John's Pizzeria Introduce
For many New Yorkers, a true pizzeria is more than just a place to grab a slice; it’s a living piece of the city's history. John's Pizzeria in Elmhurst, Queens, embodies this spirit completely. Located on Grand Avenue, it offers a refreshing antidote to the modern, sterile establishments that have become common. This is a place where the atmosphere is as much a part of the experience as the food itself. It's a casual and historic spot that has remained true to its roots, inviting locals and visitors alike to step into a space that feels authentically vintage. For those seeking an "old school" vibe combined with satisfying, traditional comfort food, John's Pizzeria is a must-visit destination.
The moment you walk through the door, you're transported to a simpler time, a feeling that a lifelong New Yorker might particularly appreciate. The charm lies in the details—from the classic decor to the welcoming feel that makes you want to put your phone away and just soak it all in. This is a place where the focus is on a great slice of pizza and a friendly interaction, not on a trend. It's popular for both lunch and dinner and is a perfect spot for solo dining, a quick bite with friends, or a relaxed meal with the family. Its commitment to maintaining its classic character while serving up good, honest food is what makes it a cherished institution in the neighborhood.
John's Pizzeria is situated at 85-02 Grand Ave, Elmhurst, NY 11373, USA. This well-known address places it in a central and easily accessible part of the Queens borough. Grand Avenue is a key thoroughfare, making the pizzeria a convenient stop for those living or working in the surrounding areas. The neighborhood location gives it a true community feel, standing as a local landmark for residents who know and love it.
While specific details about physical accessibility are not provided, its street-level entrance on a major avenue makes it a simple destination to navigate. Its central position in Elmhurst also makes it easy to find for those using GPS or public transit. The combination of a strong neighborhood presence and a location on a key city street ensures that John’s Pizzeria is a practical choice for both a quick visit and a more planned-out dining experience. Its status as a beloved local spot is in no small part due to its easy-to-find and welcoming location.
John’s Pizzeria offers a range of services designed to provide convenience and flexibility for its customers.
Dine-in: The restaurant offers a comfortable and charming dining area for those who wish to sit down and enjoy their meal. The historic atmosphere makes the dine-in experience a key feature, as it allows customers to fully appreciate the unique ambiance.
Takeout: For customers on the go, a takeout option is available. This service allows you to quickly pick up your favorite pizza and enjoy it at home or at another location.
Delivery: The pizzeria provides delivery service, bringing its delicious comfort food directly to your door. This is a perfect option for those who prefer to stay in and still get to enjoy the taste of a classic New York slice.
Dining Options: Popular for lunch and dinner, the pizzeria is a reliable choice for any time of day. It is also noted as a great spot for solo dining, offering a comfortable and non-intimidating environment for a meal on your own.
The highlights of John’s Pizzeria are what truly set it apart and make it a cherished institution in the Elmhurst community.
A Historic and Authentic Atmosphere: This is arguably the most significant feature of the pizzeria. Its atmosphere is described as being "straight out of the 1980's," a deliberate nod to a time when pizza shops were less about trend and more about substance. The decor includes classic "formica, wall paper, period correct seating, bar stools, and the quintessential red tile flooring." This isn’t just a dining area; it’s an experience that encourages you to "soak in the nostalgia."
Excellent Pizza Quality: The pizza itself holds up to the atmosphere. It is noted for its "excellent regular and Sicilian slice," which are a cornerstone of any great New York pizzeria. The pizza is described as "reasonably good," which speaks to its solid, consistent quality that keeps customers coming back.
Friendly and Welcoming Staff: Customers consistently report that the staff is "friendly." This contributes to the overall pleasant dining experience and makes the pizzeria feel like a true neighborhood spot where everyone is welcome.
Great Value and Fair Prices: The pizzeria is known for its "fair prices." This commitment to providing good food at an affordable cost is a key reason for its popularity and a valued trait in a city where dining out can be expensive.
Family-Friendly Environment: John’s Pizzeria is listed as "good for kids." The casual atmosphere and classic comfort food menu make it a comfortable place to bring the whole family for a meal.
For more information or to place an order, you can contact John’s Pizzeria using the following details.
Address: 85-02 Grand Ave, Elmhurst, NY 11373, USA
Phone: (718) 457-7561
The phone number is your direct line to the establishment, making it easy to call ahead for a takeout order or to ask about their menu or hours.
For a New Yorker, John's Pizzeria is worth choosing for one simple but profound reason: it offers an authentic, nostalgic experience that feels increasingly rare in the city today. You don't just come here for a quick meal; you come to enjoy a slice of classic New York culture. The pizzeria’s dedication to an "old school" atmosphere, complete with period-correct decor, is a major draw for anyone who appreciates the city's rich history. It is a place that encourages you to slow down, put your phone away, and simply enjoy the moment.
Beyond the ambiance, the food itself holds its own. The reputation for serving "excellent regular and Sicilian slices" ensures that the nostalgia is backed up by solid, delicious pizza. The friendly staff and fair prices also contribute to a dining experience that feels both welcoming and honest. While one review mentioned a slight awkwardness in the ordering process, this is presented as a minor quirk that does not detract from the overall positive experience, and can even be seen as part of the unique, non-corporate charm. John’s Pizzeria is a place that proves that sometimes the best things are the ones that don’t change. For a family meal, a solo slice, or an excellent taste of a bygone era, this Elmhurst institution is a top choice.
John's Pizzeria Details
Service options
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Comfort food
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Historic
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Children
- Good for kids
John's Pizzeria Photos










