Moon Pie Pizza & Patio, Phoenix’s newest pizza spot, is bringing a new and fresh vibe to the old spot that used to house Teddy’s Preserve. Located in the heart of Phoenix on the northeast corner of Central and Roosevelt, Moon Pie Pizza and Patio is introducing a not-so-common pizza style to the valley; the ultra-thin, crispy, square-cut Chicago-style tavern pizza.
The central Phoenix area is already filled with some of the state’s top-tier pizzerias, with Bianco, Cibo, Via Della, and Il Bosco. What sets Moon Pie apart from those other pizzerias in Phoenix is its dedication to the art of Tavern Cut Pizza. Unlike the conventional triangular-cut pies, tavern-cut pizza is characterized by its square or rectangular-shaped slices and thin and crispy crust.
Inspired by the classic taverns of yesteryear, Moon Pie owners Steve Coburn and Matt Fulton went on a research and development trip of a lifetime. The duo flew into Milwaukee and road-tripped their way to Chicago eating their way through some of the area’s finest tavern-style pizzerias. Like true explorers of their craft, they would not disclose the amount of pizza they consumed. However, they shared with me the stories of the openly friendly local business owners they met along the way who were willing to share tips and tricks of the trade that would ultimately help the two thrive in bringing authentic tavern-style pizza to the Valley of the Sun.
the menu
The pizza menu itself is loaded with fire pizzas. While they do feature traditional pizza toppings, there are several pizzas on the specialty pizza menu that are sure to satisfy any fan of spicy foods. My favorite was the hot honey pizza that featured Soppressata, Calabrian chilis, pickled red onions, and hot honey.
Aside from pizza, the menu features a typical list of salads, traditional Italian sandwiches, and one appetizer you do not want to miss out on, the ricotta-stuffed, prosciutto-wrapped, hot honey-drizzled, jalapenos!
Moon Pie also offers a build-your-own pizza option, allowing customers to customize their pie with a plethora of toppings. But Moon Pie is not just about pizza – it’s about creating memorable experiences and fostering a sense of community. The pizzeria hosts regular events and gatherings, from live music nights where patrons can come together to bond over their love of great food and good company. Whether it is a family dinner, a date night, or a casual hangout with friends, Moon Pie offers the perfect setting for any occasion.
the space
Moon Pie Pizza & Patio, as owner Matt Fulton put it, “There’s no way to hide it. We’re located in the lobby of an office building”. However, as a consumer, I can tell you he is being modest, and with one step inside the space, you will see what I mean. Upon entry, you will see a generous-sized dining area featuring flexible seating, a lounge area, and a small game area featuring pop-a-shot and ski-ball. The friendly L-shaped bar that seats about a dozen is tucked away just around the corner from the dining area. The outside patio area is impressively sized. Large shade trees cover the comfortable outdoor seats, cornhole boards, and mobile bar.
written by: steven larson | photographed by: luke irvin
Moonpie Pizza | 1001 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004