Santillo's Brick Oven Pizza

- 639 S Broad St, Elizabeth, NJ 07202

For New Jersey residents, particularly those who consider pizza a historical art form, Santillo's Brick Oven Pizza in Elizabeth is more than just a restaurant—it is a culinary institution. The business traces its roots back to 1918, beginning its journey with Lou Santillo delivering bread by horse and buggy, and has since evolved into a national legend, consistently named among the best pizzerias not just in New Jersey, but in the entire country. The current owner and master pizzaiolo, Al Santillo, carries the torch of this generational legacy, upholding time-honored techniques and recipes that span a century.

What sets Santillo's apart is its dedication to crafting distinct, historically accurate pizza styles, each named after the year the specific recipe was perfected by a member of the Santillo family. This unique "pizza timeline" offers patrons a delightful journey through the evolution of Italian-American pizza. From the simple, old-world flavors of the 1940 Genuine Tomato Pie (no cheese, only sauce) to the celebrated 1957 Style Extra Thin, which customers rave about for its exceptional crispness and structural integrity, every pie tells a story. Even national food critics have flocked to this Union County location, validating its status as a pilgrimage site for pizza aficionados.

The integrity of the crust is a defining characteristic. Many reviews highlight the pizza's remarkable crispiness, noting the "ZERO flop" even fifteen minutes after opening the box. This texture is achieved through the expertise of Al Santillo and the seasoning of the historic brick oven, which, even as the business works through a challenging rebuilding process, continues to be the heart of the operation. This oven, seasoned over decades with the essence of olive oil, cheese, and dough, imparts a flavor that simply cannot be replicated by modern equipment.

The Santillo's menu extends beyond the classic round and square pies, though those remain the foundation. They also offer hearty Santillo Subs like Chicken Parm, Meatball Parm, and Sausage Parm, as well as unique baked goods and appetizers. Specialty pies are abundant, including the deep-dish Pan Pizza, the ultra-thin Grandma Pie (a thin Sicilian), and the savory Lasagna Pizza. For those who love a clean, crisp, and robust flavor, the white pizza, made creamy with ricotta, is another highly recommended choice that has earned enthusiastic praise from loyal customers.

It is important to note for prospective visitors from New Jersey and beyond that the business experienced a devastating fire in early 2024. While the physical structure and the prized oven were badly damaged, the spirit and determination of Al Santillo, coupled with immense community support (including public fundraising efforts), have ensured that the legacy continues. The owner has vowed to rebuild, but in the interim, service is being maintained from a temporary, nearby location. This means the primary service model remains focused on takeout, curbside pickup, and delivery, upholding the high quality and tradition that customers expect, though the ability to dine-in at the historic location is currently unavailable.

Santillo's Brick Oven Pizza is located in the heart of Elizabeth, NJ, making it easily accessible for customers throughout Union County and the broader New Jersey/New York metropolitan area. Despite the ongoing rebuilding efforts, the business operates to maintain its takeout and delivery services from this central location.

Address: 639 S Broad St, Elizabeth, NJ 07202, USA

The location on South Broad Street provides convenient access for driving patrons:

• Accessibility: The business is committed to accessibility, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance.
• Parking: Customers benefit from both a free parking lot and ample free street parking in the vicinity, which is a major convenience in a busy metropolitan area.
• Pickup: Curbside pickup and traditional takeout services are available, allowing customers to quickly collect their legendary pies.

Santillo's operational focus is on quick, convenient, and safe service to get their high-quality comfort food into the hands of New Jersey diners:

• Takeout Service: The primary method of service, allowing customers to pick up their orders at the counter.
• Curbside Pickup: Provides maximum convenience by bringing orders directly to the customer’s vehicle.
• No-Contact Delivery: Ensures a safe and efficient way for customers to receive their pizza at home.
• In-Person Ordering/Waiting: Although the historic dining room is closed for seating, customers can place and wait for orders, often through a dedicated pickup area.
• Menu Variety: Offers a wide array of pizzas, specialty pies, appetizers like Mozzarella Sticks and Zeppoli's, and substantial baked subs.
• Payment Options: Accepts modern payment methods including Debit Cards and NFC Mobile Payments.

The distinct elements that define Santillo's Brick Oven Pizza and contribute to its iconic status in New Jersey are:

• A Century-Old Legacy: Established in 1918, representing one of the oldest and most respected family pizzerias in the United States.
• The Pizza Timeline: A unique menu structure featuring distinct, dated recipes like the 1940 Tomato Pie, 1957 Style Extra Thin, and 1964 Style, allowing patrons to taste history.
• Legendary Crispness: The pizzas are renowned for their exceptional crust—often described as crispy, well-done, and having "ZERO flop"—a texture achieved through expert brick oven cooking.
• Master Pizzaiolo: The pizzas are made by Al Santillo, the third-generation owner, ensuring consistency with family tradition and a singular commitment to quality.
• Community Resilience: The business's determination to rebuild after the 2024 fire, supported by the community and high-profile food enthusiasts, underscores its importance as a local landmark.
• Extensive Specialty Menu: Offers unique items beyond basic pies, including various Pan Pizzas, Calzone, Stromboli, and specialty subs.

For current operational status, placing an order, or supporting the rebuilding efforts, New Jersey patrons can use the following information:

Address: 639 S Broad St, Elizabeth, NJ 07202, USA

Phone: (908) 354-1887

For anyone in New Jersey who respects culinary tradition and demands exceptional quality, Santillo's Brick Oven Pizza is worth choosing for its historical significance and its unparalleled product. You are not just ordering a pizza; you are tasting over a century of perfected craft, meticulously maintained by a single family. The ability to choose a pizza from a specific year on their timeline offers an experience unlike any other, appealing to both the casual diner and the serious food critic.

The dedication to an ultra-crispy, well-done crust—as praised by legions of fans—ensures a superior texture that travels well, which is crucial given the takeout-focused model. Whether you opt for the simplicity of the 1940 Genuine Tomato Pie for a taste of pure sauce, or the rich, creamy White Pizza, you are guaranteed a product made with generational expertise. By ordering from Santillo's, New Jersey locals are supporting a resilient and iconic small business determined to continue its legacy, making every slice a symbol of quality and a part of local history.

Santillo's Brick Oven Pizza

639 S Broad St, Elizabeth, NJ 07202, USA