Why You Need to Visit John’s of Bleecker St.

In a world of fast food and fleeting trends, John’s of Bleecker St. stands still. It’s been there, quietly making perfect pizzas since 1929. No hype, no grand marketing campaigns, no need for flashy menus. Just pizza. Done right. Every single time.

The Story Behind the Dough

John Sasso didn’t set out to build an empire. He wanted to make great pizza—period. And that’s what he did, using a coal-fired brick oven that gives every crust the perfect char, the right chew, and a flavor you just can’t get anywhere else.

There’s a lesson here: stick to what you’re good at. For over 90 years, John’s has done exactly that. They’ve resisted the urge to change, to modernize, to follow the trends. They knew what their customers wanted—a simple, delicious pizza that delivers time and time again.

While most pizzerias have switched to gas or electric ovens, John’s stays true to its roots. A coal-fired oven isn’t just a tool—it’s a philosophy. It’s about patience, tradition, and a refusal to take shortcuts. That’s why John’s of Bleecker St. is still here, and why so many others are not.

The Pizza That Tells a Story

First, there’s the John’s Original—the pizza that started it all. It’s deceptively simple: just mozzarella and tomato sauce. But simplicity, when done right, is a game-changer.

The crust has that perfect balance—crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside. The mozzarella melts just right, not too much, not too little. And the sauce? It’s fresh, tangy, and full of flavor, not overwhelming, but just enough to keep you coming back for more. No gimmicks. No distractions. Just pizza.

Then there’s the John’s Bianca Special. No sauce, just mozzarella, ricotta, garlic, and fresh basil. It’s proof that sometimes less is more. No need for extra ingredients when you’ve got the basics done perfectly. It’s not just pizza—it’s a masterclass in restraint.

Why You Need to Go

1. It’s real. There’s nothing trendy here. No influencer-driven menu hacks or viral food stunts. Just a classic pizzeria making classic pizza.
2. It’s timeless. While other places have risen and fallen with food trends, John’s has stayed the course. Because the best pizza doesn’t need to change.
3. Coal-fired magic. You can’t fake the flavor that comes from a coal-fired oven. It’s smoky, charred, and undeniably unique.
4. New York City soul. Eating at John’s is like stepping into a time capsule of the city. There’s no rush, no frills—just you, your pizza, and the moment.

In a world that’s always looking for the next big thing, John’s of Bleecker St. reminds us that sometimes the best thing is the one that’s been there all along.

Bring John’s to Your Kitchen: Homemade John’s Original Pizza

Now, what if you could bring a little slice of that perfection home? It won’t be quite the same without the coal-fired oven, but you can get close. Here’s how.

Classic Basil Pizza

5.0 from 2 votes

Get ready to indulge in a pizza experience like no other! This Classic Basil Pizza is a masterpiece of simplicity and flavor, perfect for any occasion. With a crispy crust, luscious tomato sauce, and creamy mozzarella, every bite is a delight. The secret? Fresh basil and high-quality ingredients that elevate this dish to gourmet status. Whether you’re a pizza aficionado or a casual cook, this recipe will have you feeling like a culinary star in your own kitchen. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to impress with this irresistible pizza creation!

Course: Main CourseCuisine: Italian

Pin

Print

Servings

4

slices

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

12

minutes

Calories

320

kcal

Total time

32

minutes

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

• 1 pound pizza dough store-bought or homemade

• 1 can whole San Marzano tomatoes 28-ounce

• 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil plus extra for drizzling

• 2 small garlic cloves

• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

• cornmeal for dusting

• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese either torn or thinly sliced

• fresh basil leaves for garnish

• red pepper flakes for sprinkling

Directions

• Preparing the Sauce – Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C). In a food processor, combine the whole tomatoes with their juices, olive oil, garlic cloves, and sea salt. Blend until you achieve a smooth consistency. This will be your flavorful pizza sauce.
• Assembling the Pizza – Sprinkle cornmeal over a baking sheet to prevent sticking. Place the pizza dough on the sheet and gently stretch it into a large oval shape. Spread approximately ½ cup of the prepared tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
• Baking and Finishing Touches – Arrange the mozzarella cheese over the sauce-covered dough. Transfer the pizza to the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and crispy. Once baked, remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Drizzle with extra olive oil before serving.

Equipment

• Food Processor
• baking sheet

Notes

• For best results, use fresh mozzarella and high-quality canned tomatoes for the sauce. Serve this pizza with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon juice and olive oil for a refreshing side dish. Feel free to add toppings like sliced mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture!

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 320kcal
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 560mg
• Potassium: 220mg
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g
• Protein: 14g
• Vitamin A: 500IU
• Vitamin C: 10mg
• Calcium: 200mg
• Iron: 2mg