Bub and Grandma’s Pizza is quietly serving Los Angeles best new slices

From bread to pizza, Andy Kadin’s next act

Andy Kadin, the baker behind Bub and Grandma’s beloved bread and café, is now taking on pizza. His Highland Park shop, Bub and Grandma’s Pizza, is already packed nightly, drawing lines down York Boulevard.

It’s his ode to East Coast pies with a California twist, big flavor, seasonal toppings, and a sourdough crust that’s already becoming legendary.

The concept behind Bub and Grandma’s Pizza

This new spot isn’t a full sit-down restaurant yet; it’s a walk-up window serving 18-inch pies and slices. Guests can watch each pizza being stretched, sauced, and baked through a big kitchen window.

A dining room is slated to open in spring 2026, but for now, it’s all about street energy, slices in hand, and the smell of sourdough in the air.

Paying tribute to the Tri-State classics

Kadin describes the style as a mix of New York, New Haven, and New Jersey influences. That means thin but chewy crusts, big flavor, and just the right amount of tang.

It’s not trying too hard to be any one style; instead, it’s the kind of pizza you crave after years of knowing what a great slice should taste like.

Meet the man behind the kitchen

To bring this project to life, Kadin teamed up with chef Jeff Whittaker, known for his work at Bar Monette, Hippo, and Frankies 457 Spuntino.

Together, they developed a sourdough base that’s both sturdy and flavorful, ideal for supporting generous toppings. The result is a pizza that feels familiar yet modern, with flavors that pop and textures that keep you coming back.

The sourdough crust that changes everything

Unlike typical slice shop dough, Bub and Grandma’s uses a tangy sourdough starter that gives each bite complexity and chew.

It’s crisp on the bottom, soft in the middle, and slightly tart, the kind of crust you actually want to finish. For a bakery born from a love of fermentation, it’s a natural evolution and the foundation of every great pie here.

Classic pepperoni, reinvented

The pepperoni slice is the best way to taste what Bub’s is all about. The sauce hits bright and herbal, the cheese melts perfectly, and that sourdough crust balances everything.

It’s not greasy or floppy, just right. A small puffiness at the edge keeps it light. It’s familiar comfort with a handmade feel, showing how good simple can really be.

The Crispy Greens pie, a new favorite

If you want something different, try the Crispy Greens. This specialty pie mixes red pepper pesto with pickled chiles for a bright, spicy kick.

Then comes a dusting of prosciutto breadcrumbs, a salty, crunchy topping that seals the deal. It’s inventive without being fussy, the kind of pizza that makes you stop mid-bite and say, “Wow, this works.”

The Bolognese pie that divides opinion

The pork-and-beef Bolognese pie is a bold, hearty sauce over tangy dough, but it’s also dividing locals. Some love its rich flavor, while others say it can feel undercooked or heavy.

Like any new restaurant, Bub’s is finding its rhythm, and this one might depend on timing. When it hits right, though, it’s one of LA’s most satisfying meaty pies.

Garlic knots, wings, and more

Beyond pizza, the supporting cast shines. The garlic knots are buttery and blistered, the wings crisp and tangy, and the meatballs tender in marinara.

It’s the kind of menu that feels nostalgic but thoughtful, familiar dishes made with better ingredients. Order a few extras if you’re waiting for a whole pie; they’ll tide you over deliciously.

Don’t skip the salads and sides

Unlike your average slice shop, Bub and Grandma’s takes salads seriously. The chopped salad comes stacked with local produce, beans, and pickled peppers, while seasonal options like a peach or radicchio mix have real personality.

It’s proof that even a pizzeria can show some California flair, a fresh, bright counterbalance to the cheesy, saucy main attraction.

The sweet ending, cannoli dreams

The dessert list is short but sweet, with housemade cannoli that spark both delight and debate. They’re petite, some might say too petite for the price, but perfectly crisp and filled with rich, creamy cheese.

It’s the kind of old-school Italian touch that makes sense for this space, where Kadin’s East Coast nostalgia meets LA’s love for detail.

The space and scene on York Boulevard

Bub and Grandma’s Pizza sits in the old Town Pizza space, keeping the neighborhood’s pizza tradition alive. The setup is simple: order at the window, watch pies get sliced, and grab your box to go.

A few sidewalk tables fill fast, adding to the buzzing Highland Park vibe. It’s pizza with personality, rooted right in the community.

Where to go while you wait

There’s usually a wait, so locals have figured out the move: head to The Hermosillo down the street. The bar is known for its craft beer and relaxed vibe; check the current outside-food policies before bringing a box.

Or wander to Magpies for soft serve, Nativo for mezcal, or Kumquat for a coffee. York Boulevard turns waiting into part of the night.

The crowd and early hype

When Bub and Grandma’s Pizza opened, lines wrapped around the block. The hype came from fans of Kadin’s bread, but word spread fast among pizza lovers, too.

LA diners can be tough critics, and the mix of glowing and skeptical reactions shows how high expectations are. Still, for a brand-new shop, the buzz is undeniable; this place has everyone talking.

What locals are saying

The early reviews from locals on Reddit are mixed but lively. Some say the crust is too doughy or the sauce too acidic, while others rave about the flavor and texture.

Most agree it’s a consistency issue, typical for a spot still finding its groove. Even with debate, everyone’s watching closely. Apart from this, Jimmy John’s just launched cheesy new sandwiches. Here’s what to expect.

Comparing it to the competition

Pizza fans have compared Bub’s to nearby favorites like Prime, Hail Mary, and Secret Pizza. Some prefer those thinner New York-style slices; others think Bub’s sourdough brings something new to LA’s scene.

Either way, it’s part of a great moment for pizza in Northeast LA, where friendly rivalries push every shop to bring their best. In other news, McDonald’s changed the Filet-O-Fish; here’s what to know.

Agree or think another shop deserves the crown? Drop your favorite slice, neighborhood go-to, and must-try topping in the comments.

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.