Brooklyn’s most celebrated pizza proprietor came out of retirement to reclaim his legacy.
Patsy Grimaldi opened Juliana’s in 2012 at 19 Old Fulton Street, the exact address where he founded the original Grimaldi’s decades earlier.
The coal-fired oven still burns at the heart of the operation—the first commissioned in New York in over fifty years.
Why Patsy Grimaldi Came Back After Nearly Two Decades
Patsy and his wife Carol sold Grimaldi’s and retired almost twenty years ago, but the pull of that original location proved irresistible.
They partnered with a close friend to establish Juliana’s, named after Patsy’s mother, bringing his generational pizza-making knowledge back to Old Fulton Street.
The return meant Brooklyn pizza lovers could once again taste pies made by the man who defined coal-fired pizza in New York.
The decision to come back wasn’t just about pizza—it was about reclaiming a piece of Brooklyn history that Patsy helped create.
His decades of experience show in every pie that emerges from that historic oven.
The knowledge passed down through generations informs how he balances sauce, cheese, and the intense heat of coal fire.
How Juliana’s Became Brooklyn’s Coal-Fired Pizza Destination
The original hand-built coal-fired oven creates temperatures and flavors impossible to replicate with gas or wood.
Patsy prepares deliciously thin crusts the way he has for generations, hosting only the finest housemade and locally sourced toppings.
His expertise turning pies inside that historic coal oven produces the perfectly charred, crispy-yet-chewy crust that made him famous.
The location under the Brooklyn Bridge adds to the mystique—tourists and locals alike make pilgrimages to this iconic address.
International ingredients combine with local sourcing to create toppings that honor Italian pizza traditions while embracing New York quality.
Every element from dough to final presentation reflects Patsy’s uncompromising standards developed over a lifetime in pizza.
The coal oven itself represents a piece of New York history, commissioned when few believed in reviving this traditional method.
Food Highlights
- Classic Margherita: San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil get expertly charred in the coal oven for textbook perfection. 🍕
- White Pizza: Ricotta, mozzarella, and garlic create a creamy base that lets the coal-fired crust shine through every bite. 🧀
- Sausage and Peppers: House-prepared sausage pairs with roasted peppers on that signature thin crust for bold Italian flavors. 🌶️
- Prosciutto and Arugula: Salty prosciutto and fresh arugula top the pie after it emerges from the coal oven for perfect contrast. 🥬
- No. 1 (The Original): This signature pie showcases everything Patsy learned about balancing sauce, cheese, and coal-fired technique. 🔥
- Fresh Burrata: Creamy imported burrata gets added to pies for an indulgent upgrade that melts into the hot crust. 🍃
Atmosphere
The Brooklyn Bridge location offers stunning water views that make every meal feel like a special occasion.
Exposed brick and the visible coal oven create an authentic pizzeria environment where you can watch masters at work.
The space balances casual neighborhood pizzeria vibes with the gravitas of eating at a New York pizza landmark.
DUMBO’s cobblestone streets and historic buildings frame your approach to this iconic address.
Inside, the energy buzzes with anticipation as diners wait for their names to be called.
The coal oven radiates heat and serves as the focal point—a working piece of pizza history that commands respect.
Tables fill quickly with everyone from first-time visitors to regulars who’ve been coming since day one.
The atmosphere captures everything great about Brooklyn dining—authentic, unpretentious, and focused entirely on exceptional food.
Bottom Line
Juliana’s represents the rare chance to taste pizza from the man who literally wrote Brooklyn’s coal-fired playbook.
The original coal oven and Patsy’s generational expertise produce pies that justify every accolade and line.
When a legend comes out of retirement to reclaim his original address, you show up and order the Margherita. 🌟
Address: Juliana’s 19 Old Fulton Street Brooklyn, NY 11201
📞 (718) 596-6700
🕐 Mon-Sun 11:30AM – 3:15PM | 4:00PM – 9:00PM
Brooklyn Bridge location | Historic coal-fired oven