It's a shame Yelp let's reviews like Azita's stay up. Of course a pizza place in Maine won't deliver a pizza 20 miles away you moronic troglodyte. Is that even a real review? We stopped in for a quick bite on a Thursday afternoon. We were the only people in the place and tried a couple of slices, my dining companion a straight cheese and I went for the grilled shrimp, applewood smoked bacon and a slice with their pulled chicken. All of them were fantastic, crisp and fresh. The parking is easy, the inside clean and while not spacious, it uses the space well. The prices were a great value and the staff very friendly and helpful offering suggestions due to my friend's dietary restrictions. Plus it's green, all the paper and plastic products they use are made from recycled material. They hit the food quality, price, and service trifecta for me, plus a neat menu with varied toppings and environmentally friendly for some bonus points. I rarely give a 5 star review after one visit, but they deserve it.
(5)
Skyler C.
This is a review for the gluten free crowd from a fellow Celiac. Their gluten free pizza is good. Not as great as I hear their regular pizza is, but still good. They do not appear to make the crust in-house. I've had the exact same crust in the exact same tin foil pan at several other pizza places around the area. The crust will not fool you into thinking you're eating regular pizza, but it's still pretty good. They are very good about cross contamination and catering to the needs of Celiacs. Only downside is that their normal pizza crusts are cooked on a food fired grill. These are just placed in a conventional pizza oven. They also offer gluten free desserts and specials. In fact, if you head over to the main restaurant (Anneke Jans), their chef has a whole array of gluten free goodies. So, not the best gluten free pizza I've ever had (still satisfying though!), but in a world with limited gluten free options, this place will fill the void.
(4)
Kelly C.
First off this place deserves nothing below a 4 star! They have the best gluten free pizza around! My boyfriend also gets the regular pizza and loves it as well. I will drive from Boston on a lazy Sunday just to get their pizza. The owner is wonderful, and truly has a passion for the restaurant. I also love that they have a great go-green feel, as well as many organic options too! Definitely a place to check out if your looking for a real "one of a kind" place!
(5)
Samantha W.
Amazing pizza, great specials and cozy environment. Wood grilled pizza is incredible. Friendly staff, clean and comfortable space. Easy-to-read menu which clearly states delivery area ;)
(5)
John S.
I ordered the special today. Pan Seared Salmon with couscous, fresh grilled vegetables and olive and caper tapenade. I haven't had a dish like this in years, not since I visited the Mediterranean. Easily something you'd find in a fine dinning establishment for twice the price. I'll definitely be returning to try the rest of the menu.
(5)
ML B.
Fabulous pizza- was staying in a local hotel and had it delivered. Very professional and friendly, both over the phone and the delivery guy- pizza arrived hot and I appreciated the variety of toppings. They even gave us a free chocolate chip cookie. Top notch place, and I loved the quality and creativity they brought to the table. Can't go wrong with these guys!
(5)
Alexander J.
Delicious pizza at a pretty good value. The wood fire oven leaves a smoky taste, especially on the crust. Toppings are fresh. The red sauce is heavy on the tomato paste (for which I am a fan). We did pickup.
(5)
Tao O.
We have only ordered delivery from here, and the food has been consistently very good. The delivery is quick and accurate, one time we had an issue with our order and they corrected it immediately. Very good service, and gluten free pizza!
(4)
Ciara S.
Best wings in town! The BBQ sauce they use for their wings is awesome.. I usually get delivery/take out but it is a cute little spot to eat in and have a beer. I did get delivery about week ago and was overcharged $3.. when I called about it the guy I spoke with was super nice and apologetic, but the $3 hasn't been refunded to me yet :\ Not a HUGE deal and certainly won't keep me from going back, but just something to keep in mind.
(4)
Melissa S.
Tiny and delicious!! Best pizza we've had in a while!! thin, crispy crust, fresh ingredients. Don't forget to try the homemade chips and fried dough balls...out of this world!!
(5)
Christine B.
New to the Seacoast area from western Massachusetts, we have been on a quest for a great local pizzeria since May. This is not it and so far places last of the five restaurants we've tried. The good points include location in Kittery village, easy parking, cute shop, nice staff, and a small but decent selection of wine and beer. You can eat there, take out or get local delivery so that is a plus. Unfortunately, the pizza lacks. The crust is horrid. It is pre-baked, and there was a cold stack of them waiting for toppings on the counter when we arrived at 5:00 p.m. It has the consistency of cardboard and is nearly impossible to cut with a table knife. It is tough, chewy, and flavorless. The topping selections are appealing but need a boost of seasoning. We hit ours with lot of red pepper flakes to spice it up a bit. The pizza was cooked but the cheese wasn't bubbly as it should be on a pizza. So far the best pizza for us are the ones we make at home from scratch, including our own dough which my husband tosses in true pizzeria style. The quest continues...
(3)
Kelly A.
I only tried their pizza, and I only went there cuz I didna bring my smartphone with me, otherwise I would have seen that Black Birch is NOT open on Sundays! Major frown, what to do? Well, before we hit Locos Tacos (now that is another 5 stars) we each got a separate slice of just-so perfect pizza, each slice just $3 or so. OK, we had to wait 10 minutes while they prayed over the dough and set up a new fire with aromatic spices from Ceylon, but man, that was the best za I have had south of Portland, ME! Except maybe Owens in K-bunk..... Be warned, they serve the thin crust! SOOO much better than that When Pigs Fly joint that everyone thinks is so great!!!
(5)
Lisa A.
We love AJ's and go as often as we can. Cozy and comfortable, welcoming staff that really care, delicious food! Salads are outstanding. Pizza is the best around. I had their clam chowder the other day and it was AMAZING! Probably the best chowder I have ever had...and I have had a lot! You can't go wrong here. Really!
(5)
Priscilla K.
Cute little place, friendly people and good pizza. We had the fig, prosciutto and blue cheese - a little on the salty side, probably due to the cheese and really what seemed more like pancetta than prosciutto - but, we enjoyed it.
(4)
Chris B.
Got a pizza here tonight and was excited due to good reviews on yelp. Yikes. What a disappointment. Ordered pepperoni, mushroom, extra cheese and extra sauce. Was charged as a topping for extra sauce and cheese but pizza had barely any cheese and sauce and no pepperoni. Crusts were all pre-made and tasted like Gas Station or school cafeteria pizza. I do not recommend this place. it was terrible.
(1)
William H.
Gluten free pizza crust was good but the pizza ordered was advertised as goat cheese and was actually a combination of goat cheese and mozzarella?! Odd Regular thin crust pizza Aj's was a mix of spicy and mild sausage but seemed to be a but more on the mild than the spicy side :) Alcohol options were very nice! Wife had a glass if red as I enjoyed an IPA. Small space so don't bring a crowd and no baby changing stations in bathrooms provide a negative as we were asked to change the baby in the bathroom floor?!? No....
(3)
Kaley S.
There is a wood grill, and there is pizza. But there is no wood-grilled pizza. Why is it called that? Should be called "AJ's Wood Grill AND Pizza." The pizza cooked in a huge oven NEXT to the wood grill... The Good: Beers on tap! Hooray local drafts! We got a mixed green salad with the balsamic dressing (they have lots of dressing choices but the balsamic is the standard) and it was tasty. Unfortunately the beer and the salad were the only good parts, and that's not enough to go back. The Bad: We spent $50 and left hungry. We got a salad, homemade potato chips, and a margherita pizza. The salad was good, but the potato chips were strangely soft, and super dark....why were the potato chips dark brown?? Strangely colored, bland, soggy and meh, but we ate almost the whole big bowl because our pizza sucked. The Food: The pizza sucked. Pizza (especially wood-fired) should be crispy, and have flavor. Ours was not and did not. Bland, soggy, undercooked, mushy, and thin. It didn't even seem like food. Sure didn't taste like it. Margherita pizza is so simple it's a good litmus test for pizza -- only tomatoes, cheese and basil, so there's no pile of greasy meats to disguise the sad, soggy, bland crust. The tomatoes were in the form of huge, thin slices such that when you take a bite, the whole friggin tomato slides off awkwardly taking everything with it but the bland, soggy, sad crust, which I left on my plate, staring at it like, "what is the point of eating that." Was there even cheese on it? I didn't taste cheese. I didn't taste the crust. I didn't taste the tomatoes. I didn't taste the basil. Nothing tasted like ANYTHING. There was no point in eating it. It looked gross and sad. Weird thing is the employees, when we told them it was our first time, told us it was "awesome." It was busy for a small place with walk-ins, take-outs, and families, and people seemed happy, but the pizza was not "wood-grilled", it was cooked in an oven, maybe call it "wood-fired oven cooked" because "wood-grill pizza" doesn't even make any sense, and it didn't taste like ANYTHING, let alone food. The only thing that was crispy was the flavorless basil. Margherita pizza is supposed to have fresh basil, but for some reason their gigantic leaves of basil went right into the oven (nope, not on the wood grill!), where their flavor and freshness turned to crispy pointlessness. I felt like we paid $50 for beer, salad, and thinly sliced tomatoes on top of soggy cardboard. The Service: No service, you just walk up to the counter and order. The girls who worked there were nice though. Overall: I felt like we paid $50 for beer, salad, and thinly sliced tomatoes on top of soggy cardboard. We regretted going there, left hungry, felt ripped-off, and won't go back.
(2)
Shane B.
Got a pizza delivered and it was awful. It tasted like a frozen piece of cardboard. I would not recommend delivery from here.
(1)
Vanessa F.
Got a pizza delivered. Worst pizza I've ever had. Tasted similar to elementary school cafeteria pizza. They messed up our toppings. And it was thin crust but kind of soft and soggy. Never again.
(1)
Chris P.
Had the salmon special (salmon with tapenade over couscous with grilled veg) delivered, fish was cooked PERFECT and the tapenade was a great complement (and really good with the couscous as well). For the money (14.95 before the delivery fee) I'd have appreciated more fish and less couscous, the portion size doesn't match what the Shipyard Brewpub puts on a salad. Food quality is a little inconsistent (I love Chicken Caesar wraps, and AJs' is usually good, but never made to he same as the last one, or the same price) but when they get it right they're awesome.
(3)
Sam G.
Decent selection of toppings, but dough and sauce need some work. Service was great but overall, the pies were mediocre at best.
(2)
Brittany S.
Yum! Called ahead for pizza ; so delicious, lady at the counter (owner? And daughter) so friendly ! Had their Buffalo sauce to dip the pizza in, so good! Highly recommended if you like thin crust pizza!
(5)
Nicole R.
My favorite place to get Pizza on the seacoast and possibly favorite of all time. Andy's pizza is my favorite!! Staff is friendly and the thin crust is perfection. Everyone has their own opinion of how pizza is supposed to be- for me AJ's nails it.
(5)
Eric C.
Excellent hand-made pizza, friendly staff, good prices. The shop is a little bit small; only 5-6 tables and a bar. Clean and cozy. Delicious food Would go again.
(5)
Tom D.
I've stopped at AJ's Wood Grill Pizza for Lunch on numerous occasions. It's conveniently located just outside of Gate 1 to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, making it a quick easy location to grab a quick bite. The food is always very good, especially their specials. The pizza is thin crust and the wood gives the pizza a distinct smoky flavor. The wood grill can take a little longer for your food so make sure you're not in a rush if your ordering something that needs to be cooked. Sandwiches are the best bet, and I've enjoyed everyone I've had. Their homemade chips are also pretty good. I'll definitely be there more often now that Mojo's is closed and my Shipyard lunch options are further limited.
(4)
Katherine H.
great pizza and friendly staff. one less star because you cant drink beer/wine outside.
(4)
Sally F.
Friend said this was the best pizza in the world. He tends to exaggerate so I didn't think much of it. Had a long day of walking around and decided to stop in for a slice. Best pizza in the world. Cheers to aj!
(5)
Nick M.
Great Pizza! Stopped in here on a lazy Saturday afternoon. Ordered the supreme pizza and told the guy to "be creative." He made us an amazing meat lovers pizza with cartelized onions and extra cheese. Ah-mazing! Sir, my taste buds thanks you.
(5)
Christine M.
After shopping in Kittery we wanted to grab a bite. We tried this place based on yelp reviews and they were right! Pizza was so good, thin crust cooked perfectly! So glad we stopped in.
(4)
Amanda P.
Delicious pizza! It took me a couple slices before I realized I had wheat crust. The service is friendly and quick. Cute little place. Would definitely go back.
(5)
Eric B.
Great if you want delivery or if you want to enjoy the atmosphere of the restaurant itself. Having tried 4 different pizzas here and enjoying them all I'm convinced there isn't a bad combination. If you're ever in the area, it's a must go for pizza.
(5)
G N.
Small, cozy pizza place in the heart of downtown Kittery. The pizza is fantastic, the choices are unique, and the staff is super friendly. I took my daughter and the wait staff gave her a cookie. I will definitely be back!
(5)
Colleen H.
This place makes some tasty sandwiches! Our girl in labor specially requested that we grab her a sandwich from here, so we grabbed a couple for ourselves as well. The Italian's awesome. Replaced the pickles with hots and got a side of these amazing onion rings with a spicy dipping sauce. YUM! The pizzas looked awesome, and from other yelpers reviews they seem to BE awesome. Definitely have to make another trip back here soon!
(5)
Don W.
I didn't actually get to try AJ's until 2 years after I left Portsmouth, but it's good stuff. I liked the sauce, cheese, toppings, and smokiness from the wood stove but the texture of the crust didn't do a thing for me. The staff were helpful and friendly but remember that if you plan to drop by for lunch, the dining area is very small and I wouldn't count on being able to find a table. The good news is that they sell slices, not every pizza shop in the area does that. I'd go back if someone else wanted to, but I can see the discussion including a few competing spots.
(4)
Samantha W.
AJ's is awesome. A little hole-in-the-wall right over the bridge in Kittery, it is well worth the extra 3 minute drive to get better pizza. Some people love the places in Portsmouth, but I think AJ's is much better. Better ingredients, better options, better pricing, and a delicious gluten free crust. Favorites: Nick's Special & The Mediterranean.
(5)
Tom G.
Very addictive! Recommend the Greek Salad where the whole romaine head is lightly grilled. Had a Reuben sandwich which was fabulous. Have to drive here regularly just to get my fix of their food. A small, intimate place, but friendly and very relaxed. You order at the counter, but this is not fast food. Very decent small wine list and some good tap beers too. They make their potato chips in house, and they are amazing. Enjoy!
(5)
Maureen W.
Stopped here for a quick bite late on Saturday afternoon. Smaller place inside, but clean and bright. Pizza was excellent!! Highly recommend the AJs pizza! Sells by the pie or slice. Had Fall Salad special which was fabulous!! Fresh ingredients and came quickly!!
(4)
Vanessa V.
Quite impressive for Maine. We were walking through Kittery's sprawling and lively downtown (ha!) when we saw this new-looking pizza place and decided we had to give Maine pizza a try. The menu is quite extensive, with multiple blackboards listing the pizza toppings, drink options, salads, etc. We just got a plain, as that's really the clearest way to test a slice. I was disappointed to see that they bake off the crusts in advance, and prepare the slices as ordered. It offends the New Yorker in me. But the more I thought about it, the more it made sense for a place with little walk-in business. This way, they can make customized slices without letting entire pies sit out all day and go bad. Plus one for freshness, minus one for inauthenticity. Our slice was good, but contained a crazy amount of garlic. Not that I don't love garlic, I've just never seen entire cloves of it on top of my pizza. It kind of overpowered any subtler flavors, but I have yet to find a slice north of NYC that can appreciate subtlety in flavor (most places just add a ton of sugar to the tomato sauce, so I applaud AJ's for trying a different approach). Overall, it's for sure the best pizza in Kittery. Excellent for the area. I'd definitely go back to grab a bite. But don't expect authentic NY style pizza or you'll be disappointed.
(4)
D J.
I continue to re-order from here for delivery and in terms of options for delivery in the Portsmouth/Kittery area, then win. They've sped up delivery times in the past year, so it's always warm and that complimentary cookie is the icing on the cake. Great, unique pies. I'm a fan of the classic pepperoni.
(5)
Mathieu D.
The pizza is very, very good. We had some very good localy(-ish) brewed beer. The setting is intimate and welcoming and everyone was nice to our 4 year-old daughter. Overall, a very nice place that really seems to be a place where locals go for great pizza and not a tourist trap.
(5)
Chris G.
Wow, I didn't expect something quite like this in Kittery. The flavors were excellent, very good fresh ingredients and interesting flavor combinations. Not everything on the menu works (I wasn't a fan of the bacon feta and tomato combo, it sounded better on paper than on the pizza) but my wife's gluten free pizza with hot sausage, ham and grilled zuchini was excellent, even the crust was quite good for gluten free. The wings were tasty but not at all spicy (we got the hot buffalo). Overall for the food I would give this a 3.5, but the ambience kicked it over the top for the 4 star rating. Definitely not what I would expect in Kittery, it would have fit in nicely in most cities. I will definitely be back and looking to try more options, even if they didn't offer gluten free options for my wife.
(4)
Keith T.
Small cool place to eat @ with a high quality very good tasting pizza. If your interested in trying the place they sell by the slice during the day. Check out the web site for the specialty slice of the day.
(5)
Kate F.
aj's just opened this summer, by the folks from anneke jans, which is one of my favorite area restaurants. i've only had one pizza, and they did a great job of splitting it half carnivore, half vegetarian. i had sweet sausage, and the husband had ratatouille. the crust was delightful - thin, crispy and chewy all at once. the toppings were well-balanced and fantastically flavorful. the fries and onion rings are also good, and generous in order size. they're decent but not amazing fries - maybe i just like my fries a little greasier, and with more little crispy bits, but these were definitely fresh, maybe hand-cut potatoes.... maybe there were just too many of them to appreciate them properly. i'm so, so glad that this is here so that we don't have to choose between the lesser of all of the other evil pizzas that are around us.
(5)
Kristin B.
This is a locals-type place. Way off the beaten track and far removed from touristy Portsmouth. It is very tiny but spotless and well-run. It is the real deal wood fired pizza. Perfect thin crust with the proper chew. Wide array of interesting toppings and they encourage you to design your own pizza. I chose a white pizza with pesto, capers, caramelized onions, mixed mushrooms, and the kicker - fig jam. Outstanding, and I think they had fun making it. The fig jam was a little sweet but not as sweet as pineapple. It was more like a chutney than a jam. Delicious. Live a little - try something new whenever you have a chance. This place does what it can to be "green," which I appreciate. Their disposables are all made of soy, corn, etc., instead of plastic. The employees seemed happy, making a great meal even better. There's a good vibe here. Wonderful experience!
(5)
Sarah C.
Absolutely amazing food! I ordered takeout, with quite a large, all over the board order too. Not only was the order taker super friendly, funny, and helpful, but the driver got toy house 15 minutes earlier than estimated! The food and service was spectacular! Definitely ordering from them again soon :)
(5)
Clarke F.
Not only is the pizza unique and the best around, but you have to have the wings! They are truly the ONLY wings you will eat after you try these! Crispy, meaty, and just as spicy as you want. The BEST! As for the burgers, the meat they use is not your usual cheap meat. It is a blend of sirloin, chuck, & brisket, I think. Anyway, you will not find a better burger ANYWHERE! I travel from NH and go back on a regular basis. This is a gourmet restaurant disguised as a simple pizza place. Don't miss it.
(5)
Carmen R.
Delicious pizza!! Organic ingredients!!! Awesome friendly staff!! The only thing I would change is that it is a small restaurant and the parking is tricky!
(4)
Nicholas W.
This place is awesome^2! Their food is great, customer service amazing and they have a great atmosphere. This is the best place to eat in Kittery. Period. Get the BBQ chips! And Wallingford square!
(5)
Rachel L.
Came here with a friend the other night and we had a great experience. It's a very small place but even on a Saturday night, there was enough seats. We shared a small pizza and he ordered a side of their chips--both of which were really good! We tend to be smaller eaters, so a normal couple might want to split a large :) I liked the rustic, intimate feel and watching them cook the crust on the wood grill was really neat. All the chefs and waiters were really nice people and we would definitely come back again!
(5)
Laryssa T.
I was really excited to try this place after reading other reviews and checking out their website. Interesting menu, nice ambience, my hubby loved the smell of the wood fire. (warning: the seating area is really small, so you might have difficulty getting a table) Anyways, we started off with the organic boneless wings, 1/2 BBQ and 1/2 buffalo. VERY good, tender juicy chicken. We got the mild buffalo sauce and still thought it had a major kick compared to most. The pizza...well, I think we ordered a dud. We got the "Yolanda's" and while it had a great thin crust, it didn't really have any depth. Just kind of tasted like crushed tomatoes on a crispy dough, with some bacon sprinkled around. Definitely would have benefited from some salt, spices, more garlic/onion. Despite it being an expensive pizza, we ended up tossing the leftovers. :/ I'd still go back and try a different pizza though.
