John's Of Bleecker Street New York - A Slice Of History
For anyone who truly appreciates a good piece of pizza, especially the kind that has a story baked right into its crust, John's of Bleecker Street in New York is a place that often comes up in conversation. This spot, a true fixture in Greenwich Village, has been serving its special coal-fired brick oven pizza for what feels like ages, drawing in folks from all walks of life, from everyday locals to well-known personalities. It’s a place where you can, you know, just feel the history as soon as you step inside, almost like the walls themselves are telling tales of past meals and happy gatherings.
The story of this beloved eatery, you see, begins with an Italian person named Giovanni John Sasso, who first set up shop not too far from its current spot. His vision, to offer a particular kind of pizza, has, in a way, stood the test of time, keeping its doors open and its ovens hot through many, many decades. It's really quite something to think about how long this place has been around, and how it has kept its unique character through all those years, still making pizza the same way.
This article will explore the journey of John's of Bleecker Street, from its beginnings to its current status as a highly regarded pizza destination. We'll look at its roots, what makes its pizza so distinct, and why, more or less, it continues to be a favorite for so many people looking for a classic New York experience. We will also talk about the people who started it, the famous faces who have stopped by, and how it has been recognized for its food.
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Table of Contents
- The Man Who Started It All - Giovanni John Sasso
- What Makes John's of Bleecker Street New York So Special?
- Where Did John's of Bleecker Street New York Begin Its Story?
- The Taste of Tradition - John's of Bleecker Street New York's Pizza Style
- Who Has Enjoyed John's of Bleecker Street New York's Famous Slices?
- Is John's of Bleecker Street New York Still Family-Run?
- Recognitions and Rankings for John's of Bleecker Street New York
- Finding Your Way to John's of Bleecker Street New York
The Man Who Started It All - Giovanni John Sasso
The story of John's of Bleecker Street really begins with a person named Giovanni John Sasso. He was an Italian person who came to this country around the start of the 1900s. It was his idea, you see, to open a place that served pizza. He had a particular way of making it, and that way has, in some respects, been kept alive all these years. He started this pizza shop, which would become very well-known, in 1929. That's a long time ago, if you think about it, and it shows how much care he put into his work from the very beginning.
Giovanni John Sasso's initial spot was actually on Sullivan Street, right in the middle of a part of New York City called Greenwich Village. This area was, and still is, known for its unique character and its many places to eat. When his lease at that first spot came to an end, Sasso did something pretty amazing. He took his oven apart, brick by brick, which is quite a task, and moved it to a new spot. This new spot, of course, became the famous John's of Bleecker Street, where it still stands today. It shows, basically, how dedicated he was to his craft and to his business.
Personal Details - The Founder of John's of Bleecker Street New York
Here is a little more about the person who started John's of Bleecker Street:
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| Name | Giovanni John Sasso |
| Origin | Italian Immigrant |
| Founding Year of John's | 1929 |
| First Location | Sullivan Street, Greenwich Village |
What Makes John's of Bleecker Street New York So Special?
So, what exactly is it about John's of Bleecker Street that makes people talk about it so much? Well, a big part of it is the way they cook their pizza. They use a coal-fired brick oven, which is not something you see everywhere these days. This type of oven gives the pizza a very particular taste and a crispiness that many people really love. It’s a very old-fashioned way of doing things, and it really makes a difference in the final product, giving it a unique flavor that's hard to get any other way.
Another thing that makes this place stand out is its long history. It’s not just a pizza place; it’s a piece of New York City's past. When you walk in, you can feel that it has been around for a long time. The fact that it's still run by the same family also adds to its charm. It means that the traditions and the way of doing things have been passed down through generations, keeping the original spirit alive. This kind of continuity is pretty rare, and it definitely adds to the appeal of John's of Bleecker Street, making it more than just a restaurant.
Where Did John's of Bleecker Street New York Begin Its Story?
The very first home for John's, as we mentioned, was on Sullivan Street. This was in the heart of Greenwich Village, a part of Manhattan known for its creative spirit and its many interesting places. It was there, at the turn of the 20th century, that Giovanni John Sasso first set up his pizza shop. That early spot was where the foundation for what would become a very well-known pizza place was laid. It was, in a way, the starting point for a long and tasty story.
However, the place we know as John's of Bleecker Street today is at a different address. After the lease ran out on Sullivan Street, Sasso moved his whole operation. He took his special oven apart, brick by brick, which sounds like a lot of work, and rebuilt it at 278 Bleecker Street. This move happened after 1929, and that's where the restaurant has been ever since. So, while it started somewhere else, its current home has been its spot for a very, very long time, becoming a true landmark in the area.
