You’re driving down Saguaro Boulevard. The fountain is doing its thing—that massive plume of water shooting hundreds of feet into the desert sky—and suddenly, you’re starving. It happens to everyone. You want something reliable. You want a slice that doesn't flop like a wet noodle when you pick it up. That's usually when people start looking for Streets of New York Pizza Fountain Hills AZ. It’s tucked into that shopping center near the corner of Saguaro and Shea, and honestly, it’s been a staple for so long that it's easy to take for granted. But if you’ve lived in the Valley for more than a week, you know the "Streets" brand carries a certain weight.
It isn't fancy. It isn't trying to be some Michelin-star bistro with gold-leafed crusts. It’s just pizza. Really good, New York-style pizza.
The Neighborhood Vibe
Walking into the Fountain Hills location feels different than the ones in Phoenix or Mesa. It’s quieter. There’s a distinct "small town" energy here that you only get in the Hills. The staff usually knows the regulars by name. You’ll see families coming in after a middle school soccer game, still in their cleats, and retired couples sharing a pasta dish after a walk around the lake.
The interior has that classic pizzería aesthetic—darker woods, sports on the TVs, and that smell. You know the one. It’s the smell of yeast, simmering tomato sauce, and about five different types of melting cheese. It hits you the second the door swings open.
What Makes Streets of New York Pizza Fountain Hills AZ Different?
Most people think all chain pizza is the same. They’re wrong. While Streets of New York is a regional chain, the Fountain Hills spot manages to maintain a level of consistency that’s hard to find. The secret, according to the brand’s long-standing history (they’ve been around since 1976, started by the Glauser family), is the water and the flour. They actually use a specific filtration process to mimic the mineral content of New York City tap water.
Is it a gimmick? Maybe a little. Does it work? Absolutely.
The crust has that specific "snap." It’s thin in the middle but has a puffy, charred edge that’s chewy without being bready. If you get a pepperoni slice, the grease should bead up just enough to let you know it’s real cheese, but not so much that you need a life raft.
The Menu Beyond the Slice
Sure, the name says pizza, but locals know the move is often the chopped salad. It’s iconic. They use a mix of iceberg and romaine, pepperoni, ham, provolone, chickpeas, tomatoes, and olives, all tossed in a vinaigrette that has just enough zing to wake up your taste buds.
Then there’s the "Lorrsa" pizza. It’s basically their version of a white pie but loaded with toppings like marinated chicken, mushrooms, and spinach. It’s heavy. It’s delicious. You’ll probably need a nap afterward.
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- The Passion: This is for the veggie lovers who still want flavor.
- The New York Special: Sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, and peppers. The classic "everything" vibe.
- The Meat Pizza: Exactly what it sounds like. It’s a protein bomb.
I’ve seen people get heated over whether the wings are better than the pizza. The wings are baked, not fried, which gives them a different texture. They aren't as crunchy as what you’d get at a dedicated wing joint, but they’re juicy and the buffalo sauce has a nice vinegary kick.
Finding the Spot
Locating Streets of New York Pizza Fountain Hills AZ isn't hard, but parking can be a bit of a nightmare during the peak of the Fountain Festival or other town events. It’s located at 16845 E Avenue of the Fountains.
If you’re coming from the Shea Boulevard side, just head north on Saguaro. It’s on your left. If the lot is full, don’t stress; there’s usually street parking a block or two away near the park. Honestly, the walk does you good before you consume 1,500 calories of carbs and dairy.
Why It Survives the Competition
Fountain Hills isn't exactly a food desert anymore. There are upscale Italian spots and other local pizza joints nearby. So why do people keep going back to Streets?
Reliability.
When you order a "Double Crust" pizza here, you know exactly what’s coming. It’s going to be huge. It’s going to be hot. And it’s going to taste exactly like it did five years ago. In an era where restaurants are constantly "pivoting" or changing their recipes to save a nickel, there’s a lot of comfort in a brand that stays the course.
