(Tookout 07/19/23 WE @ 3:30pm): Tuscany's Prato community was now being represented in The Heights of Jersey City!
Prato Bakery's The Heights location recently opened up minutes from my friend's place, and I couldn't wait to finally try them. During my last visit over the previous Thanksgiving holiday, it was still vacant. I had my first experience with this brand a couple years ago as a snack while I drank beers next door at Departed Soles Brewing Co., and I had a favorable time with their food. Would their latest Italian bakery (pizzas and sandwiches, too!) elevate them to new heights!?
PURCHASE
Pancioc Round Soft Bread With Big Chocolate Chunks ($4.55): This mound of dense yet soft ball of bread was a lovely dessert once we put it in the microwave for fifteen seconds, as the chocolate slowly melted as we pulled this pastry apart. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=nn9HarVdD2qnsUeaRExeGQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
Potatoes Pork & Rosemary Focaccia Bread Pizza ($5.79): The potatoes were thick, soft, and seasoned, the pork bits a tad tough with a subtle saltiness, and rosemary made everything better, while the bread was airy and crispy with drizzled olive oil. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=5B__UJEk2_QyKLJu53f8bQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
Finocchiona Salame And Pecorino Toscano Cheese Sandwich ($14.49): This sandwich was packed with thinly-sliced salame https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=-Wg8Q4iBBlN7TWFViP0DWA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw on a bed of cheese, a few seconds in the microwave and this was a crusty treat as oil from the meat ran down your lips and fingers. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=DtGlrrXSZ0SzmFVoj9NnnA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
SERVICE
We came while two staff members were getting ready to close the shop for the day. They were friendly and kind enough to help us as we simply grabbed a few things they still had on display. Everything was simple and straightforward - thank you!
PARKING (Varied; N/A this instance)
My friend and I took the leisurely 10 minute walk from her place, so parking wasn't an issue for us. Otherwise, there appeared to be limited parking along the main drag of Palisades Ave. and all surrounding streets - 'nuff said.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
A small takeout business with visible counter tops and displays that encircled the center floor, there was an old butcher shop and coffee hangout feel to it. The walls were painted egg yolk yellow https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=9bqK-EyacmR-yYaBPVijbA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw with various menu signs https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=rqPlpb9fiB6wisfh4T_XfQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw hung on the walls. Plenty of natural lighting entered through the large front windows and door while electric lights hung from the ceiling filled in the rest. I couldn't recall any TVs while music played in the background. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=7fnII7Y2dQ2Jn1-vQJoGgw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
The Height's Prato Bakery location was a pleasant addition to the neighborhood, and I would definitely return to try more of their tasty goodies now that they were conveniently located. Although I wouldn't order any of their drinks, I felt they had a decent menu selection of baked goods, pizzas, and sandwiches. I loved everything I ate, the prices were a bit on the high end, and the service was efficient. And, whenever possible I liked to support small family-owned and/or local businesses. Lastly, they participated in the "Too Good To Go" app which was a program where businesses offered any remaining food at a discount instead of being thrown away; such an awesome idea and great way to try new businesses! I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $26.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 4.0 STARS read more