Photos by Justin Fox Burks
A rooftop patio — the only one in Midtown — amps up the fun for pizza, paninis, and beer at Aldo’s in Midtown, located in the former Two Way Inn space.
On your first visit to the new Aldo’s Pizza Pies in Midtown, you will be tempted to settle in at the bar to watch the upbeat pizza making in the restaurant’s open kitchen. Look up, and the light fixtures will make you ask out loud: “Are those cheese graters on the ceiling?”
Yep, they certainly are, but don’t linger too long on Aldo’s fun industrial décor. Instead, keep moving — especially if the weather is nice — through the restaurant’s main dining room and past the framed sign from The Two Way Inn, the building’s well-known former tenant. Head for the back and hike upstairs where you will find tables, shade sails, and a rooftop view of Cooper Street. “It is certainly the only rooftop patio in Midtown,” said manager Amy Cooper. “People love sitting up here.”
With tables for about 30 people, the rooftop is one of several changes to Aldo’s popular downtown format. Pizzas still dominate the menu and duplicate such favorites as Mr. T. Rex, a hearty coming together of pepperoni, sausage, and meatballs in a Southern-style tomato sauce, and Bring out the Gump, a combo of grilled shrimp, sundried tomato pesto, and cream sauce subtly flavored with roasted poblano chiles.
Half-a-dozen sandwiches packaged as paninis, however, are new. Try the Figgy Piggy with pear, prosciutto, brie, fig jam, and arugula, or the grilled chicken with spinach, fontina cheese, pickled red onion, and Harissa aioli.
To start, remember garlic knots (what’s a visit to Aldo’s without them?) and white bean hummus updated with cipollini onions. To keep the fun going on Friday nights, stop by the tap room of Memphis Made Brewing Company, located directly across the street.
Aldo’s Pizza Pies Midtown, 752 S. Cooper (901-725-7437) $-$$
