Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Greenwich Village's Best Pizza - John's of Bleeker Street


I love the Greenwich Village neighborhood of New York City.  I've blogged about sights and sounds there many times.  I think if I could live anywhere in Manhattan this would be the place. It's old, and crumbly, with tiny apartments at outrageously expensive prices, but it has heart and soul and history.

I took these photos on a hazy rainy day which somehow seems perfect for this area.  There is a sort of moody, artsy, hip feel about this neighborhood where so many writers, poets, artists, musicians, and bohemians once lived such as Isadora Duncan, writer William Faulkner, and playwright Eugene O'Neill,  beat writers Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, William S. Burroughs,  authors James Baldwin, Truman Capote, poets Marianne Moore, e. e. cummings, Edna St Vincent Millay, Dylan Thomas,  Maya Angelou, singer songwriters Rod McKuen, and Bob Dylan, among many many more past and present, too numerous to name.

Just look at some of the beautiful architecture!

All the photos will enlarge when clicked on to see more detail.

I love all the little surprises that I can find on almost every block.



Even the souvenirs look vintage!


Now we are on Bleeker Street -- which always makes me want to hum the old Paul Simon song titled Bleeker Street.

It is here where I find the best pizza in Greenwich Village -- John's of Bleeker Street, located at 278 Bleeker Street, between 6th and 7th Avenue.  Among one of the oldest pizzerias in the city it was founded in 1929 by Joe Sasso.  It makes New York style thin crust pizza with fresh toppings cooked in a coal fired, brick oven, at 850 degrees.

No slices are served, only whole pies, cash only, and on a first come, first served basis, as this pizzeria can be jammed packed during the nicer weather, with a line outside full of hungry New Yorkers and tourists alike, waiting to get in.  If you visit, try to grab a seat in one of the original old wooden booths.

The booth's walls are full of scratched on graffiti from countless prior patrons.  Sorry that my photo is blurry but my pizza was coming and the aroma made me jump into the booth before I could take a good shot.


Perfection! It was so hot and steamy it clouded up my little pocket camera's lens!


My husband and I gobbled this whole pie up and savored every delicious bite.  There is nothing like a good New York City pizza!


I'm linking this post to Jenny of the Jenny Matlock blog's Alphabe Thursday blog event.  The letter this week is "G"  --  for me G stand for great pizza in Greenwich Village!

Thanks Jenny! 



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67 comments:

Ciao Chow Linda said...

I love wandering around the village too Pat, but I have to say the pizza at John's just doesn't do it for me. I still haven't tried keste, almost across the street, which is supposed to be really great.

Lora @ my blessed life said...

Mmm...that looks so good! There's nothing like a really good pizza. It's always good to know where to find the best wherever you are:)

Annesphamily said...

Great post Pat! I would love to visit NYC just once! I have been to New York State and it is incredibly green & beautiful. But I througholy enjoyed this post!

C.M. Jackson said...

need some good pizza now! great shots and post!

Claudia said...

Fascinating - I lived on Hudson and 10th Street for many years and never went to Johns. Went to Brooklyn for pizza! Disappointed the last I walked down Bleerker Street - missed the odd independent shops and saw Ralph Lauren. Sigh. Greenwich is totally yuppie.

pam said...

I always wonder what the inside of buildings like that look like....as always love your NYC tours.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi Pat, My first husband's aunt lived in Greenwich Village many years ago. She was Head of the nursing School at New York University--and a very smart lady. I love seeing the pictures of that area. I've always heard alot about it.

I enjoyed seeing the Lower Manhattan pictures from yesterday also...

Thanks so much!!!! What a wonderful city ---and you take such great pictures.
Hugs,
Betsy

Old Kitty said...

Awww Greenwich Village

That conjures up so much of what I think of New York - the bohemian artsy type of New York beloved by all these great artists!

And of course the architecture! I love that narrowest house!! NO. 75 and a half!! How lovely! I got so distracted watching the video link to it. Has it sold? I'd be like that woman they interviewed. If i could, I'd buy it in a heartbeat!

And the infamous White Horse tavern! Wonderful. Shame it's got telly's blaring out football games but that's the way of pubs these days! Lovely shot of Dylan Thomas painting though.

It's early in the morning and I'm already thirsty for a pint and a pizza! What an amazing restaurant - I can see why people queue if that's what the pizza looks like. I can smell it too - yum!!!! I hope you didn't have to queue for long!

Those graffitti walls are incredible! Who is this John who owns such a Pizza place? An artist in his own right! Fantastic!

Lovely as always - thank you so much!

Take care
x

Short and Sweet said...

I'm Sicilian so I appreciate a good pizza. I've never been to Greenwich Village but I'm sure some great pizza comes from Little Italy and other areas of the state.

Allie and Pattie said...

Pat, your posts always make me homesick and I end up reading and rereading. I always though Greenwich Village was SO cool when I was growing up. The sort of people who lived there (artsy, bohemian Hippie-ish) were the sort my parents wouldn't let me hang out with. Wonderful post. And Ray would kill for one of John's pizzas
xoxo Pattie

Anonymous said...

