Picture of the store front of Don Jono’s pizzeria in Smithtown Photo by Brian Kachejian 2024
If there is one constant in life, it’s old-school pizzerias. Don Jono’s of Smithtown is certainly old-school. This legendary Smithtown pizzeria has been serving its style of pizza for over forty years to the residents of Smithtown and Commack, as well as to all the commercial traffic along busy Route 25. While the term “old-school” may mean traditional round, flat cheese slices or square Sicilian slices to some, Don Jono’s has not fallen behind the modern approach to pizza, as they serve their share of specialty pies as well.
As someone who has grown up on pizza, I know a good slice when I taste it. Don Jono’s is one of the best. However, there is more to this lovely pizzeria than just the traditional slices. While some people may have become accustomed to ordering on apps and having their pie delivered, I am still one of those who loves taking a drive to a pizzeria and having a conversation. That’s important to me. It’s the neighborhood guy in me. What I love about Don Jono’s is that every time I walk into the store, whoever is working behind the counter is incredibly friendly and always willing to engage in conversation, if not start one themselves.
Indoor view of the counter of Don Jono’s pizzeria in Smithtown. Photo by Brian Kachejian 2024
I have been going there for years, but a week ago I walked in and saw a special Sicilian pie up on the counter that I was urged to try. It was their own version of the very popular upside-down Sicilian slice made famous by Spumoni Gardens of Brooklyn. Now, I know a lot of people who will drive all the way to Brooklyn for that slice, including myself. However, having the chance to order one of those style slices on Long Island is a gift to pizza lovers like me. Let me tell you something in my old-timer Bronx accent: Don Jono’s upside-down Sicilian slice will knock your block off.
This slice flips everything on its head—literally. The cheese melts beneath a layer of rich tomato sauce, seeping into the dough in such a seamless way. The sauce is a perfect balance of flavors: mildly sweet with just the right amount of richness, accented by a dusting of sharp pecorino romano. At least that’s what I think it is. The cheese, the sauce, and the dough meld together in a way that makes this slice something special. It’s not your typical heavy Sicilian slice—this one is fresh, not overly cheesy, and simply addictive. Even if you’re not usually into Sicilian pizza, Don Juno’s version will definitely have you coming back for more.
Picture of upside-down Sicilian slice at Don Jono’s: Photo by Brian Kachejian 2024
Don Juno’s Pizzeria isn’t just about that special upside-down slice. In fact, I was told that their biggest-selling slice is their Grandma slice. Now, back in the ’60s and ’70s, I never walked into a pizzeria that sold something called a Grandma slice. It wasn’t really until the 1990s that Grandma slices started becoming popular on Long Island. Nevertheless, it’s Don Juno’s biggest hit. Additionally, another fan favorite on their menu is the Vodka slice. I’ve had it before, and let me tell you, it’s the kind of slice that’ll have you smiling and singing in Italian words you never thought you knew.
Besides pizza, Don Juno’s offers a full menu filled with traditional pizzeria favorites. From classic pasta dishes like manicotti, stuffed shells, and baked ziti to specialty chicken wraps and fresh salads, they cover all the bases. And of course, no authentic pizzeria worth its weight in Romano cheese would be complete without a menu section dedicated to all the classic heroes—chicken cutlet, veal cutlet, shrimp parmesan, meatball, meatball parmesan, sausage and peppers, eggplant parmesan, and more. If you’re not in the mood for a hero, you can always enjoy these as an entrée with a side salad and pasta.
Everything at Don Juno’s is top-notch. Furthermore, even though the place has gone through some ownership changes over the past 40 years, the chef who works in the kitchen has been there since day one, which is a rarity. On my last visit, I went in looking for the upside-down Sicilian pie, and they had none left. However, they made me a couple of special slices right there on the spot, so I didn’t have to wait for a whole pie, and it only took about seven or eight minutes. That’s the type of place this is. It’s a neighborhood pizzeria located in the shopping center that also houses Heritage Deli right next door, which is a fabulous deli, and Whisk Bakery, which is also phenomenal. It’s easy to get to, right off Jericho Turnpike on the border of Smithtown and Commack. These aren’t just places that I visit once in a while; this is a place I go to at least a couple of times a month, so it’s special to me. If you check it out, I guarantee it’ll be special to you too.
Don Jono’s 631-360-0178
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