San Francisco Pizza Attack
East Coasters, West Coasters, Chicagoans, I want a clean fight, a fair fight, No tomato sauce below the belt. Now touch dough and go to your corners, and come out tossing at the bell. We're here to discuss pizza in San Francisco, a town with some delectable flat round treasure even if we aren't known for it. Of course, proclaiming superior pizza is a good way to start a friendly, bloody altercation, but let's save it for the comments, shall we? Other tips always welcome, of course. Now, fight!
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Pizzeria Delfina
3611 18th St
San Francisco, CA 94110
Pizzeria Delfina is right next to the more senior and upscale Delfina, but don't let that scare you. Minimal and cute, Delfina Pizzeria has a lovely thin crust approach … with artisan toppings, probably harvested by happy little woodland creatures and flown to the restaurants on the backs of bluebirds. The desserts are nothing to scoff at, either. [link]
Pauline's
260 Valencia St
San Francisco, CA 94103
What is it with pizza places in out of the way spots? Pauline's in on Valencia a few blocks before the street gets really interesting. Call and make a reservation, … because this place gets a line out the door pretty quick. Bright, warm and friendly, Pauline's specializes in brick fired, organically topped, fresh thin crust California style pizza, and they're proud of it. They grow most of their own produce and herbs in gardens in Berkeley and the Sierra Foothills, and they give a damn about their crust. It shows. [link]
Little Star
846 Divisadero St
San Francisco, CA 94117
Chicago style, thick, saucy, garlicky slabs of pizza with crust that's chewy and crunchy in just the right measure. Excellent wine and beer on tap, and the best part is … that this ain't a Chuck E. Cheese stroller-filled nightmare. The clientele is hip and the ambiance minimalist and dark -- perfect for flirting with your date or just gorging yourself where no one can see and shame you. [link]
Tommaso's
1042 Kearny St
San Francisco, CA 94133
Underground and wildly popular, with exquisite varieties like white clam and garlic pizza, East Coast style. We'll say how exquisite: I once went here with my pops, and … he and I ordered a large, which we proceeded to demolish, down to the drippy crumbs on the platter. The kicker: I'm allergic to clams. The pizza was totally worth he agony that followed. [link]
Gaspare's
5546 Geary Blvd
San Francisco, CA 94121
Situated way out in the avenues on Geary, it's not in the trendiest part of town -- but the minute you walk in, you feel like you're home. Gaspare himself is usually … behind the counter, while his staff turn out fragrant rounds of gooey homemade goodness and sharp, flavorful antipasti. Throw in a straw-basket chianti or three, and you're good for the whole night. [link]
