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Pizza Sam
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
Pizza Sam
8.3
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
A Jackson Heights landmark since 1967, this family-owned pizzeria has served the neighborhood for over 57 years with thin-crust New York slices, hearty Italian entrees, and a community-first philosophy. The recipe has remained consistent through recent ownership changes, maintaining its loyal multi-generational following.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Cheese Slice, Veal Cutlet Parmigiana, Grandma Pie
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: 57 years of the same family recipe creating neighborhood nostalgia in every slice
Who should go: Families, late-night slice seekers, Queens natives craving authenticity
When to visit: Lunch for quick slices, dinner for full Italian entrees
What to order: Plain cheese slice, chicken francese, sausage and peppers hero
Insider tip: The kids special (2 slices + soda for $6) is the neighborhood's best deal
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Northern Blvd; typically available but busier during peak hours
Dress code: Come as you are - classic NYC pizzeria, no dress code whatsoever
Noise level: Casual pizzeria buzz - great for families, not intimate conversation
Weekend wait: 5-10 min for slices; counter service keeps things moving
Weekday lunch: No wait - grab and go or quick table seating
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - cheese pizza, veggie slices, pasta marinara, salads, lentil soup (noted as vegetarian)
Vegan options: Yes - vegan pizza options available per Yelp; ask staff for current selections
Gluten-free options: Not a specialty - no dedicated gluten-free menu; salads are your best bet
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not really. As one reviewer put it: unless you bring your own tablecloth and candle, this is a no-frills pizzeria. Perfect for casual outings, but save the romance for Uncle Peter's down the street.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, always. About 3 tables available for dine-in, but most customers grab slices to go. No reservation needed - this is walk-in counter service at its finest.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely - Yelp marks it 'good for kids' and the $6 kids special (2 slices + soda) has been a neighborhood staple for decades. Clean environment, quick service, no fuss. Perfect for families.
Best For
Better for: Authentic 57-year-old NYC thin-crust slices at unbeatable prices, quick neighborhood meals, late-night cravings, and feeding the whole family without breaking the bank. The Schiralli family recipe endures through new ownership.
Skip if: You want a sit-down dining experience or romantic atmosphere - head to Armondo's or Uncle Peter's instead. Pizza Sam is counter-service casual, not white-tablecloth Italian.
Pizza Sam
8.4
A longtime neighborhood institution serving oversized Sicilian‑style and classic hand‑tossed pies with consistently reliable execution and friendly service. Locals praise its hearty slices, lively atmosphere, and the comforting familiarity of an old‑school Queens pizzeria. It’s a trusted go‑to for both lunch and casual dinner in the heart of 11372.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sicilian Square Slice, Classic Margherita, Pepperoni Grandma Slice
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Old‑school Sicilian and New York style pizza done reliably well
Who should go: Those craving classic Queens pizza slices
When to visit: Casual lunch to early dinner crowd
What to order: Sicilian square slice, Margherita, pepperoni
Insider tip: Ask for well‑heated slices during peak hours
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available, but can be difficult to find during peak hours, especially evenings and weekends.
Dress code: Casual - comfortable clothing, jeans and t-shirts are perfectly acceptable.
Noise level: Moderate - it's a lively, family-friendly atmosphere, but you can still have a conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: Expect a 20-30 minute wait during weekend evenings, as it's a popular spot for locals.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait during weekdays, though it can get busy around noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - a variety of vegetarian pizzas including classic Margherita and vegetable-topped pies.
Vegan options: Limited - there are a couple of vegan-friendly pizzas, but not a dedicated menu section.
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free pizza crust is available, but the kitchen uses shared prep spaces, so cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, it's a great casual spot for a first date. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, and the pizza is delicious without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, you can usually get a table without a reservation, especially for lunch or on weekdays. However, weekends can get busy, so it’s a good idea to arrive early or call ahead if possible.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, this is a very kid-friendly restaurant. The casual vibe and large pizza portions make it a great choice for families. High chairs are available.
Best For
Better for: This place excels in offering consistently tasty, no-frills pizza with a neighborhood vibe. It's perfect for casual dining or quick meals with a side of nostalgia.
Skip if: If you're looking for gourmet pizza or more upscale dining, you might want to try a different spot with a more refined atmosphere.
Pizza Sam
7.9
Beloved local Italian‑American restaurant where lasagna holds its own alongside wood‑fired pizzas and pasta standards. Casual vibe and solid portions make it a reliable neighborhood choice for comfort classics.
Must-Try Dishes:
Baked Lasagna, Margherita Pizza, Chicken Francese
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Classic red‑sauce Italian fare with reliable lasagna
Who should go: Casual diners and families
When to visit: Lunch or early dinner
What to order: Baked Lasagna, Margherita Pizza, Chicken Francese
Insider tip: Try combo plates for sharing with groups
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available, but it can be limited during peak hours, especially on weekends.
Dress code: Casual – jeans and a nice top are perfect, no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate – can comfortably hold a conversation, but can get louder during peak dining times.
Weekend wait: Expect a wait of 30-45 minutes without a reservation, especially on weekends.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically during weekdays, but it can get busier during lunch hour.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – there are a variety of vegetarian options including pasta dishes and salads.
Vegan options: Limited – a few vegan-friendly options, but not a dedicated menu section.
