Star Tavern Introduce
For over 75 years, **Star Tavern World Famous Pizzeria** has stood as a genuine culinary landmark and a cherished local institution in the City of Orange, New Jersey. Often affectionately referred to simply as "The Star" by generations of loyal patrons, this establishment is much more than just a pizza restaurant; it is a historic bar and a family-friendly Italian eatery that embodies the classic North Jersey dining experience. Its reputation for having some of the **best thin-crust pizza** in the entire state precedes it, making it a must-visit destination for both locals and those traveling across the Garden State in search of an iconic slice.
The fame of Star Tavern centers on its signature thin-crust pizza, a style often referred to as a "bar pie." This pizza is distinguished by its incredibly thin, crispy crust and its classic, unforgettable flavor. The "plain cheese pizza is out of this world," according to one long-time customer, noting the perfect "crisp to it" and that "classic Star flavor." This commitment to a consistently high-quality, perfectly executed bar pie is what has cemented its status as a staple for the City of Orange and surrounding Essex County towns. Its excellence has been acknowledged by major publications, including being featured by The New York Times for its “superior pizza.”
However, the menu extends far beyond their legendary pizza. Star Tavern is a fully-fledged family and Italian restaurant offering a delightful selection of traditional Italian-American comfort food. From classic pastas like **Baked Ziti** and **Lasagna** to hearty House Specialties such as **Chicken Marsala** and **Linguine w/ Clam Sauce**, the kitchen serves up flavorful dishes to satisfy all appetites. The atmosphere is celebrated for its mix of historic charm, a casual and cozy setting, and a lively vibe, ensuring that whether you are grabbing a quick bite, enjoying a family dinner, or having a drink at the bar, you are guaranteed a great time with super friendly service.
## Location and Accessibility
Star Tavern is strategically located at **400 High St, City of Orange, NJ 07050, USA**. This address places it in a notable spot in the far northern end of Orange, conveniently close to the borders of other vibrant North Jersey communities, including Glen Ridge, Montclair, and West Orange. Its longevity and historical presence have made it a cornerstone of the neighborhood, deeply embedded in the local landscape.
Accessibility is a key advantage for this establishment. Recognizing the needs of a modern and mobile New Jersey crowd, Star Tavern offers excellent parking amenities, which is a major convenience in a busy regional hub. These provisions include:
- Free Parking Lot: Dedicated on-site parking is available for patrons, simplifying the arrival process.
- Free Street Parking: Additional free street parking options are available in the immediate vicinity, particularly helpful during peak hours.
- On-site Parking: General parking is available to ensure a smooth visit.
Furthermore, Star Tavern is committed to inclusivity, offering comprehensive accessibility features to ensure a comfortable experience for all guests. These features include a **Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible parking lot, Wheelchair accessible restroom, and Wheelchair accessible seating**, making it a welcoming dining option for the entire New Jersey community.
## Services Offered
Star Tavern's service model is built around a commitment to providing quality food efficiently, catering to those who wish to dine in a friendly setting or enjoy their famous pizza at home. The main services available are:
- Dine-in: Offering a full, comfortable dining experience in a casual, cozy, and historic atmosphere, complete with table service.
- Takeout (Pizza Takeout): Providing a convenient option for customers to pick up their orders, perfect for bringing the "best thin crust" home to the family.
- Full Bar Service: Featuring a **Bar onsite** with a **Great beer selection**, **Great cocktails**, **Hard liquor**, and **Wine**, complementing the meal or serving as a standalone gathering spot.
- Fast Service: Known for their efficiency, this is a highlight that ensures patrons, even during busy times, receive their orders promptly.
- Family-Friendly Dining: The restaurant offers a **Kids' menu** and **High chairs**, making it an ideal destination for families with young children.
- Late-Night Food: Serving a select menu later into the evening, catering to those looking for a delicious **Quick bite** or **Comfort food** after regular dining hours.
- Happy Hour Drinks: Offering specific drink specials during certain hours, a popular feature for the local crowd.
- Accommodating Crowd: The atmosphere is welcoming to all, noted as being **Family-friendly, Groups, LGBTQ+ friendly, and a Transgender safespace**.
## Features / Highlights
What keeps New Jersey diners returning to Star Tavern is a combination of its culinary excellence, inviting atmosphere, and outstanding service features:
- Iconic Thin-Crust Pizza: Recognized statewide and beyond for serving the definitive thin-crust "bar pie," praised for its crispness, flavor, and consistent quality over generations.
- Historic and Cozy Atmosphere: The restaurant maintains a casual, cozy, and historic charm, giving patrons an authentic, old-school tavern feel that is a unique local specialty.
- Diverse and Delicious Menu: Beyond pizza, the menu features Italian-American comfort food, including highly-rated starters like **Mussels Marinara** and classic entrees, plus a variety of sandwiches, ensuring "a lot of options to choose from."
- Full Service Bar: The presence of a dedicated bar with an excellent selection of beer, cocktails, hard liquor, and wine makes it a perfect spot for social gatherings and for enjoying a drink with a meal.
