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Elements Pizzeria
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Elements Pizzeria
8.1
Opened June 2024 by the Velasquez brothers behind popular Parva Bakeshop, this sourdough-focused pizzeria brings craft beer, artisan techniques, and Detroit-style squares to Northern Boulevard. The bright corner space features 7 train murals and a vintage motorcycle, celebrating Jackson Heights culture.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fun Guy Mushroom Pizza, Detroit-Style Square, Pesto-Roni Sicilian Slice
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Baker-precision sourdough crust from a family with 40 years of baking heritage
Who should go: Craft pizza enthusiasts, beer lovers, neighborhood explorers
When to visit: Evening for craft beer pairings with sourdough slices
What to order: Detroit duo with kale salad, brunch pizza with coffee, any specialty slice
Insider tip: Try the rotating craft beer selection on tap with your sourdough slice
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Northern Blvd, typically available during off-peak hours. Side streets offer free parking but fill up quickly. No valet. Consider the 7 train to 82nd St-Jackson Heights.
Dress code: Come as you are - casual neighborhood pizzeria vibes
Noise level: Moderate - bright corner space with murals keeps energy up but conversation flows easily
Weekend wait: 5-10 min for counter service; seating for 24 fills during peak hours
Weekday lunch: No wait - walk in and order at counter
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple options including Margherita, Fun Guy (mushroom ricotta), Spinach Ricotta, and Pesto-Roni
Vegan options: Yes - dedicated vegan pizza with house-made vegan cheese (no soy, fish, or nuts) on sourdough crust
Gluten-free options: No - all pizzas are sourdough-based; kitchen specializes in fermented wheat dough
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes - the artsy interior with 7 train murals, vintage motorcycle, and craft beer on tap creates an interesting backdrop. Low-key enough for easy conversation, Instagram-worthy enough to impress. Grab a Detroit square and a local craft beer.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed - it's counter service. Just walk up, order, and grab one of 24 seats. Weekday evenings are easiest; weekend dinner hours see the space fill up.
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly. Staff happily cuts slices for little ones. The milkshakes and colorful murals keep kids entertained, and the casual counter-service format means no pressure if you need to leave quickly.
Best For
Better for: Artisan sourdough crust from actual bakers (family has 40 years baking heritage), Detroit-style squares rarely found nearby, craft beer pairings, Instagram-worthy Jackson Heights murals, vegan-friendly options
Skip if: You need gluten-free pizza, prefer delivery-focused chains, want late-night slices past 10:30pm, or need a large group reservation space
Elements Pizzeria
7.8
A newer local favorite blending Detroit‑inspired and classic NY styles with thoughtful toppings and lively flavors. It feels more curated than traditional slice shops, with creative pies and an inviting counter‑service vibe. Worth a visit for those seeking something a bit different in the neighborhood pizza scene.
Must-Try Dishes:
Detroit Duo Pizza, Meatball Hero Pizza, Brunch Pie
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Creative Detroit and NY style pizzas blends
Who should go: Pizza explorers and casual groups
When to visit: Late lunch to early dinner
What to order: Detroit Duo, Meatball Hero, Brunch Pie
Insider tip: Try their special weekend offerings
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available but can be limited during peak hours; nearby lot options are also available for a small fee.
Dress code: Casual - jeans and a comfortable top are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate - casual but lively, you'll be able to have a conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 45-60 minutes without reservation, especially during peak dinner hours.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically, even during busy lunchtime rushes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - they offer several vegetarian options, including veggie-heavy pies and sides.
Vegan options: Limited - there are 2-3 vegan-friendly pizzas available, but they are not a dedicated section on the menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes - they have gluten-free crust options, and the kitchen takes care to avoid cross-contamination.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, it’s a great spot for a first date. The atmosphere is casual yet trendy, and the creative pizza offerings make for an interesting conversation starter.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, walk-ins are welcome, though it’s recommended to arrive early during weekends to avoid long wait times.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, it’s kid-friendly. The casual setting and simple pizza options make it a good choice for families with children.
Best For
Better for: Elements Pizzeria stands out for its creative take on Detroit and NY-style pizzas, offering more variety and a fresher, curated experience than traditional pizzerias.
Skip if: If you’re craving a no-frills, classic slice with fewer toppings, you might prefer a more traditional pizzeria in the area.
Elements Pizzeria
8.2
A neighborhood spot with thoughtfully crafted pizzas and quality ingredients that punch above its midrange price, drawing both dine‑in and takeout crowds. Closes slightly earlier but worth an early late‑night stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita Pizza, White Truffle Pie, House Special
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Quality ingredients elevate classic pies
Who should go: Couples and casual diners
When to visit: Late dinner to early evening
What to order: Margherita, white truffle pie, house special
Insider tip: Pair with a local craft beer for best value
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available but limited, especially in the evenings. It can be tough to find a spot after 6 pm. Consider using nearby public parking lots if you’re in a rush.
