See some of the oldest pizza sports in North Jersey
Here’s a list of some of the tastiest and oldest pizzerias and pubs in Northern New Jersey.
Is something better just because it’s old? Of course not, but there is virtue in antiquity. Restaurants, for instance, aren’t great because of when they were created, but because of the food they serve, the memories they create and the people — owners, staff and patrons — who create its atmosphere.
Consider Barcelona’s, Bergen County’s oldest continuously running pizza shop. Since 1933, the Barcelona family has ushered guests into its Garfield restaurant for pizza, burgers, drinks and more. And ask Chris LaRose, great grandson of Peter Barcelona, who emigrated from Sicily and opened the shop, not much has changed over the years.
“What can I tell ya? I’ve been here 50 years, the pizza recipe hasn’t changed in that time. It’s been the same,” says LaRose, who’s the third generation in his family to own Barcelona’s (which he does with his siblings).
The vibe there is rotary-club cozy with a long bar and booths in the back dining room. There’s no fuss, no pretension, just good, old-style food and friendly folks. That’s the virtue in antiquity — some places have just been so good for so long, there’s no need to change anything. And that’s why people like it.
We’ve got a handful of pizzerias in North Jersey that have existed since before we had 50 states in the U.S. Some have changed hands or locations, though most have been passed down to family members. No matter how they got here, they’re worth a visit.
Patsy’s Tavern and Restaurant, Paterson (1931)
The pizza here is still baked in Patsy’s original 1931 brick ovens, which gives the pies the thin, crispy crust that’s won fans across the country.
Go: 72 Seventh Ave., Paterson; 973-742-9596, patsystavern.com.
Barcelona’s, Garfield (1933)
Expect a casual vibe and good food at Barcelona’s. Big, classic pizzas and a large menu of staple bar food makes this a beloved family-friendly spot in Garfield.
Go: 38 Harrison Ave., Garfield; 973-778-4930, barcelonasnj.com.
New Park Tavern, East Rutherford (1934)
For 90 years, the Italiano family has been making pizzas, seafood, pub grub and serving beers out of their Meadowlands spot. A visit won’t be a blast from the past though, as the family recently renovated the restaurant for a modern look.
Go: 250 Park Ave., East Rutherford; 201-939-9445, thenewparktavern.com.
Reservoir Tavern, Boonton (1936)
Nicola Bevacqua established the Reservoir Tavern in 1936 to showcase his expertise in Italian cuisine and with every generation of owners (all Bevacqua’s), the food has only gotten better.
Go: 92 Parsippany Blvd., Boonton; 973-334-5708, therestavern.com.
Kinchley’s Tavern, Ramsey (1937)
Kinchley’s is classic. The family has been making super thin-crust pizza from the same family-recipe sauce and dough for almost 90 years.
Go: 586 Franklin Turnpike, Ramsey; 201-934-7777, kinchleyspizza.com.
Star Tavern, Orange (1945)
Owned and operated by the Vayianos family since 1980, Star Tavern is at the top spot on many pizza lover’s list of the best pizzerias in the state.
Go: 400 High St., Orange; 973-675-3336, startavern.net.
Luigi’s, Ridgefield Park (1948)
Luigi’s makes a fine pizza — a crispy, crackly thin crust, delicious sauce and well-apportioned cheese. Folks have been attracted to its diner-like neon sign in Ridgefield Park like flies to a flood light for decades.
Go: 54 Mt. Vernon St., Ridgefield Park; 201-641-9869, luigisridgefieldpark.com.
Pizza Town USA, Elmwood Park (1958)
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You’ve driven by Pizza Town on Route 46 so many times; we hope you’ve stopped in at least once in the last 66 years. Nothing’s changed except the prices; and we’re not talking about inflation, we’re saying a slice used to cost 15 cents. Can you imagine?
Go: 95-111 Route 46 West, Elmwood Park; 201-720-6287, pizzatownusaofelmwoodpark.com.
Lido Restaurant, Hackensack (1959)
You know you’re in an old place when you see one of the last pay phones in the state and an unironic jukebox. Stop by for a vintage-chic vibe and excellent thin-crust pizza.
Go: 701 Main St., Hackensack; 201-487-8721, thelidorestaurant.com.
Ralph’s Pizzeria & Ristorante, Nutley (1961)
Ralph’s is Nutley’s first and oldest pizzeria; and one of the oldest in North Jersey. Visit for great pizza but also Italian entrees, seafood and more.
Go: 564 Franklin Ave., Nutley; 973-235-1130, ralphspizzeria.com.
Pizza Land, North Arlington (1965)
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Owner Eddie Twdroos said Sopranos filming location bus tours would stop at the pizzeria, and the shop’s fame lead to the pizzeria shipping their pies.
We can’t say Pizza Land would be the iconic Bergen County spot it is today without it’s prominent role in The Sopranos intro, but we do think the pizza is worth its own HBO series.
Go: 260 Belleville Turnpike, North Arlington; 201-998-2500, orderpizzalandnj.com.
Lodi Pizza, Lodi (1970)
Lodi Pizza looks like it was plucked right out of the ’70s; that’s a good thing, especially because the pizza has been good for the last 50-plus years. Do yourself a favor and get a Sicilian pie while you’re there.
Go: 19 Route 46, Lodi; 973-478-3306, instagram.com/lodipizzanj.
Matt Cortina is a food reporter for NorthJersey.com/The Record. Reach him at mcortina@gannett.com.