- Commendable Hospitality: Customers consistently praise the "super friendly service" and accommodating nature of the staff, which contributes significantly to the overall positive dining experience.
- Strong Local Staple Status: It is a genuine "staple for the City of Orange for years," a place where the dining experience is passed down through generations, creating a nostalgic and reliable feeling for locals.
- Accessibility and Parking: Offering a **Free parking lot** and comprehensive **Wheelchair accessible** features ensures maximum convenience for every member of the community.
## Contact Information
To plan your visit or place a takeout order for the famous thin-crust pizza, please use the following contact details for Star Tavern:
Address: 400 High St, City of Orange, NJ 07050, USA
Phone: (973) 675-3336 (Also listed as +1 973-675-3336)
## What is Worth Choosing
For residents of New Jersey, particularly those in the North Jersey region, choosing Star Tavern is not just selecting a place to eat; it is participating in a decades-long culinary tradition. The establishment's rich history, combined with its specialized and highly-acclaimed product, makes it a truly worthwhile choice.
First and foremost, the **pizza** is the reason to visit. In a state renowned for its pizza, Star Tavern holds a title as a local specialty, known for the "best thin crust around." The thin, crispy, one-of-a-kind "bar pie" style is a taste that defines New Jersey pizza history and is a flavor you "won't want to pass up." To truly experience this local legend, the regular plain cheese pizza is a must-try, offering that classic, signature taste that has captivated families for five generations.
Beyond the pizza, Star Tavern is an ideal destination for its comprehensive offering. You can enjoy a casual night out with a full-service bar that boasts a **Great cocktails** selection, or you can bring the whole family for a traditional Italian-American dinner. The menu's depth—from the refreshing **Antipasto Salad** with its "fresh chunks of provolone" and hot peppers, to the variety of entrees and hot sandwiches like the **Italian Style Hot Dog** and **Pizzaburger**—ensures there is always something for everyone, making it the perfect spot for any occasion, whether it’s lunch, dinner, or a late-night bite.
Choosing Star Tavern is an investment in a local experience that has stood the test of time. The combination of its historic, cozy, and welcoming "old school neighborhood bar pie flavor," its fast and friendly service, and its commitment to being a gathering place for all crowds, from college students to long-time locals, solidifies its position as a beloved North Jersey staple. While there may often be a wait, as is common for such a popular spot, the consensus among long-time customers is that the "classic Star flavor" and the entire experience are always worth it.
Star Tavern Menu
Starters
- Mussels Marinara $14.50
(over linguine add $3.00)
- Fried Calamari $16.50
w/ mild, medium or hot marinara sauce on side
- Grilled Portobello & Eggplant $14.50
w/ mozzarella, Romano, and roasted peppers (w/ three large shrimp add $4.75)
- Buffalo Wings $15.25
(w/ Scampi sauce add $1.00)
- Chicken Fingers $12.50
w/ honey mustard sauce
- Mozzarella Sticks $11.75
- Onion Blossom $12.50
seasoned whole onion blossom, hand-battered and lightly fried
- Garlic Bread $5.75
(with mozzarella add $2.50)
- French Fries $6.25
- Shrimp Bowl $20.25
(8) shrimp sauteed with garlic and butter served in a bread bowl
- Sara's Mac 'n Cheese $7.50
(ten ounce portion)
Pizza
- Regular $15.50
Classic thin crust pizza.
- Whole Wheat $14.75
- White Clam $19.00
- Pesto $19.25
- Mushroom $20.25
- Artichoke $20.25
garlic bread crumb, red onion and quartered artichoke
- Buffalo Chicken $20.25
w/ drizzle of ranch dressing
- Eggplant $18.50
homemade eggplant, garlic (w/ dollops of ricotta add $2.00)
- Spinach $18.50
w/ roasted garlic
- White Spinach $20.00
w/ ricotta, mozzarella and roasted garlic
- Portabello Mushroom $19.25
w/ pine nuts & sundried tomatoes
- Three Cheese $18.25
w/ ricotta, Romano & mozzarella (tomato sauce on request)
- Old School Everything $20.25
w/ onions, sausage, pepperoni, peppers, mushrooms & anchovies
- Veggie $20.00
w/ onions, peppers, broccoli, mushrooms & olives
- Apple Pie $8.95
w/ thin-sliced apples, walnuts, butter, sugar & cinnamon, 12” round
Salads
- Antipasto Salad $15.00
- Tossed Salad $7.50
w/ mild, medium or hot marinara sauce on side
- Mista Salad $11.50
w/ house greens, Bermuda onion, tomatoes and peppers in a balsamic basil vinaigrette
- Mandarin Orange & Almond Salad $11.50
w/ romaine lettuce, mandarin segments and slivered almonds in an orange vinaigrette
- Caesar Salad $10.50
- Caesar Salad w/Grilled Chicken or (3) Large Shrimp $15.50
- Fields of Green Salad $11.50
baby greens w/ onions, tomatoes & seasonal fruit in a house vinaigrette
- Tricolore Salad $11.50
arugula, endive and radicchio with onions & tomatoes in a balsamic vinaigrette
Entrees
- Pasta Marinara $9.50
(w/meatballs add $4.95)
- Ravioli $10.50
- Baked Ziti $13.25
- Pasta Marinara (kids under 12) $7.25
- Ravioli Parmigiana $13.50
- Eggplant Parmigiana $16.75
w/ linguine