(3)
Andra S.
Mehhhhhh.. Maybe I'm a pizza snob growing up around Chicago. I just thought this pizza was nothing to write home about. The crust was very flat with no texture and little taste. It says coal fired, but I'm sure this was only on a hot coal for 3 minutes. Hot coal ovens make the crust puffy, chewy, and delicious. This was like they took a Flatout wrap from the grocery store , threw minimal toppings on it, and threw it on a hot slab by a coal oven. I wasn't expecting Chicago pizza, but I was expecting more than cafeteria pizza.
(2)
Kathy T.
I have had take out, pick up and eat in here. The pizza has a nice thin crust.The Nancy's White and Yolanda's Pizzas are my favorites. I also love the grilled salad. The food is not overly salty and has a lot of flavor which is nice. It's a little pricey for pizza, but it is worth it. I have also had their soups and special salads. The delivery does take a long time so I would pick up if you want it sooner, or plan on a pizza taking about 45 min for delivery. If you pick up it usually takes about 20 min. from the time I call.
(4)
Cecile B.
Small, and cozy, modern feel w the old school wood oven pizza right there for you to enjoy. Grab one one of the few tables if you can or, even better, sit at the counter and enjoy the pizza-in-the-making show happening right there in front of you. Interesting menu w a mix of salads, sandwiches and pizza. We tried the homemade potato chips as an appetizers, seasoned to perfection! The wings seemed to be a popular item too. We ordered the mediterranean pizza, hum delicious! The dough was just to my liking. Thin but not too thin w just the right amount of crunch without being dry but still soft on the inside without being doughy. Toppings worked perfectly together (arugula, blue cheese, figs, balsamic sauce). Everything I saw coming out of the kitchen looked delicious. Wash it all down w a beer and you'll be on your way. I would certainly stop by again if I came back to Kittery, ME!
(5)
Josh M.
I had a Reuben for lunch with their BBQ chips and was very impressed I look forward to the next Saturday I buy lunch there!
(4)
Dizzy D.
So we thought we would give this place another try after a year, and boy was that a mistake! For the price we paid for the pizza and delivery we were extremely disappointed. We barely had any cheese on the pizza.. we even paid of extra cheese. The toppings tasted good and that was the only saving grace. We will NEVER order from here again.
(1)
Lindsay E.
Great staff, great pizza, great wings, cute restaurant, great delivery service (you even get a cookie with every delivery), all around great place. The pizza is a bit more than you're going o pay at a Dominos, but the ingredients are fresh, they have a lot of options, and tastes great. Though, when I get delivery, I do ask that they make it a little crispy, since sometimes the middle can be a little mushy by the time it gets to the house.They even give a discount to anyone that shows their Shipyard ID, can't beat customer appreciation like that. All around impressive.
(5)
Andy C.
The pizza is phenomenal, the prices are reasonable, and the staff is SUPER friendly. Don't bother going elsewhere!
(5)
Pj P.
Great Pizza & More place in Kittery. All food was fresh amd cooked/prepared to perfection. Pizza was thin and tasty with a great wood grilled taste. Owner & employee's were great, very friendly and cusomer orientated. If your in Kittery you need to stop by and experience AJ's Wood Grill Pizza!
(5)
Gretchen S.
I have had pizza and salads here before for eat in and take out and they have been very good. Tonight I had take out and the pizza was burned, not eatable. I called and was told "some of the crusts did look burned" and not so much as a "return it and we will make another" or "we will make it up next time". Disappointing, especially because they knew it was burned before it was sent out the door.
(1)
adam d.
Great food, fresh ingredients, definitely on the noisy side if you eat in the restaurant.
(4)
Bill C.
Ok here are my plus marks 1.) The pizza is great. There isn't better pizza in Kittery, York, or The Berwicks than here. You can tell it it is owned by the former owners of Anneke Jans, there is that level of attention to the food an creativity is evident. 2.) The staff are friendly. They are ecclectic, in the way that "this place has character" not in the "did I remenber to cross the tip line out of my take out order" way. My minus marks 1.) They have no clue how long it will take to make your pizza. I love this place, but never listen to them when they tell you how long it will take for a pick up. I've done take out +10 times and they have never been right. The last time we were in there I was quoted 15 minutes on the phone. We knew better and showed up at 25 minutes and still waited another 10 minutes past that. 2) They can't pull a pint correctly. The couple times I waited I thought "great I'll get a beer without the wife being the wiser." An inch of foam. The last time I actually asked the girl if she could do anything about it. She turned around, re-poured and tada an inch and a half of foam. Ok I know that sounds petty, but I gave them four stars... just a couple things to look out for.
(4)
Bob S.
This may very well be the best pizza I have ever had. If you appreciate thin crust pizza, you will love this place! Worth the drive off of I-95 and difficult parking situation.
(5)
Monica G.
Very good gluten free pizza. The toppings were high quality and well balanced. I cannot wait to return to try more things from the menu.
(4)
Samantha W.
AJ's is awesome. A little hole-in-the-wall right over the bridge in Kittery, it is well worth the extra 3 minute drive to get better pizza. Some people love the places in Portsmouth, but I think AJ's is much better. Better ingredients, better options, better pricing, and a delicious gluten free crust. Favorites: Nick's Special & The Mediterranean.
(5)
Kaley S.
There is a wood grill, and there is pizza. But there is no wood-grilled pizza. Why is it called that? Should be called "AJ's Wood Grill AND Pizza." The pizza cooked in a huge oven NEXT to the wood grill... The Good: Beers on tap! Hooray local drafts! We got a mixed green salad with the balsamic dressing (they have lots of dressing choices but the balsamic is the standard) and it was tasty. Unfortunately the beer and the salad were the only good parts, and that's not enough to go back. The Bad: We spent $50 and left hungry. We got a salad, homemade potato chips, and a margherita pizza. The salad was good, but the potato chips were strangely soft, and super dark....why were the potato chips dark brown?? Strangely colored, bland, soggy and meh, but we ate almost the whole big bowl because our pizza sucked. The Food: The pizza sucked. Pizza (especially wood-fired) should be crispy, and have flavor. Ours was not and did not. Bland, soggy, undercooked, mushy, and thin. It didn't even seem like food. Sure didn't taste like it. Margherita pizza is so simple it's a good litmus test for pizza -- only tomatoes, cheese and basil, so there's no pile of greasy meats to disguise the sad, soggy, bland crust. The tomatoes were in the form of huge, thin slices such that when you take a bite, the whole friggin tomato slides off awkwardly taking everything with it but the bland, soggy, sad crust, which I left on my plate, staring at it like, "what is the point of eating that." Was there even cheese on it? I didn't taste cheese. I didn't taste the crust. I didn't taste the tomatoes. I didn't taste the basil. Nothing tasted like ANYTHING. There was no point in eating it. It looked gross and sad. Weird thing is the employees, when we told them it was our first time, told us it was "awesome." It was busy for a small place with walk-ins, take-outs, and families, and people seemed happy, but the pizza was not "wood-grilled", it was cooked in an oven, maybe call it "wood-fired oven cooked" because "wood-grill pizza" doesn't even make any sense, and it didn't taste like ANYTHING, let alone food. The only thing that was crispy was the flavorless basil. Margherita pizza is supposed to have fresh basil, but for some reason their gigantic leaves of basil went right into the oven (nope, not on the wood grill!), where their flavor and freshness turned to crispy pointlessness. I felt like we paid $50 for beer, salad, and thinly sliced tomatoes on top of soggy cardboard. The Service: No service, you just walk up to the counter and order. The girls who worked there were nice though. Overall: I felt like we paid $50 for beer, salad, and thinly sliced tomatoes on top of soggy cardboard. We regretted going there, left hungry, felt ripped-off, and won't go back.
(2)
Shane B.
Got a pizza delivered and it was awful. It tasted like a frozen piece of cardboard. I would not recommend delivery from here.
(1)
Vanessa F.
Got a pizza delivered. Worst pizza I've ever had. Tasted similar to elementary school cafeteria pizza. They messed up our toppings. And it was thin crust but kind of soft and soggy. Never again.
(1)
Sarah C.
Absolutely amazing food! I ordered takeout, with quite a large, all over the board order too. Not only was the order taker super friendly, funny, and helpful, but the driver got toy house 15 minutes earlier than estimated! The food and service was spectacular! Definitely ordering from them again soon :)
(5)
Maureen W.
Stopped here for a quick bite late on Saturday afternoon. Smaller place inside, but clean and bright. Pizza was excellent!! Highly recommend the AJs pizza! Sells by the pie or slice. Had Fall Salad special which was fabulous!! Fresh ingredients and came quickly!!
(4)
Vanessa V.
Quite impressive for Maine. We were walking through Kittery's sprawling and lively downtown (ha!) when we saw this new-looking pizza place and decided we had to give Maine pizza a try. The menu is quite extensive, with multiple blackboards listing the pizza toppings, drink options, salads, etc. We just got a plain, as that's really the clearest way to test a slice. I was disappointed to see that they bake off the crusts in advance, and prepare the slices as ordered. It offends the New Yorker in me. But the more I thought about it, the more it made sense for a place with little walk-in business. This way, they can make customized slices without letting entire pies sit out all day and go bad. Plus one for freshness, minus one for inauthenticity. Our slice was good, but contained a crazy amount of garlic. Not that I don't love garlic, I've just never seen entire cloves of it on top of my pizza. It kind of overpowered any subtler flavors, but I have yet to find a slice north of NYC that can appreciate subtlety in flavor (most places just add a ton of sugar to the tomato sauce, so I applaud AJ's for trying a different approach). Overall, it's for sure the best pizza in Kittery. Excellent for the area. I'd definitely go back to grab a bite. But don't expect authentic NY style pizza or you'll be disappointed.
(4)
D J.
I continue to re-order from here for delivery and in terms of options for delivery in the Portsmouth/Kittery area, then win. They've sped up delivery times in the past year, so it's always warm and that complimentary cookie is the icing on the cake. Great, unique pies. I'm a fan of the classic pepperoni.
(5)
Mathieu D.
The pizza is very, very good. We had some very good localy(-ish) brewed beer. The setting is intimate and welcoming and everyone was nice to our 4 year-old daughter. Overall, a very nice place that really seems to be a place where locals go for great pizza and not a tourist trap.
(5)
Bill C.
Ok here are my plus marks 1.) The pizza is great. There isn't better pizza in Kittery, York, or The Berwicks than here. You can tell it it is owned by the former owners of Anneke Jans, there is that level of attention to the food an creativity is evident. 2.) The staff are friendly. They are ecclectic, in the way that "this place has character" not in the "did I remenber to cross the tip line out of my take out order" way. My minus marks 1.) They have no clue how long it will take to make your pizza. I love this place, but never listen to them when they tell you how long it will take for a pick up. I've done take out +10 times and they have never been right. The last time we were in there I was quoted 15 minutes on the phone. We knew better and showed up at 25 minutes and still waited another 10 minutes past that. 2) They can't pull a pint correctly. The couple times I waited I thought "great I'll get a beer without the wife being the wiser." An inch of foam. The last time I actually asked the girl if she could do anything about it. She turned around, re-poured and tada an inch and a half of foam. Ok I know that sounds petty, but I gave them four stars... just a couple things to look out for.
(4)
Bob S.
This may very well be the best pizza I have ever had. If you appreciate thin crust pizza, you will love this place! Worth the drive off of I-95 and difficult parking situation.
(5)
Andra S.
Mehhhhhh.. Maybe I'm a pizza snob growing up around Chicago. I just thought this pizza was nothing to write home about. The crust was very flat with no texture and little taste. It says coal fired, but I'm sure this was only on a hot coal for 3 minutes. Hot coal ovens make the crust puffy, chewy, and delicious. This was like they took a Flatout wrap from the grocery store , threw minimal toppings on it, and threw it on a hot slab by a coal oven. I wasn't expecting Chicago pizza, but I was expecting more than cafeteria pizza.
(2)
Kathy T.
I have had take out, pick up and eat in here. The pizza has a nice thin crust.The Nancy's White and Yolanda's Pizzas are my favorites. I also love the grilled salad. The food is not overly salty and has a lot of flavor which is nice. It's a little pricey for pizza, but it is worth it. I have also had their soups and special salads. The delivery does take a long time so I would pick up if you want it sooner, or plan on a pizza taking about 45 min for delivery. If you pick up it usually takes about 20 min. from the time I call.
(4)
Michael H.
Great thin crust pizza. I had the homemade sausage with hot sausage! Outstanding - very spicy.
(5)
Bree V.
Their caesar salad with grilled shrimp is awesome; homemade dressing and croutons with shaved parm and wood grilled shrimp. Wings and pizza are great too, plus a few good beer options on tap.
(5)
Barbara C.
We devoured the best pizza "eva" at AJ's last evening! mmmmmmmm...my new addiction :)
(5)
Desmond J.
Amazing, seriously! I don't go anywhere else for pizza. Probably too small to go with a large group but they deliver very quickly.
(5)
Don A.
I would give it 5 stars if ate the pizza at the restaurant. I'm sure it is out of this world when it is super fresh. That being said, it was still excellent pizza. The wings were fantastic as well. We will definitely order again.
(4)
Seth G.
Best Pizza in the Area! Mixes the classic taste of traditional sauce and cheese pizza with an awesome grilled crust featuring new and inventive toppings. I have noticed their to-go pizza tends to be less than spectacular but when I eat there it's always top notch.
(4)
Robert B.
This was the most delicious and innovative pizza I have ever had (aside from my own). Visiting for the weekend and needed a quick Friday night supper. Artichoke, eggplant, tomato, pesto and gooey cheese. Prosciutto, Great Hills Blue Cheese, balsamic figs and syrup, Arugula on WW crust. Should have ordered a large! Thanks for the great grub. Will definitely order again. But, as my 7 yo niece said, it's adult food. She would like it now, she's 9.
(5)
Jason F.
The crust is the real selling point. Some pizza snobs may note that the crusts are pre-grilled (on-site), but seriously I don't think it detracted from the experience or the taste at all. The place is a little bit small but the food was great. The menu seemed a bit daunting as I was pushed towards the counter to order. We ended up ordering BBQ chicken / plain because there was a line and we were having trouble making a decision. I grabbed a to-go menu so that next time I can go back prepared.
(4)
Priscila K.
Great fresh food! I love all the veggie options they have. Great staff!!!
(5)
Skyler C.
This is a review for the gluten free crowd from a fellow Celiac. Their gluten free pizza is good. Not as great as I hear their regular pizza is, but still good. They do not appear to make the crust in-house. I've had the exact same crust in the exact same tin foil pan at several other pizza places around the area. The crust will not fool you into thinking you're eating regular pizza, but it's still pretty good. They are very good about cross contamination and catering to the needs of Celiacs. Only downside is that their normal pizza crusts are cooked on a food fired grill. These are just placed in a conventional pizza oven. They also offer gluten free desserts and specials. In fact, if you head over to the main restaurant (Anneke Jans), their chef has a whole array of gluten free goodies. So, not the best gluten free pizza I've ever had (still satisfying though!), but in a world with limited gluten free options, this place will fill the void.
(4)
Kelly C.
First off this place deserves nothing below a 4 star! They have the best gluten free pizza around! My boyfriend also gets the regular pizza and loves it as well. I will drive from Boston on a lazy Sunday just to get their pizza. The owner is wonderful, and truly has a passion for the restaurant. I also love that they have a great go-green feel, as well as many organic options too! Definitely a place to check out if your looking for a real "one of a kind" place!
(5)
Keith T.
Small cool place to eat @ with a high quality very good tasting pizza. If your interested in trying the place they sell by the slice during the day. Check out the web site for the specialty slice of the day.
(5)
Kate F.
aj's just opened this summer, by the folks from anneke jans, which is one of my favorite area restaurants. i've only had one pizza, and they did a great job of splitting it half carnivore, half vegetarian. i had sweet sausage, and the husband had ratatouille. the crust was delightful - thin, crispy and chewy all at once. the toppings were well-balanced and fantastically flavorful. the fries and onion rings are also good, and generous in order size. they're decent but not amazing fries - maybe i just like my fries a little greasier, and with more little crispy bits, but these were definitely fresh, maybe hand-cut potatoes.... maybe there were just too many of them to appreciate them properly. i'm so, so glad that this is here so that we don't have to choose between the lesser of all of the other evil pizzas that are around us.
(5)
Kristin B.
This is a locals-type place. Way off the beaten track and far removed from touristy Portsmouth. It is very tiny but spotless and well-run. It is the real deal wood fired pizza. Perfect thin crust with the proper chew. Wide array of interesting toppings and they encourage you to design your own pizza. I chose a white pizza with pesto, capers, caramelized onions, mixed mushrooms, and the kicker - fig jam. Outstanding, and I think they had fun making it. The fig jam was a little sweet but not as sweet as pineapple. It was more like a chutney than a jam. Delicious. Live a little - try something new whenever you have a chance. This place does what it can to be "green," which I appreciate. Their disposables are all made of soy, corn, etc., instead of plastic. The employees seemed happy, making a great meal even better. There's a good vibe here. Wonderful experience!
(5)
Andy C.
The pizza is phenomenal, the prices are reasonable, and the staff is SUPER friendly. Don't bother going elsewhere!
(5)
Pj P.
Great Pizza & More place in Kittery. All food was fresh amd cooked/prepared to perfection. Pizza was thin and tasty with a great wood grilled taste. Owner & employee's were great, very friendly and cusomer orientated. If your in Kittery you need to stop by and experience AJ's Wood Grill Pizza!
(5)
Gretchen S.
I have had pizza and salads here before for eat in and take out and they have been very good. Tonight I had take out and the pizza was burned, not eatable. I called and was told "some of the crusts did look burned" and not so much as a "return it and we will make another" or "we will make it up next time". Disappointing, especially because they knew it was burned before it was sent out the door.
(1)
adam d.
Great food, fresh ingredients, definitely on the noisy side if you eat in the restaurant.
(4)
Don A.
I would give it 5 stars if ate the pizza at the restaurant. I'm sure it is out of this world when it is super fresh. That being said, it was still excellent pizza. The wings were fantastic as well. We will definitely order again.
(4)
Seth G.
Best Pizza in the Area! Mixes the classic taste of traditional sauce and cheese pizza with an awesome grilled crust featuring new and inventive toppings. I have noticed their to-go pizza tends to be less than spectacular but when I eat there it's always top notch.
(4)
Robert B.
This was the most delicious and innovative pizza I have ever had (aside from my own). Visiting for the weekend and needed a quick Friday night supper. Artichoke, eggplant, tomato, pesto and gooey cheese. Prosciutto, Great Hills Blue Cheese, balsamic figs and syrup, Arugula on WW crust. Should have ordered a large! Thanks for the great grub. Will definitely order again. But, as my 7 yo niece said, it's adult food. She would like it now, she's 9.
(5)
Jason F.
The crust is the real selling point. Some pizza snobs may note that the crusts are pre-grilled (on-site), but seriously I don't think it detracted from the experience or the taste at all. The place is a little bit small but the food was great. The menu seemed a bit daunting as I was pushed towards the counter to order. We ended up ordering BBQ chicken / plain because there was a line and we were having trouble making a decision. I grabbed a to-go menu so that next time I can go back prepared.
(4)
Priscila K.
Great fresh food! I love all the veggie options they have. Great staff!!!
(5)
Lindsay E.
Great staff, great pizza, great wings, cute restaurant, great delivery service (you even get a cookie with every delivery), all around great place. The pizza is a bit more than you're going o pay at a Dominos, but the ingredients are fresh, they have a lot of options, and tastes great. Though, when I get delivery, I do ask that they make it a little crispy, since sometimes the middle can be a little mushy by the time it gets to the house.They even give a discount to anyone that shows their Shipyard ID, can't beat customer appreciation like that. All around impressive.
(5)
Priscilla K.
Cute little place, friendly people and good pizza. We had the fig, prosciutto and blue cheese - a little on the salty side, probably due to the cheese and really what seemed more like pancetta than prosciutto - but, we enjoyed it.
(4)
Chris B.
Got a pizza here tonight and was excited due to good reviews on yelp. Yikes. What a disappointment. Ordered pepperoni, mushroom, extra cheese and extra sauce. Was charged as a topping for extra sauce and cheese but pizza had barely any cheese and sauce and no pepperoni. Crusts were all pre-made and tasted like Gas Station or school cafeteria pizza. I do not recommend this place. it was terrible.
(1)
William H.
Gluten free pizza crust was good but the pizza ordered was advertised as goat cheese and was actually a combination of goat cheese and mozzarella?! Odd Regular thin crust pizza Aj's was a mix of spicy and mild sausage but seemed to be a but more on the mild than the spicy side :) Alcohol options were very nice! Wife had a glass if red as I enjoyed an IPA. Small space so don't bring a crowd and no baby changing stations in bathrooms provide a negative as we were asked to change the baby in the bathroom floor?!? No....
