Look, if you’re heading to the Falls, you’re probably expecting to get overcharged for a mediocre burger near the Rainbow Bridge. Most tourists fall for the trap. But locals—the ones who actually live in LaSalle or commute down Buffalo Avenue—they’re heading to Jaco's Pizzeria Niagara Falls New York.
It’s not flashy. It’s tucked away at 7202 Buffalo Ave, and if you aren’t looking for it, you might just drive right past. But that would be a mistake. Honestly, the "pizza scene" in Niagara Falls is crowded, but Jaco's (often referred to by regulars as Jaco’s Pizzeria & Family Restaurant) occupies this weirdly perfect middle ground between a neighborhood dive bar and a serious Italian kitchen.
Why Jaco's Pizzeria Niagara Falls New York Actually Matters
People get weird about pizza in Western New York. Everyone talks about Buffalo-style—that thick, airy crust with the cup-and-char pepperoni and the slightly sweet sauce. Jaco's delivers on that, but they do it without the forty-minute wait you’ll find at some of the more "famous" spots downtown.
The first thing you’ll notice when you walk in is the smell. It’s that heavy, glorious scent of toasted flour and bubbling mozzarella. It’s a small place. Cozy. The kind of spot where the servers, like Billie Jo or Melissa, actually remember your name if you show up more than twice.
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The "Tray" vs. The "Pie"
If you’re from out of town, the terminology might trip you up. At Jaco's, you aren't just ordering a "large." You’re often looking at a tray. Their half-tray and 20-wing special is basically the unofficial meal of Sunday afternoon football in this part of town.
- The Crust: It’s got that signature WNY chew. It’s not a cracker-thin NYC slice, so don't expect to fold it.
- The Sauce: Savory, but with a hint of sweetness that balances the salt from the cheese.
- The Toppings: They don’t skimp. If you order the personal pepperoni, the cheese usually goes right to the edge.
More Than Just Dough and Sauce
While the name says "Pizzeria," the locals know the secret is in the subs and wings. You’ve probably heard people argue about where to get the best wings in the area. While everyone fights over the big names in Buffalo, the garlic parmesan wings here are a sleeper hit.
And then there's the steak subs.
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The "Steaker" or the Philly Steak at Jaco's isn't trying to be a fancy artisan sandwich. It’s a massive, messy, wonderful pile of meat and melted cheese on a roll that’s been toasted just enough to hold everything together. They even do a "Western Steak & Eggs" with cheese for those who need a heavy-duty brunch.
A Quick Reality Check
I’m not going to sit here and tell you it’s perfect 100% of the time. Every long-standing local joint has its off days. You’ll find reviews where someone got a tray that was a bit too "well done" or the wait time for delivery was longer than promised. Since the original ownership changed hands years ago, some old-timers say the consistency isn't what it was in the 90s. But walk in on a Friday night when the bar is humming and the ovens are full, and it’s hard to argue with the results.
Navigating the Menu (Like a Local)
If you want the true Jaco's Pizzeria Niagara Falls New York experience, skip the generic cheese pizza. You’ve gotta lean into the regional specialties.
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- The Barbecue Chicken Finger Sub: This is a Western New York staple. It’s heavy, it’s saucy, and it’s usually big enough for two meals.
- The Garlic Parmesan Wings: Ask for them "extra crispy." Trust me on this.
- The Pizza Tray: If you're feeding a group, the full tray (24 slices) is the only way to go.
The Blue Cheese Rule
Let's get one thing straight: don’t ask for ranch with your wings here. This is Niagara County. It’s blue cheese or nothing. Most people prefer the heavy-duty, chunky blue cheese that comes on the side, and Jaco's keeps it traditional. Even the celery usually comes out crisp—which sounds like a small thing until you’ve been served limp, sad celery at a chain restaurant.
Logistics: Getting There and Staying Late
One of the best things about Jaco's is the hours. They stay open until midnight most nights, and even 1:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays. In a town where many kitchens close early, this is a lifesaver for second-shift workers or people coming back from a late trip to the Seneca Niagara Casino.
- Address: 7202 Buffalo Ave, Niagara Falls, NY 14304.
- Phone: (716) 283-1090.
- Vibe: Casual, family-friendly, slightly divey (in a good way).
- Parking: They have a dedicated lot, so you aren't fighting for street spots like you would be near the State Park.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
If you're planning to stop by, don't just wing it. Here is how to handle your first trip to Jaco's Pizzeria Niagara Falls New York like you've been going there for a decade:
- Call Ahead for Pick-up: If it's a game day or a Friday night, the wait can stretch out. Give them 45 minutes of lead time.
- Check the Specials: They almost always have a "Tray and Wings" combo that saves you $10-$15 compared to ordering a la carte.
- Dine-In for the Bar: If you like a cold beer with your slice, the bar area is unpretentious and usually has a game on.
- Ask for Andrew: Regulars often mention that if Andrew is in the kitchen, the crust hits that perfect golden-brown sweet spot.
Basically, if you want to eat where the locals eat and avoid the tourist trap pricing of the "Falls District," drive the few miles down Buffalo Avenue. It’s real food for real people.
Next time you're in the area, skip the chain pizza. Grab a tray, get the garlic parm wings, and see why this spot has survived the test of time in a very competitive pizza town.