Last Updated: 3 days ago
Phone: (212) 475-9531
Address: 302 EAST 12 STREET 10003
Old-school East Village Italian red sauce joint w/ charm & classic comfort food. Think great meatballs & chicken parm.
Step back in time at this classic, old-school Italian-American red sauce joint, a beloved East Village institution since 1908. Known for its charming ambiance and no-frills approach, it offers a genuine taste of traditional Italian comfort food. Whether you're craving perfectly executed meatballs or a hearty chicken parm, this spot delivers a comforting and satisfying dining experience.
This restaurant is celebrated for its classic Italian-American 'red sauce' cuisine, with specific mentions of excellent meatballs and chicken parm. It also offers a surprising full vegan menu, including seitan marsala, seitan parm, and vegan meatballs. While most feedback is positive, one reviewer found the food to be inedibly bad.
"Customers rave about the meatballs, often calling them the best in the city. The chicken parm and chocolate cheesecake are also frequently highlighted as must-try items."
Customers generally praise this establishment for its classic ambiance and traditional Italian-American fare, often recommending it as a non-touristy and reasonably priced option. However, a few dissenting opinions exist, with one user finding the food disappointing.
Important Note
One commenter expressed surprise that the restaurant is still open, and another had a very disappointing experience, finding the food inedibly bad.
"The author included chicken parm from John's of 12th Street as part of their research on classic American foods."
Neutral"The user asked if the chicken parm was from John's of 12th Street."
Neutral"This long-time Greenwich Village resident advises avoiding John's on 12th Street, stating it has atmosphere but little else."
Negative"This is a great red sauce joint with a memorable romantic history for the commenter."
Positive"John's is presented as a potentially more crowded option compared to Monte's."
Neutral"This commenter had a very disappointing experience at John's of 12th St., finding the food inedibly bad and preferring other East Village Italian options."
Negative"This comment suggests the restaurant is perfect for a 'Dad mob movie' themed outing."
Positive"This restaurant offers a good ambiance and charm at a reasonable price. It has excellent vegan options and has satisfied everyone I've taken there, making it ideal for older guests."
Positive"John's of 12th is listed as a recommended old-school option."
Positive"The commenter, who identifies as a dad, confirms the restaurant's suitability for the request."
Positive"John's in the East Village is described as old school with white tablecloths, nothing too fancy."
Positive"This is a classic red sauce Italian spot that many dads enjoy."
Positive"Johns on 12th offers an entire vegan menu, including seitan marsala, seitan parm, and vegan meatballs."
Positive"This establishment was recommended as a red sauce joint similar to Bamonte's."
Neutral"This establishment was recommended as a red sauce joint similar to Bamonte's."
Neutral"Favors John's of 12th for its chocolate cheesecake, stating it surpasses Veniero's."
Positive"John's of 12th is described as excellent, a traditional red sauce spot with great ambiance due to its age."
Positive"A commenter expresses surprise that John's on 12th Street is still open."
Neutral"John's on 12th street is recommended as a dining option."
Neutral"The original poster is looking for a restaurant with a private room for approximately 55 people that can accommodate both vegan and non-vegan diners. They are considering Johns of 12th Street but are open to other suggestions."
Neutral
