John's of Bleecker Street
Italian · Pizza · New York, NY
About
Regulars pack the booths at John's of Bleecker Street, a West Village institution that's been serving coal-fired brick oven pizza since 1929. It's cash only, no slices, and famously no frills. The pizza comes out thin and crisp from the coal oven — keep it simple with a cheese pie and a pitcher. The vibe is casual and family-friendly, drawing all ages and a mixed crowd. It's landed on lists like MSN's 101 Best Pizzas in America.
The line can move slow on weekends, especially in summer heat. Regulars know to skip the meatball sub and focus on the whole pies. It's beer and wine only, with a small staff that can seem indifferent during rushes. You'll wait, but many say the pizza is worth it. Note the $12 menu price — extra cheese adds $4. Woody Allen's a fan, but you'll find locals and tourists alike carving their names into the booths.
Located in the West Village, a historic LGBTQ+ neighborhood in Manhattan, it's a short walk from other iconic eateries and bars.
Features
- ✓Coal-fired brick oven pizza since 1929
- ✓Cash only policy
- ✓Beer and wine served
- ✓Dog-friendly patio
- ✓Family-owned and operated
Cuisine
Good for
Practical
What people say
Rated from 3,156 reviews. 13 community ratings. View this venue on Yelp
From the community
I ordered a meatball sub and waited 30 minutes outside in the heat for it. When I asked about my order, it turned out my sandwich had been sitting in the kitchen for a while. No one bothered to check if it was ready. The sandwich was just okay, nothing special, and the mozzarella didn't taste right. The total was $16, but the menu price showed $12, so they charged an extra $4 just for cheese. The quality was like a deli sandwich costing $8-9. This place is overpriced with mediocre food. Also, I got terrible heartburn from the meatball sandwich. Awful experience.
A visitor · Over a year ago
“The best”
If you visit only one pizza place in Manhattan, make it this one. Excellent thin crust pizza — get one with lots of toppings — and a very fresh salad that easily feeds two. It's Woody Allen's favorite.
A guest · Over a year ago
“Best pizza in NY”
Every time I travel to New York, John's on Bleecker is on my must-visit list at least twice. I've been going since I was a kid, so nostalgia probably plays a role, but it really is the best. I recommend keeping it simple with a cheese pie and a pitcher, and don't even think about not eating that last slice. My boyfriend even carved our names in one of the booths.
A recent visitor · Over a year ago
Frequently Asked Questions
Does John's of Bleecker Street serve pizza by the slice? +
No, they do not serve slices — only whole pies.
Is there a dress code? +
No, it's casual.
Does it have vegetarian options? +
Yes, you can get a cheese pizza or a salad. The salad easily feeds two.
Is it dog-friendly? +
Yes, confirmed dog-friendly.
Does it take credit cards? +
No, it's cash only. Bring cash.
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