Not all its cracked up to be....
Written: Jan 12 '06 (Updated Jan 13 '06)
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Pros: Old school feel, fresh ingredients.
Cons: Tough, burnt crust. Uncomfortable seating.
The Bottom Line: If you're a real New Yorker you have to check this place out just to say you've been.
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| Woody1214's Full Review: John's Pizzeria |
First off, my friends consider me an expert on good food, especially within New York City, so listen carefully.
I was roaming the village alone one sunny afternoon in the fall and I stumbled upon John's of Bleecker Street Pizza.
(278 Bleecker Street b/t 6th and 7th Avenue 212-243-1680)
I was happy to have found it as I had read several good things about it on some top 10 NY pizza lists. I had to find out if everyone know what they were talking about. My mission would be to decide where it went on my own top 10 list.
The things I read: brick coal-heated oven, the same way they've done it since 1929 (coal ovens are illegal in NY now, only the remaining ones are allowed to continue their existence Patsy's uptown in Harlem and Lombardi's way downtown are the only others with coal ovens in operation, check out my reviews of those two places coming soon) and fresh toppings, delicious sauce, and no credit cards, cash only.
Three of those things were true: the oven, the toppings, and the no credit card policy.
DECOR AND ATMOSPHERE:
Atmosphere was more or less non-existent. There is a big doorway in the second dining room that is open letting the street noise and air float in. Not a bad deal in the nicer times of the year but didn't really affect my experience.
I sat down at a stiff wooden table in the second dining room. The decor was minimal. Some celebrity autographs and positive reviews on the walls. The usual wood paneled, probably the original, keep the place somewhat calm but not very awe inspiring. There was a table of little kids next to me that were making a lot of noise. It's all good though, I didn't mind. I was reading my sports illustrated and drinking a yuengling which cost $4.25 dollars. About moderate pricing for New York.
THE PIZZA:
I ordered my pizza about 10 minutes later, the waiter was kind of slow coming over but was very accommodating when I was looking over the menu suggesting several different options such as the portabello mushroom topping or the salad. He also pushed be to the large pie as opposed to the small. ($12.00 for the small with 6 slices, $14.00 for the large with 8 slices, $2.00 for the topping) Both I'm sure would have been nice, but I was not there for that. My mission was pizza.
So finally the pizza arrives at my table piping hot and looking pretty delicious. I spice it up with some red pepper and some garlic powder. I'm ready to dig in.
I do and at first my mouth is overcome with the flavor of some pretty good sauce. The meatballs unfortunately are rather bland. Before I know it, the first slice is down the hatch and in the belly. The pizza is crisp and tasty. But the crispy factor is what leads to its downfall. The crust is not very chewy, its a tougher and harder crust than one would imagine and somewhat burnt on the bottom. The reason this hurt the pizza was because by the time I got to my 8th slice, the pizza was laborious to chew and the burnt flavor of the crust started to overtake the congealed cheese and sauce.
ENTREES:
I can't speak about the entrees because I only eat the pizza at this place, but then again, this is a pizzeria, not an Italian restaurant. They do offer the usual Italian fare of ravioli, spaghetti, manicotti, and stuffed shells in addition to a large calzone. Entree pricing ranges from $7.00 (no toppings) to $10.50, depending on whether or not you add meatballs, sausage, or pork sausage. You can also order meatballs or sausage with sauce for $5.00 and or a sandwich for $6.00. The calzone, claimed to be big enough for 3, is $16.00 and is stuffed with ricotta and mozzarella and any toppings can be added. There is also a Special House Salad: $6.00
Fresh Romaine lettuce, Mushrooms, Onions, Tomatoes and our homemade Vinaigrette Dressing (Large enough for two). I heard its pretty good though I didn't try.
BEER, WINE, AND BEVERAGES:
The beers offered are Bud, Bud Light, Yuengling, Yuengling Black and Tan, Heineken, Red Hook, and Amstel Light. Each is available in pint and pitcher sizes. A pint of Bud or Bud Light is $3.75, all other pints are $4.25. A yuengling pitcher is $15.00, a Bud pitcher is $14.00, a Heineken or Amstel Pitcher is $16.00 and a Red Hook pitcher is $17.00.
One glass of house wine is $5.00. Seven varieties of imported bottles are offered though:
Carta Vieja- Merlot $18.00
Salvalai Italian Merlot $18.00
Salvalai Montepulciano $18.00
Il Princepe Chianti (half bottle only) $10.00
Salvalai Pinot Grigio $19.00
Carta Vieja Chilen Chardonay $18.00
Bolla Valpolicella (half bottle only) $10.00
Soft drinks are obviously offered as well:
SODA: $1.50
Pitcher: $5.50
Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Cream, Root Beer, Club
Ginger Ale $2.00
BEST HEALTH ALL NATURAL SODA: $2.00
Black Cherry, Vanilla, Ice Tea
"Honest Tea" Assam Dark India Tea - 17 Calories 4.5 grams of sugar $2.50
LAYOUT:
There are two dining rooms: the front room is usually crowded, busy, noisy, and has the older oven, (supposedly the pizza is better there but I can't tell the difference), but the backroom has been renovated lately and has nicer decor and a more laid-back atmosphere.
For directions or any other additional information check out their website: http://www.johnsofbleeckerstreet.com/
Recommended:
Yes
Kid Friendliness: Yes
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Notes, Tips or Menu Recommendations Go with the pizza over the pasta, this is a pizzeria not an italian restaurant. Indulge in the vegetable toppings, they''re fresh and delicious. The salad is big enough for two, so keep that in mind. Opt for a half bottle of wine if you''re looking for something affordable or nicer than the house wine.
Best Suited For: Friends
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Epinions.com ID:
Woody1214
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Reviews written: 35
Trusted by: 2 members
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