New Jersey’s Iconic Pizza Destination That Locals Can’t Get Enough Of

I still remember the first time I wandered into Brooklyn Square Pizza in Jackson Township, and wow, my nose basically did a backflip.

That smell of fresh dough, tangy sauce, and gooey cheese? Instant love story.

Forget driving to Brooklyn; this spot at 265 S New Prospect Rd brings the legendary square pie right to Jersey.

Owner Peter Grippo clearly knows his way around a pizza pan, and locals aren’t shy about showing up hungry.

I’ve seen people drive over an hour just for a slice… would you?

One bite of their upside-down Sicilian and suddenly you’re questioning every other pizza you’ve ever had.

Dave Portnoy slapped it with an 8.9, Good Morning America crowned it Best Pizzeria in the USA, so yeah, it’s not just hype.

The secret? That caramelized crust that’s crispy outside, fluffy inside, and basically pizza perfection.

The Legendary Upside Down Square Pie That Started It All

Walking up to the counter at Brooklyn Square Pizza, I knew exactly what I had to order first: the legendary upside-down square pie that everyone raves about. This isn’t your typical pizza construction, folks.

Instead of sauce-cheese-toppings, Peter and his team flip the script entirely by laying down a generous blanket of mozzarella directly on the dough, then finishing with a thick layer of their signature sweet and tangy red sauce on top.

The result is pure magic. The cheese creates this incredible barrier that keeps the crust light and airy while getting perfectly golden and crispy on the bottom.

When you bite into a slice, you get that satisfying crunch followed by pillowy soft dough, gooey melted cheese, and finally that bold tomato sauce that ties everything together with just the right amount of sweetness and acidity.

I’ve watched the pizza chefs work their craft here, and let me tell you, timing is everything. They know exactly when to turn the pie and when to pull it from the oven to achieve that perfect caramelization.

One customer told me he drives from Brooklyn itself because this version rivals the original Spumoni Gardens recipe, and honestly, I believe him.

Whether you’re grabbing a quick slice at lunch or ordering a whole pie for the family, this upside-down masterpiece delivers every single time. The portions are generous, the flavors are authentic, and the experience feels like stepping into a classic New York pizzeria without ever leaving New Jersey.

The Dream Pie That Lives Up To Its Heavenly Name

After demolishing my first upside-down slice, I couldn’t resist asking the staff about their other specialty pies, and that’s when they introduced me to the Dream Pie. One regular customer literally called it the greatest pizza he’d ever eaten, and after trying it myself, I’m not about to argue with that assessment.

This creation takes everything you love about Brooklyn Square’s signature style and elevates it with carefully selected toppings that complement rather than overwhelm the base.

What makes the Dream Pie so special is the balance. Every ingredient plays its part without fighting for attention, and the foundation of that fluffy, crispy crust with the perfect cheese-to-sauce ratio remains the star of the show.

The toppings are always fresh, generously applied, and cooked to absolute perfection.

I sat in the dining room watching families share whole Dream Pies, and the smiles on their faces said everything. Kids were reaching for seconds, parents were nodding in approval, and I noticed several people taking photos before digging in, which is always a good sign.

The pizza arrives at your table piping hot, with steam rising from the center and those edges perfectly caramelized.

Peter himself stopped by tables to chat with customers, and I loved hearing him explain his philosophy about pizza-making. He’s not just slinging pies for profit; he genuinely cares about preserving authentic Brooklyn pizza traditions while putting his own creative spin on things.

That passion shows in every bite of the Dream Pie.

The Famous Sesame Seed Crust That Adds Perfect Crunch

Here’s a detail that might seem small but makes a huge difference: the sesame seed crust that Brooklyn Square Pizza offers on many of their pies. I’ll admit I was skeptical at first because I’d never tried sesame seeds on pizza before, but one bite completely changed my perspective.

Those tiny seeds toast up beautifully in the oven, adding this nutty, slightly sweet flavor and an extra layer of crunch that takes the already-amazing crust to another level.

The seeds get applied before baking, so they become part of the crust rather than just sitting on top. As the pizza cooks, they caramelize along with the dough, creating these little pockets of intensified flavor around the edges.

I found myself eating the crusts first instead of leaving them on my plate, which never happens with regular pizza.

Several reviews I read before visiting specifically mentioned the sesame seed option, with some customers saying it reminded them of the authentic Brooklyn pizzerias they grew up with. That nostalgic connection runs deep here in New Jersey, where so many families have roots in New York City.

The sesame seeds are just one more way Peter honors those traditions while serving his local community.

If you’re ordering for the first time, definitely ask about getting sesame seeds on your pie. It’s one of those small touches that elevates the entire experience and shows the attention to detail that goes into every pizza at this Jackson Township location.

