At DeeDee’s Pizza in Highland Park, patrons can enjoy New York-style and square pizza pies. The spot is named after owner Doug Schneider’s mother, Diane, who was known to be a good cook. (Her nickname was DeeDee.) Besides pizza, the menu also includes sandwiches, salads, and wings.
The 1,500-square-foot DeeDee’s Pizza boasts a “1990s nostalgic industrial” modern vibe, according to Doug. For instance, the outside wall features Peggy Bundy from Married… with Children, whileBundy himself features in an indoor mural. In this mural, Bundy can be seen wearing a headband; a nod to the chef of DeeDee’s Pizza, Jackie Mazza. Jackie is known for wearing colorful headbands. Patrons will also find 12 seats for indoor dining and space for 42 on a front patio, weather permitting.
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One-of-a-Kind Pies
At DeeDee’s Pizza, Chef Jackie creates her own spin on pizza, sandwiches, salads, and wings. Popular items include the vodka pie with everything seasoning. This pizza features house-made vodka sauce, Grande fresh mozzarella, Locatelli, basil, and everything bagel crust. Another favorite is the pepperoni hot honey pie, with San Marzano tomatoes, pecorino Romano, Grande mozzarella, pepperoni cups, hot honey, basil, and ricotta. As for sandwiches, their Chicken Caesar Cutlet is a big hit. It combines Bell + Evans Organic chicken cutlet, roasted garlic confit, stracciatella, shaved pecorino, romaine, and Caesar dressing, all on house-made focaccia.
Pizza enthusiasts will quickly realize that DeeDee’s Pizza doesn’t serve run-of-the-mill pies. Their dough sits in the walk-in refrigerator for 72 hours before they use it so flavor can develop. (Chef Jackie uses her baking experience to perfect her dough.) Meanwhile, their tomatoes come straight from Naples and are canned within four hours after picking, lacking preservatives, sugars, and additives.
About The Owners
DHS Hospitality in New Brunswick is the local restaurant group that operates DeeDee’s Pizza. For nearly 30 years, DHS Hospitality has operated concepts ranging from bars and gastropubs, to casual and fine dining restaurants. Jackie Mazza is the group’s culinary director. Future plans for DeeDee’s include expanding their current operations into catering local off-site events.
Visit DeeDee’s Pizza at 601 Raritan Ave in Highland Park. Look for them online to learn more.
DeeDee’s Pizza FAQs
No, they do not accept reservations.
Yes, they have gluten-free options.
DeeDee’s Pizza offers vegetarian dishes, yes.
They offer takeout, yes.
Yes, they offer delivery through their website.
No, they do not serve alcohol.
They do not have a kids’ menu, no.
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All Photos: © Mike Simko – Hürd Brand Collective
