Juan Vergara Brings Juan’s Pizza to Lakewood: A Bold New Pie in Birdtown

Juan’s Pizza is headed to Lakewood this fall, promising a family-friendly vibe, creative slices, and a dash of that signature Vergara magic.

The Lakewood pizza scene is about to get spicier. Juan’s Pizza, the latest creation from the ever-inventive Juan Vergara, is taking over the legendary Barroco space in Birdtown—just when you thought Lakewood had seen every pizza style under the CLE sun.

Juan Vergara's Next Big Slice

If you've dined anywhere the Vergara family has planted their flag—from Barroco's arepas to La Pecora’s wood-fired pies—you already know: these folks don’t do boring. After saying goodbye (for now) to Barroco on Larchmere and the original on Madison, Juan’s Pizza marks an exciting shift from labor-intensive Latin flavors to dough-driven creativity.

• Location: Former Barroco Grill, Birdtown, Lakewood
• Opening: Slated for fall
• Family Legacy: From Latin steakhouse legends to pizza innovators

What Sets Juan’s Pizza Apart

Don’t expect just another Neapolitan knockoff, because Juan wants no part of cookie-cutter slices. The dough will be made from scratch, but the blueprint is still under wraps. What’s sure: expect something fun, original, and very Vergara. “We're perfecting our dough, but this is no wood-fired clone of La Pecora,” Juan hints. “It’s got to be something you can’t get anywhere else.”

More Than Just Pizza: Menu Teasers & Surprises

While the menu is still hush-hush, local foodies are buzzing about possible Latin-inflected sides and maybe even a steak or two—the kitchen was built for it, after all. Expect:

• House-made pizza dough, style TBD (one surprise coming up!)
• Creative, possibly Latin-inspired menu extras
• Something for everyone, but especially families and the after-dark crowd

Experience Matters: The Space & Vibe

If you loved Barroco’s quirky home, get ready for a total transformation. Juan is deep in the ‘de-Barroco-fying’ process, aiming for a space that feels fresh but keeps an open invitation for everyone. You’ve got options:

• Dining Room: Casual, comfortable, family-friendly by day
• Patio: For the classic Lakewood pizza-and-people-watching
• Pizza Counter: Grab a front-row seat to all the slice-slinging action

And when the sun sets? Juan promises a “spicier” vibe. Translation: still welcoming, but with a CLE edge you won’t want to miss.

Why Lakewood, Why Now?

Birdtown is ready for something new, and pizza is always the answer in Northeast Ohio. The closure of Barroco leaves big shoes to fill, but the Vergara family’s quick pivot to pizza could prove Lakewood’s next obsession. With La Pecora thriving next to the former Barroco Larchmere location—another project in the works—Juan’s Pizza is set to be part of a deliciously interconnected culinary empire.

How and When to Get Involved

Juan’s Pizza is aiming to open doors this fall, just in time for cool weather and cheesy cravings. Keep those eyes peeled for opening date updates, and get ready to line up—this is a Lakewood opening you won’t want to miss.

Craving something familiar-yet-exciting on your pizza pilgrimage? Birdtown’s about to serve up a whole new slice of Cleveland flavor. Come hungry.