The Gravesend Pie Bringing Brooklyn Neighborhoods To New Jersey

Gravesend is a neighborhood in Brooklyn known for its Italian-American heritage and incredible food scene, and Brooklyn Square Pizza honors that legacy with their Gravesend pie. When I ordered this beauty, the server told me it was one of their most popular specialty options, and I quickly understood why.

This isn’t just another topping combination; it’s a carefully crafted tribute to old-school Brooklyn pizza culture.

The Gravesend pie features a perfect harmony of ingredients that work together like a well-rehearsed orchestra. Each component brings something unique to the table, and the overall effect is greater than the sum of its parts.

I watched as they prepared one in the open kitchen area, and the care they took with ingredient placement and cooking time was impressive.

One couple at the next table was celebrating their anniversary, and they specifically requested the Gravesend pie because it reminded them of dates they had in Brooklyn decades ago. Hearing their story while enjoying my own slice really drove home how much this restaurant means to the community.

It’s not just about feeding people; it’s about preserving memories and creating new ones.

The portions on the Gravesend pie are substantial, so come hungry or plan to share. I managed to finish my slices but definitely needed a breather afterward.

The flavors linger in the best possible way, and I found myself thinking about that pie for days after my visit.

The Warm Family Atmosphere That Makes You Feel At Home

Beyond the incredible food, what really sets Brooklyn Square Pizza apart is the genuine warmth and hospitality you experience from the moment you walk through the door. This place feels less like a restaurant and more like visiting a family member’s home for Sunday dinner.

Peter, the owner, makes a point of walking around and chatting with customers, asking about their meals and sharing stories about the pizza-making process.

The dining room itself captures that classic Italian-American aesthetic with red and white checkered tablecloths, framed photos of Brooklyn landmarks and local icons, and an open kitchen where you can watch the magic happen. I love sitting where I can see the pizza chefs at work, tossing dough and carefully assembling each pie with practiced precision.

The staff deserves special recognition too. Maria, one of the servers, has been mentioned by name in multiple reviews for her attentive and friendly service.

During my visit, I watched her guide customers through menu choices, suggest perfect combinations, and even offer to split pies so people could try multiple varieties. That level of care and attention makes such a difference.

I’ve been to plenty of pizzerias across New Jersey, but few create the community feeling that Brooklyn Square has cultivated. Regulars greet each other by name, the staff remembers your favorite order, and newcomers are welcomed like old friends returning home after a long absence.

The Recognition And Awards That Prove The Hype Is Real

Sometimes a restaurant gets hyped up beyond what it can actually deliver, but Brooklyn Square Pizza is definitely not one of those places. The accolades and recognition they’ve received aren’t just marketing fluff; they’re legitimate acknowledgments of exceptional quality.

Dave Portnoy from Barstool Sports gave them an impressive 8.9 rating during his famous One Bite pizza reviews, which is no small feat considering how critical he can be.

Even more impressive, Good Morning America named Brooklyn Square Pizza the Best Pizzeria in the USA after a nationwide competition judged by food critics and pizza fanatics from coast to coast. That’s not a local award or a participation trophy; that’s national recognition putting this Jackson Township spot on the map alongside pizza legends from Chicago, New Haven, and yes, even Brooklyn itself.

What I appreciate most is how the team handles this success. Instead of resting on their laurels or getting complacent, they continue pushing themselves to maintain those high standards with every single pie.

Peter mentioned during my visit that winning awards brings responsibility to keep delivering excellence, and you can see that commitment in action.

The walls display various certificates, news clippings, and photos from these achievements, but they’re not obnoxiously plastered everywhere. It’s tasteful recognition that adds to the story without overwhelming the authentic neighborhood pizzeria vibe.

When you’re eating pizza this good, the awards just confirm what your taste buds already know: you’ve found something truly special in the Garden State.

The Prime Location That Makes Every Visit Easy

That easy access is exactly what keeps people coming back. Convenience turns a casual craving into a quick fix, and suddenly Brooklyn Square Pizza at 265 S New Prospect Rd, Jackson Township, NJ 08527 becomes part of the weekly routine.

Families swing by after practice, commuters grab dinner on the way home, and weekend explorers make it a destination stop. The location doesn’t just serve pizza; it serves peace of mind, knowing you won’t waste time getting in or out.

Pair that with pies worth every bite, and you’ve got a Jackson Township favorite that feels less like a stop and more like a tradition. It’s the kind of place where the address sticks in your memory because you know you’ll be back.

Easy parking, quick service, and legendary slices make it a no-brainer for anyone nearby. And when word spreads beyond Ocean and Monmouth Counties, even out-of-towners find themselves plugging the address into GPS for a taste.

In the end, Brooklyn Square Pizza isn’t just conveniently located; it’s strategically placed to become your go-to pizza pilgrimage in New Jersey.