Corner of King and Park

[Captain Zissou]

That is a lot of pizza around there, but Pele's Fire is very tasty, so they may be able to survive.  Does Primi Patti do a strong business? What percent of people who go there go for the pizza??

I don't see this place really competing much with Carmines.  The two appeal to a different crowd, in my opinion.  What the area really needs is a solid grill.  A place for burgers, chicken sandwiches, fish...etc.  I'd like to see something like that with outdoor seating go in somewhere nearby.  Basically a Harpoon Louie's in 5 points or park/king.

[ben says]

Never thought I'd be happy for another pizza place in Riverside, but if the pizza served at the old pharmacy is anything like the wood-fired pizza from the Riverside Arts Market, count me a fan....(forget the name...Pete's? Pele's?)

[PeeJayEss]

That is a lot of pizza around there, but Pele's Fire is very tasty, so they may be able to survive.  Does Primi Patti do a strong business? What percent of people who go there go for the pizza??

I don't think they do much in the way of pizza. Its more nicer Italian fare.

[Dog Walker]

I would kill for a decent Indian restaurant in the area. I'm getting pretty tired of pizza, chinese, and sushi.

I understand that the owners of Cozy Tea will be opening an Indian restaurant next door to their current establishment (where part of Whalebone/Raglands/Deco Bistro was located).  We couldn't get any details on when they would be opening but hopefully very soon.  I've been saying for years if we could get an Indian restaurant in the 'hood,  I wouldn't have to leave my bubble AT ALL.  Looking forward to not having to drive to freakin' baymeadows road to get my Indian fix.

I just spoke with the owner of Cozy Tea and was told most firmly that they are NOT going to open another, larger restaurant.  Darn!

God, it smelled good in there and was busy at 2:30 in the afternoon.

[jaxlore]

Well I hope its something that really packs a zing. And I hope they stay open until a decent hour. It would add the atmosphere and could generate that food entertainment district that downtown can never get right...
...Downer in Cozy Tea not going indian stylee.

[mtraininjax]

If the rumors are true about Mellow Mushroom, I would think this would discourage them. Which I don't think is a big deal as long as these other places stay around.

Mellow Mushroom would crush them all when and if John brings it to our neighborhood!

[A-Finnius]

Much rather have a Tijuana Flats or a Burrito Gallery, that would have been great.  Even the idea a solid grill style restaurant was good.  How much pizza do we need?  I know it's flat bread or whatever but even Kickbacks has pizza on the menu.

[PeeJayEss]

Mellow Mushroom would crush them all when and if John brings it to our neighborhood!

Have you been to Carmine's? Its delicious. And always packed. I'm not even sure they close at night, they have a crowd at 11 regularly.

[Captain Zissou]

If the rumors are true about Mellow Mushroom, I would think this would discourage them. Which I don't think is a big deal as long as these other places stay around.

Mellow Mushroom would crush them all when and if John brings it to our neighborhood!

Mellow Mushroom's food is pretty good, I'll give you that.  However, their pizzas bake for 25 minutes (this is standard procedure that they will confirm, not my opinion).  Not everyone has time for that. 

I'd rather stop into Carmines or Pele's Fire for 10 minutes for a slice.  The idea that Mellow Mushroom will crush any and all comers is absurd.  There's room in the market for all of them.  Will they all snipe some of each others customers?? Of course.  Will Mellow shut down everyone else? Fat chance.

[Non-RedNeck Westsider]

I have to agree with you somewhat CZ, but if Pele's is opening up on Park, Carmines is doing well would it be in their best interest to open up in the area?  Maybe if they went down the street a little into the Avondale strip?  But even there, I don't think that crowd would relate well, maybe an Al's - since we're on pizza.

I would have to say that the best idea that I've read so far would be a Tijuana Flats or maybe a Hurricane's Grille.  Something different, that still has that laid back vibe to it.

The one thing, whoever opens up, that is going to be judged the hardest in this area is going to be the beer selection, over the food, even.  We're getting spoiled now, and if all you have on tap is AB products, you're not going to do well.

[ben says]

So is Pele's the same wood-fired pizza that runs a stall at RAM?

[Lucasjj]

Yeah, the one with the wood fired oven trailer.

[PeeJayEss]

The one thing, whoever opens up, that is going to be judged the hardest in this area is going to be the beer selection, over the food, even.  We're getting spoiled now, and if all you have on tap is AB products, you're not going to do well.

What an awesome commentary on Riverside though!

[ben says]

Yeah, the one with the wood fired oven trailer.

And, excuse me for being slow...but they've confirmed that they will install a location at Park & King?

If so, that's excellent...some of their pizza is just as good as many I've had in Italy, and handmade from my Sicilian mother-in-law...

[ben says]

The one thing, whoever opens up, that is going to be judged the hardest in this area is going to be the beer selection, over the food, even.  We're getting spoiled now, and if all you have on tap is AB products, you're not going to do well.

What an awesome commentary on Riverside though!

Great commentary on Riverside...turning out to be quite the spot! Let's get some boutique hotels, a half dozen more restaurants, and damn, I won't care if we're known for pizza and micro-brew!

In the future, this area could turn out to be a nice regional destination for travelers and foodies alike!