Gluten-free options: Yes – gluten-free pasta is available upon request, with separate prep to avoid cross-contamination.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – it's casual but cozy, perfect for a relaxed first date with good conversation. The comforting food and warm atmosphere help set the tone.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It's possible, but if you're planning to dine during peak hours or weekends, a reservation is recommended to avoid a long wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – families are welcome. The menu offers plenty of options for kids, and the casual setting is perfect for young diners.
Best For
Better for: Pizza Sam excels in classic Italian-American comfort food, especially for casual meals with family or friends. Their lasagna and wood-fired pizzas set them apart.
Skip if: If you're looking for a more upscale, fine-dining experience or a wider selection of modern Italian dishes, you may want to try alternatives.
Pizza Sam
8.3
A long‑standing neighborhood pizzeria in the heart of Jackson Heights with big slices and a mix of classic and specialty pies. Locals come early evening for hearty portions before other late night options.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grandma Pizza, Sicilian Slice, Supremo Pie
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Old‑school neighborhood pizzeria with classic slices
Who should go: Families and pizza lovers before late night
When to visit: Early evening dinner crowd
What to order: Grandma slice, Sicilian slice, Supremo pie
Insider tip: Go just before peak dinner for hot fresh slices
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available, can be difficult to find during peak dinner hours, but generally manageable.
Dress code: Casual – jeans and a t-shirt are perfect for a laid-back meal.
Noise level: Moderate – it’s lively but not overwhelmingly loud, allowing for comfortable conversation.
Weekend wait: Expect a 15-20 minute wait during peak hours, especially on weekends.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically, as it's a quiet spot during the day.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - vegetarian pizzas available, including options like Margherita and Veggie Supreme.
Vegan options: Limited - a few vegan-friendly options such as the Veggie Supreme (ask for dairy-free cheese).
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free crust options available upon request, with separate prep to avoid cross-contamination.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, it’s a great low-key spot for a casual date with a relaxed atmosphere and comfort food.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, Pizza Sam doesn’t typically require reservations. However, it can get busy during dinner rush, so arriving early is recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, it’s family-friendly with a casual vibe. The large portions and classic pizza options make it a great choice for kids.
Best For
Better for: Pizza Sam excels in offering affordable, classic New York-style slices with quick service, making it ideal for a satisfying casual meal.
Skip if: If you're looking for a trendy or upscale dining experience, Pizza Sam’s old-school, no-frills vibe may not be the right fit.
Pizza Sam
8.3
Long‑time local favorite for classic New York and grandma style pizza with reliable crust and sauce, Pizza Sam draws regulars from across Jackson Heights with generous slices and wallet‑friendly pies. Its broad community following reflects steady quality in an unpretentious setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grandma Style Pizza, Cheese Slice, Pepperoni Pie
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Classic NY and grandma styles delivered reliably every day
Who should go: locals craving classic slices and value
When to visit: lunchtime and early dinner rush hours
What to order: Grandma pizza, cheese slice, pepperoni pie
Insider tip: Order whole pies ahead on weekends to avoid wait
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available, but can be limited during peak hours. No valet.
Dress code: Casual - comfortable attire is fine.
Noise level: Moderate - can hold a conversation without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: 30-45 min wait during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - offers a variety of veggie toppings and vegetarian pizzas.
Vegan options: Limited - has a couple of vegan pizza options, but not a dedicated menu section.
Gluten-free options: Yes - offers gluten-free crusts and takes care to avoid cross-contamination.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, it’s casual and comfortable with a laid-back vibe. Perfect for a low-pressure meal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but during busy times, especially weekends, you might face a wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, great for families. The casual atmosphere and pizza slices make it ideal for kids.
Best For
Better for: Pizza Sam excels at classic New York and grandma-style pizzas, with consistent quality and generous portions.
Skip if: If you're looking for gourmet or unique pizza toppings, consider alternatives nearby with more adventurous options.
Pizza Sam
7.6
A long-standing, no-frills pizzeria that delivers the kind of classic slices and baked Italian staples that make for an easy, low-cost date. The vibe is pure neighborhood counter energy—go for quick bites, then extend the night with a stroll for dessert nearby.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sicilian cheese slice, Chicken parmigiana, Zeppoles
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Old-school slice shop with reliable, crowd-pleasing Italian staples.
Who should go: Couples wanting a casual, budget-friendly bite
When to visit: Early evening for fresh slice turnover
What to order: Sicilian slice, chicken parm, zeppoles
Insider tip: Grab a Sicilian slice if you want the heartier, shareable option.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited availability and can be difficult after 6pm, especially on weekends.
Dress code: Very casual — jeans, sneakers, and everyday wear are completely fine.
Noise level: Moderate — lively counter energy but still easy to talk without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes depending on slice turnover; rarely longer.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait; walk-in friendly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — cheese slices, Sicilian, and a few veggie-friendly baked items.
Vegan options: Very limited — typically sauce-based items only; not a strong vegan stop.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free options; cross-contamination likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you’re aiming for something casual and low-pressure. It’s best for quick bites and conversation rather than a long, sit-down dinner.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — there are no reservations. Seating is limited and informal, so be ready to eat quickly or take slices to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — simple pizza options and quick service make it easy for kids, though there are no special amenities.
Best For
Better for: Affordable slices, fast service, and no-frills comfort food that works well for a spontaneous date.
Skip if: You want a polished dining room, extended table service, or a more romantic, linger-longer atmosphere.