(3)
Don W.
I didn't actually get to try AJ's until 2 years after I left Portsmouth, but it's good stuff. I liked the sauce, cheese, toppings, and smokiness from the wood stove but the texture of the crust didn't do a thing for me. The staff were helpful and friendly but remember that if you plan to drop by for lunch, the dining area is very small and I wouldn't count on being able to find a table. The good news is that they sell slices, not every pizza shop in the area does that. I'd go back if someone else wanted to, but I can see the discussion including a few competing spots.
(4)
Colleen H.
This place makes some tasty sandwiches! Our girl in labor specially requested that we grab her a sandwich from here, so we grabbed a couple for ourselves as well. The Italian's awesome. Replaced the pickles with hots and got a side of these amazing onion rings with a spicy dipping sauce. YUM! The pizzas looked awesome, and from other yelpers reviews they seem to BE awesome. Definitely have to make another trip back here soon!
(5)
G N.
Small, cozy pizza place in the heart of downtown Kittery. The pizza is fantastic, the choices are unique, and the staff is super friendly. I took my daughter and the wait staff gave her a cookie. I will definitely be back!
(5)
Darren F.
It's a shame Yelp let's reviews like Azita's stay up. Of course a pizza place in Maine won't deliver a pizza 20 miles away you moronic troglodyte. Is that even a real review? We stopped in for a quick bite on a Thursday afternoon. We were the only people in the place and tried a couple of slices, my dining companion a straight cheese and I went for the grilled shrimp, applewood smoked bacon and a slice with their pulled chicken. All of them were fantastic, crisp and fresh. The parking is easy, the inside clean and while not spacious, it uses the space well. The prices were a great value and the staff very friendly and helpful offering suggestions due to my friend's dietary restrictions. Plus it's green, all the paper and plastic products they use are made from recycled material. They hit the food quality, price, and service trifecta for me, plus a neat menu with varied toppings and environmentally friendly for some bonus points. I rarely give a 5 star review after one visit, but they deserve it.
(5)
Samantha W.
Amazing pizza, great specials and cozy environment. Wood grilled pizza is incredible. Friendly staff, clean and comfortable space. Easy-to-read menu which clearly states delivery area ;)
(5)
John S.
I ordered the special today. Pan Seared Salmon with couscous, fresh grilled vegetables and olive and caper tapenade. I haven't had a dish like this in years, not since I visited the Mediterranean. Easily something you'd find in a fine dinning establishment for twice the price. I'll definitely be returning to try the rest of the menu.
(5)
Alexander J.
Delicious pizza at a pretty good value. The wood fire oven leaves a smoky taste, especially on the crust. Toppings are fresh. The red sauce is heavy on the tomato paste (for which I am a fan). We did pickup.
(5)
Tao O.
We have only ordered delivery from here, and the food has been consistently very good. The delivery is quick and accurate, one time we had an issue with our order and they corrected it immediately. Very good service, and gluten free pizza!
(4)
ML B.
Fabulous pizza- was staying in a local hotel and had it delivered. Very professional and friendly, both over the phone and the delivery guy- pizza arrived hot and I appreciated the variety of toppings. They even gave us a free chocolate chip cookie. Top notch place, and I loved the quality and creativity they brought to the table. Can't go wrong with these guys!
(5)
Ciara S.
Best wings in town! The BBQ sauce they use for their wings is awesome.. I usually get delivery/take out but it is a cute little spot to eat in and have a beer. I did get delivery about week ago and was overcharged $3.. when I called about it the guy I spoke with was super nice and apologetic, but the $3 hasn't been refunded to me yet :\ Not a HUGE deal and certainly won't keep me from going back, but just something to keep in mind.
(4)
Melissa S.
Tiny and delicious!! Best pizza we've had in a while!! thin, crispy crust, fresh ingredients. Don't forget to try the homemade chips and fried dough balls...out of this world!!
(5)
Christine B.
New to the Seacoast area from western Massachusetts, we have been on a quest for a great local pizzeria since May. This is not it and so far places last of the five restaurants we've tried. The good points include location in Kittery village, easy parking, cute shop, nice staff, and a small but decent selection of wine and beer. You can eat there, take out or get local delivery so that is a plus. Unfortunately, the pizza lacks. The crust is horrid. It is pre-baked, and there was a cold stack of them waiting for toppings on the counter when we arrived at 5:00 p.m. It has the consistency of cardboard and is nearly impossible to cut with a table knife. It is tough, chewy, and flavorless. The topping selections are appealing but need a boost of seasoning. We hit ours with lot of red pepper flakes to spice it up a bit. The pizza was cooked but the cheese wasn't bubbly as it should be on a pizza. So far the best pizza for us are the ones we make at home from scratch, including our own dough which my husband tosses in true pizzeria style. The quest continues...
(3)
Kelly A.
I only tried their pizza, and I only went there cuz I didna bring my smartphone with me, otherwise I would have seen that Black Birch is NOT open on Sundays! Major frown, what to do? Well, before we hit Locos Tacos (now that is another 5 stars) we each got a separate slice of just-so perfect pizza, each slice just $3 or so. OK, we had to wait 10 minutes while they prayed over the dough and set up a new fire with aromatic spices from Ceylon, but man, that was the best za I have had south of Portland, ME! Except maybe Owens in K-bunk..... Be warned, they serve the thin crust! SOOO much better than that When Pigs Fly joint that everyone thinks is so great!!!
(5)
Lisa A.
We love AJ's and go as often as we can. Cozy and comfortable, welcoming staff that really care, delicious food! Salads are outstanding. Pizza is the best around. I had their clam chowder the other day and it was AMAZING! Probably the best chowder I have ever had...and I have had a lot! You can't go wrong here. Really!
(5)
Chris P.
Had the salmon special (salmon with tapenade over couscous with grilled veg) delivered, fish was cooked PERFECT and the tapenade was a great complement (and really good with the couscous as well). For the money (14.95 before the delivery fee) I'd have appreciated more fish and less couscous, the portion size doesn't match what the Shipyard Brewpub puts on a salad. Food quality is a little inconsistent (I love Chicken Caesar wraps, and AJs' is usually good, but never made to he same as the last one, or the same price) but when they get it right they're awesome.
(3)
Sam G.
Decent selection of toppings, but dough and sauce need some work. Service was great but overall, the pies were mediocre at best.
(2)
Brittany S.
Yum! Called ahead for pizza ; so delicious, lady at the counter (owner? And daughter) so friendly ! Had their Buffalo sauce to dip the pizza in, so good! Highly recommended if you like thin crust pizza!
(5)
Nicole R.
My favorite place to get Pizza on the seacoast and possibly favorite of all time. Andy's pizza is my favorite!! Staff is friendly and the thin crust is perfection. Everyone has their own opinion of how pizza is supposed to be- for me AJ's nails it.
(5)
Eric C.
Excellent hand-made pizza, friendly staff, good prices. The shop is a little bit small; only 5-6 tables and a bar. Clean and cozy. Delicious food Would go again.
(5)
Tom D.
I've stopped at AJ's Wood Grill Pizza for Lunch on numerous occasions. It's conveniently located just outside of Gate 1 to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, making it a quick easy location to grab a quick bite. The food is always very good, especially their specials. The pizza is thin crust and the wood gives the pizza a distinct smoky flavor. The wood grill can take a little longer for your food so make sure you're not in a rush if your ordering something that needs to be cooked. Sandwiches are the best bet, and I've enjoyed everyone I've had. Their homemade chips are also pretty good. I'll definitely be there more often now that Mojo's is closed and my Shipyard lunch options are further limited.
(4)
Katherine H.
great pizza and friendly staff. one less star because you cant drink beer/wine outside.
(4)
Sally F.
Friend said this was the best pizza in the world. He tends to exaggerate so I didn't think much of it. Had a long day of walking around and decided to stop in for a slice. Best pizza in the world. Cheers to aj!
(5)
Nick M.
Great Pizza! Stopped in here on a lazy Saturday afternoon. Ordered the supreme pizza and told the guy to "be creative." He made us an amazing meat lovers pizza with cartelized onions and extra cheese. Ah-mazing! Sir, my taste buds thanks you.
(5)
Amanda P.
Delicious pizza! It took me a couple slices before I realized I had wheat crust. The service is friendly and quick. Cute little place. Would definitely go back.
(5)
Eric B.
Great if you want delivery or if you want to enjoy the atmosphere of the restaurant itself. Having tried 4 different pizzas here and enjoying them all I'm convinced there isn't a bad combination. If you're ever in the area, it's a must go for pizza.
(5)
Clarke F.
Not only is the pizza unique and the best around, but you have to have the wings! They are truly the ONLY wings you will eat after you try these! Crispy, meaty, and just as spicy as you want. The BEST! As for the burgers, the meat they use is not your usual cheap meat. It is a blend of sirloin, chuck, & brisket, I think. Anyway, you will not find a better burger ANYWHERE! I travel from NH and go back on a regular basis. This is a gourmet restaurant disguised as a simple pizza place. Don't miss it.
(5)
Carmen R.
Delicious pizza!! Organic ingredients!!! Awesome friendly staff!! The only thing I would change is that it is a small restaurant and the parking is tricky!
(4)
Tom G.
Very addictive! Recommend the Greek Salad where the whole romaine head is lightly grilled. Had a Reuben sandwich which was fabulous. Have to drive here regularly just to get my fix of their food. A small, intimate place, but friendly and very relaxed. You order at the counter, but this is not fast food. Very decent small wine list and some good tap beers too. They make their potato chips in house, and they are amazing. Enjoy!
(5)
Nicholas W.
This place is awesome^2! Their food is great, customer service amazing and they have a great atmosphere. This is the best place to eat in Kittery. Period. Get the BBQ chips! And Wallingford square!
(5)
Rachel L.
Came here with a friend the other night and we had a great experience. It's a very small place but even on a Saturday night, there was enough seats. We shared a small pizza and he ordered a side of their chips--both of which were really good! We tend to be smaller eaters, so a normal couple might want to split a large :) I liked the rustic, intimate feel and watching them cook the crust on the wood grill was really neat. All the chefs and waiters were really nice people and we would definitely come back again!
(5)
Laryssa T.
I was really excited to try this place after reading other reviews and checking out their website. Interesting menu, nice ambience, my hubby loved the smell of the wood fire. (warning: the seating area is really small, so you might have difficulty getting a table) Anyways, we started off with the organic boneless wings, 1/2 BBQ and 1/2 buffalo. VERY good, tender juicy chicken. We got the mild buffalo sauce and still thought it had a major kick compared to most. The pizza...well, I think we ordered a dud. We got the "Yolanda's" and while it had a great thin crust, it didn't really have any depth. Just kind of tasted like crushed tomatoes on a crispy dough, with some bacon sprinkled around. Definitely would have benefited from some salt, spices, more garlic/onion. Despite it being an expensive pizza, we ended up tossing the leftovers. :/ I'd still go back and try a different pizza though.
(3)
Cecile B.
Small, and cozy, modern feel w the old school wood oven pizza right there for you to enjoy. Grab one one of the few tables if you can or, even better, sit at the counter and enjoy the pizza-in-the-making show happening right there in front of you. Interesting menu w a mix of salads, sandwiches and pizza. We tried the homemade potato chips as an appetizers, seasoned to perfection! The wings seemed to be a popular item too. We ordered the mediterranean pizza, hum delicious! The dough was just to my liking. Thin but not too thin w just the right amount of crunch without being dry but still soft on the inside without being doughy. Toppings worked perfectly together (arugula, blue cheese, figs, balsamic sauce). Everything I saw coming out of the kitchen looked delicious. Wash it all down w a beer and you'll be on your way. I would certainly stop by again if I came back to Kittery, ME!
(5)
Josh M.
I had a Reuben for lunch with their BBQ chips and was very impressed I look forward to the next Saturday I buy lunch there!
(4)
Christine M.
After shopping in Kittery we wanted to grab a bite. We tried this place based on yelp reviews and they were right! Pizza was so good, thin crust cooked perfectly! So glad we stopped in.
(4)
Dizzy D.
So we thought we would give this place another try after a year, and boy was that a mistake! For the price we paid for the pizza and delivery we were extremely disappointed. We barely had any cheese on the pizza.. we even paid of extra cheese. The toppings tasted good and that was the only saving grace. We will NEVER order from here again.
(1)
Chris G.
Wow, I didn't expect something quite like this in Kittery. The flavors were excellent, very good fresh ingredients and interesting flavor combinations. Not everything on the menu works (I wasn't a fan of the bacon feta and tomato combo, it sounded better on paper than on the pizza) but my wife's gluten free pizza with hot sausage, ham and grilled zuchini was excellent, even the crust was quite good for gluten free. The wings were tasty but not at all spicy (we got the hot buffalo). Overall for the food I would give this a 3.5, but the ambience kicked it over the top for the 4 star rating. Definitely not what I would expect in Kittery, it would have fit in nicely in most cities. I will definitely be back and looking to try more options, even if they didn't offer gluten free options for my wife.
(4)
Monica G.
Very good gluten free pizza. The toppings were high quality and well balanced. I cannot wait to return to try more things from the menu.
(4)
Michael H.
Great thin crust pizza. I had the homemade sausage with hot sausage! Outstanding - very spicy.
(5)
Bree V.
Their caesar salad with grilled shrimp is awesome; homemade dressing and croutons with shaved parm and wood grilled shrimp. Wings and pizza are great too, plus a few good beer options on tap.
(5)
Barbara C.
We devoured the best pizza "eva" at AJ's last evening! mmmmmmmm...my new addiction :)
(5)
Desmond J.
Amazing, seriously! I don't go anywhere else for pizza. Probably too small to go with a large group but they deliver very quickly.
(5)
Samantha W.
AJ's is awesome. A little hole-in-the-wall right over the bridge in Kittery, it is well worth the extra 3 minute drive to get better pizza. Some people love the places in Portsmouth, but I think AJ's is much better. Better ingredients, better options, better pricing, and a delicious gluten free crust. Favorites: Nick's Special & The Mediterranean.
(5)
Darren F.
It's a shame Yelp let's reviews like Azita's stay up. Of course a pizza place in Maine won't deliver a pizza 20 miles away you moronic troglodyte. Is that even a real review? We stopped in for a quick bite on a Thursday afternoon. We were the only people in the place and tried a couple of slices, my dining companion a straight cheese and I went for the grilled shrimp, applewood smoked bacon and a slice with their pulled chicken. All of them were fantastic, crisp and fresh. The parking is easy, the inside clean and while not spacious, it uses the space well. The prices were a great value and the staff very friendly and helpful offering suggestions due to my friend's dietary restrictions. Plus it's green, all the paper and plastic products they use are made from recycled material. They hit the food quality, price, and service trifecta for me, plus a neat menu with varied toppings and environmentally friendly for some bonus points. I rarely give a 5 star review after one visit, but they deserve it.
(5)
Samantha W.
Amazing pizza, great specials and cozy environment. Wood grilled pizza is incredible. Friendly staff, clean and comfortable space. Easy-to-read menu which clearly states delivery area ;)
(5)
John S.
I ordered the special today. Pan Seared Salmon with couscous, fresh grilled vegetables and olive and caper tapenade. I haven't had a dish like this in years, not since I visited the Mediterranean. Easily something you'd find in a fine dinning establishment for twice the price. I'll definitely be returning to try the rest of the menu.
(5)
Alexander J.
Delicious pizza at a pretty good value. The wood fire oven leaves a smoky taste, especially on the crust. Toppings are fresh. The red sauce is heavy on the tomato paste (for which I am a fan). We did pickup.
(5)
ML B.
Fabulous pizza- was staying in a local hotel and had it delivered. Very professional and friendly, both over the phone and the delivery guy- pizza arrived hot and I appreciated the variety of toppings. They even gave us a free chocolate chip cookie. Top notch place, and I loved the quality and creativity they brought to the table. Can't go wrong with these guys!
(5)
Tao O.
We have only ordered delivery from here, and the food has been consistently very good. The delivery is quick and accurate, one time we had an issue with our order and they corrected it immediately. Very good service, and gluten free pizza!
(4)
Ciara S.
Best wings in town! The BBQ sauce they use for their wings is awesome.. I usually get delivery/take out but it is a cute little spot to eat in and have a beer. I did get delivery about week ago and was overcharged $3.. when I called about it the guy I spoke with was super nice and apologetic, but the $3 hasn't been refunded to me yet :\ Not a HUGE deal and certainly won't keep me from going back, but just something to keep in mind.
(4)
Melissa S.
Tiny and delicious!! Best pizza we've had in a while!! thin, crispy crust, fresh ingredients. Don't forget to try the homemade chips and fried dough balls...out of this world!!
(5)
Christine B.
New to the Seacoast area from western Massachusetts, we have been on a quest for a great local pizzeria since May. This is not it and so far places last of the five restaurants we've tried. The good points include location in Kittery village, easy parking, cute shop, nice staff, and a small but decent selection of wine and beer. You can eat there, take out or get local delivery so that is a plus. Unfortunately, the pizza lacks. The crust is horrid. It is pre-baked, and there was a cold stack of them waiting for toppings on the counter when we arrived at 5:00 p.m. It has the consistency of cardboard and is nearly impossible to cut with a table knife. It is tough, chewy, and flavorless. The topping selections are appealing but need a boost of seasoning. We hit ours with lot of red pepper flakes to spice it up a bit. The pizza was cooked but the cheese wasn't bubbly as it should be on a pizza. So far the best pizza for us are the ones we make at home from scratch, including our own dough which my husband tosses in true pizzeria style. The quest continues...
(3)
Chris B.
Got a pizza here tonight and was excited due to good reviews on yelp. Yikes. What a disappointment. Ordered pepperoni, mushroom, extra cheese and extra sauce. Was charged as a topping for extra sauce and cheese but pizza had barely any cheese and sauce and no pepperoni. Crusts were all pre-made and tasted like Gas Station or school cafeteria pizza. I do not recommend this place. it was terrible.
(1)
William H.
Gluten free pizza crust was good but the pizza ordered was advertised as goat cheese and was actually a combination of goat cheese and mozzarella?! Odd Regular thin crust pizza Aj's was a mix of spicy and mild sausage but seemed to be a but more on the mild than the spicy side :) Alcohol options were very nice! Wife had a glass if red as I enjoyed an IPA. Small space so don't bring a crowd and no baby changing stations in bathrooms provide a negative as we were asked to change the baby in the bathroom floor?!? No....
(3)
G N.
Small, cozy pizza place in the heart of downtown Kittery. The pizza is fantastic, the choices are unique, and the staff is super friendly. I took my daughter and the wait staff gave her a cookie. I will definitely be back!
(5)
Colleen H.
This place makes some tasty sandwiches! Our girl in labor specially requested that we grab her a sandwich from here, so we grabbed a couple for ourselves as well. The Italian's awesome. Replaced the pickles with hots and got a side of these amazing onion rings with a spicy dipping sauce. YUM! The pizzas looked awesome, and from other yelpers reviews they seem to BE awesome. Definitely have to make another trip back here soon!
(5)
Don W.
I didn't actually get to try AJ's until 2 years after I left Portsmouth, but it's good stuff. I liked the sauce, cheese, toppings, and smokiness from the wood stove but the texture of the crust didn't do a thing for me. The staff were helpful and friendly but remember that if you plan to drop by for lunch, the dining area is very small and I wouldn't count on being able to find a table. The good news is that they sell slices, not every pizza shop in the area does that. I'd go back if someone else wanted to, but I can see the discussion including a few competing spots.
(4)
Kaley S.
There is a wood grill, and there is pizza. But there is no wood-grilled pizza. Why is it called that? Should be called "AJ's Wood Grill AND Pizza." The pizza cooked in a huge oven NEXT to the wood grill... The Good: Beers on tap! Hooray local drafts! We got a mixed green salad with the balsamic dressing (they have lots of dressing choices but the balsamic is the standard) and it was tasty. Unfortunately the beer and the salad were the only good parts, and that's not enough to go back. The Bad: We spent $50 and left hungry. We got a salad, homemade potato chips, and a margherita pizza. The salad was good, but the potato chips were strangely soft, and super dark....why were the potato chips dark brown?? Strangely colored, bland, soggy and meh, but we ate almost the whole big bowl because our pizza sucked. The Food: The pizza sucked. Pizza (especially wood-fired) should be crispy, and have flavor. Ours was not and did not. Bland, soggy, undercooked, mushy, and thin. It didn't even seem like food. Sure didn't taste like it. Margherita pizza is so simple it's a good litmus test for pizza -- only tomatoes, cheese and basil, so there's no pile of greasy meats to disguise the sad, soggy, bland crust. The tomatoes were in the form of huge, thin slices such that when you take a bite, the whole friggin tomato slides off awkwardly taking everything with it but the bland, soggy, sad crust, which I left on my plate, staring at it like, "what is the point of eating that." Was there even cheese on it? I didn't taste cheese. I didn't taste the crust. I didn't taste the tomatoes. I didn't taste the basil. Nothing tasted like ANYTHING. There was no point in eating it. It looked gross and sad. Weird thing is the employees, when we told them it was our first time, told us it was "awesome." It was busy for a small place with walk-ins, take-outs, and families, and people seemed happy, but the pizza was not "wood-grilled", it was cooked in an oven, maybe call it "wood-fired oven cooked" because "wood-grill pizza" doesn't even make any sense, and it didn't taste like ANYTHING, let alone food. The only thing that was crispy was the flavorless basil. Margherita pizza is supposed to have fresh basil, but for some reason their gigantic leaves of basil went right into the oven (nope, not on the wood grill!), where their flavor and freshness turned to crispy pointlessness. I felt like we paid $50 for beer, salad, and thinly sliced tomatoes on top of soggy cardboard. The Service: No service, you just walk up to the counter and order. The girls who worked there were nice though. Overall: I felt like we paid $50 for beer, salad, and thinly sliced tomatoes on top of soggy cardboard. We regretted going there, left hungry, felt ripped-off, and won't go back.
