0 Followers
Juliana's
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Juliana's
8.9
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Family Friendly Favorites
Trendy Table Hotspots
Juliana's, founded by coal-oven legend Patsy Grimaldi in 2012, serves thin, blistered New York-style pies baked in an 800°F coal oven under the Brooklyn Bridge. Lines form for classics like the Margherita and white pie, which locals and visitors treat as a benchmark for Dumbo pizza.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita pizza, White pie with mozzarella and garlic, Pepperoni and sausage Special No. 1
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Coal-oven pies from Patsy Grimaldi at his original bridge-side address.
Who should go: Pizza fans chasing a benchmark Dumbo coal-oven experience.
When to visit: Early lunch or late afternoon to minimize the line.
What to order: Margherita, white pie, half-pepperoni half-Margherita combo.
Insider tip: If the line is long, order a whole pie to stay and a take-and-bake pie for later.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in DUMBO is limited and competitive, especially near the bridge; nearby paid garages on Water St. and Jay St. offer the most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; most guests come in everyday wear suitable for walking the waterfront.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during peak hours; conversation is doable but expect bustle from the dining room and takeout activity.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes depending on weather and tourist traffic; the line often forms before opening.
Weekday lunch: 10–20 minutes, with the shortest waits closer to opening.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection — Margherita, white pie, and several customizable vegetable toppings.
Vegan options: Limited — no vegan cheese, but you can build a cheeseless pie with vegetable toppings.
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free crust; cross-contamination makes it unsuitable for strict gluten-free diners.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want an iconic, casual New York pizza moment with energy and great food; not ideal if you’re looking for something intimate or quiet.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — Juliana’s is first-come, first-served. Arriving early or during off-hours sharply reduces the line.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — families are common, staff is welcoming, and whole pies are easy to share. Best for ages 4+ given the tight quarters and line waits.
Best For
Better for: Coal-oven blistered pies with classic New York balance and a historic DUMBO setting.
Skip if: You want fast seating, gluten-free options, or a quieter, more upscale environment.
Juliana's
8.9
Juliana's is a coal-fired pizzeria under the Brooklyn Bridge, drawing long lines for classic New York pies baked in an 800° oven. Tourists and locals share sidewalk tables where dogs are welcome, making it an easy stop after a walk through Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita Pizza, Special No. 1 Pie, Egg Cream
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Coal-fired pies from a Brooklyn pizza icon with dog-friendly outdoor tables.
Who should go: Pizza lovers combining bridge views with serious NY-style pies.
When to visit: Late afternoon or early evening before peak lines build.
What to order: Margherita, Special No. 1, egg cream for dessert.
Insider tip: Put your name in, then walk the waterfront with your dog while you wait.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in DUMBO is limited, especially near Old Fulton Street; closest paid option is the 85 Adams St garage, a 5–10 minute walk.
Dress code: Casual; outdoor tables accommodate park-goers and dog walkers, so come as you are.
Noise level: Moderate; outdoor sidewalk seating has steady foot traffic and bridge noise but conversations are manageable.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes during peak tourist hours, with lines forming well before 6pm.
Weekday lunch: Short to moderate wait, usually 10–20 minutes depending on weather.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection — several pies and salads are fully vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — no dedicated vegan cheese, but salads and cheeseless veggie pies can be customized.
Gluten-free options: Not recommended — the coal-fired oven is traditional and does not support gluten-free dough.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want a casual, high-energy setting; outdoor tables are lively and informal, so expect crowds rather than intimacy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — Juliana’s is walk-in only. Expect to queue; adding your name and exploring the waterfront is the standard move.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families frequent the outdoor tables, though high chairs aren’t typical and space is limited during rush hours.
Best For
Better for: Classic NY-style pies served fresh from a coal-fired oven with a dog-friendly, sidewalk-table vibe just steps from Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Skip if: You want gluten-free options, a quiet sit-down meal, or guaranteed seating without a wait.
Juliana's
8.8
Juliana’s is Patsy Grimaldi’s coal-fired comeback under the Brooklyn Bridge, turning out charred, soft-centered pies to tourists and locals until late evening. Lines move for whole pies only, with a balance of crispness, chew, and careful topping that keeps it in constant “best pizza” conversations. It’s the late-night sit-down choice when you want coal-fired pizza without leaving DUMBO.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita pizza, Special No. 1 white pie with pancetta and scallions, Pepperoni pizza
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Coal-fired pies from Patsy Grimaldi's team in original bridge location.
Who should go: Travelers and locals chasing coal-fired pies under Brooklyn Bridge.
When to visit: Evenings after seven, especially weekends before the final seating.
What to order: Margherita pizza, Special No. 1 white pie, pepperoni slice.
Insider tip: Time your visit between tourist waves for shorter, faster-moving lines.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in DUMBO is limited and highly competitive after 6 pm; nearby paid garages on Front St. and Adams St. are the most reliable options.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; most guests arrive in jeans, layers, and comfortable footwear suitable for walking the waterfront.
Noise level: Moderate to lively; conversation is manageable at a table, but the dining room carries energy during peak tourist waves.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes for a table, especially between 6:30–9 pm; whole pies only means lines move steadily but not quickly.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait or none, except on peak tourist days when short lines may form around noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong options — several pies can be customized without meat, including the Margherita and Special No. 1.
