Any of you who have spent a reasonable amount of time in NYC can agree that the phrase “New York Style Pizza” used anywhere but New York is more often than not, synonymous with “huge disappoint, walk away.” However, when you’ve spent a year in a foreign country inundated with fermented soy beans and kimchi, the desire for a good old New York slice begins to grow increasingly towards desperate. I found myself in this particularly vulnerable state when I encountered “Johnny’s Pub” a self-described New York style pizza establishment in Daejeon, South Korea.
You must understand that in a country where sweet potato crust is the norm and baby shrimp and mayonnaise are the pizza toppings of choice, the tease of a classic pepperoni slice can be almost too much to bear. While it would be a significant stretch to associate the classic New York pie with what Johnny’s Pub prepares, their pizzas are in fact thin-crusted, handmade and made to order. To be fair, my desperation led me to concoct such soaring expectations that Johnny’s never had a true chance to begin with, but enjoyable none-the-less. They keep it simple offering cheese and pepperoni pizza by the slice (₩4,500) or whole pie (₩22,000 and a little skimpy on the ‘roni) and just a few appetizers like sausages (₩7,000) and mozzarella sticks (₩7,000).
The highlight, however, is the casual hangout atmosphere complete with colorful lounge chairs and folding tables and the 6 craft beers on tap (available by the glass for ₩4,500-6,000 or pitcher for ₩24,000-27,000 and even for takeout). Johnny’s is an enjoyable, casual, family run establishment and just enough like home to fulfill my cravings…for now.
Johnny’s Pub
Location: 1451, Dunsan1-dong, Seogu, Daejeon (2nd Floor)
Contact: 042-487-0080 | johnnyspubkorea@gmail.com | Facebook Page
Hours: 3:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Getting There: Subway – City Hall station, exit 8, immediate left at first intersection, walk 1 1/2 blocks (across one intersection), Johnny’s will be on your left just before 7-11 on the 2nd floor