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JOHN'S OF 12TH STREET

Updated

Phone: (212) 475-9531

Address: 302 EAST 12 STREET 10003

TLDR

Classic red sauce Italian joint w/ a legit vegan menu. Old-school NYC charm & ambiance. Sopranos filming location.

Reddit Sentiment for JOHN'S OF 12TH STREET(based on 77 Reddit opinions)

74% Positive23% Neutral3% Negative

Achievements and Accolades

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Tags

italian 49italian-american 7american 2italian 40vegan 7red sauce 2View All

Neighborhoods

East Village

Details

Step into a timeless East Village eatery that transports you to old-school New York. This Italian-American institution, a favorite for its classic red sauce fare, also surprises with a dedicated vegan menu. With a charming ambiance and a history that includes film appearances, it's a beloved spot for families and those seeking a no-frills, authentic dining experience.

Food Overview

This Italian-American restaurant is celebrated for its traditional red sauce dishes, with specific mentions of excellent meatballs and chocolate cheesecake. Notably, it offers a full vegan menu featuring items like seitan marsala and seitan parm, making it accommodating for diverse dietary needs.

Highlights / Recommended

"The restaurant is lauded for its classic Italian-American dishes, with specific praise for its meatballs and chocolate cheesecake. It also offers a dedicated vegan menu with options like seitan marsala and seitan parm."

Mentioned Dishes:

  • chicken parm(3)

Customer Sentiment

Customers generally praise this restaurant for its classic, old-school Italian ambiance and reliably good food. It's often recommended for its non-touristy, unpretentious atmosphere.

Reddit Opinions & Reviews

Top Reddit Posts About JOHN'S OF 12TH STREET

This thread heavily features John's of 12th Street as a top recommendation for an old-school Italian experience, highlighting its food, ambiance, and connection to The Sopranos.
Multiple commenters recommend John's of 12th Street for its blend of classic Italian atmosphere and a dedicated vegan menu, with some noting its cozy, historic setting.
John's on 12th is highlighted as an Italian restaurant with a separate vegan menu, offering specific dishes like Seitan Marsala, praised for its traditional setting.
A commenter specifically praises the meatballs at John's of 12th St, calling them the best in the city and emphasizing that it's not a touristy spot.
This post highlights John's of 12th Street's chocolate cheesecake, with a commenter asserting it surpasses Veniero's.
John's of 12th Street is frequently recommended in this thread for its old-school vibe and kid-friendly atmosphere, with one commenter mentioning it's a Sopranos filming location.
John's of 12th Street is suggested as a classic, old-school red sauce Italian restaurant.

Recent Reddit Mentions

From post: Recommendations For Japanese Or Italian Birthday

"John's on 12 is mentioned as a recommendation."

Positive
Mar 26, 2026View Comment →

From post: Whats Your Fave Nyc Vegan Joint Mines Spicy Moon

"Recently discovered John's of 12th St., an old-school Italian place offering vegan/vegetarian versions of popular dishes. They also recommend Anixi, Dirt Candy, and Planta Queen."

Positive
Mar 24, 2026View Comment →

From post: Nyc Traditional Italian Recommendations

"This user recommended John's of 12th Street, noting it has been around for a long time and does not require reservations."

Positive
Mar 17, 2026View Comment →

From post: Nyc Traditional Italian Recommendations

"This user recommended John's of 12th Street for an old-school Italian restaurant experience."

Positive
Mar 17, 2026View Comment →

From post: Group Dining In Manhattan Under 70 Pp Study Trip

"Johns of 12th Street was suggested as another potential spot for family-style dining that can accommodate a large group of 40 in its back room."

Neutral
Mar 5, 2026View Comment →

From post: Restaurants W Vegan Options In Midtown East

"This user suggested Johns of 12th St, noting that they offer a separate vegan menu."

Positive
Feb 23, 2026View Comment →

From post: Your Favorite Place For Linguine With White Clam

"This user suggested John's on 12 as a place for linguine with white clam sauce."

Positive
Feb 18, 2026View Comment →

From post: Red Sauce Italian

"This user seconded the recommendation for John's of 12th Street."

Positive
Jan 27, 2026View Comment →

From post: Red Sauce Italian

"This commenter noted that John's of 12th St is 'Soprano approved'."

Positive
Jan 27, 2026View Comment →

From post: Red Sauce Italian

"Johns of 12th st was recommended."

Positive
Jan 27, 2026View Comment →

From post: Red Sauce Italian

"John's of 12th Street is recommended for its old-school vibes and friendly service."

Positive
Jan 27, 2026View Comment →

From post: Low Key Spot After A Meeting Tomorrow

"John's of 12th was suggested for serviceable red sauce Italian food with great old-school vibes, described as a place to take people who are not necessarily seeking a trendy dining experience."

Positive
Jan 16, 2026View Comment →

From post: Red Sauce Italian

"John's of 12th St. is suggested as a good option for an old-school Italian experience, with a note that Arthur Ave in the Bronx also offers an authentic Italian environment."

Positive
Dec 30, 2025View Comment →

From post: Red Sauce Italian

"John's of 12th St. is recommended for its very good food, old-school vibe, and Sopranos filming history. The ragu dish is specifically mentioned."

Positive
Dec 30, 2025View Comment →

From post: Red Sauce Italian

"John's of 12th St. is a favored spot and is also vegan-friendly."

Positive
Dec 29, 2025View Comment →

From post: Red Sauce Italian

"This commenter agrees that John's of 12th St. is delicious and has been used as a filming location for shows and movies."

Positive
Dec 29, 2025View Comment →

From post: Red Sauce Italian

"This is considered the best option for an old-school Italian experience. It's been around for a long time, offers good food and atmosphere, and has been featured in movies and shows. The nearby Veniero's pastry shop is also recommended."

Positive
Dec 28, 2025View Comment →

From post: Red Sauce Italian

"The original poster is booking a table at John's of 12th St. because it seems to offer the perfect balance of what they are looking for."

Positive
Dec 28, 2025View Comment →

From post: Red Sauce Italian

"The original poster is considering John's of 12th St., along with Patsy's and Arthur & Sons."

Positive
Dec 28, 2025View Comment →

From post: Red Sauce Italian

"This commenter's children enjoy John's of 12th St., specifically mentioning the garlic bread and cannoli."

Positive
Dec 28, 2025View Comment →