(2)
Shane B.
Got a pizza delivered and it was awful. It tasted like a frozen piece of cardboard. I would not recommend delivery from here.
(1)
Vanessa F.
Got a pizza delivered. Worst pizza I've ever had. Tasted similar to elementary school cafeteria pizza. They messed up our toppings. And it was thin crust but kind of soft and soggy. Never again.
(1)
Tom D.
I've stopped at AJ's Wood Grill Pizza for Lunch on numerous occasions. It's conveniently located just outside of Gate 1 to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, making it a quick easy location to grab a quick bite. The food is always very good, especially their specials. The pizza is thin crust and the wood gives the pizza a distinct smoky flavor. The wood grill can take a little longer for your food so make sure you're not in a rush if your ordering something that needs to be cooked. Sandwiches are the best bet, and I've enjoyed everyone I've had. Their homemade chips are also pretty good. I'll definitely be there more often now that Mojo's is closed and my Shipyard lunch options are further limited.
(4)
Katherine H.
great pizza and friendly staff. one less star because you cant drink beer/wine outside.
(4)
Sally F.
Friend said this was the best pizza in the world. He tends to exaggerate so I didn't think much of it. Had a long day of walking around and decided to stop in for a slice. Best pizza in the world. Cheers to aj!
(5)
Nick M.
Great Pizza! Stopped in here on a lazy Saturday afternoon. Ordered the supreme pizza and told the guy to "be creative." He made us an amazing meat lovers pizza with cartelized onions and extra cheese. Ah-mazing! Sir, my taste buds thanks you.
(5)
Christine M.
After shopping in Kittery we wanted to grab a bite. We tried this place based on yelp reviews and they were right! Pizza was so good, thin crust cooked perfectly! So glad we stopped in.
(4)
Amanda P.
Delicious pizza! It took me a couple slices before I realized I had wheat crust. The service is friendly and quick. Cute little place. Would definitely go back.
(5)
Eric B.
Great if you want delivery or if you want to enjoy the atmosphere of the restaurant itself. Having tried 4 different pizzas here and enjoying them all I'm convinced there isn't a bad combination. If you're ever in the area, it's a must go for pizza.
(5)
Clarke F.
Not only is the pizza unique and the best around, but you have to have the wings! They are truly the ONLY wings you will eat after you try these! Crispy, meaty, and just as spicy as you want. The BEST! As for the burgers, the meat they use is not your usual cheap meat. It is a blend of sirloin, chuck, & brisket, I think. Anyway, you will not find a better burger ANYWHERE! I travel from NH and go back on a regular basis. This is a gourmet restaurant disguised as a simple pizza place. Don't miss it.
(5)
Carmen R.
Delicious pizza!! Organic ingredients!!! Awesome friendly staff!! The only thing I would change is that it is a small restaurant and the parking is tricky!
(4)
Tom G.
Very addictive! Recommend the Greek Salad where the whole romaine head is lightly grilled. Had a Reuben sandwich which was fabulous. Have to drive here regularly just to get my fix of their food. A small, intimate place, but friendly and very relaxed. You order at the counter, but this is not fast food. Very decent small wine list and some good tap beers too. They make their potato chips in house, and they are amazing. Enjoy!
(5)
Nicholas W.
This place is awesome^2! Their food is great, customer service amazing and they have a great atmosphere. This is the best place to eat in Kittery. Period. Get the BBQ chips! And Wallingford square!
(5)
Rachel L.
Came here with a friend the other night and we had a great experience. It's a very small place but even on a Saturday night, there was enough seats. We shared a small pizza and he ordered a side of their chips--both of which were really good! We tend to be smaller eaters, so a normal couple might want to split a large :) I liked the rustic, intimate feel and watching them cook the crust on the wood grill was really neat. All the chefs and waiters were really nice people and we would definitely come back again!
(5)
Laryssa T.
I was really excited to try this place after reading other reviews and checking out their website. Interesting menu, nice ambience, my hubby loved the smell of the wood fire. (warning: the seating area is really small, so you might have difficulty getting a table) Anyways, we started off with the organic boneless wings, 1/2 BBQ and 1/2 buffalo. VERY good, tender juicy chicken. We got the mild buffalo sauce and still thought it had a major kick compared to most. The pizza...well, I think we ordered a dud. We got the "Yolanda's" and while it had a great thin crust, it didn't really have any depth. Just kind of tasted like crushed tomatoes on a crispy dough, with some bacon sprinkled around. Definitely would have benefited from some salt, spices, more garlic/onion. Despite it being an expensive pizza, we ended up tossing the leftovers. :/ I'd still go back and try a different pizza though.
(3)
Andra S.
Mehhhhhh.. Maybe I'm a pizza snob growing up around Chicago. I just thought this pizza was nothing to write home about. The crust was very flat with no texture and little taste. It says coal fired, but I'm sure this was only on a hot coal for 3 minutes. Hot coal ovens make the crust puffy, chewy, and delicious. This was like they took a Flatout wrap from the grocery store , threw minimal toppings on it, and threw it on a hot slab by a coal oven. I wasn't expecting Chicago pizza, but I was expecting more than cafeteria pizza.
(2)
Kathy T.
I have had take out, pick up and eat in here. The pizza has a nice thin crust.The Nancy's White and Yolanda's Pizzas are my favorites. I also love the grilled salad. The food is not overly salty and has a lot of flavor which is nice. It's a little pricey for pizza, but it is worth it. I have also had their soups and special salads. The delivery does take a long time so I would pick up if you want it sooner, or plan on a pizza taking about 45 min for delivery. If you pick up it usually takes about 20 min. from the time I call.
(4)
Cecile B.
Small, and cozy, modern feel w the old school wood oven pizza right there for you to enjoy. Grab one one of the few tables if you can or, even better, sit at the counter and enjoy the pizza-in-the-making show happening right there in front of you. Interesting menu w a mix of salads, sandwiches and pizza. We tried the homemade potato chips as an appetizers, seasoned to perfection! The wings seemed to be a popular item too. We ordered the mediterranean pizza, hum delicious! The dough was just to my liking. Thin but not too thin w just the right amount of crunch without being dry but still soft on the inside without being doughy. Toppings worked perfectly together (arugula, blue cheese, figs, balsamic sauce). Everything I saw coming out of the kitchen looked delicious. Wash it all down w a beer and you'll be on your way. I would certainly stop by again if I came back to Kittery, ME!
(5)
Josh M.
I had a Reuben for lunch with their BBQ chips and was very impressed I look forward to the next Saturday I buy lunch there!
(4)
Dizzy D.
So we thought we would give this place another try after a year, and boy was that a mistake! For the price we paid for the pizza and delivery we were extremely disappointed. We barely had any cheese on the pizza.. we even paid of extra cheese. The toppings tasted good and that was the only saving grace. We will NEVER order from here again.
(1)
Chris G.
Wow, I didn't expect something quite like this in Kittery. The flavors were excellent, very good fresh ingredients and interesting flavor combinations. Not everything on the menu works (I wasn't a fan of the bacon feta and tomato combo, it sounded better on paper than on the pizza) but my wife's gluten free pizza with hot sausage, ham and grilled zuchini was excellent, even the crust was quite good for gluten free. The wings were tasty but not at all spicy (we got the hot buffalo). Overall for the food I would give this a 3.5, but the ambience kicked it over the top for the 4 star rating. Definitely not what I would expect in Kittery, it would have fit in nicely in most cities. I will definitely be back and looking to try more options, even if they didn't offer gluten free options for my wife.
(4)
Keith T.
Small cool place to eat @ with a high quality very good tasting pizza. If your interested in trying the place they sell by the slice during the day. Check out the web site for the specialty slice of the day.
(5)
Kate F.
aj's just opened this summer, by the folks from anneke jans, which is one of my favorite area restaurants. i've only had one pizza, and they did a great job of splitting it half carnivore, half vegetarian. i had sweet sausage, and the husband had ratatouille. the crust was delightful - thin, crispy and chewy all at once. the toppings were well-balanced and fantastically flavorful. the fries and onion rings are also good, and generous in order size. they're decent but not amazing fries - maybe i just like my fries a little greasier, and with more little crispy bits, but these were definitely fresh, maybe hand-cut potatoes.... maybe there were just too many of them to appreciate them properly. i'm so, so glad that this is here so that we don't have to choose between the lesser of all of the other evil pizzas that are around us.
(5)
Kristin B.
This is a locals-type place. Way off the beaten track and far removed from touristy Portsmouth. It is very tiny but spotless and well-run. It is the real deal wood fired pizza. Perfect thin crust with the proper chew. Wide array of interesting toppings and they encourage you to design your own pizza. I chose a white pizza with pesto, capers, caramelized onions, mixed mushrooms, and the kicker - fig jam. Outstanding, and I think they had fun making it. The fig jam was a little sweet but not as sweet as pineapple. It was more like a chutney than a jam. Delicious. Live a little - try something new whenever you have a chance. This place does what it can to be "green," which I appreciate. Their disposables are all made of soy, corn, etc., instead of plastic. The employees seemed happy, making a great meal even better. There's a good vibe here. Wonderful experience!
(5)
Sarah C.
Absolutely amazing food! I ordered takeout, with quite a large, all over the board order too. Not only was the order taker super friendly, funny, and helpful, but the driver got toy house 15 minutes earlier than estimated! The food and service was spectacular! Definitely ordering from them again soon :)
(5)
Maureen W.
Stopped here for a quick bite late on Saturday afternoon. Smaller place inside, but clean and bright. Pizza was excellent!! Highly recommend the AJs pizza! Sells by the pie or slice. Had Fall Salad special which was fabulous!! Fresh ingredients and came quickly!!
(4)
Monica G.
Very good gluten free pizza. The toppings were high quality and well balanced. I cannot wait to return to try more things from the menu.
(4)
Michael H.
Great thin crust pizza. I had the homemade sausage with hot sausage! Outstanding - very spicy.
(5)
Bree V.
Their caesar salad with grilled shrimp is awesome; homemade dressing and croutons with shaved parm and wood grilled shrimp. Wings and pizza are great too, plus a few good beer options on tap.
(5)
Barbara C.
We devoured the best pizza "eva" at AJ's last evening! mmmmmmmm...my new addiction :)
(5)
Desmond J.
Amazing, seriously! I don't go anywhere else for pizza. Probably too small to go with a large group but they deliver very quickly.
(5)
Don A.
I would give it 5 stars if ate the pizza at the restaurant. I'm sure it is out of this world when it is super fresh. That being said, it was still excellent pizza. The wings were fantastic as well. We will definitely order again.
(4)
Seth G.
Best Pizza in the Area! Mixes the classic taste of traditional sauce and cheese pizza with an awesome grilled crust featuring new and inventive toppings. I have noticed their to-go pizza tends to be less than spectacular but when I eat there it's always top notch.
(4)
Vanessa V.
Quite impressive for Maine. We were walking through Kittery's sprawling and lively downtown (ha!) when we saw this new-looking pizza place and decided we had to give Maine pizza a try. The menu is quite extensive, with multiple blackboards listing the pizza toppings, drink options, salads, etc. We just got a plain, as that's really the clearest way to test a slice. I was disappointed to see that they bake off the crusts in advance, and prepare the slices as ordered. It offends the New Yorker in me. But the more I thought about it, the more it made sense for a place with little walk-in business. This way, they can make customized slices without letting entire pies sit out all day and go bad. Plus one for freshness, minus one for inauthenticity. Our slice was good, but contained a crazy amount of garlic. Not that I don't love garlic, I've just never seen entire cloves of it on top of my pizza. It kind of overpowered any subtler flavors, but I have yet to find a slice north of NYC that can appreciate subtlety in flavor (most places just add a ton of sugar to the tomato sauce, so I applaud AJ's for trying a different approach). Overall, it's for sure the best pizza in Kittery. Excellent for the area. I'd definitely go back to grab a bite. But don't expect authentic NY style pizza or you'll be disappointed.
(4)
D J.
I continue to re-order from here for delivery and in terms of options for delivery in the Portsmouth/Kittery area, then win. They've sped up delivery times in the past year, so it's always warm and that complimentary cookie is the icing on the cake. Great, unique pies. I'm a fan of the classic pepperoni.
(5)
Mathieu D.
The pizza is very, very good. We had some very good localy(-ish) brewed beer. The setting is intimate and welcoming and everyone was nice to our 4 year-old daughter. Overall, a very nice place that really seems to be a place where locals go for great pizza and not a tourist trap.
(5)
Bill C.
Ok here are my plus marks 1.) The pizza is great. There isn't better pizza in Kittery, York, or The Berwicks than here. You can tell it it is owned by the former owners of Anneke Jans, there is that level of attention to the food an creativity is evident. 2.) The staff are friendly. They are ecclectic, in the way that "this place has character" not in the "did I remenber to cross the tip line out of my take out order" way. My minus marks 1.) They have no clue how long it will take to make your pizza. I love this place, but never listen to them when they tell you how long it will take for a pick up. I've done take out +10 times and they have never been right. The last time we were in there I was quoted 15 minutes on the phone. We knew better and showed up at 25 minutes and still waited another 10 minutes past that. 2) They can't pull a pint correctly. The couple times I waited I thought "great I'll get a beer without the wife being the wiser." An inch of foam. The last time I actually asked the girl if she could do anything about it. She turned around, re-poured and tada an inch and a half of foam. Ok I know that sounds petty, but I gave them four stars... just a couple things to look out for.
(4)
Bob S.
This may very well be the best pizza I have ever had. If you appreciate thin crust pizza, you will love this place! Worth the drive off of I-95 and difficult parking situation.
(5)
Robert B.
This was the most delicious and innovative pizza I have ever had (aside from my own). Visiting for the weekend and needed a quick Friday night supper. Artichoke, eggplant, tomato, pesto and gooey cheese. Prosciutto, Great Hills Blue Cheese, balsamic figs and syrup, Arugula on WW crust. Should have ordered a large! Thanks for the great grub. Will definitely order again. But, as my 7 yo niece said, it's adult food. She would like it now, she's 9.
(5)
Jason F.
The crust is the real selling point. Some pizza snobs may note that the crusts are pre-grilled (on-site), but seriously I don't think it detracted from the experience or the taste at all. The place is a little bit small but the food was great. The menu seemed a bit daunting as I was pushed towards the counter to order. We ended up ordering BBQ chicken / plain because there was a line and we were having trouble making a decision. I grabbed a to-go menu so that next time I can go back prepared.
(4)
Priscila K.
Great fresh food! I love all the veggie options they have. Great staff!!!
(5)
Lindsay E.
Great staff, great pizza, great wings, cute restaurant, great delivery service (you even get a cookie with every delivery), all around great place. The pizza is a bit more than you're going o pay at a Dominos, but the ingredients are fresh, they have a lot of options, and tastes great. Though, when I get delivery, I do ask that they make it a little crispy, since sometimes the middle can be a little mushy by the time it gets to the house.They even give a discount to anyone that shows their Shipyard ID, can't beat customer appreciation like that. All around impressive.
(5)
Andy C.
The pizza is phenomenal, the prices are reasonable, and the staff is SUPER friendly. Don't bother going elsewhere!
(5)
Pj P.
Great Pizza & More place in Kittery. All food was fresh amd cooked/prepared to perfection. Pizza was thin and tasty with a great wood grilled taste. Owner & employee's were great, very friendly and cusomer orientated. If your in Kittery you need to stop by and experience AJ's Wood Grill Pizza!
(5)
Skyler C.
This is a review for the gluten free crowd from a fellow Celiac. Their gluten free pizza is good. Not as great as I hear their regular pizza is, but still good. They do not appear to make the crust in-house. I've had the exact same crust in the exact same tin foil pan at several other pizza places around the area. The crust will not fool you into thinking you're eating regular pizza, but it's still pretty good. They are very good about cross contamination and catering to the needs of Celiacs. Only downside is that their normal pizza crusts are cooked on a food fired grill. These are just placed in a conventional pizza oven. They also offer gluten free desserts and specials. In fact, if you head over to the main restaurant (Anneke Jans), their chef has a whole array of gluten free goodies. So, not the best gluten free pizza I've ever had (still satisfying though!), but in a world with limited gluten free options, this place will fill the void.
(4)
Kelly C.
First off this place deserves nothing below a 4 star! They have the best gluten free pizza around! My boyfriend also gets the regular pizza and loves it as well. I will drive from Boston on a lazy Sunday just to get their pizza. The owner is wonderful, and truly has a passion for the restaurant. I also love that they have a great go-green feel, as well as many organic options too! Definitely a place to check out if your looking for a real "one of a kind" place!
(5)
Chris P.
Had the salmon special (salmon with tapenade over couscous with grilled veg) delivered, fish was cooked PERFECT and the tapenade was a great complement (and really good with the couscous as well). For the money (14.95 before the delivery fee) I'd have appreciated more fish and less couscous, the portion size doesn't match what the Shipyard Brewpub puts on a salad. Food quality is a little inconsistent (I love Chicken Caesar wraps, and AJs' is usually good, but never made to he same as the last one, or the same price) but when they get it right they're awesome.
(3)
Sam G.
Decent selection of toppings, but dough and sauce need some work. Service was great but overall, the pies were mediocre at best.
(2)
Brittany S.
Yum! Called ahead for pizza ; so delicious, lady at the counter (owner? And daughter) so friendly ! Had their Buffalo sauce to dip the pizza in, so good! Highly recommended if you like thin crust pizza!
(5)
Nicole R.
My favorite place to get Pizza on the seacoast and possibly favorite of all time. Andy's pizza is my favorite!! Staff is friendly and the thin crust is perfection. Everyone has their own opinion of how pizza is supposed to be- for me AJ's nails it.
(5)
Eric C.
Excellent hand-made pizza, friendly staff, good prices. The shop is a little bit small; only 5-6 tables and a bar. Clean and cozy. Delicious food Would go again.
(5)
Gretchen S.
I have had pizza and salads here before for eat in and take out and they have been very good. Tonight I had take out and the pizza was burned, not eatable. I called and was told "some of the crusts did look burned" and not so much as a "return it and we will make another" or "we will make it up next time". Disappointing, especially because they knew it was burned before it was sent out the door.
(1)
adam d.
Great food, fresh ingredients, definitely on the noisy side if you eat in the restaurant.
(4)
Kelly A.
I only tried their pizza, and I only went there cuz I didna bring my smartphone with me, otherwise I would have seen that Black Birch is NOT open on Sundays! Major frown, what to do? Well, before we hit Locos Tacos (now that is another 5 stars) we each got a separate slice of just-so perfect pizza, each slice just $3 or so. OK, we had to wait 10 minutes while they prayed over the dough and set up a new fire with aromatic spices from Ceylon, but man, that was the best za I have had south of Portland, ME! Except maybe Owens in K-bunk..... Be warned, they serve the thin crust! SOOO much better than that When Pigs Fly joint that everyone thinks is so great!!!
(5)
Lisa A.
We love AJ's and go as often as we can. Cozy and comfortable, welcoming staff that really care, delicious food! Salads are outstanding. Pizza is the best around. I had their clam chowder the other day and it was AMAZING! Probably the best chowder I have ever had...and I have had a lot! You can't go wrong here. Really!
(5)
Priscilla K.
Cute little place, friendly people and good pizza. We had the fig, prosciutto and blue cheese - a little on the salty side, probably due to the cheese and really what seemed more like pancetta than prosciutto - but, we enjoyed it.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : Yes Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : No Caters : Yes
Pizza is a famous Italian dish savored around the world. The entire credit for the popularity of Pizza in the United States goes to the chain of pizzerias all over the country. While the base and the texture of Pizza remains same across the globe, it's the toppings that differs from country to country. In the United States, you will find the top pizzerias serving pizzas with the toppings of mainly beef, bacon, chicken, ham, and sausage for the non-vegetarians. Other than these famous meat options, Pizzas with veg toppings such as mushrooms, pepperonis, garlic, tomatoes, spinach, etc. are also famous in most restaurants in the United States.