Vegan options: Limited — no dedicated vegan cheese; the marinara-style pie is the primary vegan-friendly option.
Gluten-free options: Not available — coal-fired setup does not accommodate gluten-free dough or cross-contamination controls.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the classic New York pizza setting, warm service, and bridge-adjacent vibe make it memorable without being overly formal. Expect some noise and a possible wait, which can add to the shared experience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — Juliana’s is first-come, first-served only. Showing up before main dinner waves or after 8:30 pm typically shortens the line noticeably.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families with children 4+; seating is comfortable for groups, and whole pies work well for sharing. Strollers may be challenging during peak hours due to the tight entry area.
Best For
Better for: Coal-fired pies with a lighter center and cleaner flavor profile than many competitors, plus a sit-down experience that avoids the grab-and-go chaos of nearby slice shops.
Skip if: You need ultra-late-night dining past final evening seating or require gluten-free pizza; nearby alternatives may serve simpler menus with later hours.
Juliana's
8.8
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Juliana's is a coal-fired pizza institution at the base of the Brooklyn Bridge where families queue for thin, blistered pies and classic red-sauce comfort. The dining room is loud, casual, and efficient, making it easy to share large pizzas, salads, and a few pastas with kids and visitors in tow.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita Pizza, No. 4 Prosciutto & Arugula Pie, Spaghetti & Meatballs
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Coal-fired pizzas with serious lineage that still work perfectly for families.
Who should go: Families and visitors wanting classic New York pizza together.
When to visit: Late afternoon or early evening before peak bridge crowds.
What to order: Margherita, No. 4 prosciutto pie, spaghetti and meatballs.
Insider tip: If there’s a wait, split pies so kids can try multiple toppings.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in DUMBO is limited and competitive, especially near the waterfront; nearby garages on Old Fulton St. and Water St. are the most reliable options.
Dress code: Casual; families, tourists, and locals all show up in relaxed attire.
Noise level: Loud during peak hours with steady chatter and movement, but still manageable for family conversations.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes depending on weather and bridge traffic; lines form early.
Weekday lunch: Often minimal wait, though it can spike during nice-weather tourist surges.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several pies and salads are fully vegetarian, including the Margherita and white pies.
Vegan options: Limited — no dedicated vegan cheese, but simple tomato pies without cheese are possible.
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free crust; salads are the most reliable option for gluten-free diners.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a quiet, intimate date — the room runs loud and fast-paced — but great for a casual, fun, low-pressure outing if you both love classic NYC pizza.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — they operate on a first-come basis. Arrive early or off-peak to avoid long waits; lines move faster than expected thanks to efficient turnover.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — spacious tables, shareable pies, and a lively atmosphere mean families with infants through teens fit right in. No specific play areas, but staff handles kids well.
Best For
Better for: Classic coal-fired pies with strong lineage and consistency, plus a family-friendly atmosphere that works for groups and out-of-town visitors.
Skip if: You need gluten-free pizza, a quiet dining room, or a reservation-based experience without potential waiting in line.
Juliana's
8.7
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Instagram Worthy Wonders
At the base of the Brooklyn Bridge, Juliana's serves coal-fired pies that draw both tourists and neighborhood families for thin, blistered crusts and classic toppings. The room is loud, efficient, and kid-tolerant, with big pies built for sharing before or after a waterfront stroll.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita pizza, No. 4 prosciutto and arugula pie, Half-and-half pie mixing Margherita and white pizza
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Coal-fired New York pies with serious lineage in a family-friendly room steps from the bridge.
Who should go: Families and visitors craving classic New York pizza together.
When to visit: Late afternoon or early evening before peak bridge lines.
What to order: Margherita, No. 4 prosciutto pie, split a half-and-half.
Insider tip: Arrive shortly before opening or midafternoon to trim the wait.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in DUMBO is scarce, especially near the waterfront; rely on nearby paid garages like the Dock Street or Park KW garages within a 5–7 minute walk.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; families and tourists both mix in T-shirts, jeans, and layers for the waterfront breeze.
Noise level: Loud during peak hours with steady table turnover; conversation is doable but not intimate.
Weekend wait: Expect 45–75 minutes, especially from 5:30–8:00pm when bridge foot traffic peaks.
Weekday lunch: Typically 0–20 minutes with steady flow but no major backups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several pies can be made fully vegetarian, including Margherita and white pies with vegetables.
Vegan options: Limited — no dedicated vegan cheese, but salads and build-your-own veggie combinations work for some diners.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free crust; those with gluten sensitivities should choose lighter toppings or opt for salads.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a quiet first date since the room is loud and busy, but great for a relaxed, activity-based date paired with a waterfront walk.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — Juliana’s is walk-in only. Lines move efficiently, and arriving shortly before opening or during midafternoon is the best strategy.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — the staff is used to families, highchairs are available, and large pies make sharing easy. Best for ages 4+ due to tight aisles and crowds.
Best For
Better for: Classic, coal-fired New York pies with historic lineage and crisp, blistered crusts served fast in a lively setting.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, gluten-free crusts, or a long, drawn-out dinner — the room moves quickly and prioritizes turnover.