Johnny's Pizzeria

- 30 W Lincoln Ave, Mt Vernon, NY 10550

A true New York institution, Johnny's Pizzeria in Mount Vernon stands as a beacon of old-school Italian-American tradition, particularly celebrated for its distinctive and exceptional pizza. Established on July 4, 1942, by Joseph Piscopo for his oldest son Johnny, this family-owned restaurant has been serving the New York region for over eight decades, making it one of Westchester County's oldest and most revered pizzerias. It has transcended being just a local eatery; for many New Yorkers and visitors, it's a planned destination—a pilgrimage for the perfect, ultra-thin crust pie.

The atmosphere at Johnny's is a deliberate throwback, offering a cozy, historic, and family-friendly environment that proudly displays a wealth of New York Yankees memorabilia. This decor perfectly complements the establishment's no-frills, quality-first philosophy. The enduring dedication to classic techniques and the family's secret recipes—such as the delicious sauce made by Grandmother Concetta—are what have kept generations of customers coming back. This long history and commitment to consistency have earned the pizzeria a legendary status and a Zagat's rating of 27 for food, a testament to its enduring quality in the competitive New York culinary scene.

While the heart of the business is undoubtedly their famous pizza, Johnny's offers a comprehensive menu that expands into other authentic Italian-American comfort food, including hearty hot and cold sandwiches, fresh salads, and classic sides. It’s a complete dining experience built on heritage, warm service, and food prepared with love, continuing the legacy first built on East 3rd Street and now flourishing at its long-standing location on West Lincoln Avenue.

Johnny's Pizzeria is conveniently located in Mount Vernon, a vibrant city in Westchester County, New York. This makes it an easily accessible spot for residents of the immediate area, as well as those traveling from the Bronx, Long Island, New Jersey, and Connecticut—many of whom consider the trip essential for a taste of this legendary pizza.

The restaurant's full address is 30 W Lincoln Ave, Mt Vernon, NY 10550, USA.

Accessibility for all guests is prioritized, as the restaurant features a wheelchair-accessible entrance and wheelchair-accessible seating. For those driving, Johnny's offers both a free parking lot and free street parking options, though the lot can be tight during peak hours, a classic trade-off for dining at a beloved local hotspot. The interior is designed to be a comfortable space for everyone, from families with children—who can make use of the provided high chairs—to solo diners and large groups.

Johnny's Pizzeria focuses on providing a classic, flexible dining experience. Their services are designed to accommodate a range of customer needs while preserving the traditional essence of the family-run business.

• Dine-in: Enjoy your meal in the cozy, historic, and casual atmosphere with full table service.
• Takeaway/Takeout: Customers can order food to go, perfect for those who want to enjoy their favorite pizza at home.
• Catering: The restaurant offers catering services, allowing you to bring their acclaimed food to your next event or gathering.
• Dining Options: Available for Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert.
• Menu Variety: Offers comfort food, quick bites, and a selection of classic Italian dishes beyond pizza, including Stromboli, Hoagies, Hot and Deli Sandwiches, and Burgers.
• Beverages: Alcoholic offerings include Beer and Wine, alongside non-alcoholic options like Coffee.
• Kids' Menu: A dedicated menu ensures there are options that are good for kids.

A crucial note on planning your visit: Johnny's operates as a Cash-Only establishment. Customers should plan accordingly, as this is part of the old-school charm the establishment maintains.

What sets Johnny's Pizzeria apart is a commitment to tradition, quality ingredients, and a truly unique style of pizza that has garnered regional fame.

• The Ultra-Thin Crust Pizza: This is the signature item. Praised by critics and customers alike for its paper-thin, crispy, crunchy texture and zero-flop consistency. The cheese is often placed under the tangy, flavorful sauce—a unique preparation style that contributes to its perfect undercarriage.
• No Slices Policy: In the true old-school style, Johnny's sells pies only, ensuring every customer gets a fresh, perfectly prepared pizza, not one that has been sitting under a heat lamp.
• Historic and Cozy Atmosphere: Established in 1942, the restaurant has a deep sense of history. The interior is warm and inviting, often described as a shrine to New York sports teams, particularly the Yankees, creating a truly unique and nostalgic dining environment.
• Family Legacy: The Piscopo family has passionately run this establishment for over three generations, ensuring the integrity of the original recipes and quality remains paramount.
• Serves Local Specialty: Considered a culinary landmark and a local specialty, often rated as one of the best pizzas in the entire Tri-State region.
• Comprehensive Menu: Beyond the famous pizza, the menu offers a diverse range of Italian-American fare, including specialty items like the Vip Strom, the Chicken Cutlet Parmesan hot sandwich, a variety of cold Hoagies, and classic Soups and Salads.
• Vegetarian Options: The menu includes several dishes suitable for vegetarians, including various specialty pizzas like the Veggie Pizza and multiple salad options.
• Fast and Friendly Service: Known for quick service despite high demand, and consistently praised by customers for a warm, welcoming, and friendly staff.

For those planning a visit or wishing to place a takeout order, here is the essential contact information for Johnny's Pizzeria:

Address: 30 W Lincoln Ave, Mt Vernon, NY 10550, USA

Phone: (914) 668-1957

For first-time visitors to Johnny's Pizzeria, and even for returning regulars, the choice is clear: the classic ultra-thin crust pizza is the star and the undisputed local specialty. This is not your typical New York slice—it is a whole pie experience, crispy, light, and bursting with flavor. The high ratings and customer testimonials consistently point to the quality of the crust, the tangy sauce (often on top of the cheese), and the overall "zero flop" perfection. Due to its thinness, many long-time patrons recommend ordering a larger size than you might normally, or even multiple pies, as it's so easy to eat.

Beyond the iconic pizza, several other menu items are worth exploring for a full Italian feast:

• Antipasto or House Salad: A fresh, crisp start to any meal, often recommended to complement the richness of the pizza.
• Stromboli: The house specialty, the Vip Strom, or the classic Pepperoni and Cheese are excellent choices for a hearty, baked Italian specialty.
• Hot Sandwiches: Items like the Chicken Cutlet Parmesan or the Hot Roasted Pork Italian offer classic, comforting flavors and generous portions.
• The Whole Experience: More than just one dish, what's truly worth choosing is the atmosphere. Johnny's is one of the few places left that offers a true taste of historic, family-run Mount Vernon. The staff's warmth, the cozy, nostalgic environment, and the multi-generational family experience make it a culinary landmark that is genuinely worth the trip for anyone in the New York metropolitan area seeking authentic, high-quality Italian-American fare.

In an ever-changing culinary landscape, Johnny's Pizzeria remains a timeless, must-visit destination. The commitment to their signature thin crust and family values is what makes it a consistently top-rated choice and a true gem of Westchester County dining.

Johnny's Pizzeria

30 W Lincoln Ave, Mt Vernon, NY 10550, USA