- Attraction: Star Tavern
- Location: 400 High St, Orange, NJ 07050
- Industry: Pizzeria
- Website: https://startavern.net/
Generations of Jersey families have made pilgrimages to a humble corner tavern where pizza isn’t just food—it’s tradition.
Since opening its doors in 1945, Star Tavern has evolved into what many consider New Jersey’s definitive bar pie destination, earning accolades from The New York Times and securing the top spot in New Jersey Monthly’s pizza rankings for nearly two decades.
Located in the northern corner of Orange, this local institution draws crowds who travel from neighboring Glen Ridge, Montclair, and West Orange for one reason: the ultra-thin, impossibly crispy pies that have remained virtually unchanged for eight decades.
Currently owned by Gary Vayianos—whose family took over operations in 1980, the same year Gary graduated from Seton Hall Law School—the tavern maintains its commitment to consistency.
The Vayianos family understands that their success stems not from secret ingredients, but from delivering the same quality experience meal after meal, year after year. You’ll find customers whose grandparents brought home pies as special treats, now bringing their own grandchildren to continue the tradition.
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Keep Exploring →The Pizza That Built A Legacy
The Signature Thin Crust: What sets Star Tavern apart is their remarkably thin crust—we’re talking pizza so delicate it borders on cracker-like, yet somehow maintains structural integrity.
The crust achieves that coveted crispy bottom with just the right amount of chew, cooked to perfection so the cheese, sauce, and toppings extend all the way to the edges. You’ll notice the beautiful char on well-done pies, adding another dimension of flavor and texture.
Classic Regular Pie: The plain cheese pizza is where Star Tavern truly shines. You’ll taste the tangy, zesty marinara sauce balanced perfectly against a generous layer of quality mozzarella.
The sauce-to-cheese ratio hits that sweet spot—not too saucy, not too dry. At around $16 for a 14-inch pie, these smaller-sized pizzas disappear quickly, so ordering multiples is common practice.
Specialty Pies Worth Trying: The White Clam pizza frequently appears on bucket lists, featuring fresh clams that deliver briny ocean flavor without overwhelming the delicate crust. The Pesto pie brings herbaceous notes to the table, while the Buffalo Chicken satisfies those craving something with a kick.
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Discover MoreThe Eggplant with ricotta adds a satisfying creaminess that complements the thin base beautifully. For adventurous eaters, the Whole Wheat crust option provides a nuttier foundation for your toppings.
Creative Topping Combinations: You’ll find all the classic toppings available, from pepperoni to sausage to mushrooms. The pepperoni comes in smaller slices that crisp up nicely around the edges, adding textural contrast. Onions arrive sliced rather than chopped, allowing them to caramelize during cooking for enhanced sweetness.
Beyond The Pizza
Scampi Wings: These are absolute showstoppers and deserve their own spotlight. The buffalo wings get elevated with a garlic-butter scampi sauce that’s rich, flavorful, and utterly addictive. Pro tip: save that leftover scampi sauce on your plate—it makes an incredible dipping sauce for your pizza or, better yet, toss your french fries in it for an unforgettable side dish.
Appetizers That Deliver: The fried calamari arrives tender with your choice of mild, medium, or hot marinara on the side. The antipasto salad is substantial enough to share among four people, loaded with pepperoni, cheese, tomatoes, fresh lettuce, peppers, onions, and olives.
The Shrimp Bowl features eight shrimp sautéed with garlic and butter, served in an edible bread bowl that soaks up all those delicious juices.
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Keep Exploring →Sweet Endings: The Apple Pie pizza offers a delightful dessert option, topped with thin-sliced apples, crunchy walnuts, butter, sugar, and warming cinnamon. It’s the perfect way to cap off your meal with something sweet yet not overly heavy.
Pasta and Entrees: While most people come for the pizza, the menu includes traditional Italian fare like Chicken Penne Vodka, Chicken Marsala over linguine, and homemade lasagna with three cheeses and three meats. The Linguine with Clam Sauce comes in red or white preparations, both satisfying options for pasta lovers.
The Classic Tavern Experience
Old-School Atmosphere: Walking into Star Tavern feels like stepping back in time. The long, rectangular room features wood-paneled walls decorated with baseball memorabilia and countless pizza accolades earned over the decades.
A lengthy bar runs along one side, outfitted with multiple TVs perfect for catching the game. Comfortable booths line the walls while tables fill the center, creating an open, convivial dining space.
Neighborhood Vibes: The atmosphere hums with energy and conversation. You’ll sense the familial warmth that comes from being a neighborhood staple for multiple generations.
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Discover MoreExpect to see regulars at the bar whose families have frequented this spot for years, creating an immediate sense of community and belonging. The space strikes that perfect balance between casual and cozy—unpretentious yet inviting.
Lively But Welcoming: The pace here is brisk and bustling, especially during peak dinner hours and weekends. Multiple TVs create ambient entertainment while conversations flow freely. It’s the kind of place where families feel comfortable bringing kids, yet groups of friends equally enjoy grabbing pitchers of beer and multiple pies for a night out.
Practical Details
Pricing and Value: Star Tavern keeps prices reasonable, especially considering the quality and reputation. Regular pies start around $16, with specialty pizzas like White Clam and Pesto running about $21.
Wings cost approximately $16 (add $1 for that fantastic scampi sauce), and appetizers range from $12-$17. You’ll find the portions generous—expect to spend roughly $20-30 per person for a satisfying meal with pizza and an appetizer.
Parking Situation: There’s a parking lot on the corner, though it fills up quickly during busy times. Additional street parking is available on Highland Avenue and surrounding streets. During peak hours, you might need to park a block or two away and walk, so plan accordingly. The lot is well-lit and there’s typically security presence for added peace of mind.
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Keep Exploring →No Reservations Policy: Star Tavern operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted. You’ll walk in, check with someone near the kitchen area about seating, and either grab an available table or join the line along the wall.
Don’t worry—even when it looks packed, the line moves surprisingly fast as tables turn over quickly. Consider grabbing a cold one at the bar while you wait.
Best Times to Visit: Weekday lunches tend to be more manageable, while Friday and Saturday evenings draw the biggest crowds. Sunday afternoons strike a nice middle ground. The kitchen moves efficiently, so even during rushes, you’ll typically get seated and served without excessive delays. Food arrives hot and fast once ordered.
Takeout Tips: Many regulars swear by dining in rather than takeout. The ultra-thin crust can get a bit soggy during transport, losing some of that signature crispiness. If you do order for takeout, eat it as soon as you get home for the best experience. The pies are small enough that even solo diners can polish off one or two without much trouble.
Family-Friendly Environment: This is absolutely a family destination. High chairs are available, and you’ll regularly see multiple generations dining together. The booths offer privacy with their high backs, and the atmosphere, while lively, remains welcoming to kids. Just be mindful that the dining area can get quite packed during peak times if you’re bringing strollers.
Full Bar Available: You’ll find a solid selection of domestic draft beers perfect for pairing with pizza, plus full bar options including wine and cocktails. Pitchers of beer are popular for groups. They also carry Boylan sodas, a nice touch for those seeking quality non-alcoholic beverages.
Star Tavern
📍 400 High St, Orange, NJ 07050