Irrespective of your locality, you will find a variety of different restaurants in your cities offering pizzas of all different types. Pizza is hot favorite among people of all ages in the United States. A large size pizza is enough to feed a family of 3 or 4 at large. Pizza is also the most preferred food whenever a group of friends is hanging out together. Pizza gained popularity in the United States after the American soldiers stationed in Italy returned from World War II.
Over the years, different pizzerias in the United States have developed their own respective regional variations. Pizza gained popularity as the iconic dish in the United States in the second half of the 20th century. Whether you prefer thin or thick crust pizza, you can find a pizza of your preference at the best pizza restaurants in your city.
Darren F.
It's a shame Yelp let's reviews like Azita's stay up. Of course a pizza place in Maine won't deliver a pizza 20 miles away you moronic troglodyte. Is that even a real review? We stopped in for a quick bite on a Thursday afternoon. We were the only people in the place and tried a couple of slices, my dining companion a straight cheese and I went for the grilled shrimp, applewood smoked bacon and a slice with their pulled chicken. All of them were fantastic, crisp and fresh. The parking is easy, the inside clean and while not spacious, it uses the space well. The prices were a great value and the staff very friendly and helpful offering suggestions due to my friend's dietary restrictions. Plus it's green, all the paper and plastic products they use are made from recycled material. They hit the food quality, price, and service trifecta for me, plus a neat menu with varied toppings and environmentally friendly for some bonus points. I rarely give a 5 star review after one visit, but they deserve it.
(5)Skyler C.
This is a review for the gluten free crowd from a fellow Celiac. Their gluten free pizza is good. Not as great as I hear their regular pizza is, but still good. They do not appear to make the crust in-house. I've had the exact same crust in the exact same tin foil pan at several other pizza places around the area. The crust will not fool you into thinking you're eating regular pizza, but it's still pretty good. They are very good about cross contamination and catering to the needs of Celiacs. Only downside is that their normal pizza crusts are cooked on a food fired grill. These are just placed in a conventional pizza oven. They also offer gluten free desserts and specials. In fact, if you head over to the main restaurant (Anneke Jans), their chef has a whole array of gluten free goodies. So, not the best gluten free pizza I've ever had (still satisfying though!), but in a world with limited gluten free options, this place will fill the void.
(4)Kelly C.
First off this place deserves nothing below a 4 star! They have the best gluten free pizza around! My boyfriend also gets the regular pizza and loves it as well. I will drive from Boston on a lazy Sunday just to get their pizza. The owner is wonderful, and truly has a passion for the restaurant. I also love that they have a great go-green feel, as well as many organic options too! Definitely a place to check out if your looking for a real "one of a kind" place!
(5)Samantha W.
Amazing pizza, great specials and cozy environment. Wood grilled pizza is incredible. Friendly staff, clean and comfortable space. Easy-to-read menu which clearly states delivery area ;)
(5)John S.
I ordered the special today. Pan Seared Salmon with couscous, fresh grilled vegetables and olive and caper tapenade. I haven't had a dish like this in years, not since I visited the Mediterranean. Easily something you'd find in a fine dinning establishment for twice the price. I'll definitely be returning to try the rest of the menu.
(5)ML B.
Fabulous pizza- was staying in a local hotel and had it delivered. Very professional and friendly, both over the phone and the delivery guy- pizza arrived hot and I appreciated the variety of toppings. They even gave us a free chocolate chip cookie. Top notch place, and I loved the quality and creativity they brought to the table. Can't go wrong with these guys!
(5)Alexander J.
Delicious pizza at a pretty good value. The wood fire oven leaves a smoky taste, especially on the crust. Toppings are fresh. The red sauce is heavy on the tomato paste (for which I am a fan). We did pickup.
(5)Tao O.
We have only ordered delivery from here, and the food has been consistently very good. The delivery is quick and accurate, one time we had an issue with our order and they corrected it immediately. Very good service, and gluten free pizza!
(4)Ciara S.
Best wings in town! The BBQ sauce they use for their wings is awesome.. I usually get delivery/take out but it is a cute little spot to eat in and have a beer. I did get delivery about week ago and was overcharged $3.. when I called about it the guy I spoke with was super nice and apologetic, but the $3 hasn't been refunded to me yet :\ Not a HUGE deal and certainly won't keep me from going back, but just something to keep in mind.
(4)Melissa S.
Tiny and delicious!! Best pizza we've had in a while!! thin, crispy crust, fresh ingredients. Don't forget to try the homemade chips and fried dough balls...out of this world!!
(5)Christine B.
New to the Seacoast area from western Massachusetts, we have been on a quest for a great local pizzeria since May. This is not it and so far places last of the five restaurants we've tried. The good points include location in Kittery village, easy parking, cute shop, nice staff, and a small but decent selection of wine and beer. You can eat there, take out or get local delivery so that is a plus. Unfortunately, the pizza lacks. The crust is horrid. It is pre-baked, and there was a cold stack of them waiting for toppings on the counter when we arrived at 5:00 p.m. It has the consistency of cardboard and is nearly impossible to cut with a table knife. It is tough, chewy, and flavorless. The topping selections are appealing but need a boost of seasoning. We hit ours with lot of red pepper flakes to spice it up a bit. The pizza was cooked but the cheese wasn't bubbly as it should be on a pizza. So far the best pizza for us are the ones we make at home from scratch, including our own dough which my husband tosses in true pizzeria style. The quest continues...
(3)Kelly A.
I only tried their pizza, and I only went there cuz I didna bring my smartphone with me, otherwise I would have seen that Black Birch is NOT open on Sundays! Major frown, what to do? Well, before we hit Locos Tacos (now that is another 5 stars) we each got a separate slice of just-so perfect pizza, each slice just $3 or so. OK, we had to wait 10 minutes while they prayed over the dough and set up a new fire with aromatic spices from Ceylon, but man, that was the best za I have had south of Portland, ME! Except maybe Owens in K-bunk..... Be warned, they serve the thin crust! SOOO much better than that When Pigs Fly joint that everyone thinks is so great!!!
(5)Lisa A.
We love AJ's and go as often as we can. Cozy and comfortable, welcoming staff that really care, delicious food! Salads are outstanding. Pizza is the best around. I had their clam chowder the other day and it was AMAZING! Probably the best chowder I have ever had...and I have had a lot! You can't go wrong here. Really!
(5)Priscilla K.
Cute little place, friendly people and good pizza. We had the fig, prosciutto and blue cheese - a little on the salty side, probably due to the cheese and really what seemed more like pancetta than prosciutto - but, we enjoyed it.
(4)Chris B.
Got a pizza here tonight and was excited due to good reviews on yelp. Yikes. What a disappointment. Ordered pepperoni, mushroom, extra cheese and extra sauce. Was charged as a topping for extra sauce and cheese but pizza had barely any cheese and sauce and no pepperoni. Crusts were all pre-made and tasted like Gas Station or school cafeteria pizza. I do not recommend this place. it was terrible.
(1)William H.
Gluten free pizza crust was good but the pizza ordered was advertised as goat cheese and was actually a combination of goat cheese and mozzarella?! Odd Regular thin crust pizza Aj's was a mix of spicy and mild sausage but seemed to be a but more on the mild than the spicy side :) Alcohol options were very nice! Wife had a glass if red as I enjoyed an IPA. Small space so don't bring a crowd and no baby changing stations in bathrooms provide a negative as we were asked to change the baby in the bathroom floor?!? No....
(3)Kaley S.
There is a wood grill, and there is pizza. But there is no wood-grilled pizza. Why is it called that? Should be called "AJ's Wood Grill AND Pizza." The pizza cooked in a huge oven NEXT to the wood grill... The Good: Beers on tap! Hooray local drafts! We got a mixed green salad with the balsamic dressing (they have lots of dressing choices but the balsamic is the standard) and it was tasty. Unfortunately the beer and the salad were the only good parts, and that's not enough to go back. The Bad: We spent $50 and left hungry. We got a salad, homemade potato chips, and a margherita pizza. The salad was good, but the potato chips were strangely soft, and super dark....why were the potato chips dark brown?? Strangely colored, bland, soggy and meh, but we ate almost the whole big bowl because our pizza sucked. The Food: The pizza sucked. Pizza (especially wood-fired) should be crispy, and have flavor. Ours was not and did not. Bland, soggy, undercooked, mushy, and thin. It didn't even seem like food. Sure didn't taste like it. Margherita pizza is so simple it's a good litmus test for pizza -- only tomatoes, cheese and basil, so there's no pile of greasy meats to disguise the sad, soggy, bland crust. The tomatoes were in the form of huge, thin slices such that when you take a bite, the whole friggin tomato slides off awkwardly taking everything with it but the bland, soggy, sad crust, which I left on my plate, staring at it like, "what is the point of eating that." Was there even cheese on it? I didn't taste cheese. I didn't taste the crust. I didn't taste the tomatoes. I didn't taste the basil. Nothing tasted like ANYTHING. There was no point in eating it. It looked gross and sad. Weird thing is the employees, when we told them it was our first time, told us it was "awesome." It was busy for a small place with walk-ins, take-outs, and families, and people seemed happy, but the pizza was not "wood-grilled", it was cooked in an oven, maybe call it "wood-fired oven cooked" because "wood-grill pizza" doesn't even make any sense, and it didn't taste like ANYTHING, let alone food. The only thing that was crispy was the flavorless basil. Margherita pizza is supposed to have fresh basil, but for some reason their gigantic leaves of basil went right into the oven (nope, not on the wood grill!), where their flavor and freshness turned to crispy pointlessness. I felt like we paid $50 for beer, salad, and thinly sliced tomatoes on top of soggy cardboard. The Service: No service, you just walk up to the counter and order. The girls who worked there were nice though. Overall: I felt like we paid $50 for beer, salad, and thinly sliced tomatoes on top of soggy cardboard. We regretted going there, left hungry, felt ripped-off, and won't go back.
(2)Shane B.
Got a pizza delivered and it was awful. It tasted like a frozen piece of cardboard. I would not recommend delivery from here.
(1)Vanessa F.
Got a pizza delivered. Worst pizza I've ever had. Tasted similar to elementary school cafeteria pizza. They messed up our toppings. And it was thin crust but kind of soft and soggy. Never again.
(1)Chris P.
Had the salmon special (salmon with tapenade over couscous with grilled veg) delivered, fish was cooked PERFECT and the tapenade was a great complement (and really good with the couscous as well). For the money (14.95 before the delivery fee) I'd have appreciated more fish and less couscous, the portion size doesn't match what the Shipyard Brewpub puts on a salad. Food quality is a little inconsistent (I love Chicken Caesar wraps, and AJs' is usually good, but never made to he same as the last one, or the same price) but when they get it right they're awesome.
(3)Sam G.
Decent selection of toppings, but dough and sauce need some work. Service was great but overall, the pies were mediocre at best.
(2)Brittany S.
Yum! Called ahead for pizza ; so delicious, lady at the counter (owner? And daughter) so friendly ! Had their Buffalo sauce to dip the pizza in, so good! Highly recommended if you like thin crust pizza!
(5)Nicole R.
My favorite place to get Pizza on the seacoast and possibly favorite of all time. Andy's pizza is my favorite!! Staff is friendly and the thin crust is perfection. Everyone has their own opinion of how pizza is supposed to be- for me AJ's nails it.
(5)Eric C.
Excellent hand-made pizza, friendly staff, good prices. The shop is a little bit small; only 5-6 tables and a bar. Clean and cozy. Delicious food Would go again.
(5)Tom D.
I've stopped at AJ's Wood Grill Pizza for Lunch on numerous occasions. It's conveniently located just outside of Gate 1 to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, making it a quick easy location to grab a quick bite. The food is always very good, especially their specials. The pizza is thin crust and the wood gives the pizza a distinct smoky flavor. The wood grill can take a little longer for your food so make sure you're not in a rush if your ordering something that needs to be cooked. Sandwiches are the best bet, and I've enjoyed everyone I've had. Their homemade chips are also pretty good. I'll definitely be there more often now that Mojo's is closed and my Shipyard lunch options are further limited.
(4)Katherine H.
great pizza and friendly staff. one less star because you cant drink beer/wine outside.
(4)Sally F.
Friend said this was the best pizza in the world. He tends to exaggerate so I didn't think much of it. Had a long day of walking around and decided to stop in for a slice. Best pizza in the world. Cheers to aj!
(5)Nick M.
Great Pizza! Stopped in here on a lazy Saturday afternoon. Ordered the supreme pizza and told the guy to "be creative." He made us an amazing meat lovers pizza with cartelized onions and extra cheese. Ah-mazing! Sir, my taste buds thanks you.
(5)Christine M.
After shopping in Kittery we wanted to grab a bite. We tried this place based on yelp reviews and they were right! Pizza was so good, thin crust cooked perfectly! So glad we stopped in.
(4)Amanda P.
Delicious pizza! It took me a couple slices before I realized I had wheat crust. The service is friendly and quick. Cute little place. Would definitely go back.
(5)Eric B.
Great if you want delivery or if you want to enjoy the atmosphere of the restaurant itself. Having tried 4 different pizzas here and enjoying them all I'm convinced there isn't a bad combination. If you're ever in the area, it's a must go for pizza.
(5)G N.
Small, cozy pizza place in the heart of downtown Kittery. The pizza is fantastic, the choices are unique, and the staff is super friendly. I took my daughter and the wait staff gave her a cookie. I will definitely be back!
(5)Colleen H.
This place makes some tasty sandwiches! Our girl in labor specially requested that we grab her a sandwich from here, so we grabbed a couple for ourselves as well. The Italian's awesome. Replaced the pickles with hots and got a side of these amazing onion rings with a spicy dipping sauce. YUM! The pizzas looked awesome, and from other yelpers reviews they seem to BE awesome. Definitely have to make another trip back here soon!
(5)Don W.
I didn't actually get to try AJ's until 2 years after I left Portsmouth, but it's good stuff. I liked the sauce, cheese, toppings, and smokiness from the wood stove but the texture of the crust didn't do a thing for me. The staff were helpful and friendly but remember that if you plan to drop by for lunch, the dining area is very small and I wouldn't count on being able to find a table. The good news is that they sell slices, not every pizza shop in the area does that. I'd go back if someone else wanted to, but I can see the discussion including a few competing spots.
(4)Samantha W.
AJ's is awesome. A little hole-in-the-wall right over the bridge in Kittery, it is well worth the extra 3 minute drive to get better pizza. Some people love the places in Portsmouth, but I think AJ's is much better. Better ingredients, better options, better pricing, and a delicious gluten free crust. Favorites: Nick's Special & The Mediterranean.
(5)Tom G.
Very addictive! Recommend the Greek Salad where the whole romaine head is lightly grilled. Had a Reuben sandwich which was fabulous. Have to drive here regularly just to get my fix of their food. A small, intimate place, but friendly and very relaxed. You order at the counter, but this is not fast food. Very decent small wine list and some good tap beers too. They make their potato chips in house, and they are amazing. Enjoy!
(5)Maureen W.
Stopped here for a quick bite late on Saturday afternoon. Smaller place inside, but clean and bright. Pizza was excellent!! Highly recommend the AJs pizza! Sells by the pie or slice. Had Fall Salad special which was fabulous!! Fresh ingredients and came quickly!!
(4)Vanessa V.
Quite impressive for Maine. We were walking through Kittery's sprawling and lively downtown (ha!) when we saw this new-looking pizza place and decided we had to give Maine pizza a try. The menu is quite extensive, with multiple blackboards listing the pizza toppings, drink options, salads, etc. We just got a plain, as that's really the clearest way to test a slice. I was disappointed to see that they bake off the crusts in advance, and prepare the slices as ordered. It offends the New Yorker in me. But the more I thought about it, the more it made sense for a place with little walk-in business. This way, they can make customized slices without letting entire pies sit out all day and go bad. Plus one for freshness, minus one for inauthenticity. Our slice was good, but contained a crazy amount of garlic. Not that I don't love garlic, I've just never seen entire cloves of it on top of my pizza. It kind of overpowered any subtler flavors, but I have yet to find a slice north of NYC that can appreciate subtlety in flavor (most places just add a ton of sugar to the tomato sauce, so I applaud AJ's for trying a different approach). Overall, it's for sure the best pizza in Kittery. Excellent for the area. I'd definitely go back to grab a bite. But don't expect authentic NY style pizza or you'll be disappointed.
(4)D J.
I continue to re-order from here for delivery and in terms of options for delivery in the Portsmouth/Kittery area, then win. They've sped up delivery times in the past year, so it's always warm and that complimentary cookie is the icing on the cake. Great, unique pies. I'm a fan of the classic pepperoni.
(5)Mathieu D.
The pizza is very, very good. We had some very good localy(-ish) brewed beer. The setting is intimate and welcoming and everyone was nice to our 4 year-old daughter. Overall, a very nice place that really seems to be a place where locals go for great pizza and not a tourist trap.
(5)Chris G.
Wow, I didn't expect something quite like this in Kittery. The flavors were excellent, very good fresh ingredients and interesting flavor combinations. Not everything on the menu works (I wasn't a fan of the bacon feta and tomato combo, it sounded better on paper than on the pizza) but my wife's gluten free pizza with hot sausage, ham and grilled zuchini was excellent, even the crust was quite good for gluten free. The wings were tasty but not at all spicy (we got the hot buffalo). Overall for the food I would give this a 3.5, but the ambience kicked it over the top for the 4 star rating. Definitely not what I would expect in Kittery, it would have fit in nicely in most cities. I will definitely be back and looking to try more options, even if they didn't offer gluten free options for my wife.
(4)Keith T.
Small cool place to eat @ with a high quality very good tasting pizza. If your interested in trying the place they sell by the slice during the day. Check out the web site for the specialty slice of the day.
(5)Kate F.
aj's just opened this summer, by the folks from anneke jans, which is one of my favorite area restaurants. i've only had one pizza, and they did a great job of splitting it half carnivore, half vegetarian. i had sweet sausage, and the husband had ratatouille. the crust was delightful - thin, crispy and chewy all at once. the toppings were well-balanced and fantastically flavorful. the fries and onion rings are also good, and generous in order size. they're decent but not amazing fries - maybe i just like my fries a little greasier, and with more little crispy bits, but these were definitely fresh, maybe hand-cut potatoes.... maybe there were just too many of them to appreciate them properly. i'm so, so glad that this is here so that we don't have to choose between the lesser of all of the other evil pizzas that are around us.
(5)Kristin B.
This is a locals-type place. Way off the beaten track and far removed from touristy Portsmouth. It is very tiny but spotless and well-run. It is the real deal wood fired pizza. Perfect thin crust with the proper chew. Wide array of interesting toppings and they encourage you to design your own pizza. I chose a white pizza with pesto, capers, caramelized onions, mixed mushrooms, and the kicker - fig jam. Outstanding, and I think they had fun making it. The fig jam was a little sweet but not as sweet as pineapple. It was more like a chutney than a jam. Delicious. Live a little - try something new whenever you have a chance. This place does what it can to be "green," which I appreciate. Their disposables are all made of soy, corn, etc., instead of plastic. The employees seemed happy, making a great meal even better. There's a good vibe here. Wonderful experience!
(5)Sarah C.
Absolutely amazing food! I ordered takeout, with quite a large, all over the board order too. Not only was the order taker super friendly, funny, and helpful, but the driver got toy house 15 minutes earlier than estimated! The food and service was spectacular! Definitely ordering from them again soon :)
(5)Clarke F.
Not only is the pizza unique and the best around, but you have to have the wings! They are truly the ONLY wings you will eat after you try these! Crispy, meaty, and just as spicy as you want. The BEST! As for the burgers, the meat they use is not your usual cheap meat. It is a blend of sirloin, chuck, & brisket, I think. Anyway, you will not find a better burger ANYWHERE! I travel from NH and go back on a regular basis. This is a gourmet restaurant disguised as a simple pizza place. Don't miss it.
(5)Carmen R.
Delicious pizza!! Organic ingredients!!! Awesome friendly staff!! The only thing I would change is that it is a small restaurant and the parking is tricky!
(4)Nicholas W.
This place is awesome^2! Their food is great, customer service amazing and they have a great atmosphere. This is the best place to eat in Kittery. Period. Get the BBQ chips! And Wallingford square!
(5)Rachel L.
Came here with a friend the other night and we had a great experience. It's a very small place but even on a Saturday night, there was enough seats. We shared a small pizza and he ordered a side of their chips--both of which were really good! We tend to be smaller eaters, so a normal couple might want to split a large :) I liked the rustic, intimate feel and watching them cook the crust on the wood grill was really neat. All the chefs and waiters were really nice people and we would definitely come back again!
