Eat This Now: P.H.H.P at Northeast Pizza

Northeast Pizza’s P.H.H.P. pizza with pepperoni, hot honey, and jalapeño peppers. // Photo by Emily Wheeler

Northeast Pizza in Pendleton Heights is the kind of spot that sneaks up on you—it’s the pizza you didn’t know you were missing, but now you can’t imagine living without. The restaurant opened earlier this year, and being just a short walk from my apartment, it almost feels like fate.

I ordered online and picked up my pizza to go, so I didn’t get the full Northeast Pizza experience. But even from my couch, the pizza was delicious. The restaurant itself is cozy but very lively. Even Gumby makes an appearance. It has a neighborly vibe—perfect for sharing a meal with friends.

All of their pies are 16 inches and cut into eight slices. While I’m a fan of a classic cheese pizza, the P.H.H.P. ($22) caught my eye. Mozzarella, red sauce, pepperoni, jalapeño, and hot honey, I knew I had to try it as soon as I saw it on the menu.

And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The crust is thin but sturdy enough to hold all the toppings. I wasn’t raised to be wasteful, so I always eat my crusts—crust quality is important to me. This one delivers just the right amount of yeasty flavor while being crunchy and airy. It’s not smothered in butter and herbs like other pizzas, but it doesn’t need all that extra stuff.

The red sauce is simple and tomato-forward, not overly sweet or “zesty”—it’s perfectly balanced. The mini pepperonis are like tiny, perfect little vehicles for that hot honey. The spice from the pepperoni and jalapeños, combined with the sweet drizzle of honey, hits all the right notes. And if you’re into this pizza, it’s time to give pineapple a shot—because sweet toppings absolutely belong on pizza. But y’all aren’t ready for that conversation just yet.

I almost wish it were a little more… greasy? I haven’t been to New York yet, but I just know the pizza has to be greasier than this. I also wish you could grab a single slice of their specialty pizzas—right now, it’s only cheese ($3.25) or pepperoni ($3.75).

But honestly, who’s complaining? Leftover pizza is always a win. It’s just as delicious cold the next day, and that, in my book, is the true mark of a great pie.

Northeast Pizza is located at 2203 Lexington Ave, Kansas City, MO 64124.