Big Apple Pizza N Grill

"Big Apple Pizza N Grill in the Tenderloin brings true NYC energy to SF, making juicy, extra-cheesy bodega-style chopped cheeses until 3am on weeknights and 5am on weekends. But like any late-night spot, expect some chaos—orders can take 30 minutes, and you’ll likely have to wait on the sidewalk. You can save yourself a few minutes by ordering a slice of the ready-made pizza instead." - julia chen 1, lani conway, ricky rodriguez, patrick wong

"Ordering at Big Apple Pizza N Grill in the Tenderloin feels like waiting for your favorite rollercoaster, only for it to break down as soon as you’re at the front of the line. The chopped cheese is the best thing on the menu at this New York bodega-style spot—the meat is juicy, it’s plenty cheesy, and it’s big enough to share. But a likely 30-minute wait cramped inside or milling around on the sidewalk will probably kill any kind of excitement for it. To save yourself a few minutes, try ordering a slice of pizza. Although far from the best in the city, it’s at least ready to be packed up. That said, Big Apple does bring true NYC energy to the area, open late until 3am Sunday to Thursday and until 5am on Fridays and Saturdays (but don’t expect the crowds or the wait to ease up the later it gets). This tiny place only has a few counter seats, so be ready to take your food to go. Food Rundown photo credit: Patrick Wong Chopped Cheese Everything about this forearm-sized bodega classic is done right. But would we brave another half-hour wait for it? No. Ordering ahead online or via an app for pickup has mixed results. video credit: Taylor Gomez Pizza There’s much better pizza in the city, but for late-night crowds, slices of this flimsy version are perfectly serviceable. Opt for the pepperoni—the little discs of pork are curled and crispy." - Patrick Wong