As seen in The Buffalo News [February 18, 2011]
Owner Jim Ling makes a pepperoni pizza at Johnny J's Pizzeria in Lancaster. Sharon Cantillon / Buffalo News
Johnny J’s stands apart from other Lancaster pizzerias
On a cold and snowy Saturday afternoon, Tami, our two daughters and I ventured into a geographical area steeped in pizzeria traditions. I was in the mood for something different, an item that would stand out in the plethora of pizza joints in Lancaster.
We entered Johnny J’s Lancaster Pizzeria and settled into a booth near the counter. Our girls were excited to be having one of their favorite foods so I ordered a small cheese and pepperoni pizza ($8.25) and garlic bread with cheese ($2.49) to get us started.
The girls gave an enthusiastic “two thumbs up” to the garlic bread with cheese. Once the pizza hit the table, their little voices disappeared as they gorged on the very tasty pie.
Tami had a hankering for a BLT sub and ordered a mini ($4.50, $6 for a whole) in order to leave some room to sample the pizza. She loved the freshness of the lettuce, the juicy tomatoes, the crispy bacon and the perfectly portioned amount of mayonnaise that completed the sandwich.
I wanted a tantalizing sandwich, and the Stinger sub ($7) looked like it might just fit the bill. Though I’m sure I could have devoured a whole sub, I opted for the mini portion ($5.75) and it was enough to satisfy, yet make me long for more. The perfect combination of steak and chicken was a whirlwind on my taste buds. The chopped chicken finger was doused in medium wing sauce and set atop the juicy steak supported by lettuce, tomato, a little bit of onion and mayonnaise all cradled on a Costanzo’s roll. It was a winner.
Not to be upstaged by the Stinger, in rolled the creme de la creme of chicken wings. I’ve sampled Cajun grilled, hot, medium and char-barbecued wings, but the 10 medium Garlic Parm Wings ($7.99) we ordered will not be outdone on any level. I know my chicken wings and these were simply magnificent from the scent of the wings to the first bite that blasted my taste buds into orbit.
A portion of the BLT sub and a few slices of pizza would make the trip home with us. There’s nothing better than cold pizza for breakfast in my opinion.
Specials include a large cheese and one-item pizza for $9.19 on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Daily specials include a mini sub (choice of ham, tuna, salami or turkey) and a 20 oz. soda for $4.75. The Pizza-for-Two daily special includes a small cheese and one-item pizza plus 10 wings for $12.99 or five fingers for $13.50, just to name a few. To top off any one of the daily specials, you can throw in a handful of fries for only 59 cents.
If you’re a pizzeria enthusiast, Johnny J’s is more than affordable and a diamond in the rough that is Lancaster’s pizza culture.
Johnny J’s Lancaster Pizzeria
(3 and 1/2 out of four pennies)
“Garlic parm wings are a cut above.”
WHERE: 231 Aurora St. at Como Park Boulevard, Lancaster (681-1111)
HOURS: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. (Closed on major holidays.)
WHEELCHAIR ACCESS: Yes
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