Pizza and Connection at TJ’s Pizza & Pasta

Luke Puricelli ’25 and Bunny Henault-Bassett ’26 (Features Associate) in Features | January 12, 2024

TJ’s Pizza & Pasta, commonly abbreviated as TJ’s, is a casual Italian restaurant on Main Street right across from Lawrenceville. For as long as members of the Lawrenceville community have known, TJ’s has been a social and grub hub for Lawrenceville students.

Part of TJ’s allure as a great place to grab a bite is its convenience for the school community. Most students appreciate spending time away from campus to hang out with friends, and TJ’s is the perfect place for that. III Formers Finn Morgan and Megan Widlar, who both dine at TJ’s once a week with friends, believe the establishment is a spectacular place just to hang out.

Likewise, Matt Zerm ’26, who “usually go[es] once a week, but would go more if [he] had that luxury,” claims that people are often eager to go to TJ’s not only for the food, but for a laid-back atmosphere to hangout with friends.

TJ’s is known for its classic Italian items and great pizza. The restaurant serves a unique penne pizza—penne alla vodka pasta baked into a pizza slice. It might sound odd, but trust Lawrentians when they say it is great! Walker Carrington ’25 emphasizes that “[he] love[s] the penne pasta pizza. It’s basically pizza and pasta in one, which can’t go wrong.”

However, the TJ’s chefs argue that the panini is their most underrated item. Widlar recommends the “curly fries or any of the ice creams.” According to her, no one can refuse the nicely flavored and very crispy fries, or resist the multitude of ice creams offered at TJ’s. The TJ’s employees state that the menu’s most popular items are chicken fingers and pepperoni pizza—sacred classics to the Lawrenceville community.

Over the years, it has become tradition to congregate in TJ’s after annual school events. Since the environment is very welcoming to students, on nights when there are no major commitments, TJ’s is seen as a warm place to socialize. Some of the most popular nights of the year to hangout at TJ’s are Homecoming and the Halloween dance. Danielo, a staff member of TJ’s for eight years, claimed his favorite season at TJ’s is “when the students come during Halloween.” He greatly enjoys when students come in after the annual Halloween dance, often in costumes, creating a lively and boisterous after-party.

Danielo remarks that “Lawrenceville is a big part of TJ’s. Most of the customers are Lawrenceville students.” He and the other TJ’s staff make the pizzeria much more than just a restaurant for the Lawrenceville community. Their customer service is also excellent, with quick turnover and frequent discounts.

A current Lawrenceville parent from the Class of ’83 recounts frequenting TJ’s when he was a student, recalling their amazing Philly cheese steak, which was formerly their most iconic dish. TJ’s, decorated with historical photos of Main Street, has long been a staple of Lawrence Township and of The Lawrenceville School. If you’re ever in the mood for a quick, tasty bite to eat or a place to spend time with your friends, you will be sure to find many Lawrentians doing the same at TJ’s Pizza and Pasta.

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Pizza and Connection at TJ’s Pizza & Pasta