Ledo Pizza, the Maryland-based chain frequently credited with originating what has become known as Maryland-style pizza, has opened its third New York City location. The newest restaurant is located at 72-01 Queens Boulevard in Woodside, Queens.
“Let’s give a warm welcome to our third location in New York City!” the company announced on social media. “Located in Woodside, Queens, Ledo Pizza Queens is OPEN and ready to serve you our famous square pizza!” Ledo Pizza first expanded into New York City a few years ago with a location at 243 W. 38th Street in Manhattan. A second location opened earlier this year at 220 Varick Street in Manhattan’s West Village. The new Queens restaurant marks the chain’s third location in a city famous for its own distinctive pizza traditions.
Maryland-style pizza, a term we’ve used at The MoCoShow since discussing the topic on our inaugural podcast in 2014, is characterized by its rectangular shape, biscuity crust, sweet tomato sauce, and smoked provolone cheese. The style is particularly associated with the Maryland suburbs of Washington, D.C., especially Montgomery and Prince George’s counties, where several longtime local restaurants serve variations of it.
The style traces its roots to 1955, when Ledo Restaurant opened its original location in Adelphi in Prince George’s County. At the time, circular pizza pans were still relatively new, so the restaurant opted for rectangular pans and ultimately stuck with the shape that would become its signature.
Ledo Pizza has since expanded to more than 100 locations along the East Coast, introducing its distinctive pizza to customers outside Maryland. Its continued expansion into New York City is particularly notable given the city’s longstanding pizza culture and strong opinions about what makes a great slice.
The new Woodside location is now open and can be reached at 718-606-4049.
Dining and Cooking