Love pizza and I love good architecture. It's lovely to see so much restoration so the buildings look like they were originally.

Edie Marie's Attic said...

Hi Pat!

Oh Mama mia! You're makin' me hungry for a good pizza this morning! Love your post. Hearing Rod McKuen's name transports me back in time. I have all his poetry books & a couple albums of his. I can just picture him in Greenwich Village.
I really liked you post on Stone St too.

hugs! Sherry

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

Just walking around in Greenwich village makes you cooler than most of the people in this country! Taking the photos makes you cooler yet. If you lived there? None of us would be good enough to talk to you. ;)

Jojo said...

That was a terrific tour! Too bad we couldn't join you and hubby for a slice of pizza!!!!

diane b said...

I've often heard about Greenwich village and now i've seen some of it. Thank you. It looks quaint and historical. The pizza place looks straight out of Al Capone's time.

Anonymous said...

Absolutely love the old buildings!! I expect to see Tony Soprano emerge any moment!! LOL!!
As always your posts are fabulous!!
Love,
Marilyn
xxoo

Kat said...

The pizza looks amazing. And I love the architecture, that carved wooden doorfront is stunning. And the stone faces - is that a downspout?? Thanks for the tour. I'm hoping to get some good pictures of Friendship Cemetery. Some of the monuments are just breathtaking, including a weeping angel. Have a great weekend Pat. Kathy

Sea Witch said...

This post is pure torture. My dad would bring home Bleeker pizza on spring days. The whole house smelled heavenly. Sea Witch

Julie Kwiatkowski Schuler said...

The building facades are beautiful, and the pizza looks yummy. I always wish I could visit NYC again.

Just a little something from Judy said...

Okay my friend, it is time for breakfast and I have found myself now craving thin crusted New York style pizza, thanks to you. Wow! It looks and sounds like it would be so delicious. This post almost makes me want to jump on the next train and head to Greenwich Village. This commentary and the pictures were most enjoyable. Thank you for sharing this special little part of your world.

Amy said...

What a great way to celebrate the letter "G". I have that dachshund shirt in your picture..

Happy Thursday filled with "G"...

nanny said...

I think the atmosphere in John's would have to make the pizza taste even better....if possible! mouth watering........

Anonymous said...

Must e-mail friend whose daughter lives in NYC to advise her this one is a must read. When she visits there, she enjoys being to be able to mention someplace and surprise her daughter with her "in places" knowledge.

Ah, your blog is used in ways you never imagined! :)

GardenOfDaisies said...

I love all the architectural details!! And that pizza looks so yummy!

Gracie said...

I had just a salad for lunch today, and the pizza photos make me drool over my keyboard!

Unknown said...

thank you for the travelogue and the glorious glimpse into Greenwich Village. I've never been to NYC but daughter has chosen it for our next vacation destination (she's into musical theater so we'll be spending lots of time on Broadway) We'll be sure to check out the pizza joint!

Kathleen said...

Oh there is NOTHING like NY pizza! I went to college in Ohio..The pizza was like a saltine, sauce pepperoni and grated cheese..no mozzarella. It was awful! Yet they had wonderful little Italian restaurants, usually a converted house.
I am sure they have good pizza now...
(but not as good as ours..:) )
You could be a tour director, you know!

Anonymous said...

Pat, I am enjoying these architectural beauties and I can almost smell that pizza,
"G" stands for "GOOD" goodness!

Laura in Paris said...

I'm spoiled, I only go for pizza when in Napoli, Italia; but I'll walk you along the tour of the area and share with you the views of the buildings, streets, and places. Great shots!

My name is Riet said...

Oh my goodness, I get hungry when I see this.And those buildings are beautiful. Thank you for another great tour.

laterg8r said...

gorgeous pics TFS :D

Vee said...

That pizza looks fantastic!

Jenny said...

G reat G orgeous Pizza Pie, Pat!

That looks amazing. And made me hungry.

And I love the little tour of Greenwich Village.

When you put together your official New York tour, let me know...I'll be the first in line to buy a ticket...especially if you guarantee one of the stops will be for this pizza!

A+

lissa said...

what a delicious ride! thanks for the trip.

& thanks for stopping by my aphabe-thursday

mrs. c said...

Even girls from tennessee know about John's of Bleeker Street....I just adore their pizza!! Our family ate 2! Love the photo of the building with all the fire escapes, that woud make a great B&W photo!

black eyed susans kitchen said...

Thirty seven years ago, a Valentines day date brought me to John's for pizza! He didn't last, but the memory of the pizza did. I miss New York style pizza...thin crust, strong tomato sauce and a smidge of cheese...perhaps it is time for a train ride to the city.
♥, Susan

Jo said...

I swear that Greenwich Village is where i am supposed to be living ... although i have never been there, i just adore the photos, the old buildings, the history, the spirit ...

steviewren said...

I love these tours. The architecture and the atmosphere are two of my favorite aspects. Love the wrought iron entrance way.

Sara said...

Love the buildings - oh, they have lots of character. I can imagine living there - in some little apartment!

Everytime I have been to NYC I missed Greenwich Village! Darn it! I need a NYC fix ... maybe next year.

