If you love old-school pizza joints, this guide is for you. Whether you’re looking for classic Italian food or Neapolitan pies, prepare to satisfy your pizza cravings at these historic pizza spots across the USA.
Reservoir Tavern (Boonton, NJ)
New Jersey may have its fair share of Italian go-to’s, but Reservoir Tavern has been a Boonton staple for over 75 years. Established in 1936, this family-owned restaurant serves up everything from hearty pasta and chicken dishes to veal, seafood, and, of course, pizza. Made with the freshest ingredients and still using the Bevacqua family recipe, order classic pies like meatballs or pepperoni. Feeling adventurous? Go premium with eggplant or roasted red peppers – all topped with zesty sauce and baked to perfection a brick oven.
Zuppardi’s Apizza (West Haven, CT)
This popular West Haven joint has been flipping pizzas since 1934. It originally opened as a bakery before turning its attention to New Haven-style pizza (the crust is EXTRA crispy and coal-fired). Try the famous baby clam pizza—a flavorful crust topped with littleneck clams, fresh garlic and spices. Rather go for a classic? The original Traditional Plain Pie is the way to go. You take the famous crust, smother it in tomato sauce and then sprinkle on some grated Pecorino Romano! Simple yet so tasty. Wash it all down with an ice-cold beer.
Alongi’s (DuQuoin, Illinois)
Come for the pizza, stay for the pasta at Alongi’s in downtown DuQuoin. Founded in 1933 by Guy Alongi, a Sicilian Italian immigrant, this popular Italian spot is known for its thin-crust pizza and toasted ravioli. Relax in the cozy dining room with its tin-tile ceiling and indulge in mouthwatering pizzas topped with hamburger or anchovies. You can even get fancy and go all out with the chicken alfredo-style pie. Other must-eats include the Italian beef sandwich with provolone or Nana’s Spaghetti and Meatballs – an Alongi family recipe!
Sam’s Restaurant (Brooklyn, NY)
With its laminated menu and old-school charm, Sam’s Restaurant is a total blast from Brookyn’s past. This hidden gem has been open since 1930, and it still maintains its neon signage, vintage bar area, and wood paneling. Dig into delicious coal-fired pizzas with a nice char and plenty of red sauce. Louis, the owner, recommends ordering a pie with anchovies, tomato sauce, and garlic—no mozzarella needed. And you can’t go wrong with a side of their enormous meatballs or a plate of chicken parm and roasted potatoes.
Regina Pizzeria (Boston, MA)
Regina Pizzeria has been open since the 1920s and has grown into a beloved New England pizza chain (the 90-year-old pizza recipe might have something to do with it). The original location in Boston’s North End has a dive bar-like atmosphere (twinkle lights and paper plates and all) that has been drawing in massive crowds year after year. Be sure to order The Giambotta – this local pizza favorite is topped with pepperoni, sausage, salami, mushrooms, peppers, onions, fresh basil, and mozzarella.
Frankie’s Pizza (Miami, FL)
Established in 1955, Frankie’s Pizza is the oldest pizzeria in Miami. The menu is short and straightforward – order pizza by the slice or by the pie, and add on an order of garlic rolls if you’re extra hungry (they’re buttery and delicious). You won’t find indoor seating at this counter-service joint, but you can sit out back on the picnic tables. Better yet, get your pizza half-baked to finish cooking it at home, then eat it straight from the oven.
Tommaso’s (San Francisco, CA)
Tommaso’s was founded in 1935 by the Naples-born Cantalupo family and still fires up thin-crust pizzas in its original wood-burning oven. This white-tablecloth Italian restaurant in San Francisco offers more than just pizza – choose from pesto ravioli, lasagna, carbonara, or calzones. No matter what you choose, you can bet that these Neapolitan recipes have been passed down for several generations. Don’t forget to save room for dessert; this restaurant is known for its tiramisu!
Casale’s Halfway Club (Reno, NV)
You’ll feel like you’ve hit the jackpot when it comes to good ‘ole Italian home cooking at Reno’s oldest restaurant. Established in 1937 by a Northern Italian family who converted their home into an eatery, this no-frills spot serves classic homemade pizza topped with Longhorn cheddar cheese (mozzarella, who?). You’ll also find other Italian staples like lasagna, ravioli, and buttery garlic bread. Casale’s meatballs are rolled by hand, so the meatball sub is a must-order!
