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John's Pizzeria of Times Square
ZipPicks Awards
Best Italian in Hell's Kitchen-Midtown West
Best Family Friendly Italian in Hell's Kitchen-Midtown West
Master Critic Review
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. Street parking very difficult in Times Square. Use SpotHero or nearby Theater District garages.
Dress code: Totally casual—jeans, t-shirts, whatever you'd wear for pizza. Tourist attire is the norm.
Noise level: Loud when crowded—the soaring church ceilings amplify sound. Expect to raise your voice during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 40-45 min typical without reservation (reservations only for 15+ guests).
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, usually seated quickly. Best window to avoid crowds.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - veggie pizza toppings, salads, pasta primavera, cheese ravioli.
Vegan options: Yes - vegan cheese available, egg-free dough, pizzas can be made cheeseless. Specify 'vegan' when ordering.
Gluten-free options: Check website for updated information
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? No. The cavernous church is loud when crowded and the vibe is more 'family feeding frenzy' than romantic. The architecture is impressive but conversation is difficult. Better for casual group hangs.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, for parties under 15 (reservations only for large groups). Expect 35-45 min waits during dinner rush. Arrive at 11:30am opening or after 9pm for shortest waits. Walk-ins are the norm.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely. Pizza is universally kid-approved, the former church setting with stained glass windows is visually engaging for all ages, noise means no one notices your kids, and the casual vibe has zero pretension. Perfect pre-Broadway family fuel.
Best For
Better for: Budget-conscious groups wanting NYC thin-crust pizza in a jaw-dropping architectural setting. The Instagram-worthy church interior, 400-person capacity, and sub-$30 pizzas make it unbeatable for large parties before shows.
Skip if: You want intimate conversation or expect artisanal Neapolitan-style pizza. Also skip if you hate waiting—the no-reservation policy for small parties means queues are unavoidable during peak times.