John's of 12th Street

- 302 E 12th St, New York, NY 10003

Since 1908, John's of 12th Street has been a cornerstone of New York City's East Village, offering a taste of authentic Italian-American "red sauce" cuisine that feels both timeless and comforting. This restaurant is a living piece of history, with an ambiance that instantly transports you to a bygone era of classic New York. The interior, complete with a massive candelabra that has been dripping wax since the end of Prohibition, and original tile floors, tells a story of over a century of service. It’s a place where tradition is not just a concept, but a tangible part of the dining experience. While it celebrates its rich past, John's has also embraced the present with an incredible and extensive vegan menu, ensuring that everyone can enjoy its delicious offerings. Whether you're a long-time New Yorker or a visitor, John's of 12th Street provides a unique blend of historical charm, a cozy and romantic atmosphere, and classic comfort food that truly feels like a meal at a nonna's house.

### Location and Accessibility

Located at 302 E 12th St, New York, NY 10003, USA, John's is nestled on a quiet residential street in the heart of the East Village. This puts it in an ideal spot, away from the immediate hustle and bustle, but still easily accessible. The restaurant is within walking distance of several major subway lines, making it a convenient destination from almost anywhere in Manhattan. For those driving, both free and paid street parking are available in the surrounding area, though spots can be hard to come by. The restaurant is also designed to be inclusive, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance and seating, ensuring that all guests can enjoy its historic charm. It's a place that attracts a diverse crowd, from families and groups to tourists and couples looking for a romantic evening.

### Services Offered

John's of 12th Street offers a range of services designed to provide a classic and comfortable dining experience.

• Dine-in: The primary service is its classic table service, providing a warm and attentive dining experience. Dinner reservations are recommended, especially for groups or on weekends, as the restaurant is a popular spot.
• Takeout & Delivery: For those who want to enjoy John's cuisine at home, the restaurant offers takeout and delivery services, including no-contact delivery, making it easy to get a delicious meal without leaving your residence.
• Catering: John's also provides catering services for special events, allowing you to share their classic Italian dishes with a larger party.
• Table Service & Onsite Amenities: The dining experience is enhanced by a full bar and an impressive wine list, making it a great place for an aperitif or to pair a bottle with your meal. They also have a restroom and Wi-Fi for guest convenience.

### Features & Highlights

This historic restaurant is celebrated for several standout features that contribute to its enduring popularity.

• Historic and Cozy Atmosphere: The "old-world" vibe is a major draw. With its historic charm, a legendary, wax-covered candelabra, and a cozy, romantic atmosphere, it feels like a step back in time.
• Dual Menu for All Diets: A major highlight is the separate, full-page vegan menu. This is a game-changer for mixed-diet groups, allowing both meat-eaters and vegans to enjoy a hearty, flavorful Italian meal without compromise.
• Great Wine List and Cocktails: John's has a "great wine list" and a full bar, with a selection of beer, cocktails, and hard liquor to complement the meal.
• Authentic "Red Sauce" Cuisine: The food is praised for its authenticity and classic flavors, staying true to traditional Italian-American "red sauce" style.
• Large Portions: Customers frequently comment on the "very large portions," with many noting that the servings are so generous they can be shared or are great for leftovers.

### What is Worth Choosing

The menu at John's of 12th Street is a testament to classic Italian comfort food, and while every dish is prepared with care, some stand out as particular favorites among customers. On the traditional menu, the Spaghetti with Meatballs is a classic for a reason, praised for its rich, hearty sauce. The Chicken Parmigiana with Spaghetti and the Eggplant Alla Parmigiana are also highly recommended for their generous size and comforting flavors. For those looking for something different, the Tuscan Ragu over Homemade Pappardelle has received praise for being "ridiculously good with deep flavors." The Spedino Mozzarella Romana appetizer is another standout, described as "enormous and perfect."

For vegan diners, the separate menu is a treasure trove of options. The Seitan Parmigiana with Vegan Cheese and the Eggplant Parmigiana are popular choices, with some customers noting the vegan cheese is "very cheesy" and "stretches just right." The Vegan Ragu over Housemade Vegan Pappardelle is also a standout, often called one of the "best" vegan Italian dishes in the city. Another must-try is the Vegan Tiramisu, which is described as "delicious" and a perfect end to the meal. Whether you opt for a classic "red sauce" dish or a modern vegan alternative, the consistency of flavor and commitment to quality are what make John's a local icon. A review from a customer who was on a walking tour even noted that the spaghetti they tried was "nice" and made them "would love to come back again one day and have a proper sit down evening meal." The combination of delicious food, great service, and a truly historic setting makes a meal at John's an unforgettable experience for anyone in New York.

### Contact Information

To make a reservation or for more information, you can contact John's of 12th Street at:

Address: 302 E 12th St, New York, NY 10003, USA

Phone: (212) 475-9531

John's of 12th Street

302 E 12th St, New York, NY 10003, USA