Detroit-Style Pizza Comes to Somerville

A restaurant full of pizza, mac and cheese, and maple chili duck wings opens its doors in Somerville’s Ball Square this week. Avenue debuts Wednesday, June 5 in the former Pescatore Restaurant space (158 Boston Ave.), with a renovated interior and a menu of American gastropub dishes and Detroit-style pizzas.

Avenue comes to the neighborhood from chef Kenny Schweizer (previously of Ward 8, Bodega Canal, and Nahita) and general manager Gino DeLuca. According to Schweizer, it “finally feels like a restaurant to have the walk-in full” and the bar stocked, ready for day one of business. “Me and Gino are really happy the way the place turned out. Now it’s time to get to work,” he told Eater in an email.

Sticking to plans from earlier this year, Avenue will serve five varieties of thick-cut and crispy Detroit-style pizzas, including one topped with sliced meatballs and another with sauteed mushrooms and rabe. Avenue joins just a handful of other establishments in the area serving Detroit-style pizza, including Otto, which makes its own version at some locations, and Volo Craft Pizza on the North Shore. Tapestry in Fenway has also explored the style in the past and might bring it back at some point, and New York-based Detroit-style pizzeria Emmy Squared has its eyes on Boston expansion.

Beyond the rectangle pies, Avenue’s menu features snacks and appetizers, as well as various salad and grain bowls, including a number of vegan and vegetarian options. There is also a selection of noodle dishes, including udon with mussels, macaroni and cheese, and shoyu ramen with char pork belly. Avenue also has a beef burger topped with bacon onion compote, as well as a vegan Beyond burger with lettuce, tomato, and avocado.

Avenue’s bar menu consists of wine, beer, and assorted cocktails. To start, the restaurant will operate Monday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 12 a.m., Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m., and Sunday from 4 to 11 p.m.

• Avenue [Official Site]
• Avenue Kitchen and Bar to Open in Somerville’s Ball Square [EBOS]