Philadelphia, PA
- In a city with a fiercely proud and competitive pizza scene, it takes a lot to stand out. Yet, Paulie Gee's Soul City Slice Shop, a Brooklyn transplant located at 412 South 13th Street in Midtown Village, has done just that. It has captured the hearts of Philadelphians not just with its spectacular pizza, but with a unique and powerful sense of nostalgia. This is more than just a pizzeria; it's a social club, a retro hangout, and a tribute to the classic American slice shop, all rolled into one.
The Vibe: A Gen X Time Capsule
Stepping into Paulie Gee's is like walking into a perfectly preserved memory of the 1970s and 80s. The atmosphere is meticulously crafted to evoke a bygone era, from the orange booths and black-and-white checkered floors to the classic arcade games and, most importantly, the soundtrack. The "Soul City" in the name is a tribute to the owners' love of '70s soul music, and you'll find an impressive collection of vintage vinyl records for sale in bins against the wall. With a pool table and a full bar, the space is designed to be a true hangout spot, encouraging you to linger long after your last slice is gone.
The Pizza: New York Style, Done Right
Paulie Gee's specializes in classic New York-style pizza, offering both traditional round pies and thick, crispy Sicilian squares. The quality is in the details: a perfectly thin, foldable crust with a satisfying crispness, high-quality cheese, and a slightly sweet, vibrant tomato sauce.
Must-Try Menu Items:
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The Hellboy®: A modern classic, this is their signature pepperoni pie drizzled with Mike's Hot Honey. The combination of savory, spicy pepperoni and sweet heat is an absolute must-try.
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The Freddy Prinze: A fantastic upside-down Sicilian pie with fresh mozzarella, tomato sauce, and pecorino romano, all on a unique sesame seed bottom that adds a wonderful nutty flavor and crunch.
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The Mootz: For purists who love a white pie, "The Mootz" features fresh mozzarella, plenty of fresh garlic, and pecorino romano.
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Excellent Vegan Options: Paulie Gee's is also celebrated for its incredible and extensive vegan menu. They offer fantastic plant-based versions of their most popular pies, including a Vegan Hellboy® and a Vegan Freddy Prinze with Be-Hive vegan sausage, using high-quality Numu vegan mozzarella.
Paulie Gee's Soul City Slice Shop has become a spectacular and essential addition to Philadelphia's pizza scene. It masterfully combines a fun, retro, and soulful atmosphere with flawlessly executed New York-style pizza. Whether you're there for a classic cheese slice, a creative hot-honey-drizzled pie, or one of the best vegan slices in the city, Paulie Gee's offers an experience that is both delicious and deeply comforting. It's a place that proves that sometimes, the best new spots are the ones that feel like they've been there forever.
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Joy Franklin
Food and Event Writer
My joy is aimed at food and foodie lovers. I enjoy covering trends, issues, and all things Philly.