John's Pizzeria Location
John's Pizzeria Reviews
crustschooltripnyc pizzaold fashionedpepperonipricesnostalgia80sformica
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1The ordering process was slightly awkward in that the toppings we wanted were partly unavailable, but which ones were unavailable were unknown until we asked for it (so we had to kind of go down the list of toppings one by one).Otherwise, the pizza was reasonably good, the staff is friendly, and the dining area is nicely kept and cute/charming.
May 09 · Allen SzeThe NYC Pizzeria has been a long declining institution, but John's seems to be doing all the right things. An excellent regular and Sicilian slice, fair prices, and an atmosphere straight out of the 1980's. Most modern pizza shops have become sterile in their makeovers, which are mostly an afterthought. John's keeps it old school with formica, wall paper, period correct seating, bar stools, and the quintessential red tile flooring.You don't just come here for the pizza, you come here for an experience. Put your phone away and just soak in the nostalgia as you enjoy a slice at John's. As a lifelong New Yorker since 1980, I approve this message.
October 26 · Thanassi KarageorgiouCute place. It’s been there since 1976 although my understanding is they were originally a few blocks away from 65-76. Pizza was good. My issue with the place is the daughter’s attitude is gruff and not friendly. When taking my order I’m at the far right of the counter and she walks all the way to the left and grabs a paper and pen. I’mStill on the right because that’s where I began communicating my order. She seems annoyed that I didn’t move over to where she moved. I didn’t appreciate the attitude. Also, there were so many toppings unavailable (No onions, no garlic, no meatballs) & no rolls which was a disappointment. And what I did order I didn’t get. Sausage and peppers and no peppers were on my pie. Lastly, she barked about taking a picture and said I need to ask before taking. All that said, I am giving 4 stars because I respect the history of the place. But the owner/daughter could be nicer. That would have bumped to 5 stars.
February 17 · Matthew ReischerDO NOT EAT THIS PIZZA HOT!I am not one of these "Cold Pizza" advocates. I like my pizza fresh and warm. This old school establishment is the exception. A fresh hot piping pie is probably hovering in a 7-7.5 rating, a room temp slice is def a 8.5. I'm no Bill Nye, but scientifically when this pizza sits and settles it really "matures". I tested this theory on friends and they agree.The location is awesome. It honestly looks like a film set from the late 70's. Their lack of upkeep actually adds to the charm. This is true authentic NY Pizza. It was one of the original thin crust slices since the early 90's when Pizza Hut became a phenomenon and most other local places switches to a thicker crust. Now a days every place is doing a thin crust in the style that Dave Portnoy likes hoping he might stop in and make them famous.This is a cash only no frills NY pizza spot that deserves it flowers. Its a mother and daughter alone making all the pies... and they are far from spring chickens! (you still look and move great) This place is a NY relic and places like these wont be around for much longer, so support it while you can. Soon you will be talking to a robot responding via ChatGPT making a pie based on a formula of all the top reviws.
June 05 · Michael JohnstonFirst time I've had John's was around 1986. Last evening I went with my GF Eva after not going for approximately 10+ years.It definitely brought back so many memories and nostalgia from my childhood.
January 04 · James Oh
More restaurants near me

80-26 Queens Blvd, Elmhurst, NY 11373, USA

83-13 Queens Blvd, Elmhurst, NY 11373, USA

81-05 Queens Blvd, Queens, NY 11373, USA

80-03 Queens Blvd, Elmhurst, NY 11373, USA

79-01 Barnwell Ave, Elmhurst, NY 11373, USA

77-00 Queens Blvd, Elmhurst, NY 11373, USA

84-08 Broadway A, Broadway, Elmhurst, NY 11373, USA

83-34 Broadway, Elmhurst, NY 11373, USA

74-25 Grand Ave, Maspeth, NY 11378, USA

83-30A Broadway, Elmhurst, NY 11373, USA

83-30A Broadway, Elmhurst, NY 11373, USA

74-25 Grand Ave, Elmhurst, NY 11373, USA
Categories
Top Visited Sites






Trending Dining Insights Posts





