San Diego Pizza Places: You Want a Pizza Pie?

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    A pizza is a pizza is a pizza…right? Not according to these local pizzerias. Whether you’re craving a Chicago-style deep dish or a cracker-thin crust, these will surely please your palette.

Bronx Pizza:

    If you’re looking for tableside service and a polite waiter, you may just want to drive by this neighborhood place. But if you’re just looking for good pizza and a true New York experience, be sure to stop in at Bronx Pizza. Pizza slices come in at $2.50, and a hit combo is two slices and a soda for $6.00. There’s only one size of a full pie here – 18” will have to be good for your group. The white stone pizza – ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and garlic – is a popular favorite, while the Bronx Deluxe is the ultimate works pizza.
    Insider’s Tip: If you’re looking to take a pie to go, call ahead – there’s a long line of people at the take-out counter and only one park bench.

 
Lefty’s Chicago Pizzeria:

    For a pizza that’s just oozing chunky tomato sauce and freshly grated mozzarella on top of a golden crusted deep dish pizza, check out Lefty’s Chicago Pizzeria. Slices here go for $3 and can be served within minutes while full pies take from 30-60 minutes to prepare. As an extra sinful temptation, Lefty’s offers stuffed pizzas, claimed to be the king of all pizzas. For a truly authentic experience, try the Monster of the Midway – sausage, pepperoni, and giardiniera – a spicy blend of Italian olives, pepperoncini, veggies, garlic, cayenne peppers, oil and herbs.
   
    Insider’s Tip: If you’re seriously craving carbs, try the cheesy garlic bread as an appetizer. Atkins himself couldn’t withstand this temptation.

 
 
Pizza Nova:

    If you’re looking for sit-down service as well as gourmet pizza, head to Pizza Nova. The décor is polished and ready for the business-lunching crowd – but don’t worry, the chefs work as hard as the interior decorators. The Thai pizza tops the menu, with scallions, carrots, peanut sauce, and your choice of chicken or shrimp. The Margherita pizza will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters and you can order the works with or without bait (anchovies). Pizza Nova is the restaurant that will make that Boboli in your freezer more than a little bit jealous.

    Insider’s Tip: Some of the most tantalizing menu options here linger under the pasta heading – check out the Chicken Tequila Fettuccini and Broccoli with Penne before ordering.

Pizza Port:

    If you like a little pizza with your beer, then you should know about Pizza Port. With a dozen beers on tap, many of which were brewed four feet from the bartender, Pizza Port is known for its beers, especially the famous Sharkbite Red. Because the beer is so good once it hits your lips, many tend to overlook the equally delicious pizzas, which will surely delight your taste buds. Pesto lovers should try the Pizza Carlsbad, which comes with mesquite-grilled chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, feta cheese, and of course, pesto. Other recommendations: the Pizza Lahaina (Canadian bacon, pineapple, bell peppers, and onions) and the BBQ Chicken Pizza (hopefully that one’s self-explanatory).
 
    Insider’s Tip: Pizza Port doesn’t know the meaning of a slow night – the place is consistently packed and the picnic-table style seating isn’t conducive to reservations. Be prepared to pounce on a table when one opens up – and be willing to squish to accommodate another group. Luckily, the food and the beer are so good that you won’t care!