(5)Laryssa T.
I was really excited to try this place after reading other reviews and checking out their website. Interesting menu, nice ambience, my hubby loved the smell of the wood fire. (warning: the seating area is really small, so you might have difficulty getting a table) Anyways, we started off with the organic boneless wings, 1/2 BBQ and 1/2 buffalo. VERY good, tender juicy chicken. We got the mild buffalo sauce and still thought it had a major kick compared to most. The pizza...well, I think we ordered a dud. We got the "Yolanda's" and while it had a great thin crust, it didn't really have any depth. Just kind of tasted like crushed tomatoes on a crispy dough, with some bacon sprinkled around. Definitely would have benefited from some salt, spices, more garlic/onion. Despite it being an expensive pizza, we ended up tossing the leftovers. :/ I'd still go back and try a different pizza though.
(3)Andra S.
Mehhhhhh.. Maybe I'm a pizza snob growing up around Chicago. I just thought this pizza was nothing to write home about. The crust was very flat with no texture and little taste. It says coal fired, but I'm sure this was only on a hot coal for 3 minutes. Hot coal ovens make the crust puffy, chewy, and delicious. This was like they took a Flatout wrap from the grocery store , threw minimal toppings on it, and threw it on a hot slab by a coal oven. I wasn't expecting Chicago pizza, but I was expecting more than cafeteria pizza.
(2)Kathy T.
I have had take out, pick up and eat in here. The pizza has a nice thin crust.The Nancy's White and Yolanda's Pizzas are my favorites. I also love the grilled salad. The food is not overly salty and has a lot of flavor which is nice. It's a little pricey for pizza, but it is worth it. I have also had their soups and special salads. The delivery does take a long time so I would pick up if you want it sooner, or plan on a pizza taking about 45 min for delivery. If you pick up it usually takes about 20 min. from the time I call.
(4)Cecile B.
Small, and cozy, modern feel w the old school wood oven pizza right there for you to enjoy. Grab one one of the few tables if you can or, even better, sit at the counter and enjoy the pizza-in-the-making show happening right there in front of you. Interesting menu w a mix of salads, sandwiches and pizza. We tried the homemade potato chips as an appetizers, seasoned to perfection! The wings seemed to be a popular item too. We ordered the mediterranean pizza, hum delicious! The dough was just to my liking. Thin but not too thin w just the right amount of crunch without being dry but still soft on the inside without being doughy. Toppings worked perfectly together (arugula, blue cheese, figs, balsamic sauce). Everything I saw coming out of the kitchen looked delicious. Wash it all down w a beer and you'll be on your way. I would certainly stop by again if I came back to Kittery, ME!
(5)Josh M.
I had a Reuben for lunch with their BBQ chips and was very impressed I look forward to the next Saturday I buy lunch there!
(4)Dizzy D.
So we thought we would give this place another try after a year, and boy was that a mistake! For the price we paid for the pizza and delivery we were extremely disappointed. We barely had any cheese on the pizza.. we even paid of extra cheese. The toppings tasted good and that was the only saving grace. We will NEVER order from here again.
(1)Lindsay E.
Great staff, great pizza, great wings, cute restaurant, great delivery service (you even get a cookie with every delivery), all around great place. The pizza is a bit more than you're going o pay at a Dominos, but the ingredients are fresh, they have a lot of options, and tastes great. Though, when I get delivery, I do ask that they make it a little crispy, since sometimes the middle can be a little mushy by the time it gets to the house.They even give a discount to anyone that shows their Shipyard ID, can't beat customer appreciation like that. All around impressive.
(5)Andy C.
The pizza is phenomenal, the prices are reasonable, and the staff is SUPER friendly. Don't bother going elsewhere!
(5)Pj P.
Great Pizza & More place in Kittery. All food was fresh amd cooked/prepared to perfection. Pizza was thin and tasty with a great wood grilled taste. Owner & employee's were great, very friendly and cusomer orientated. If your in Kittery you need to stop by and experience AJ's Wood Grill Pizza!
(5)Gretchen S.
I have had pizza and salads here before for eat in and take out and they have been very good. Tonight I had take out and the pizza was burned, not eatable. I called and was told "some of the crusts did look burned" and not so much as a "return it and we will make another" or "we will make it up next time". Disappointing, especially because they knew it was burned before it was sent out the door.
(1)adam d.
Great food, fresh ingredients, definitely on the noisy side if you eat in the restaurant.
(4)Bill C.
Ok here are my plus marks 1.) The pizza is great. There isn't better pizza in Kittery, York, or The Berwicks than here. You can tell it it is owned by the former owners of Anneke Jans, there is that level of attention to the food an creativity is evident. 2.) The staff are friendly. They are ecclectic, in the way that "this place has character" not in the "did I remenber to cross the tip line out of my take out order" way. My minus marks 1.) They have no clue how long it will take to make your pizza. I love this place, but never listen to them when they tell you how long it will take for a pick up. I've done take out +10 times and they have never been right. The last time we were in there I was quoted 15 minutes on the phone. We knew better and showed up at 25 minutes and still waited another 10 minutes past that. 2) They can't pull a pint correctly. The couple times I waited I thought "great I'll get a beer without the wife being the wiser." An inch of foam. The last time I actually asked the girl if she could do anything about it. She turned around, re-poured and tada an inch and a half of foam. Ok I know that sounds petty, but I gave them four stars... just a couple things to look out for.
(4)Bob S.
This may very well be the best pizza I have ever had. If you appreciate thin crust pizza, you will love this place! Worth the drive off of I-95 and difficult parking situation.
(5)Monica G.
Very good gluten free pizza. The toppings were high quality and well balanced. I cannot wait to return to try more things from the menu.
(4)Samantha W.
AJ's is awesome. A little hole-in-the-wall right over the bridge in Kittery, it is well worth the extra 3 minute drive to get better pizza. Some people love the places in Portsmouth, but I think AJ's is much better. Better ingredients, better options, better pricing, and a delicious gluten free crust. Favorites: Nick's Special & The Mediterranean.
(5)Kaley S.
There is a wood grill, and there is pizza. But there is no wood-grilled pizza. Why is it called that? Should be called "AJ's Wood Grill AND Pizza." The pizza cooked in a huge oven NEXT to the wood grill... The Good: Beers on tap! Hooray local drafts! We got a mixed green salad with the balsamic dressing (they have lots of dressing choices but the balsamic is the standard) and it was tasty. Unfortunately the beer and the salad were the only good parts, and that's not enough to go back. The Bad: We spent $50 and left hungry. We got a salad, homemade potato chips, and a margherita pizza. The salad was good, but the potato chips were strangely soft, and super dark....why were the potato chips dark brown?? Strangely colored, bland, soggy and meh, but we ate almost the whole big bowl because our pizza sucked. The Food: The pizza sucked. Pizza (especially wood-fired) should be crispy, and have flavor. Ours was not and did not. Bland, soggy, undercooked, mushy, and thin. It didn't even seem like food. Sure didn't taste like it. Margherita pizza is so simple it's a good litmus test for pizza -- only tomatoes, cheese and basil, so there's no pile of greasy meats to disguise the sad, soggy, bland crust. The tomatoes were in the form of huge, thin slices such that when you take a bite, the whole friggin tomato slides off awkwardly taking everything with it but the bland, soggy, sad crust, which I left on my plate, staring at it like, "what is the point of eating that." Was there even cheese on it? I didn't taste cheese. I didn't taste the crust. I didn't taste the tomatoes. I didn't taste the basil. Nothing tasted like ANYTHING. There was no point in eating it. It looked gross and sad. Weird thing is the employees, when we told them it was our first time, told us it was "awesome." It was busy for a small place with walk-ins, take-outs, and families, and people seemed happy, but the pizza was not "wood-grilled", it was cooked in an oven, maybe call it "wood-fired oven cooked" because "wood-grill pizza" doesn't even make any sense, and it didn't taste like ANYTHING, let alone food. The only thing that was crispy was the flavorless basil. Margherita pizza is supposed to have fresh basil, but for some reason their gigantic leaves of basil went right into the oven (nope, not on the wood grill!), where their flavor and freshness turned to crispy pointlessness. I felt like we paid $50 for beer, salad, and thinly sliced tomatoes on top of soggy cardboard. The Service: No service, you just walk up to the counter and order. The girls who worked there were nice though. Overall: I felt like we paid $50 for beer, salad, and thinly sliced tomatoes on top of soggy cardboard. We regretted going there, left hungry, felt ripped-off, and won't go back.
(2)Shane B.
Got a pizza delivered and it was awful. It tasted like a frozen piece of cardboard. I would not recommend delivery from here.
(1)Vanessa F.
Got a pizza delivered. Worst pizza I've ever had. Tasted similar to elementary school cafeteria pizza. They messed up our toppings. And it was thin crust but kind of soft and soggy. Never again.
(1)Sarah C.
Absolutely amazing food! I ordered takeout, with quite a large, all over the board order too. Not only was the order taker super friendly, funny, and helpful, but the driver got toy house 15 minutes earlier than estimated! The food and service was spectacular! Definitely ordering from them again soon :)
(5)Maureen W.
Stopped here for a quick bite late on Saturday afternoon. Smaller place inside, but clean and bright. Pizza was excellent!! Highly recommend the AJs pizza! Sells by the pie or slice. Had Fall Salad special which was fabulous!! Fresh ingredients and came quickly!!
(4)Vanessa V.
Quite impressive for Maine. We were walking through Kittery's sprawling and lively downtown (ha!) when we saw this new-looking pizza place and decided we had to give Maine pizza a try. The menu is quite extensive, with multiple blackboards listing the pizza toppings, drink options, salads, etc. We just got a plain, as that's really the clearest way to test a slice. I was disappointed to see that they bake off the crusts in advance, and prepare the slices as ordered. It offends the New Yorker in me. But the more I thought about it, the more it made sense for a place with little walk-in business. This way, they can make customized slices without letting entire pies sit out all day and go bad. Plus one for freshness, minus one for inauthenticity. Our slice was good, but contained a crazy amount of garlic. Not that I don't love garlic, I've just never seen entire cloves of it on top of my pizza. It kind of overpowered any subtler flavors, but I have yet to find a slice north of NYC that can appreciate subtlety in flavor (most places just add a ton of sugar to the tomato sauce, so I applaud AJ's for trying a different approach). Overall, it's for sure the best pizza in Kittery. Excellent for the area. I'd definitely go back to grab a bite. But don't expect authentic NY style pizza or you'll be disappointed.
(4)D J.
I continue to re-order from here for delivery and in terms of options for delivery in the Portsmouth/Kittery area, then win. They've sped up delivery times in the past year, so it's always warm and that complimentary cookie is the icing on the cake. Great, unique pies. I'm a fan of the classic pepperoni.
(5)Mathieu D.
The pizza is very, very good. We had some very good localy(-ish) brewed beer. The setting is intimate and welcoming and everyone was nice to our 4 year-old daughter. Overall, a very nice place that really seems to be a place where locals go for great pizza and not a tourist trap.
(5)Bill C.
Ok here are my plus marks 1.) The pizza is great. There isn't better pizza in Kittery, York, or The Berwicks than here. You can tell it it is owned by the former owners of Anneke Jans, there is that level of attention to the food an creativity is evident. 2.) The staff are friendly. They are ecclectic, in the way that "this place has character" not in the "did I remenber to cross the tip line out of my take out order" way. My minus marks 1.) They have no clue how long it will take to make your pizza. I love this place, but never listen to them when they tell you how long it will take for a pick up. I've done take out +10 times and they have never been right. The last time we were in there I was quoted 15 minutes on the phone. We knew better and showed up at 25 minutes and still waited another 10 minutes past that. 2) They can't pull a pint correctly. The couple times I waited I thought "great I'll get a beer without the wife being the wiser." An inch of foam. The last time I actually asked the girl if she could do anything about it. She turned around, re-poured and tada an inch and a half of foam. Ok I know that sounds petty, but I gave them four stars... just a couple things to look out for.
(4)Bob S.
This may very well be the best pizza I have ever had. If you appreciate thin crust pizza, you will love this place! Worth the drive off of I-95 and difficult parking situation.
(5)Andra S.
Mehhhhhh.. Maybe I'm a pizza snob growing up around Chicago. I just thought this pizza was nothing to write home about. The crust was very flat with no texture and little taste. It says coal fired, but I'm sure this was only on a hot coal for 3 minutes. Hot coal ovens make the crust puffy, chewy, and delicious. This was like they took a Flatout wrap from the grocery store , threw minimal toppings on it, and threw it on a hot slab by a coal oven. I wasn't expecting Chicago pizza, but I was expecting more than cafeteria pizza.
(2)Kathy T.
I have had take out, pick up and eat in here. The pizza has a nice thin crust.The Nancy's White and Yolanda's Pizzas are my favorites. I also love the grilled salad. The food is not overly salty and has a lot of flavor which is nice. It's a little pricey for pizza, but it is worth it. I have also had their soups and special salads. The delivery does take a long time so I would pick up if you want it sooner, or plan on a pizza taking about 45 min for delivery. If you pick up it usually takes about 20 min. from the time I call.
(4)Michael H.
Great thin crust pizza. I had the homemade sausage with hot sausage! Outstanding - very spicy.
(5)Bree V.
Their caesar salad with grilled shrimp is awesome; homemade dressing and croutons with shaved parm and wood grilled shrimp. Wings and pizza are great too, plus a few good beer options on tap.
(5)Barbara C.
We devoured the best pizza "eva" at AJ's last evening! mmmmmmmm...my new addiction :)
(5)Desmond J.
Amazing, seriously! I don't go anywhere else for pizza. Probably too small to go with a large group but they deliver very quickly.
(5)Don A.
I would give it 5 stars if ate the pizza at the restaurant. I'm sure it is out of this world when it is super fresh. That being said, it was still excellent pizza. The wings were fantastic as well. We will definitely order again.
(4)Seth G.
Best Pizza in the Area! Mixes the classic taste of traditional sauce and cheese pizza with an awesome grilled crust featuring new and inventive toppings. I have noticed their to-go pizza tends to be less than spectacular but when I eat there it's always top notch.
(4)Robert B.
This was the most delicious and innovative pizza I have ever had (aside from my own). Visiting for the weekend and needed a quick Friday night supper. Artichoke, eggplant, tomato, pesto and gooey cheese. Prosciutto, Great Hills Blue Cheese, balsamic figs and syrup, Arugula on WW crust. Should have ordered a large! Thanks for the great grub. Will definitely order again. But, as my 7 yo niece said, it's adult food. She would like it now, she's 9.
(5)Jason F.
The crust is the real selling point. Some pizza snobs may note that the crusts are pre-grilled (on-site), but seriously I don't think it detracted from the experience or the taste at all. The place is a little bit small but the food was great. The menu seemed a bit daunting as I was pushed towards the counter to order. We ended up ordering BBQ chicken / plain because there was a line and we were having trouble making a decision. I grabbed a to-go menu so that next time I can go back prepared.
(4)Priscila K.
Great fresh food! I love all the veggie options they have. Great staff!!!
(5)Skyler C.
This is a review for the gluten free crowd from a fellow Celiac. Their gluten free pizza is good. Not as great as I hear their regular pizza is, but still good. They do not appear to make the crust in-house. I've had the exact same crust in the exact same tin foil pan at several other pizza places around the area. The crust will not fool you into thinking you're eating regular pizza, but it's still pretty good. They are very good about cross contamination and catering to the needs of Celiacs. Only downside is that their normal pizza crusts are cooked on a food fired grill. These are just placed in a conventional pizza oven. They also offer gluten free desserts and specials. In fact, if you head over to the main restaurant (Anneke Jans), their chef has a whole array of gluten free goodies. So, not the best gluten free pizza I've ever had (still satisfying though!), but in a world with limited gluten free options, this place will fill the void.
(4)Kelly C.
First off this place deserves nothing below a 4 star! They have the best gluten free pizza around! My boyfriend also gets the regular pizza and loves it as well. I will drive from Boston on a lazy Sunday just to get their pizza. The owner is wonderful, and truly has a passion for the restaurant. I also love that they have a great go-green feel, as well as many organic options too! Definitely a place to check out if your looking for a real "one of a kind" place!
(5)Keith T.
Small cool place to eat @ with a high quality very good tasting pizza. If your interested in trying the place they sell by the slice during the day. Check out the web site for the specialty slice of the day.
(5)Kate F.
aj's just opened this summer, by the folks from anneke jans, which is one of my favorite area restaurants. i've only had one pizza, and they did a great job of splitting it half carnivore, half vegetarian. i had sweet sausage, and the husband had ratatouille. the crust was delightful - thin, crispy and chewy all at once. the toppings were well-balanced and fantastically flavorful. the fries and onion rings are also good, and generous in order size. they're decent but not amazing fries - maybe i just like my fries a little greasier, and with more little crispy bits, but these were definitely fresh, maybe hand-cut potatoes.... maybe there were just too many of them to appreciate them properly. i'm so, so glad that this is here so that we don't have to choose between the lesser of all of the other evil pizzas that are around us.
(5)Kristin B.
This is a locals-type place. Way off the beaten track and far removed from touristy Portsmouth. It is very tiny but spotless and well-run. It is the real deal wood fired pizza. Perfect thin crust with the proper chew. Wide array of interesting toppings and they encourage you to design your own pizza. I chose a white pizza with pesto, capers, caramelized onions, mixed mushrooms, and the kicker - fig jam. Outstanding, and I think they had fun making it. The fig jam was a little sweet but not as sweet as pineapple. It was more like a chutney than a jam. Delicious. Live a little - try something new whenever you have a chance. This place does what it can to be "green," which I appreciate. Their disposables are all made of soy, corn, etc., instead of plastic. The employees seemed happy, making a great meal even better. There's a good vibe here. Wonderful experience!
(5)Andy C.
The pizza is phenomenal, the prices are reasonable, and the staff is SUPER friendly. Don't bother going elsewhere!
(5)Pj P.
Great Pizza & More place in Kittery. All food was fresh amd cooked/prepared to perfection. Pizza was thin and tasty with a great wood grilled taste. Owner & employee's were great, very friendly and cusomer orientated. If your in Kittery you need to stop by and experience AJ's Wood Grill Pizza!
(5)Gretchen S.
I have had pizza and salads here before for eat in and take out and they have been very good. Tonight I had take out and the pizza was burned, not eatable. I called and was told "some of the crusts did look burned" and not so much as a "return it and we will make another" or "we will make it up next time". Disappointing, especially because they knew it was burned before it was sent out the door.
(1)adam d.
Great food, fresh ingredients, definitely on the noisy side if you eat in the restaurant.
(4)Don A.
I would give it 5 stars if ate the pizza at the restaurant. I'm sure it is out of this world when it is super fresh. That being said, it was still excellent pizza. The wings were fantastic as well. We will definitely order again.
(4)Seth G.
Best Pizza in the Area! Mixes the classic taste of traditional sauce and cheese pizza with an awesome grilled crust featuring new and inventive toppings. I have noticed their to-go pizza tends to be less than spectacular but when I eat there it's always top notch.
(4)Robert B.
This was the most delicious and innovative pizza I have ever had (aside from my own). Visiting for the weekend and needed a quick Friday night supper. Artichoke, eggplant, tomato, pesto and gooey cheese. Prosciutto, Great Hills Blue Cheese, balsamic figs and syrup, Arugula on WW crust. Should have ordered a large! Thanks for the great grub. Will definitely order again. But, as my 7 yo niece said, it's adult food. She would like it now, she's 9.
(5)Jason F.
The crust is the real selling point. Some pizza snobs may note that the crusts are pre-grilled (on-site), but seriously I don't think it detracted from the experience or the taste at all. The place is a little bit small but the food was great. The menu seemed a bit daunting as I was pushed towards the counter to order. We ended up ordering BBQ chicken / plain because there was a line and we were having trouble making a decision. I grabbed a to-go menu so that next time I can go back prepared.
(4)Priscila K.
Great fresh food! I love all the veggie options they have. Great staff!!!
(5)Lindsay E.
Great staff, great pizza, great wings, cute restaurant, great delivery service (you even get a cookie with every delivery), all around great place. The pizza is a bit more than you're going o pay at a Dominos, but the ingredients are fresh, they have a lot of options, and tastes great. Though, when I get delivery, I do ask that they make it a little crispy, since sometimes the middle can be a little mushy by the time it gets to the house.They even give a discount to anyone that shows their Shipyard ID, can't beat customer appreciation like that. All around impressive.
(5)Priscilla K.
Cute little place, friendly people and good pizza. We had the fig, prosciutto and blue cheese - a little on the salty side, probably due to the cheese and really what seemed more like pancetta than prosciutto - but, we enjoyed it.
(4)Chris B.
