Seemor

Mario'sB+Worth Trying

Name: Mario's
Address: 232 Cleveland Ave N, St Paul, MN 55104, St Paul, United States
Rating: 4.6

232 Cleveland Ave N, St Paul, MN 55104 · Pizza restaurant · 4.6/5 Google (626 reviews)

Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating

Destination for thick-crust Sicilian pan pizza and hefty heroes with lively, casual vibes; excellent food but expect 25–40 minute bakes, occasional delays, and a 10% service charge.

Why it gets a B+ for overall quality

Mario's delivers exceptional Sicilian-style crust with crispy edges and fresh toppings that justify its Twin Cities reputation, supported by friendly, attentive service and strong customer loyalty. However, inconsistent execution with occasional undercooked or burnt pies and extended 25–40 minute bake times with peak-hour delays prevent grade A territory. The tight dining room and mandatory service charge further limit the overall experience, making this a solid neighborhood favorite rather than a premier destination.

Restaurant Summary

Mario’s buzzes with retro energy and counter-service ease, a small room where hot pans emerge with caramelized cheese edges and staff greet you like regulars. One diner put it simply: the best pizza in the Twin Cities thanks to that crunchy-edged Sicilian crust and balanced toppings. The cooking leans classic-with-a-twist: thick-crust pans, butter-crust rounds, and hefty Italian heroes built on sesame bread, plus playful touches like garlic bread donuts and hot honey. Expect 25–40 minute bakes and occasional delays at peak, but most agree the payoff justifies the clock when the pies land crisp and steamy. For families, this is an easy win: cheese and pepperoni pies, wings, and cookies keep kids happy, and portions are generous enough to share. Space is tight and the sidewalk seating sits on a busy street, but the kid-friendly menu and casual vibe make it a relaxed, satisfying stop.

At a Glance

Benchmark Sicilian-style crust with crispy edges and fresh toppings
Big, satisfying heroes and fun starters like garlic donuts
Bake-time waits and occasional order delays at peak hours
Mandatory 10% service charge noted by several diners
Inconsistent execution on rare visits (undercooked or burnt pies)

What Sets It Apart

thick_sicilian_crust_excellence
hefty_italian_heroes
retro_fun_atmosphere

What People Love

Caramelized, crunchy crust edges
Balanced heat-sweet hot honey pepperoni
Huge, well-built Italian combo hero
Friendly, welcoming counter team

Points of Concern

Pizzas can take 25–40 minutes; plan ahead for peak times
Reports of undercooked or burnt pies on isolated visits
Mandatory 10% service charge bothers some diners
Small dining room leads to waitlist and tight tables at peak

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleCounter With Seating Average Cost$34-46 per person ReservationsNot required

What to Order

For kids: Butter crust Cheese ($15) or Pepperoni ($17.50)
For vegetarians: Three Cheese or Cacio e Pepe on Sicilian or butter crust
For heat lovers: Hot Honey Pepperoni on Sicilian

Perfect For

Sharing a pan pizza with friends
Casual weeknight dinner near campus
Lunch slice on a budget
Comfort-food craving with a twist

Location Insights

Area: Student-heavy corridor near St. Thomas with casual spots; mix of locals and campus crowd.

Safety: Generally safe, active foot traffic; typical urban vigilance advised evenings.

Nearby: Near university, residential streets, small retailers; alley parking mentioned.

LowertownLowertown is known for its vibrant arts scene, historic warehouses converted into lofts, and a lively dining environment with trendy restaurants, breweries, and cafes. The area attracts a creative crowd and those seeking a dynamic urban atmosphere with walkable streets and frequent community events.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday11:00–21:00 Tuesday11:00–21:00 Wednesday11:00–21:00 Thursday11:00–21:00 Friday11:00–22:00 Saturday11:00–22:00 Sunday11:00–21:00

Available: Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating

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