Eden Pizza, Saint Paul, MN
Personal Pepperoni at Eden Pizza, originally uploaded by Aaron Landry.
Tucked away in the Hamline-Midway neighborhood of Saint Paul, west of Snelling and north of University is a little gem of a pizzeria, Eden Pizza. Having lived in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area my whole life and living in Saint Paul for many of those years I had only found out about Eden Pizza until recently.
They're on the corner of Aldine Street and Lafond Avenue, surrounded by homes and inside it's split in two: kitchen on the left and seating on the right. There's three tables and a selection of old board games and neighborhood newspapers. Although there was only one person taking orders and making pizzas and I was the only customer sitting in, Phish jamming over the speakers kept the place upbeat. Although they are only open for lunch on Fridays, I ordered their "lunch special" on a Saturday: an 8-inch personal pizza with two toppings and a soda for $6.50. I chose pepperoni and Dr. Pepper. I noted that their ingredients and specialty pizza list is extensive -- a lot to explore later. In about ten minutes I received a beautiful pepperoni pizza, sharply cut into 6 triangle slices. My eyes were drawn to the crust, which was rolled in a way I haven't quite seen before on pizza (the see photo). Biting in, the cheese tasted very fresh and stringy. Pepperoni was meaty and there was just a nice, small layer of sauce for base. The crust was crispy at the edges albeit a bit on the floury side. Overall a very satisfying and tasty pizza. Not too greasy either, especially compared to their more trafficked neighbors a few blocks away, Checkerboard Pizza. With their friendly service, great pizza, extensive menu and home delivery, Eden Pizza is a real treat in this neighborhood. I'll be back soon -- it would be convenient before a show at the Turf Club, a St. Paul Saints game or an event at Hamline University. Eden Pizza629 Aldine St
Saint Paul, MN 55104
651-646-7616