Got a pizza here tonight and was excited due to good reviews on yelp. Yikes. What a disappointment. Ordered pepperoni, mushroom, extra cheese and extra sauce. Was charged as a topping for extra sauce and cheese but pizza had barely any cheese and sauce and no pepperoni. Crusts were all pre-made and tasted like Gas Station or school cafeteria pizza. I do not recommend this place. it was terrible.
(1)William H.
Gluten free pizza crust was good but the pizza ordered was advertised as goat cheese and was actually a combination of goat cheese and mozzarella?! Odd Regular thin crust pizza Aj's was a mix of spicy and mild sausage but seemed to be a but more on the mild than the spicy side :) Alcohol options were very nice! Wife had a glass if red as I enjoyed an IPA. Small space so don't bring a crowd and no baby changing stations in bathrooms provide a negative as we were asked to change the baby in the bathroom floor?!? No....
(3)Don W.
I didn't actually get to try AJ's until 2 years after I left Portsmouth, but it's good stuff. I liked the sauce, cheese, toppings, and smokiness from the wood stove but the texture of the crust didn't do a thing for me. The staff were helpful and friendly but remember that if you plan to drop by for lunch, the dining area is very small and I wouldn't count on being able to find a table. The good news is that they sell slices, not every pizza shop in the area does that. I'd go back if someone else wanted to, but I can see the discussion including a few competing spots.
(4)Colleen H.
This place makes some tasty sandwiches! Our girl in labor specially requested that we grab her a sandwich from here, so we grabbed a couple for ourselves as well. The Italian's awesome. Replaced the pickles with hots and got a side of these amazing onion rings with a spicy dipping sauce. YUM! The pizzas looked awesome, and from other yelpers reviews they seem to BE awesome. Definitely have to make another trip back here soon!
(5)G N.
Small, cozy pizza place in the heart of downtown Kittery. The pizza is fantastic, the choices are unique, and the staff is super friendly. I took my daughter and the wait staff gave her a cookie. I will definitely be back!
(5)Darren F.
It's a shame Yelp let's reviews like Azita's stay up. Of course a pizza place in Maine won't deliver a pizza 20 miles away you moronic troglodyte. Is that even a real review? We stopped in for a quick bite on a Thursday afternoon. We were the only people in the place and tried a couple of slices, my dining companion a straight cheese and I went for the grilled shrimp, applewood smoked bacon and a slice with their pulled chicken. All of them were fantastic, crisp and fresh. The parking is easy, the inside clean and while not spacious, it uses the space well. The prices were a great value and the staff very friendly and helpful offering suggestions due to my friend's dietary restrictions. Plus it's green, all the paper and plastic products they use are made from recycled material. They hit the food quality, price, and service trifecta for me, plus a neat menu with varied toppings and environmentally friendly for some bonus points. I rarely give a 5 star review after one visit, but they deserve it.
(5)Samantha W.
Amazing pizza, great specials and cozy environment. Wood grilled pizza is incredible. Friendly staff, clean and comfortable space. Easy-to-read menu which clearly states delivery area ;)
(5)John S.
I ordered the special today. Pan Seared Salmon with couscous, fresh grilled vegetables and olive and caper tapenade. I haven't had a dish like this in years, not since I visited the Mediterranean. Easily something you'd find in a fine dinning establishment for twice the price. I'll definitely be returning to try the rest of the menu.
(5)Alexander J.
Delicious pizza at a pretty good value. The wood fire oven leaves a smoky taste, especially on the crust. Toppings are fresh. The red sauce is heavy on the tomato paste (for which I am a fan). We did pickup.
(5)Tao O.
We have only ordered delivery from here, and the food has been consistently very good. The delivery is quick and accurate, one time we had an issue with our order and they corrected it immediately. Very good service, and gluten free pizza!
(4)ML B.
Fabulous pizza- was staying in a local hotel and had it delivered. Very professional and friendly, both over the phone and the delivery guy- pizza arrived hot and I appreciated the variety of toppings. They even gave us a free chocolate chip cookie. Top notch place, and I loved the quality and creativity they brought to the table. Can't go wrong with these guys!
(5)Ciara S.
Best wings in town! The BBQ sauce they use for their wings is awesome.. I usually get delivery/take out but it is a cute little spot to eat in and have a beer. I did get delivery about week ago and was overcharged $3.. when I called about it the guy I spoke with was super nice and apologetic, but the $3 hasn't been refunded to me yet :\ Not a HUGE deal and certainly won't keep me from going back, but just something to keep in mind.
(4)Melissa S.
Tiny and delicious!! Best pizza we've had in a while!! thin, crispy crust, fresh ingredients. Don't forget to try the homemade chips and fried dough balls...out of this world!!
(5)Christine B.
New to the Seacoast area from western Massachusetts, we have been on a quest for a great local pizzeria since May. This is not it and so far places last of the five restaurants we've tried. The good points include location in Kittery village, easy parking, cute shop, nice staff, and a small but decent selection of wine and beer. You can eat there, take out or get local delivery so that is a plus. Unfortunately, the pizza lacks. The crust is horrid. It is pre-baked, and there was a cold stack of them waiting for toppings on the counter when we arrived at 5:00 p.m. It has the consistency of cardboard and is nearly impossible to cut with a table knife. It is tough, chewy, and flavorless. The topping selections are appealing but need a boost of seasoning. We hit ours with lot of red pepper flakes to spice it up a bit. The pizza was cooked but the cheese wasn't bubbly as it should be on a pizza. So far the best pizza for us are the ones we make at home from scratch, including our own dough which my husband tosses in true pizzeria style. The quest continues...
(3)Kelly A.
I only tried their pizza, and I only went there cuz I didna bring my smartphone with me, otherwise I would have seen that Black Birch is NOT open on Sundays! Major frown, what to do? Well, before we hit Locos Tacos (now that is another 5 stars) we each got a separate slice of just-so perfect pizza, each slice just $3 or so. OK, we had to wait 10 minutes while they prayed over the dough and set up a new fire with aromatic spices from Ceylon, but man, that was the best za I have had south of Portland, ME! Except maybe Owens in K-bunk..... Be warned, they serve the thin crust! SOOO much better than that When Pigs Fly joint that everyone thinks is so great!!!
(5)Lisa A.
We love AJ's and go as often as we can. Cozy and comfortable, welcoming staff that really care, delicious food! Salads are outstanding. Pizza is the best around. I had their clam chowder the other day and it was AMAZING! Probably the best chowder I have ever had...and I have had a lot! You can't go wrong here. Really!
(5)Chris P.
Had the salmon special (salmon with tapenade over couscous with grilled veg) delivered, fish was cooked PERFECT and the tapenade was a great complement (and really good with the couscous as well). For the money (14.95 before the delivery fee) I'd have appreciated more fish and less couscous, the portion size doesn't match what the Shipyard Brewpub puts on a salad. Food quality is a little inconsistent (I love Chicken Caesar wraps, and AJs' is usually good, but never made to he same as the last one, or the same price) but when they get it right they're awesome.
(3)Sam G.
Decent selection of toppings, but dough and sauce need some work. Service was great but overall, the pies were mediocre at best.
(2)Brittany S.
Yum! Called ahead for pizza ; so delicious, lady at the counter (owner? And daughter) so friendly ! Had their Buffalo sauce to dip the pizza in, so good! Highly recommended if you like thin crust pizza!
(5)Nicole R.
My favorite place to get Pizza on the seacoast and possibly favorite of all time. Andy's pizza is my favorite!! Staff is friendly and the thin crust is perfection. Everyone has their own opinion of how pizza is supposed to be- for me AJ's nails it.
(5)Eric C.
Excellent hand-made pizza, friendly staff, good prices. The shop is a little bit small; only 5-6 tables and a bar. Clean and cozy. Delicious food Would go again.
(5)Tom D.
I've stopped at AJ's Wood Grill Pizza for Lunch on numerous occasions. It's conveniently located just outside of Gate 1 to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, making it a quick easy location to grab a quick bite. The food is always very good, especially their specials. The pizza is thin crust and the wood gives the pizza a distinct smoky flavor. The wood grill can take a little longer for your food so make sure you're not in a rush if your ordering something that needs to be cooked. Sandwiches are the best bet, and I've enjoyed everyone I've had. Their homemade chips are also pretty good. I'll definitely be there more often now that Mojo's is closed and my Shipyard lunch options are further limited.
(4)Katherine H.
great pizza and friendly staff. one less star because you cant drink beer/wine outside.
(4)Sally F.
Friend said this was the best pizza in the world. He tends to exaggerate so I didn't think much of it. Had a long day of walking around and decided to stop in for a slice. Best pizza in the world. Cheers to aj!
(5)Nick M.
Great Pizza! Stopped in here on a lazy Saturday afternoon. Ordered the supreme pizza and told the guy to "be creative." He made us an amazing meat lovers pizza with cartelized onions and extra cheese. Ah-mazing! Sir, my taste buds thanks you.
(5)Amanda P.
Delicious pizza! It took me a couple slices before I realized I had wheat crust. The service is friendly and quick. Cute little place. Would definitely go back.
(5)Eric B.
Great if you want delivery or if you want to enjoy the atmosphere of the restaurant itself. Having tried 4 different pizzas here and enjoying them all I'm convinced there isn't a bad combination. If you're ever in the area, it's a must go for pizza.
(5)Clarke F.
Not only is the pizza unique and the best around, but you have to have the wings! They are truly the ONLY wings you will eat after you try these! Crispy, meaty, and just as spicy as you want. The BEST! As for the burgers, the meat they use is not your usual cheap meat. It is a blend of sirloin, chuck, & brisket, I think. Anyway, you will not find a better burger ANYWHERE! I travel from NH and go back on a regular basis. This is a gourmet restaurant disguised as a simple pizza place. Don't miss it.
(5)Carmen R.
Delicious pizza!! Organic ingredients!!! Awesome friendly staff!! The only thing I would change is that it is a small restaurant and the parking is tricky!
(4)Tom G.
Very addictive! Recommend the Greek Salad where the whole romaine head is lightly grilled. Had a Reuben sandwich which was fabulous. Have to drive here regularly just to get my fix of their food. A small, intimate place, but friendly and very relaxed. You order at the counter, but this is not fast food. Very decent small wine list and some good tap beers too. They make their potato chips in house, and they are amazing. Enjoy!
(5)Nicholas W.
This place is awesome^2! Their food is great, customer service amazing and they have a great atmosphere. This is the best place to eat in Kittery. Period. Get the BBQ chips! And Wallingford square!
(5)Rachel L.
Came here with a friend the other night and we had a great experience. It's a very small place but even on a Saturday night, there was enough seats. We shared a small pizza and he ordered a side of their chips--both of which were really good! We tend to be smaller eaters, so a normal couple might want to split a large :) I liked the rustic, intimate feel and watching them cook the crust on the wood grill was really neat. All the chefs and waiters were really nice people and we would definitely come back again!
(5)Laryssa T.
I was really excited to try this place after reading other reviews and checking out their website. Interesting menu, nice ambience, my hubby loved the smell of the wood fire. (warning: the seating area is really small, so you might have difficulty getting a table) Anyways, we started off with the organic boneless wings, 1/2 BBQ and 1/2 buffalo. VERY good, tender juicy chicken. We got the mild buffalo sauce and still thought it had a major kick compared to most. The pizza...well, I think we ordered a dud. We got the "Yolanda's" and while it had a great thin crust, it didn't really have any depth. Just kind of tasted like crushed tomatoes on a crispy dough, with some bacon sprinkled around. Definitely would have benefited from some salt, spices, more garlic/onion. Despite it being an expensive pizza, we ended up tossing the leftovers. :/ I'd still go back and try a different pizza though.
(3)Cecile B.
Small, and cozy, modern feel w the old school wood oven pizza right there for you to enjoy. Grab one one of the few tables if you can or, even better, sit at the counter and enjoy the pizza-in-the-making show happening right there in front of you. Interesting menu w a mix of salads, sandwiches and pizza. We tried the homemade potato chips as an appetizers, seasoned to perfection! The wings seemed to be a popular item too. We ordered the mediterranean pizza, hum delicious! The dough was just to my liking. Thin but not too thin w just the right amount of crunch without being dry but still soft on the inside without being doughy. Toppings worked perfectly together (arugula, blue cheese, figs, balsamic sauce). Everything I saw coming out of the kitchen looked delicious. Wash it all down w a beer and you'll be on your way. I would certainly stop by again if I came back to Kittery, ME!
(5)Josh M.
I had a Reuben for lunch with their BBQ chips and was very impressed I look forward to the next Saturday I buy lunch there!
(4)Christine M.
After shopping in Kittery we wanted to grab a bite. We tried this place based on yelp reviews and they were right! Pizza was so good, thin crust cooked perfectly! So glad we stopped in.
(4)Dizzy D.
So we thought we would give this place another try after a year, and boy was that a mistake! For the price we paid for the pizza and delivery we were extremely disappointed. We barely had any cheese on the pizza.. we even paid of extra cheese. The toppings tasted good and that was the only saving grace. We will NEVER order from here again.
(1)Chris G.
Wow, I didn't expect something quite like this in Kittery. The flavors were excellent, very good fresh ingredients and interesting flavor combinations. Not everything on the menu works (I wasn't a fan of the bacon feta and tomato combo, it sounded better on paper than on the pizza) but my wife's gluten free pizza with hot sausage, ham and grilled zuchini was excellent, even the crust was quite good for gluten free. The wings were tasty but not at all spicy (we got the hot buffalo). Overall for the food I would give this a 3.5, but the ambience kicked it over the top for the 4 star rating. Definitely not what I would expect in Kittery, it would have fit in nicely in most cities. I will definitely be back and looking to try more options, even if they didn't offer gluten free options for my wife.
(4)Monica G.
Very good gluten free pizza. The toppings were high quality and well balanced. I cannot wait to return to try more things from the menu.
(4)Michael H.
Great thin crust pizza. I had the homemade sausage with hot sausage! Outstanding - very spicy.
(5)Bree V.
Their caesar salad with grilled shrimp is awesome; homemade dressing and croutons with shaved parm and wood grilled shrimp. Wings and pizza are great too, plus a few good beer options on tap.
(5)Barbara C.
We devoured the best pizza "eva" at AJ's last evening! mmmmmmmm...my new addiction :)
(5)Desmond J.
Amazing, seriously! I don't go anywhere else for pizza. Probably too small to go with a large group but they deliver very quickly.
(5)Samantha W.
AJ's is awesome. A little hole-in-the-wall right over the bridge in Kittery, it is well worth the extra 3 minute drive to get better pizza. Some people love the places in Portsmouth, but I think AJ's is much better. Better ingredients, better options, better pricing, and a delicious gluten free crust. Favorites: Nick's Special & The Mediterranean.
(5)Darren F.
It's a shame Yelp let's reviews like Azita's stay up. Of course a pizza place in Maine won't deliver a pizza 20 miles away you moronic troglodyte. Is that even a real review? We stopped in for a quick bite on a Thursday afternoon. We were the only people in the place and tried a couple of slices, my dining companion a straight cheese and I went for the grilled shrimp, applewood smoked bacon and a slice with their pulled chicken. All of them were fantastic, crisp and fresh. The parking is easy, the inside clean and while not spacious, it uses the space well. The prices were a great value and the staff very friendly and helpful offering suggestions due to my friend's dietary restrictions. Plus it's green, all the paper and plastic products they use are made from recycled material. They hit the food quality, price, and service trifecta for me, plus a neat menu with varied toppings and environmentally friendly for some bonus points. I rarely give a 5 star review after one visit, but they deserve it.
(5)Samantha W.
Amazing pizza, great specials and cozy environment. Wood grilled pizza is incredible. Friendly staff, clean and comfortable space. Easy-to-read menu which clearly states delivery area ;)
(5)John S.
I ordered the special today. Pan Seared Salmon with couscous, fresh grilled vegetables and olive and caper tapenade. I haven't had a dish like this in years, not since I visited the Mediterranean. Easily something you'd find in a fine dinning establishment for twice the price. I'll definitely be returning to try the rest of the menu.
(5)Alexander J.
Delicious pizza at a pretty good value. The wood fire oven leaves a smoky taste, especially on the crust. Toppings are fresh. The red sauce is heavy on the tomato paste (for which I am a fan). We did pickup.
(5)ML B.
Fabulous pizza- was staying in a local hotel and had it delivered. Very professional and friendly, both over the phone and the delivery guy- pizza arrived hot and I appreciated the variety of toppings. They even gave us a free chocolate chip cookie. Top notch place, and I loved the quality and creativity they brought to the table. Can't go wrong with these guys!
(5)Tao O.
We have only ordered delivery from here, and the food has been consistently very good. The delivery is quick and accurate, one time we had an issue with our order and they corrected it immediately. Very good service, and gluten free pizza!
(4)Ciara S.
Best wings in town! The BBQ sauce they use for their wings is awesome.. I usually get delivery/take out but it is a cute little spot to eat in and have a beer. I did get delivery about week ago and was overcharged $3.. when I called about it the guy I spoke with was super nice and apologetic, but the $3 hasn't been refunded to me yet :\ Not a HUGE deal and certainly won't keep me from going back, but just something to keep in mind.
(4)Melissa S.
Tiny and delicious!! Best pizza we've had in a while!! thin, crispy crust, fresh ingredients. Don't forget to try the homemade chips and fried dough balls...out of this world!!
(5)Christine B.
New to the Seacoast area from western Massachusetts, we have been on a quest for a great local pizzeria since May. This is not it and so far places last of the five restaurants we've tried. The good points include location in Kittery village, easy parking, cute shop, nice staff, and a small but decent selection of wine and beer. You can eat there, take out or get local delivery so that is a plus. Unfortunately, the pizza lacks. The crust is horrid. It is pre-baked, and there was a cold stack of them waiting for toppings on the counter when we arrived at 5:00 p.m. It has the consistency of cardboard and is nearly impossible to cut with a table knife. It is tough, chewy, and flavorless. The topping selections are appealing but need a boost of seasoning. We hit ours with lot of red pepper flakes to spice it up a bit. The pizza was cooked but the cheese wasn't bubbly as it should be on a pizza. So far the best pizza for us are the ones we make at home from scratch, including our own dough which my husband tosses in true pizzeria style. The quest continues...
(3)Chris B.
Got a pizza here tonight and was excited due to good reviews on yelp. Yikes. What a disappointment. Ordered pepperoni, mushroom, extra cheese and extra sauce. Was charged as a topping for extra sauce and cheese but pizza had barely any cheese and sauce and no pepperoni. Crusts were all pre-made and tasted like Gas Station or school cafeteria pizza. I do not recommend this place. it was terrible.
(1)William H.
Gluten free pizza crust was good but the pizza ordered was advertised as goat cheese and was actually a combination of goat cheese and mozzarella?! Odd Regular thin crust pizza Aj's was a mix of spicy and mild sausage but seemed to be a but more on the mild than the spicy side :) Alcohol options were very nice! Wife had a glass if red as I enjoyed an IPA. Small space so don't bring a crowd and no baby changing stations in bathrooms provide a negative as we were asked to change the baby in the bathroom floor?!? No....
(3)G N.
Small, cozy pizza place in the heart of downtown Kittery. The pizza is fantastic, the choices are unique, and the staff is super friendly. I took my daughter and the wait staff gave her a cookie. I will definitely be back!
(5)Colleen H.
This place makes some tasty sandwiches! Our girl in labor specially requested that we grab her a sandwich from here, so we grabbed a couple for ourselves as well. The Italian's awesome. Replaced the pickles with hots and got a side of these amazing onion rings with a spicy dipping sauce. YUM! The pizzas looked awesome, and from other yelpers reviews they seem to BE awesome. Definitely have to make another trip back here soon!
(5)Don W.
I didn't actually get to try AJ's until 2 years after I left Portsmouth, but it's good stuff. I liked the sauce, cheese, toppings, and smokiness from the wood stove but the texture of the crust didn't do a thing for me. The staff were helpful and friendly but remember that if you plan to drop by for lunch, the dining area is very small and I wouldn't count on being able to find a table. The good news is that they sell slices, not every pizza shop in the area does that. I'd go back if someone else wanted to, but I can see the discussion including a few competing spots.
(4)Kaley S.