- Chicken Parmigiana $17.75
w/ linguine
House Specialties
- Broccoli and Cavatelli $14.95
sauteed with garlic, and topped with freshly grated Romano cheese (w/chicken add $4.50)
- Lasagna $18.25
HOMEMADE with three cheeses and three meats, served with the house marinara sauce
- Linguine w/ Clam Sauce $17.25
homemade red or white clam sauce served over linguine
- Calamari Fra Diavolo $18.25
sauteed with garlic, peppers and hot pepper seeds in a wine marinara sauce
- Shrimp Parmigiana $22.00
(8) shrimp sauteed over linguine with marinara sauce, and topped with mozzarella and Romano
- Shrimp Fra Diavolo $22.00
(8) shrimp sauteed with garlic, peppers and hot pepper seeds and served in a wine marinara sauce
- Shrimp Portobello $22.00
(8) shrimp sauteed with garlic, portabello mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes over linguine
- Chicken or Shrimp (6) Penne Vodka $22.00
sliced chicken sauteed with Italian pancetta, flamed off with vodka, then mixed with penne and a zesty marinara cream sauce
- Chicken Marsala $22.00
two boneless chicken breasts sauteed with fresh mushrooms over linguine in a sweet Marsala wine sauce
Sandwiches
- Hot Dog $7.25
- Italian Style Hot Dog $9.00
- Hamburger (fresh Angus beef) $8.50
- Cheeseburger $9.25
- Bacon Cheeseburger $10.00
- Pizzaburger $10.50
- Potato & Egg $7.75
- Pepper & Egg $7.75
- Pepperoni & Egg $9.25
- Sausage, Peppers & Onions $11.25
- Italian Style Sausage $12.00
- Sausage Parmigiana $12.00
- Meatball Sandwich $11.25
- Meatball Parmigiana $12.25
- Eggplant Parmigiana $12.25
- Grilled Chicken Parmigiana $12.75
- Roast Beef au jus $12.50
- Roast Beef Parmigiana $13.50
Star Tavern Details
Service options
- Takeout
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Serves local specialty
- Sports
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Comfort food
- Happy hour drinks
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Organic dishes
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Historic
- Trendy
Crowd
- College students
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Locals
- Tourists
- Transgender safespace
Planning
- Usually a wait
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- On-site parking
- Parking
Star Tavern Photos










Star Tavern Location
Star Tavern
400 High St, City of Orange, NJ 07050, USA
Star Tavern Reviews
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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1I’ve been going to Star since I was a kid and it’s always the best ! It’s been a staple for the City of Orange for years, and always has the best accommodating service. For starters you have to try the cold antipasto, it has fresh chunks of provolone, sliced salami, and pepperoni with some hot peppers served with a fresh loaf of bread. The plain cheese pizza is out of this world. It always has that crisp to it, and that classic Star flavor. One of the best places you can have a pizza or even just a drink at the bar in all of New Jersey.
June 28 · Daniel SeanIf you're a fan of thin crust, you're in for a treat because they serve some of the best around. With tasty pizza and super friendly service, you're guaranteed to have a great time. Seriously, you won't want to pass this up!
September 19 · Michele SchwartzStar Tavern by far has the Best pizza around. Been going to Star Tavern for over 55 years. Tried may pizza places and have yet to find one as good!!! Love many of their pizzas, they have the most delicious scampi chicken wings ever, they have the best penne ala vodka I've ever tasted and their large salad to share with the table is always cold, crispy and delicious. A must try!!!!
October 14 · Joan O'BrienLet me qualify this 2 star first by saying it has potential to move up with just one change (below)Parking is plentiful in the lots next to the restaurant. Staff is friendly and the place was packed for a rainy mid-week evening. The regular cheese pie had so much promise- the cheese was melted and well in some spots with cheese crisped up on some edges- all in a thin pizza. This is the style I love- sauce and cheese all over and thin with a slight crisp.However there was quite a bit of oil, similar to a NY slice- no worries Im starved. As I lift the first slice- instant flop... - uh oh, too much cheese? Nope, a soft, blanket-feeling undercarriage. I thought it may be undercooked but no it had some brown cooked spots too.As a first timer, I was not sure this was normal esp after reading reviews. However, the table over leaned in to ask and see our crust to compare to theirs- and were also disappointed at the undercarriage situation. Apparently they were patrons for many years and clarified that this was not normal and perhaps a new pizza chef was "learning". Hence the potential- and the cheese/sauce were great.We continued having a conversation with our table neighbors (tablors?), which was a great sign of the atmosphere.
June 06 · Ritesh MathurA classic and North Jersey gem. Best thin crust pie in Essex County, all of NJ and probably the East Coast! I grew up on good pizza, and this place never disappoints! Consistency is on point!
June 09 · Cynthia Olmsted
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