This is (still) one of the city's coolest hidden gems! New City Cafe is a student-run restaurant that serves wood-fired pizzas, salads, soup, and bakery items. Their mission is "empowering youth to reach their full potential" and all the teens we interacted with were so great and polite. They're only open on Thursdays in the summer from 4-7 pm, but it's definitely worth seeking out if you like pizza with a purpose.
They offer specialty pizzas that change each week, in addition to cheese pizza and pepperoni pizza. You can even build your own pizza with their farm fresh ingredients (literally, they source many of their ingredients from the 1-acre urban farm located next to the cafe). There's lots of outdoor seating as well as a super cute dining area inside with a colorful and fun mural. You can order online ahead of time and take your food to go as well.
Nate and I tried the Micaela, a pepperoni and pineapple pizza, and their supreme with pepperoni, bacon, sausage, onions, peppers, and mushrooms. The pizza came out quickly and it was so delicious - super cheesy and flavorful. I love the char on the crust that comes from the super hot wood oven. Prices range from $10-$15 and they have at least one vegan option each week. We sat inside and it was nice and cool, but it did get pretty loud. Family-friendly spot, we saw lots of kids.
I love the mission and food at New City Cafe and make it a priority to visit at least once each summer. Hoping I can make it back again before their season ends! read more