John's of Times Square is generally regarded as a celebrated pizza establishment nestled in a historic church offering a quintessential New York City experience. The restaurant enjoys praise for its unique ambiance, complete with stained glass windows and high ceilings that contribute to a welcoming atmosphere. The service is consistently described as friendly and efficient, enhancing the dining experience along with the lively, family-friendly environment. Furthermore, the pizza, characterized by its thin-crisp crust and coal-fired preparation, is repeatedly highlighted as a standout offering. Fresh toppings and a diverse menu with Italian-American classics complement the pizza selection. However, there are scattered criticisms regarding food consistency, with occasional mentions of dishes served not at their optimal temperature, and the pricing is sometimes viewed as too high, particularly concerning pizza toppings and beverages. Despite these criticisms, the overall reputation of John's of Times Square appears robust due to its culinary quality and historic charm.
Customers repeatedly commend John's of Times Square for its unique combination of historic charm, welcoming atmosphere, and delectable pizza. The setting within a former church with characteristic décor and architecture is frequently mentioned as an appealing feature. The pizza receives high marks for its thin, crisp crust and the use of fresh ingredients and robust flavors. The coal-fired ovens are noted for adding to the authenticity of the taste experience. Staff service is an asset, with reviews often pointing to the friendly and prompt attention provided. Consumers appreciate the reasonable pricing given the restaurant's location in the heart of Times Square and the overall quality of the food offered.
While John's of Times Square carries a predominantly positive reputation, some patrons report less-than-ideal experiences. There are mentions of food items such as ravioli being served cold in the center, which signifies inconsistency in food preparation. Pricing is a recurrent point of contention with some customers feeling certain items, including pizza toppings and beverages, are overpriced. The crust of the pizza—at times described as too soft or not achieving the desired 'crispiness' despite requests—has also been a cause for dissatisfaction. During peak times, the restaurant experiences heavy traffic, suggesting that waiting times can detract from the overall customer experience. Additionally, the restaurant's strict policy of selling only whole pies, not slices, has been noted as a potential inconvenience for some patrons.
John's of Times Square sells only whole pizzas; they do not offer pizza by the slice. Patrons looking to enjoy their pizza will need to order a whole pie.
Yes, John's of Times Square offers a communal and family-friendly atmosphere suitable for both intimate dinners and larger, lively gatherings.
Despite being situated in the bustling Times Square area, prices are generally considered reasonable by patrons, reflecting the quality of food and dining experience provided by the historic ambiance.
Famous 1997 eatery serving trademark thin-crust pizza in a soaring Times Square former church.
