USU Cafe in Baltimore: Detroit-Style Pizza in Canton
USU Cafe is a small counter-service pizzeria in Canton that makes Detroit-style rectangular pizza by the slice or whole pie, with a limited menu of house-made sides and no dine-in seating. It operates as a takeout and delivery operation in a neighborhood where sit-down pizza restaurants dominate, making it a practical choice for quick meals or solo lunches.
What USU Cafe actually is
Detroit-style pizza differs from the New York and Neapolitan formats that Baltimore chains like Woodberry Kitchen and Looney's Pub emphasize. The dough is thicker and airier, proofed in an oiled rectangular pan so the crust develops a crispy, almost-fried perimeter. Toppings are applied before baking, and cheese typically runs to the edges. USU Cafe produces this format in small batches, selling by the slice during the day and taking whole-pie orders for takeout or delivery.
Menu and pricing
Signature offerings include a pepperoni square ($4.50 per slice as of late 2024; confirm current pricing) and a white pie with ricotta and mozzarella. Whole pies range from around $22 to $30 depending on toppings. The cafe also makes focaccia-style bread and a small selection of salads. Pricing sits between casual takeout pizza and sit-down pizzeria fare, positioning it closer to Looney's Pub slices in cost but with a different dough structure and eating experience. The menu rotates specials on a weekly basis, posted on the storefront and social media.
How it compares to other Baltimore pizza
Baltimore's pizza landscape splits between New York-style production (Woodberry Kitchen's Sicilian rectangles, Looney's traditional thin crust) and Neapolitan specialists (Aggio, Tagliata). Detroit-style remains less common in the city. USU Cafe's closest competitors in format would be smaller producers offering rectangular slices, though none operate at USU's scale in Canton. If you want Detroit crust and speed, USU Cafe is the direct option. If you prefer sitting down, a full bar, and New York crust, Looney's Pub on Thames Street serves that need in the same neighborhood. For Neapolitan, Aggio on North Avenue demands a longer wait but delivers wood-fired pizzas with charred leoparding and a softer crumb.
Who it suits and who it does not suit
USU Cafe works well for office workers grabbing lunch, people ordering delivery to nearby apartments, and anyone curious about Detroit-style dough. The lack of seating rules out lingering meals, group dinners, and anyone wanting a full restaurant setting. Takeout-only format also means no beverages beyond what you bring yourself (BYOB is not mentioned as an option; bring water or coffee from elsewhere).
What the first visit involves
Walk to the counter, view the current slices in the display case, and order by the piece. Whole pies require advance ordering, typically with a 24-hour lead time. Payment is card or cash. Slices are boxed and ready in under five minutes. The space is compact with standing room only; many customers eat in their car or walk the block to Looney's Playground or the water.
Hours, parking, and logistics
USU Cafe operates Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., with hours subject to seasonal adjustment (verify before a late visit). Canton has metered street parking and a few municipal lots within a short walk. The pizzeria sits on the 800 block of Canton Street, a five-minute walk from the Canton waterfront.
USU Cafe fills a specific gap in Baltimore's pizza ecosystem, making Detroit-style accessible without requiring a sit-down reservation or Neapolitan bake times.