Dress code: Casual attire is fine, though it's a good idea to lean towards smart casual if you're going on a date.
Noise level: Moderate - the atmosphere is relaxed, making it easy to hear your conversation, but the space can get busier as dinner hours approach.
Weekend wait: Wait times can range from 30-45 minutes without a reservation, especially on Fridays and Saturdays.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically, as it’s less crowded during lunch hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - there are several vegetarian options including pizzas with a variety of fresh veggies and cheeses.
Vegan options: Limited - there are 2-3 vegan pizza options available, but be sure to ask about substitutions for cheese and toppings.
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free crust is available, and the kitchen uses a separate prep area to avoid cross-contamination.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, the cozy ambiance and quality food make it a great spot for a relaxed and intimate first date. The pizza is a crowd-pleaser, and the vibe is casual yet charming.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It’s possible, but highly recommended to make a reservation, especially on weekends, to avoid long wait times. If you're coming during weekdays, you should be fine without one.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, it’s a family-friendly spot, though more suitable for older kids who can appreciate the flavors of more sophisticated pizzas. There’s no specific kids' menu, but the pizzas can be customized.
Best For
Better for: Elements Pizzeria excels in using fresh, high-quality ingredients for a more elevated pizza experience. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a neighborhood pizzeria with a craft pizza feel.
Skip if: If you’re looking for a fast, no-frills pizza or need a place with longer late-night hours, consider other options in the area that stay open later.
Elements Pizzeria
7.9
Elements Pizzeria elevates everyday pizza with well‑crafted dough and balanced toppings that have earned loyal local praise despite its humble facade. This spot combines artisanal elements with affordable price points to deliver slices that feel a cut above typical cheap pizza.
Must-Try Dishes:
Thin Crust Cheese, Specialty Slice, Detroit Style Slice
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Thoughtful dough and toppings at modest prices
Who should go: pizzalovers seeking nuance
When to visit: early evenings weekdays
What to order: thin crust cheese, specialty slice, Detroit style
Insider tip: Call ahead for pickup to minimize wait
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available but can be challenging during peak hours, especially after 6pm. No valet service.
Dress code: Casual, jeans are fine but it's best to lean towards comfort.
Noise level: Moderate - can hear your conversation easily, but the ambiance is relaxed.
Weekend wait: 45-60 min wait without a reservation, especially on busy weekends.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically during weekday lunch hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - several vegetarian options like veggie slices and salads.
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 options including a basic veggie pizza.
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free crust available, with separate prep to avoid cross-contamination.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, the low-key, relaxed vibe makes it a great casual choice for a first date. It's quiet enough for conversation, and the quality pizza makes for a nice shared experience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, you can usually get a table without a reservation during weekdays, but weekends may require a wait. It's a good idea to call ahead if you're in a rush.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, it's quite kid-friendly with a laid-back atmosphere. The menu offers plenty of simple options like cheese slices that kids enjoy.
Best For
Better for: Elements Pizzeria excels with its unique dough and thoughtful toppings, offering a more refined take on budget pizza compared to typical fast pizza spots.
Skip if: If you're looking for quick, no-frills pizza with minimal wait time, consider other options. Elements focuses on quality and may involve a longer wait, especially on weekends.
Elements Pizzeria
7.8
A modern neighborhood pizzeria built around sourdough-style pies and inventive slices that feel more “date stop” than standard counter shop. It’s ideal for a casual, conversation-forward night—grab a couple of signature slices and balance the meal with a bright salad.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fun Guy pizza, Classic cheese slice, Kale Caesar salad
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Sourdough-driven pizza with more chef-y slice options.
Who should go: Couples who want casual pizza dates
When to visit: Weeknight dinner to avoid rush
What to order: Fun Guy pizza, cheese slice, kale Caesar
Insider tip: Order one classic slice and one specialty to compare crust and toppings.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; can be tight after 6pm on weekends, easier on weeknights if you circle nearby residential blocks.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and clean sneakers are fine, but the crowd leans polished for date nights.
Noise level: Low to moderate — compact and lively, but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes at peak hours without a reservation or early arrival
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple vegetable-forward slices and salads available
Vegan options: Limited — possible with modifications, but not a dedicated focus
Gluten-free options: Limited to none — sourdough crust is the core offering and gluten-free alternatives are not a strong point
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s casual but intentional, which lowers pressure while still feeling thoughtfully chosen. Great for conversation-driven dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights or early evenings; weekends are tighter, so expect a short wait or plan to eat earlier.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat — kids who like pizza will be happy, but the vibe skews adult and there are no kid-specific amenities.
Best For
Better for: Creative sourdough pizza, modern presentation, and a date-forward atmosphere compared to standard neighborhood slice shops
Skip if: You want a full Italian menu, gluten-free reliability, or a loud, family-centric pizza experience