The pizza looks good...of course, I love pizza...so I would be most happy there.

Amy said...

Oh my gosh I love your blog! I love learning about NYC. It is so foreign to this Texas gal. And I want some of that Pizza!

Betty said...

Ken Hoffman a columnist in the Houston Chronicle writes about a pizza place in the Village. I wonder if it's the same one? I can't recall. I hope I can get back east again and if I do I'd love to try this place!

Lorrie said...

Yum Pat, we ate at John's two years ago when we were in Manhattan with my daughter and her then fiance while they were on college spring break. I loved the atmosphere and those old graffiti-covered booths and the pizza was pretty good too!

Unknown said...

oh...i could go for a slice right now!

nycstylelittlecannoli said...

looks excellent! I have yet to try John's but maybe in May when I run my charity bus trip to the village. Great post and photos !!!


http://nycstylecannoli.blogspot.com

jeff campbell said...

I love your "G" choice...I too am a fan of Greenwich Village...of all things beat...I like good pizza but have to stick to gluten free. Love your pictures of architectural details...

La Petite Gallery said...

What great photo's you have taken Yhank you so much for all the effort you put into each post.
That crust looks fabulous.
I remember going for chineese to the D'orental I wonder if it's still there. If I come for 4 days I think Ill stay at the old Algonquin Hotel close to theaters.
That has some history too. Very Artsy..
yvonne

Viki said...

I always love looking at your pictures of New York. Greenwich Village looks like a place I would really love.

The Muse said...

oh you played the G meme...wonderful me too :)
well i must say...i can 'feel' the vibe. there is a certain feeling there in greenwich.
it's been AGES since i was there. mmm i wonder if i would feel too old to go back?

great shots of the old red stones...

Unknown said...

oh yummy! that looks great.....I would like to see the village someday in person......I love the artist history it has.....

Sandy said...

Wow - that pizza looks delicious! I have never been to Greenwich Village so I enjoyed your tour. Back in the 80s and early 90s I had several business trips to NYC (where my company's headquarters were located). Lots of memories there.

Teacup Lane (Sandy)

Steph said...

Okay, I'm salivating. I've never been to Greenwich Village; so this is a real treat! Thanks so much.

Together We Save said...

Wow - thatnks for sharing... I've never been to New York... these pictures are great!!

joe@italyville.com said...

I love that area as well Pat... I did a post on Murray's Cheese, Faicco's and Grom all on the same corner (Bleeker and Carmine) I've never had John's but I have had a pizza at No.28 the place in the first picture of your post with the yellow awning. It's very good!

The Muse said...

Hi Pat...thanks for giving congrats to Beth :)
And also I wanted to let you know that your entries were added into list for the calligraphy giveaway.

Happy to see you there today...and certainly hope you have a great weekend!

annie said...

I love the architecture!
Such a wonderful post, really enjoyed this.

Carole Burant said...

I love the architecture of those buildings, just wonderful! We don't have huge apartment buildings like that over in my little town so that's why I'm always so amazed when I see your pictures of them.

Mmmmm, that pizza sure does look delicious. Wish you could email me a slice! lol

Have a wonderful weekend my friend. xoxo

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

Great photos..and that pizza looks amazing! I make my own pizza and love seeing variations that I can use. Pizza is about our favorite meal! Enjoy your weekend! ♥

Unknown said...

Great photos, and the pizza looks so good! :)

Kimberly said...

The pizza looks so good.

I love the architecture in the neighborhood. The photos are wonderful. You make it feel as though we are your friend, and you are teaching us as we go along!

Perfect!

Louise said...

You aren't ever going to run out of photo opportunities Pat. There is so much to do and see around NY. I would have got that pizza all to myself, as my OH will not touch cheese! x

Donna said...

Oh my gosh, the pizza looks fabulous, and what a great area. I love all the architecture in the old parts....I also like that weiner flag.

Hugs,
Donna

Just A Girl said...

Hi Pat,
How are you? I'm sorry I haven't been around much at all! I've been trapped in farmville and have only come up for air...LOL!!!
Pizza is one of my favorite foods and this one looks delicious. Do you prefer thin or thick crust? I like the thick, yum!! OK, I'll try not to stay away. I've missed visiting with you!!!

xoxo Cori

Mary Sheehan Winn said...

These photos are FABULOUS. I just love the gargoyle and the beautiful architecture. Thanks for visiting my blog recently and luring me over here. This is a great blog and now I'm dying for some pizza :D

Linda Lou said...

No question Pat, this WAS my favorote pizza in the city, and I loved hanging out in Greenwich Village too-I used to wish I lived in one of those old brick brownstones...can't imagine how expensive they are now!! If I make it back to NY in November, I am gonna have a slice at John's!!

Trotter said...

Would never think of going to NYC to get a pizza... ;))
OK! John's is great... ;)

happily retired gal said...

Wow ... so much HISTORY where you live and yummy pizza too ;-)
Hugs and blessings,
Sacred Ruminations

Fifi Flowers said...

NYC architecture is FAB... and that pizza looks delicious!