


Established in 1945, Star Tavern has been a traditional family favorite for generations. Known for classic thin-crust bar pizza served hot and lively in an atmosphere humming with 80 years of neighborhood character. Owner Gary Vayianos will tell you that it isn’t the result of any secret ingredient that makes what the New York Times calls “superior” pizza and what so many claim to be the best pizza in NJ. Star Tavern’s fame and good fortune is as much a result of the generations of families who go there as it is the consistently good & inexpensive food you get there… time after time, after time. Star Tavern isn’t about trends. It’s about tradition, family, community, and consistently great pizza, served the way it’s always been done.
Casual bar & eatery with booth seating serves thin-crust pizzas plus Italian & sandwich specialties.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 400 High St, City of Orange, NJ 07050
Phone: (973) 675-3336
Website: https://www.startavern.net/
Menu Photos
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Related Web Results
Star Tavern World Famous Pizzeria – Best Pizza in NJ
Star Tavern (@star_tavern) · Orange, NJ – Instagram
The Star Tavern | Orange NJ – Facebook
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Reviews
New Jersey has a lot of good pizza but this one takes the cake. The flavor really comes out at this place. You can tell they take pride in making good pizza.
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Today, we just grabbed two seats at the bar. Arrived about 1pm on a Saturday afternoon. It didn’t look like any tables were available, and we weren’t sure if friends were going to join us.
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There were only two guys at the bar when we arrived. When we left around 2:30/3pm, the bar was about 90% full.
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We went with an extra cheese pie and a pepperoni pie. Both were delicious. Our friend told us to ask for it well done, but we totally forgot (and WISH we rememberd). The only crispy thing on the pie was the absolute edge of the crust. We didn’t knock down any points for it, but we wished it would’ve been a little crispier. There’s one place in Neptune NJ we prefer the most, but this place is a close second. Not sure if we’d come back a third time as it’s a 1.5 hour ride and the GSP….Boy….maybe because it was the holiday season and people were out driving and shopping…but for us, it was NOT an easy ride. Thank god the place had a bar, I needed a drink after getting there.
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It was a solid pie, probably didn’t need the extra cheese, but the bartender talked us into it. The pepperoni cupped up nicely. They came out hot and fresh and we’re looking forward to heating them up tomorrow for lunch!
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Friendly staff, good thin pizza….just if you like it crispy, we’d tell ya ask for it well done! Some might say it was a little greasy, but I don’t hate a greasy pie…I can deal…
I have been a customer of Star Tavern for close to 40 years. I genuinely like this place — the food, the service, the atmosphere, and the cold beers. I don’t go weekly, but I come three or four times a year, consistently, for decades. Until last night, I had never had a bad experience here.
Last night, however, was my first truly disappointing one.
I was sitting at the bar with a good friend and his father. My friend ordered a whole wheat pizza, half pepperoni and half black olives. When the pizza came out, his father took a few slices. When my friend picked up his slice, he immediately noticed it was not whole wheat and asked the bartender. The bartender admitted it was a mistake and confirmed that the pizza was not whole wheat.
At that point, the obvious and appropriate response would have been to replace the pizza with the correct whole wheat pie — especially since the mistake was acknowledged by the staff.
Instead, my friend was told that because the pizza was already partially eaten, they would not replace it. That response alone was shocking. The error was not the customer’s fault.
To make matters worse, a manager named Jackie was brought over. She flatly refused to make it right or offer a replacement, despite the admitted error. There was no attempt at goodwill, no compromise, and no recognition of the situation — just a firm refusal.
I was honestly stunned. This is a long-established restaurant with an excellent reputation and loyal customers. There was absolutely no reason to handle this situation the way it was handled.
I want to be clear: this review is 100% truthful. I have always been a fan of the Star Tavern, which is why this experience was so disappointing. I hope ownership or management sees this and understands that the issue here wasn’t the pizza — it was the refusal to take responsibility for a clear mistake and treat a loyal customer fairly.
— Peter Caplan
Verona, NJ
Now, let’s talk about the chicken wings – they’re a must-try! They were crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, with just the right amount of flavor and heat. We couldn’t get enough of them, and they’re definitely a highlight of the menu.
If you’re looking for something lighter, they also have salads. They’re fresh and a good option if you want to balance out your meal with some greens. Plus, it’s nice to have that option for those days when you want to be a bit healthier.
And of course, what’s a pizza bar without beer? They have a decent selection of brews to choose from, which pairs perfectly with the casual, relaxed atmosphere of the place. It’s a family-friendly spot, so it’s great for a laid-back night out with loved ones.
The service was friendly and attentive, which added to the overall positive experience. Prices were reasonable too, making it an affordable choice for a casual meal with family or friends.
In summary, if you’re in the mood for some decent pizza, fantastic chicken wings, a salad option, and a cold beer in a casual, family-friendly setting, this pizza bar is worth a visit. It won’t disappoint if you’re looking for a relaxed and enjoyable dining experience.