Next week, UM students can expect to add a new addition to their take-out/delivery Rolodex because Joe’s Old School Pizza will be opening in the Riviera Plaza across the street from the Bank United Center.

Joe’s already has one location in Hollywood, Florida that boasts “award-winning New York style pizza.” We went to check it out for ourselves.

Pulling up to the restaurant is a blast from the past. It’s located in an old retro-looking gas station that’s been completely redone with stained concrete floors, a full kitchen and an outdoor patio where customers are encouraged to hang out and socialize.

“People come, hang out, eat and stay for a few hours,” Co-Owner Joe Caristo said. “We want it to feel like you’re at home.”

There will even be a back entrance so students living behind the plaza won’t have to be inconvenienced.

The cozy environment lived up to the hype and let’s just say we weren’t let down by the food, either.

We tried it all– chicken Parmesan, meatballs, eggplant Parmesan, garlic rolls, a full pizza (half pepperoni, half cheese to be exact) and zeppoles for dessert. We’re talking leftovers for days, here. Our favorite was definitely the pizza.

“It’s all fresh,” Caristo said. “Nothing from today will go out tomorrow.”

But, what really sealed the deal for us is that the Coral Gables location will be open late– really late. Can you say post-Grove pizza delivery? Joe’s pizza will also cater to the gluten-free and vegan customers.

Look out for more information about their opening on their Facebook or on their website.

 *this post is sponsored content 

Rori Kotch, senior, is currently the Editor-in-Chief of Distraction Magazine. When she’s not working, she can be found jamming out to Beyoncé, looking at pictures of pugs and dreaming about pizza. Follow her on twitter @rorikotch.

words_rori kotch. photo_rori kotch.