Tim S.
Yelp
In a neighborhood with real drinkers' bars, you need places like these. As our pal, Sean, who sets up the BBQ in front of Malatov's, knows and steps up and delivers. But when you want pizza, you might think of going here.
I like the crew, they've been running the place consistently for years if not decades, and there is value in consistency. But this is no Tony's. Not really a Domino's (if you order properly, Domino's is still in the game). But stick to the ready-to-eat slices and you'll not be too unhappy.
I get pepperoni. The Athenian is not a bad choice. Chicken does not belong on or near a pizza, so my wife's choices shall be omitted from this review. But if that's your thing, she LOVES this place, so have fun.
Also, because my wife loves this place and we live 2 blocks away, we ordered a whole pie for delivery once. Once being the operative. The stakes were high: I wanted anchovies. Seemingly the last person to want anchovies before me was in the 80s--these anchovies were rank. I would have walked my half of the pizza back to the shop and requested a refund, but I accept the risk I took ordering anchovies, and this time, I lost. But I might also add that my onions, which were red onions for whatever reason, seem to have been forgotten in the original prep. They were raw and crunchy: OK on a salad, but proper white or yellow onions mingle with the bell peppers and minced garlic when cooking and throwing raw ones on after the pizza comes out of the oven is just offensive. To the tastebuds, sensibility, and trust.
Never order a whole pizza here. If you don't like Domino's, CostCo is a better option. Or take responsibility for your happiness and get a pizza somewhere that smells good and has a proper brick oven.
But if you are in the neighborhood at this moment, check Sean out in front of Malatov's. Tell him Tim and Krista sent you. He'll set you up.
Alternatively there're 2 sushi joints--one better than the other, so see their reviews. I think the cheaper one is the good one, but.... also, dumpling city, the Korean bbq. The Bar at Pierce and Haight has an entirely gross food menu. A common situation in top notch bars like this one who want to discourage food orders and focus on the drink. I'm told Otra is one to try.
Walk up to Divisadero and the Hotel Metro has Italian but closes early. Horsefeather is fun the first and second time.
But if you're wasted and in the neighborhood (although I doubt such a person would get this far in the review), then get the pizza. It's cheap and it'll do the trick. Or there are a few markets right there--get a pair of Hostess cupcakes, a strawberry milk, and a snickers. You can't go wrong.