There is a wood grill, and there is pizza. But there is no wood-grilled pizza. Why is it called that? Should be called "AJ's Wood Grill AND Pizza." The pizza cooked in a huge oven NEXT to the wood grill... The Good: Beers on tap! Hooray local drafts! We got a mixed green salad with the balsamic dressing (they have lots of dressing choices but the balsamic is the standard) and it was tasty. Unfortunately the beer and the salad were the only good parts, and that's not enough to go back. The Bad: We spent $50 and left hungry. We got a salad, homemade potato chips, and a margherita pizza. The salad was good, but the potato chips were strangely soft, and super dark....why were the potato chips dark brown?? Strangely colored, bland, soggy and meh, but we ate almost the whole big bowl because our pizza sucked. The Food: The pizza sucked. Pizza (especially wood-fired) should be crispy, and have flavor. Ours was not and did not. Bland, soggy, undercooked, mushy, and thin. It didn't even seem like food. Sure didn't taste like it. Margherita pizza is so simple it's a good litmus test for pizza -- only tomatoes, cheese and basil, so there's no pile of greasy meats to disguise the sad, soggy, bland crust. The tomatoes were in the form of huge, thin slices such that when you take a bite, the whole friggin tomato slides off awkwardly taking everything with it but the bland, soggy, sad crust, which I left on my plate, staring at it like, "what is the point of eating that." Was there even cheese on it? I didn't taste cheese. I didn't taste the crust. I didn't taste the tomatoes. I didn't taste the basil. Nothing tasted like ANYTHING. There was no point in eating it. It looked gross and sad. Weird thing is the employees, when we told them it was our first time, told us it was "awesome." It was busy for a small place with walk-ins, take-outs, and families, and people seemed happy, but the pizza was not "wood-grilled", it was cooked in an oven, maybe call it "wood-fired oven cooked" because "wood-grill pizza" doesn't even make any sense, and it didn't taste like ANYTHING, let alone food. The only thing that was crispy was the flavorless basil. Margherita pizza is supposed to have fresh basil, but for some reason their gigantic leaves of basil went right into the oven (nope, not on the wood grill!), where their flavor and freshness turned to crispy pointlessness. I felt like we paid $50 for beer, salad, and thinly sliced tomatoes on top of soggy cardboard. The Service: No service, you just walk up to the counter and order. The girls who worked there were nice though. Overall: I felt like we paid $50 for beer, salad, and thinly sliced tomatoes on top of soggy cardboard. We regretted going there, left hungry, felt ripped-off, and won't go back.
(2)Shane B.
Got a pizza delivered and it was awful. It tasted like a frozen piece of cardboard. I would not recommend delivery from here.
(1)Vanessa F.
Got a pizza delivered. Worst pizza I've ever had. Tasted similar to elementary school cafeteria pizza. They messed up our toppings. And it was thin crust but kind of soft and soggy. Never again.
(1)Tom D.
I've stopped at AJ's Wood Grill Pizza for Lunch on numerous occasions. It's conveniently located just outside of Gate 1 to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, making it a quick easy location to grab a quick bite. The food is always very good, especially their specials. The pizza is thin crust and the wood gives the pizza a distinct smoky flavor. The wood grill can take a little longer for your food so make sure you're not in a rush if your ordering something that needs to be cooked. Sandwiches are the best bet, and I've enjoyed everyone I've had. Their homemade chips are also pretty good. I'll definitely be there more often now that Mojo's is closed and my Shipyard lunch options are further limited.
(4)Katherine H.
great pizza and friendly staff. one less star because you cant drink beer/wine outside.
(4)Sally F.
Friend said this was the best pizza in the world. He tends to exaggerate so I didn't think much of it. Had a long day of walking around and decided to stop in for a slice. Best pizza in the world. Cheers to aj!
(5)Nick M.
Great Pizza! Stopped in here on a lazy Saturday afternoon. Ordered the supreme pizza and told the guy to "be creative." He made us an amazing meat lovers pizza with cartelized onions and extra cheese. Ah-mazing! Sir, my taste buds thanks you.
(5)Christine M.
After shopping in Kittery we wanted to grab a bite. We tried this place based on yelp reviews and they were right! Pizza was so good, thin crust cooked perfectly! So glad we stopped in.
(4)Amanda P.
Delicious pizza! It took me a couple slices before I realized I had wheat crust. The service is friendly and quick. Cute little place. Would definitely go back.
(5)Eric B.
Great if you want delivery or if you want to enjoy the atmosphere of the restaurant itself. Having tried 4 different pizzas here and enjoying them all I'm convinced there isn't a bad combination. If you're ever in the area, it's a must go for pizza.
(5)Clarke F.
Not only is the pizza unique and the best around, but you have to have the wings! They are truly the ONLY wings you will eat after you try these! Crispy, meaty, and just as spicy as you want. The BEST! As for the burgers, the meat they use is not your usual cheap meat. It is a blend of sirloin, chuck, & brisket, I think. Anyway, you will not find a better burger ANYWHERE! I travel from NH and go back on a regular basis. This is a gourmet restaurant disguised as a simple pizza place. Don't miss it.
(5)Carmen R.
Delicious pizza!! Organic ingredients!!! Awesome friendly staff!! The only thing I would change is that it is a small restaurant and the parking is tricky!
(4)Tom G.
Very addictive! Recommend the Greek Salad where the whole romaine head is lightly grilled. Had a Reuben sandwich which was fabulous. Have to drive here regularly just to get my fix of their food. A small, intimate place, but friendly and very relaxed. You order at the counter, but this is not fast food. Very decent small wine list and some good tap beers too. They make their potato chips in house, and they are amazing. Enjoy!
(5)Nicholas W.
This place is awesome^2! Their food is great, customer service amazing and they have a great atmosphere. This is the best place to eat in Kittery. Period. Get the BBQ chips! And Wallingford square!
(5)Rachel L.
Came here with a friend the other night and we had a great experience. It's a very small place but even on a Saturday night, there was enough seats. We shared a small pizza and he ordered a side of their chips--both of which were really good! We tend to be smaller eaters, so a normal couple might want to split a large :) I liked the rustic, intimate feel and watching them cook the crust on the wood grill was really neat. All the chefs and waiters were really nice people and we would definitely come back again!
(5)Laryssa T.
I was really excited to try this place after reading other reviews and checking out their website. Interesting menu, nice ambience, my hubby loved the smell of the wood fire. (warning: the seating area is really small, so you might have difficulty getting a table) Anyways, we started off with the organic boneless wings, 1/2 BBQ and 1/2 buffalo. VERY good, tender juicy chicken. We got the mild buffalo sauce and still thought it had a major kick compared to most. The pizza...well, I think we ordered a dud. We got the "Yolanda's" and while it had a great thin crust, it didn't really have any depth. Just kind of tasted like crushed tomatoes on a crispy dough, with some bacon sprinkled around. Definitely would have benefited from some salt, spices, more garlic/onion. Despite it being an expensive pizza, we ended up tossing the leftovers. :/ I'd still go back and try a different pizza though.
(3)Andra S.
Mehhhhhh.. Maybe I'm a pizza snob growing up around Chicago. I just thought this pizza was nothing to write home about. The crust was very flat with no texture and little taste. It says coal fired, but I'm sure this was only on a hot coal for 3 minutes. Hot coal ovens make the crust puffy, chewy, and delicious. This was like they took a Flatout wrap from the grocery store , threw minimal toppings on it, and threw it on a hot slab by a coal oven. I wasn't expecting Chicago pizza, but I was expecting more than cafeteria pizza.
(2)Kathy T.
I have had take out, pick up and eat in here. The pizza has a nice thin crust.The Nancy's White and Yolanda's Pizzas are my favorites. I also love the grilled salad. The food is not overly salty and has a lot of flavor which is nice. It's a little pricey for pizza, but it is worth it. I have also had their soups and special salads. The delivery does take a long time so I would pick up if you want it sooner, or plan on a pizza taking about 45 min for delivery. If you pick up it usually takes about 20 min. from the time I call.
(4)Cecile B.
Small, and cozy, modern feel w the old school wood oven pizza right there for you to enjoy. Grab one one of the few tables if you can or, even better, sit at the counter and enjoy the pizza-in-the-making show happening right there in front of you. Interesting menu w a mix of salads, sandwiches and pizza. We tried the homemade potato chips as an appetizers, seasoned to perfection! The wings seemed to be a popular item too. We ordered the mediterranean pizza, hum delicious! The dough was just to my liking. Thin but not too thin w just the right amount of crunch without being dry but still soft on the inside without being doughy. Toppings worked perfectly together (arugula, blue cheese, figs, balsamic sauce). Everything I saw coming out of the kitchen looked delicious. Wash it all down w a beer and you'll be on your way. I would certainly stop by again if I came back to Kittery, ME!
(5)Josh M.
I had a Reuben for lunch with their BBQ chips and was very impressed I look forward to the next Saturday I buy lunch there!
(4)Dizzy D.
So we thought we would give this place another try after a year, and boy was that a mistake! For the price we paid for the pizza and delivery we were extremely disappointed. We barely had any cheese on the pizza.. we even paid of extra cheese. The toppings tasted good and that was the only saving grace. We will NEVER order from here again.
(1)Chris G.
Wow, I didn't expect something quite like this in Kittery. The flavors were excellent, very good fresh ingredients and interesting flavor combinations. Not everything on the menu works (I wasn't a fan of the bacon feta and tomato combo, it sounded better on paper than on the pizza) but my wife's gluten free pizza with hot sausage, ham and grilled zuchini was excellent, even the crust was quite good for gluten free. The wings were tasty but not at all spicy (we got the hot buffalo). Overall for the food I would give this a 3.5, but the ambience kicked it over the top for the 4 star rating. Definitely not what I would expect in Kittery, it would have fit in nicely in most cities. I will definitely be back and looking to try more options, even if they didn't offer gluten free options for my wife.
(4)Keith T.
Small cool place to eat @ with a high quality very good tasting pizza. If your interested in trying the place they sell by the slice during the day. Check out the web site for the specialty slice of the day.
(5)Kate F.
aj's just opened this summer, by the folks from anneke jans, which is one of my favorite area restaurants. i've only had one pizza, and they did a great job of splitting it half carnivore, half vegetarian. i had sweet sausage, and the husband had ratatouille. the crust was delightful - thin, crispy and chewy all at once. the toppings were well-balanced and fantastically flavorful. the fries and onion rings are also good, and generous in order size. they're decent but not amazing fries - maybe i just like my fries a little greasier, and with more little crispy bits, but these were definitely fresh, maybe hand-cut potatoes.... maybe there were just too many of them to appreciate them properly. i'm so, so glad that this is here so that we don't have to choose between the lesser of all of the other evil pizzas that are around us.
(5)Kristin B.
This is a locals-type place. Way off the beaten track and far removed from touristy Portsmouth. It is very tiny but spotless and well-run. It is the real deal wood fired pizza. Perfect thin crust with the proper chew. Wide array of interesting toppings and they encourage you to design your own pizza. I chose a white pizza with pesto, capers, caramelized onions, mixed mushrooms, and the kicker - fig jam. Outstanding, and I think they had fun making it. The fig jam was a little sweet but not as sweet as pineapple. It was more like a chutney than a jam. Delicious. Live a little - try something new whenever you have a chance. This place does what it can to be "green," which I appreciate. Their disposables are all made of soy, corn, etc., instead of plastic. The employees seemed happy, making a great meal even better. There's a good vibe here. Wonderful experience!
(5)Sarah C.
Absolutely amazing food! I ordered takeout, with quite a large, all over the board order too. Not only was the order taker super friendly, funny, and helpful, but the driver got toy house 15 minutes earlier than estimated! The food and service was spectacular! Definitely ordering from them again soon :)
(5)Maureen W.
Stopped here for a quick bite late on Saturday afternoon. Smaller place inside, but clean and bright. Pizza was excellent!! Highly recommend the AJs pizza! Sells by the pie or slice. Had Fall Salad special which was fabulous!! Fresh ingredients and came quickly!!
(4)Monica G.
Very good gluten free pizza. The toppings were high quality and well balanced. I cannot wait to return to try more things from the menu.
(4)Michael H.
Great thin crust pizza. I had the homemade sausage with hot sausage! Outstanding - very spicy.
(5)Bree V.
Their caesar salad with grilled shrimp is awesome; homemade dressing and croutons with shaved parm and wood grilled shrimp. Wings and pizza are great too, plus a few good beer options on tap.
(5)Barbara C.
We devoured the best pizza "eva" at AJ's last evening! mmmmmmmm...my new addiction :)
(5)Desmond J.
Amazing, seriously! I don't go anywhere else for pizza. Probably too small to go with a large group but they deliver very quickly.
(5)Don A.
I would give it 5 stars if ate the pizza at the restaurant. I'm sure it is out of this world when it is super fresh. That being said, it was still excellent pizza. The wings were fantastic as well. We will definitely order again.
(4)Seth G.
Best Pizza in the Area! Mixes the classic taste of traditional sauce and cheese pizza with an awesome grilled crust featuring new and inventive toppings. I have noticed their to-go pizza tends to be less than spectacular but when I eat there it's always top notch.
(4)Vanessa V.
Quite impressive for Maine. We were walking through Kittery's sprawling and lively downtown (ha!) when we saw this new-looking pizza place and decided we had to give Maine pizza a try. The menu is quite extensive, with multiple blackboards listing the pizza toppings, drink options, salads, etc. We just got a plain, as that's really the clearest way to test a slice. I was disappointed to see that they bake off the crusts in advance, and prepare the slices as ordered. It offends the New Yorker in me. But the more I thought about it, the more it made sense for a place with little walk-in business. This way, they can make customized slices without letting entire pies sit out all day and go bad. Plus one for freshness, minus one for inauthenticity. Our slice was good, but contained a crazy amount of garlic. Not that I don't love garlic, I've just never seen entire cloves of it on top of my pizza. It kind of overpowered any subtler flavors, but I have yet to find a slice north of NYC that can appreciate subtlety in flavor (most places just add a ton of sugar to the tomato sauce, so I applaud AJ's for trying a different approach). Overall, it's for sure the best pizza in Kittery. Excellent for the area. I'd definitely go back to grab a bite. But don't expect authentic NY style pizza or you'll be disappointed.
(4)D J.
I continue to re-order from here for delivery and in terms of options for delivery in the Portsmouth/Kittery area, then win. They've sped up delivery times in the past year, so it's always warm and that complimentary cookie is the icing on the cake. Great, unique pies. I'm a fan of the classic pepperoni.
(5)Mathieu D.
The pizza is very, very good. We had some very good localy(-ish) brewed beer. The setting is intimate and welcoming and everyone was nice to our 4 year-old daughter. Overall, a very nice place that really seems to be a place where locals go for great pizza and not a tourist trap.
(5)Bill C.
Ok here are my plus marks 1.) The pizza is great. There isn't better pizza in Kittery, York, or The Berwicks than here. You can tell it it is owned by the former owners of Anneke Jans, there is that level of attention to the food an creativity is evident. 2.) The staff are friendly. They are ecclectic, in the way that "this place has character" not in the "did I remenber to cross the tip line out of my take out order" way. My minus marks 1.) They have no clue how long it will take to make your pizza. I love this place, but never listen to them when they tell you how long it will take for a pick up. I've done take out +10 times and they have never been right. The last time we were in there I was quoted 15 minutes on the phone. We knew better and showed up at 25 minutes and still waited another 10 minutes past that. 2) They can't pull a pint correctly. The couple times I waited I thought "great I'll get a beer without the wife being the wiser." An inch of foam. The last time I actually asked the girl if she could do anything about it. She turned around, re-poured and tada an inch and a half of foam. Ok I know that sounds petty, but I gave them four stars... just a couple things to look out for.
(4)Bob S.
This may very well be the best pizza I have ever had. If you appreciate thin crust pizza, you will love this place! Worth the drive off of I-95 and difficult parking situation.
(5)Robert B.
This was the most delicious and innovative pizza I have ever had (aside from my own). Visiting for the weekend and needed a quick Friday night supper. Artichoke, eggplant, tomato, pesto and gooey cheese. Prosciutto, Great Hills Blue Cheese, balsamic figs and syrup, Arugula on WW crust. Should have ordered a large! Thanks for the great grub. Will definitely order again. But, as my 7 yo niece said, it's adult food. She would like it now, she's 9.
(5)Jason F.
The crust is the real selling point. Some pizza snobs may note that the crusts are pre-grilled (on-site), but seriously I don't think it detracted from the experience or the taste at all. The place is a little bit small but the food was great. The menu seemed a bit daunting as I was pushed towards the counter to order. We ended up ordering BBQ chicken / plain because there was a line and we were having trouble making a decision. I grabbed a to-go menu so that next time I can go back prepared.
(4)Priscila K.
Great fresh food! I love all the veggie options they have. Great staff!!!
(5)Lindsay E.
Great staff, great pizza, great wings, cute restaurant, great delivery service (you even get a cookie with every delivery), all around great place. The pizza is a bit more than you're going o pay at a Dominos, but the ingredients are fresh, they have a lot of options, and tastes great. Though, when I get delivery, I do ask that they make it a little crispy, since sometimes the middle can be a little mushy by the time it gets to the house.They even give a discount to anyone that shows their Shipyard ID, can't beat customer appreciation like that. All around impressive.
(5)Andy C.
The pizza is phenomenal, the prices are reasonable, and the staff is SUPER friendly. Don't bother going elsewhere!
(5)Pj P.
Great Pizza & More place in Kittery. All food was fresh amd cooked/prepared to perfection. Pizza was thin and tasty with a great wood grilled taste. Owner & employee's were great, very friendly and cusomer orientated. If your in Kittery you need to stop by and experience AJ's Wood Grill Pizza!
(5)Skyler C.
This is a review for the gluten free crowd from a fellow Celiac. Their gluten free pizza is good. Not as great as I hear their regular pizza is, but still good. They do not appear to make the crust in-house. I've had the exact same crust in the exact same tin foil pan at several other pizza places around the area. The crust will not fool you into thinking you're eating regular pizza, but it's still pretty good. They are very good about cross contamination and catering to the needs of Celiacs. Only downside is that their normal pizza crusts are cooked on a food fired grill. These are just placed in a conventional pizza oven. They also offer gluten free desserts and specials. In fact, if you head over to the main restaurant (Anneke Jans), their chef has a whole array of gluten free goodies. So, not the best gluten free pizza I've ever had (still satisfying though!), but in a world with limited gluten free options, this place will fill the void.
(4)Kelly C.
First off this place deserves nothing below a 4 star! They have the best gluten free pizza around! My boyfriend also gets the regular pizza and loves it as well. I will drive from Boston on a lazy Sunday just to get their pizza. The owner is wonderful, and truly has a passion for the restaurant. I also love that they have a great go-green feel, as well as many organic options too! Definitely a place to check out if your looking for a real "one of a kind" place!
(5)Chris P.
Had the salmon special (salmon with tapenade over couscous with grilled veg) delivered, fish was cooked PERFECT and the tapenade was a great complement (and really good with the couscous as well). For the money (14.95 before the delivery fee) I'd have appreciated more fish and less couscous, the portion size doesn't match what the Shipyard Brewpub puts on a salad. Food quality is a little inconsistent (I love Chicken Caesar wraps, and AJs' is usually good, but never made to he same as the last one, or the same price) but when they get it right they're awesome.
(3)Sam G.
Decent selection of toppings, but dough and sauce need some work. Service was great but overall, the pies were mediocre at best.
(2)Brittany S.
Yum! Called ahead for pizza ; so delicious, lady at the counter (owner? And daughter) so friendly ! Had their Buffalo sauce to dip the pizza in, so good! Highly recommended if you like thin crust pizza!
(5)Nicole R.
My favorite place to get Pizza on the seacoast and possibly favorite of all time. Andy's pizza is my favorite!! Staff is friendly and the thin crust is perfection. Everyone has their own opinion of how pizza is supposed to be- for me AJ's nails it.
(5)Eric C.
Excellent hand-made pizza, friendly staff, good prices. The shop is a little bit small; only 5-6 tables and a bar. Clean and cozy. Delicious food Would go again.
(5)Gretchen S.
I have had pizza and salads here before for eat in and take out and they have been very good. Tonight I had take out and the pizza was burned, not eatable. I called and was told "some of the crusts did look burned" and not so much as a "return it and we will make another" or "we will make it up next time". Disappointing, especially because they knew it was burned before it was sent out the door.
(1)adam d.
Great food, fresh ingredients, definitely on the noisy side if you eat in the restaurant.
(4)Kelly A.
I only tried their pizza, and I only went there cuz I didna bring my smartphone with me, otherwise I would have seen that Black Birch is NOT open on Sundays! Major frown, what to do? Well, before we hit Locos Tacos (now that is another 5 stars) we each got a separate slice of just-so perfect pizza, each slice just $3 or so. OK, we had to wait 10 minutes while they prayed over the dough and set up a new fire with aromatic spices from Ceylon, but man, that was the best za I have had south of Portland, ME! Except maybe Owens in K-bunk..... Be warned, they serve the thin crust! SOOO much better than that When Pigs Fly joint that everyone thinks is so great!!!
(5)Lisa A.
We love AJ's and go as often as we can. Cozy and comfortable, welcoming staff that really care, delicious food! Salads are outstanding. Pizza is the best around. I had their clam chowder the other day and it was AMAZING! Probably the best chowder I have ever had...and I have had a lot! You can't go wrong here. Really!
(5)Priscilla K.
Cute little place, friendly people and good pizza. We had the fig, prosciutto and blue cheese - a little on the salty side, probably due to the cheese and really what seemed more like pancetta than prosciutto - but, we enjoyed it.
(4)