The prices have gone up—everyone’s have—but the portions haven't shrunk. A "personal" pizza is usually enough for two meals if you have a side salad.
The Local Perspective
I talked to a guy named Mike who’s lived in Fountain Hills since the 90s. He told me he’s tried every pizza place that’s opened in the zip code. "Some are better for a date night," he said, "but if I’m watching the Suns game and I want a beer and a pie, I’m calling Streets. It’s just easy."
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That's the core of it. It's "easy" in the best way possible.
They also do a surprisingly brisk delivery business. Because Fountain Hills is spread out and hilly, some places won't deliver to the far reaches of the town. Streets usually makes the trek. If you’re staying at one of the local resorts like Adero, getting a delivery from Streets of New York Pizza Fountain Hills AZ is a pro move when you don’t want to pay $30 for a room-service burger.
Common Misconceptions
Some people think it's a national chain like Domino's or Pizza Hut. It's not. It started right here in Arizona. That matters to people in Fountain Hills. Supporting a business that has its roots in the desert feels better than sending your money to a corporate HQ in Michigan.
Another thing? People think "New York style" always means you have to fold the slice. While you should fold it, the crust at the Fountain Hills location is sturdy enough to hold its own. You won't get that "limp triangle" syndrome unless you've let it sit in the box for three hours.
Timing Your Visit
If you want to avoid the crowds, don't go on a Friday night at 6:30 PM. You'll be waiting for a table. Instead, try a late lunch. The "Lunch Special" is one of the best deals in town. You can get a giant slice, a salad, and a drink for a price that feels like a throwback to 2015.
During the winter months, when the "snowbirds" are back, the patio area (if available/applicable at this specific layout) or the window seats are the place to be. You get that crisp mountain air and a view of the surrounding peaks.
Specific Tips for Your Order
- The Sauce Factor: If you like your pizza saucy, ask for extra. They tend to be a bit conservative with the red sauce to keep the crust crisp.
- The Cheese: It's 100% real mozzarella. You can tell by the way it strings. Don't ruin it by asking for "light cheese." Just live a little.
- The Dessert: Most people skip it, but the cannolis are legit. They don't fill them until you order them, so the shell stays crunchy. No one wants a soggy cannoli.
Addressing the Price
Look, it's more expensive than a Little Caesars Hot-N-Ready. We all know that. But you're paying for the quality of the ingredients and the fact that they aren't using frozen dough balls. Everything is fresh. When you see the size of a "Large," you'll realize it's actually a decent value. It’s a 16-inch pie that can easily feed a family of four.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Visit
If you’re planning to head to Streets of New York Pizza Fountain Hills AZ, keep these specific tips in mind to get the best experience:
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Check the Daily Specials: They often have deals on certain days of the week, especially for carry-out. It’s worth a quick look at their website or a phone call before you order.
Try the Chopped Salad First: Don't just dive into the pizza. The salad is a massive part of the experience. Get a large one for the table to share.
Order the "New York Style" Thin Crust: While they offer other crust types, the classic thin crust is what they’re famous for. It’s the benchmark for a reason.
Join the Loyalty Program: If you live in the area or visit Fountain Hills frequently, their rewards program actually adds up pretty fast. You’ll get "Passion Points" that translate into free food.
Time Your Pickup: If you're ordering to-go, give them an extra 10 minutes on top of what they tell you during peak hours. It’s a busy kitchen, and they won't rush a pie out if it isn't ready. Quality takes time.
Explore the Pasta: If you aren't in the mood for pizza, the baked ziti is a sleeper hit. It’s loaded with ricotta and baked until the top is golden brown.
Fountain Hills is a unique place. It’s a town that values tradition and consistency. Streets of New York fits into that fabric perfectly. It’s not trying to reinvent the wheel; it’s just making sure the wheel is made of high-quality dough and topped with premium mozzarella. Whether you're a local or just passing through to see the fountain, it's a solid, dependable choice that won't let you down.