John's of Bleecker St is a classic NYC. An 850 degree coal fired brick oven pizzeria that serves thin crust with no frills. Sheila and I have already succumb to hipster movement of new age farm to table high end pizza joints. But John's of Bleecker St is it's old school, founded in 1929 and still in the same location with seating in time-worn graffiti-filled booths surrounded by photos of celebrities such has Jack Black, Regis Philbin, and Billy Crystal. On a recent trip to NYC, we decided to go back to NYC's pizza roots in the West Village.
It was Friday during lunch and place was starting to fill up, but Sheila and I got a nice booth near the storefront windows. The interior is warm and inviting, the sort of gritty NYC establishment that you'd see on TV. The menu was straightforward, pies and calzones made to order with your choice of ingredients. It was a no brainer for us get the classic cheese and tomato pie straight up - 14" six slice pizza for $14.50.
The pizza came to our table piping hot within 10 mins of ordering. The crust was slightly chewy with hints of char from the brick oven. The flavor balance of the dough was perfect - not too much gluten and only pinch of salt. I guess it true, NYC's water just makes things taste better. The sauce was true freshly crushed tomatoes and not a cooked down sauce; not overwhelmed with seasoning. The cheese was amazing - classic naturally salted mozzarella cooked with a few blisters from the 850 degree even.
Despite there being six large slices, Sheila and I had no trouble finishing off the medium pie. We'd definitely go back again, smack dab in the middle of the West Village, it's a great atmosphere in and around John's of Bleecker St. So if you're looking for classic New York style pizza, don't miss John's as it get's my 8 out of 10 rating.
It was Friday during lunch and place was starting to fill up, but Sheila and I got a nice booth near the storefront windows. The interior is warm and inviting, the sort of gritty NYC establishment that you'd see on TV. The menu was straightforward, pies and calzones made to order with your choice of ingredients. It was a no brainer for us get the classic cheese and tomato pie straight up - 14" six slice pizza for $14.50.
Despite there being six large slices, Sheila and I had no trouble finishing off the medium pie. We'd definitely go back again, smack dab in the middle of the West Village, it's a great atmosphere in and around John's of Bleecker St. So if you're looking for classic New York style pizza, don't miss John's as it get's my 8 out of 10 rating.
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