale dining experience or prefer more adventurous Italian dishes, you might want to consider alternatives.