The Taste of Tradition - John's of Bleecker Street New York's Pizza Style
The pizza at John's of Bleecker Street is made in a style often called a "tomato pie." This means it focuses on the quality of the sauce and the other parts, cooked in a very hot oven. The coal-fired brick oven, which is a key part of their cooking, gets incredibly hot. This heat cooks the pizza very quickly, giving the crust a wonderful crispness and a slightly smoky taste that you just don't get from other kinds of ovens. It’s a method that has been used for a long time, and it really shows in the taste of every piece.
The way they prepare their pizza is, basically, very traditional. They don't use fancy gadgets or quick methods. Instead, they stick to the proven techniques that have worked for generations. This commitment to the old ways is what many people find so appealing. It's about respecting the ingredients and the cooking process, letting the heat of the oven do its job to create a pizza that is, in a way, simple yet incredibly satisfying. You can really taste the difference that this traditional approach makes when you take a bite.
When you visit, you can see what they offer to eat and their hours of operation. You can also see pictures of the place. For those who can't visit in person, there are ways to get their food delivered or to pick it up, through services like slicelife.com. This makes it easier for people to enjoy their famous pizza, even if they can't sit down in the restaurant itself. It's a way for them to reach more people while still keeping their traditional cooking methods.
Who Has Enjoyed John's of Bleecker Street New York's Famous Slices?
John's of Bleecker Street has, over the years, welcomed many people through its doors, including some very well-known faces. It's a place where you might just see someone famous enjoying a slice right next to you. The restaurant has, for example, had visits from people like Conan O'Brien, a popular television host. Sarah Jessica Parker, an actress known for her work in New York-set shows, has also stopped by. And Danny DeVito, another famous actor, is among those who have tasted their pizza.
The fact that these well-known individuals choose to eat at John's of Bleecker Street really speaks to its lasting appeal. It shows that the quality of the food and the experience of being in such a historic place draw in all kinds of people, from everyday folks to those who are often in the public eye. It's a place that, you know, has a certain kind of charm that attracts everyone looking for a real New York pizza experience. Their visits just add to the long and interesting story of this particular pizza spot.
Is John's of Bleecker Street New York Still Family-Run?
A really important part of what makes John's of Bleecker Street what it is, is the fact that it's still owned and run by the same family. This means that the traditions, the recipes, and the way of doing things have been passed down through the generations since Giovanni John Sasso first opened the doors. It’s not a big chain or a place that has changed hands many times. It's, basically, a family business, and that family feeling is something you can sense when you are there.
This continuity helps keep the original spirit and the quality of the pizza consistent. When a business stays in the family, there's often a deep personal connection and a desire to uphold the standards set by those who came before. This is certainly the case with John's of Bleecker Street. It means that the care and attention that went into making the pizza back in the early days are still present today, which is quite something to think about in a city that is always changing.
Recognitions and Rankings for John's of Bleecker Street New York
John's of Bleecker Street has received a good deal of praise and has been placed highly on various lists over the years. For example, in 2016, it was named number 2 on a list by MSN called "101 Best Pizzas in America." That’s a very high spot, showing that many people across the country think very highly of their pizza. It's a clear sign that their traditional methods and their long history are appreciated by those who truly know good pizza.
Beyond that, in 2015, TripAdvisor, a well-known travel website, ranked John's as the 10th best pizza place in the United States. This kind of recognition from both food critics and regular people who travel and eat out, really helps to show how much people value what John's offers. It means that, you know, their pizza is not just a local favorite but something that people from all over recognize as being of very good quality. These rankings certainly add to the restaurant's story and its appeal.
Finding Your Way to John's of Bleecker Street New York
For anyone wanting to experience John's of Bleecker Street for themselves, it's located at 278 Bleecker Street in New York, NY 10014, United States. This spot is in the West Village part of Manhattan, and it sits between 6th Avenue and 7th Avenue. It's a place that is, in a way, easy to find once you are in that part of the city, and it is in its original location since the move from Sullivan Street. Knowing the address helps people plan their visit to try the pizza.
If you're curious about what other people think, John's of Bleecker Street has received good marks on various review sites. On Restaurant Guru, for example, it has a rating of 4.3 out of 5, based on more than 16,000 reviews from people who have visited. There are also many photos and videos shared by people who have eaten there, which can give you a good idea of what to expect. You can also see what they offer to eat and their opening hours online, which is very helpful for planning a visit or ordering some food.
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