A new eatery is set to bring late-night New York-style pizza to midtown Sacramento, taking over the space once occupied by the long-standing Café Marika. Marilyn’s Pizza, currently under construction, will open at 2011 J St., Suite A, where the beloved Hungarian restaurant operated for 30 years.
Owned by TJ Bruce, who also owns several LGBTQ+ bars in the nearby Lavender Heights neighborhood, including Badlands, Roscoe’s Bars & Burgers, and The Depot, Marilyn’s Pizza will offer giant 20-inch pies, hand-tossed daily. According to the restaurant’s website, customers can also enjoy single slices for a quick bite.
Marilyn’s Pizza will cater to the late-night crowd, staying open until 2 or 3 a.m. on weekends, making it one of the few food spots available after bars close. Signage is already visible outside the location, and Bruce aims to open the pizzeria within the next month.
Café Marika, known for its goulash, chicken paprikash, and pan-fried pork schnitzel, closed in January 2020 when owners Eva and Louie Chruma retired. Now, the space will continue its culinary legacy with a new, late-night twist.