If you walk down 69th Avenue in Forest Hills, past the quiet residential brick houses and the towering trees, you’ll hit a corner that smells exactly like 1971. That’s Lillian Pizzeria Queens NY. It’s not flashy. There are no neon signs promising the "best slice in the world," and you won't find a line of influencers holding their phones up to a piece of pepperoni.
Honestly? That’s exactly why people love it.
Lillian’s is a neighborhood anchor. It’s the kind of place where the 80s music is always just at the right volume and the baseball game is probably humming on the radio in the background. It feels lived-in. For over 50 years, this spot has been the go-to for families who don't want a "concept" pie—they just want a damn good dinner.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Lillian Pizzeria Queens NY Vibe
A lot of folks from outside the borough think New York pizza is all about the "grab-and-go" hustle. But Lillian’s is different. It’s a "sit down and stay a while" kind of joint, even if the dining area is cozy (read: small).
📖 Related: Natasha Denona Powder Foundation: Why Your Skin Prep Is Actually the Problem
The history here is deep. Founded by Lillian and her husband Tony more than half a century ago, the shop eventually passed into the hands of Lenny, who has been steering the ship for several years now. Even with the change in ownership, the DNA of the place remains. They didn't come in and "disrupt" the menu. They kept the thin, crunchy crust that locals would literally riot over if it disappeared.
Wait. You’ve probably heard the rumors about the celebrities, right?
It’s true. Ray Romano, a Forest Hills native, is a huge fan. His photo is on the wall, and he’s been known to name-drop the place when he’s back in town. When a guy who grew up on Queens pizza tells you it’s legit, you listen.
The Grandma Pie: Why It’s the Real MVP
While the regular cheese slice is a solid "football pizza" (classic, reliable, no flop), the Grandma Pizza is why you actually make the trip.
If you aren't familiar, a Grandma pie is a thin Sicilian crust, usually brushed with a healthy amount of olive oil and garlic. At Lillian’s, they top it with fresh mozzarella and spots of chunky San Marzano tomato sauce. It’s crispy. It’s savory. It’s basically the reason 7 PM is a dangerous time to show up—because they frequently run out of dough by then.
They also do this thing called the MVP Pie. It’s a tri-color masterpiece with marinara, vodka, and pesto sauces. It looks like a piece of art, but it tastes like a Saturday night in Queens.
Beyond the pies, you’ve got the heavy hitters:
🔗 Read more: The Red White Stripe Flag: Why These Two Colors Rule Global Heraldry
- Chicken Parmigiana Heroes: Huge, messy, and served on rolls that actually have some structural integrity.
- Garlic Knots: They come in a 5-piece set, swimming in butter and parsley.
- Chicken a la Romana: A sleeper hit on the menu. It’s pan-seared chicken and sausage with peppers, served with a tangy cherry pepper juice that’ll wake up your taste buds.
The Reality of Dining at a Local Institution
Let’s be real for a second. Is it perfect?
Depending on who you ask on Reddit or Yelp, delivery times can be a bit of a gamble. Some people swear it’s lightning-fast; others have waited over an hour on a busy Friday night. If you’re ordering in, just be prepared. The pizzeria is located at 96-01 69th Ave, which is deep in a residential pocket. That means the delivery drivers are navigating tight streets and school zones.
Also, they’ve had to adapt. After the pandemic, like everywhere else, things shifted. More takeout, fewer families sitting in. But if you walk in, you’ll still see Lenny or Nick (the head pizza maker) working the ovens. There's a human element here that you just don't get at the chains.
They even offer gluten-free pizza (made with a cauliflower base) and vegan cheese options now. It’s a nice nod to the fact that Forest Hills is changing, even if the brick walls of the pizzeria aren't.
Practical Advice for Your Visit
If you’re planning to hit up Lillian Pizzeria Queens NY, don't just wing it.
First, check the clock. They usually open at 11:00 AM and close around 8:00 PM. If you want a specific specialty pie, don't wait until 7:30. Like I mentioned, the dough has a shelf life, and when it’s gone, the kitchen closes up.
Second, parking is a nightmare. It’s Forest Hills. You’re better off taking the E, F, M, or R train to 71st-Continental Ave and walking, or just accepting that you’ll be circling the block for ten minutes.
Third, try the Rice Balls. People always forget the appetizers because they're focused on the pizza, but the meat-filled rice balls here are surprisingly great. They’re heavy, crispy, and come with a side of sauce that actually tastes like it was simmered for hours, not dumped out of a tin.
Why We Still Need Places Like Lillian’s
In 2026, everything feels like a carbon copy of a carbon copy. But Lillian’s feels authentic because it is authentic. It’s a place where the staff remembers your face and where the "specialty" is just making sure the crust doesn't get soggy.
Whether you’re a lifelong Queens resident or just someone looking for a slice of the real New York, this corner of 69th Avenue is worth the trek. It’s not about the hype. It’s about the crust, the sauce, and the fact that for fifty years, they haven’t messed with a good thing.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Arrive before 6:00 PM if you want the full selection of square pies and Grandma slices.
- Order the Grandma slice for your first time—it’s the benchmark for the shop.
- Bring cash, though they do take cards and apps like Slice or Grubhub, having a few bucks for a tip for the counter staff is always a class move in an old-school shop.