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Gay Nineties Pizza
Master Critic Reviews (7 Lists)
Gay Nineties Pizza
8.4
Serving Pleasanton since 1959, this Tri-Valley Herald award winner crafts sourdough specialty pizzas from scratch in a vintage-themed parlor. The family-friendly restaurant combines six decades of tradition with consistently fresh ingredients and that distinctive sourdough tang locals have loved for generations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sourdough Specialty Pizza, Gourmet Combination, Classic Pepperoni
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: 65-year legacy with award-winning sourdough crust
Who should go: Families and traditionalists seeking classic pizzas
When to visit: Weekday lunches for easy reservations
What to order: Sourdough specialty, combination pizza, vintage sodas
Insider tip: Adjacent parking lot makes downtown visits convenient
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free adjacent parking lot shared with neighboring businesses, rarely full even weekends
Dress code: Very casual - families in shorts and tees are the norm
Noise level: Family restaurant buzz - lively but not overwhelming, booths offer more privacy
Weekend wait: 20-30 min typical, up to 45 min Friday/Saturday peak
Weekday lunch: Seated immediately with reservation, 10-15 min walk-in
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple veggie pizzas plus build-your-own options
Vegan options: No - sourdough crust contains dairy, no vegan cheese offered
Gluten-free options: Limited - salads available but no GF pizza crust option
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for established couples - the bright lighting and family atmosphere lacks romance. Try Zachary's patio instead.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes on weeknights. Weekends expect 20-30 minute waits, or grab a spot at the bar.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely - high chairs, kids menu, patient staff, and the vintage décor entertains all ages. Peak family time is 5-7pm.
Best For
Better for: Nostalgic family dinners with that unique sourdough tang you can't get elsewhere - locals have trusted them for 65 years
Skip if: You want trendy toppings or late-night dining - they close at 9pm weeknights and stick to classic combinations
Gay Nineties Pizza
8.2
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Birthday & Celebration Central
Pleasanton institution (since 1959) serving sourdough-crust pies in a vintage Main Street dining room. Families and teams crowd the big booths; portions are hearty and the menu keeps it classic.
Must-Try Dishes:
House Special pizza, Sausage & mushroom pizza, Garlic bread
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: Sourdough crust and decades of Main Street history.
Who should go: Families and local teams
When to visit: Fri–Sat early evening for shorter waits
What to order: House Special, sausage–mushroom, garlic bread
Insider tip: Call ahead for large pies to cut table wait time.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street and nearby public lot parking are available along Main and Angela Streets; it can fill up quickly on weekends, but turnover is steady after 7pm.
Dress code: Casual and family-friendly—jeans, team gear, and relaxed attire are all fine.
Noise level: Moderate to loud—expect chatter and kids during peak dinner hours, but quieter late evenings.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during prime hours, especially for large groups.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately or within 5–10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian pies and salads are available, with toppings like mushrooms, olives, and bell peppers.
Vegan options: Limited—no vegan cheese, but you can customize a veggie pizza without cheese.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free crust; traditional sourdough crust contains wheat.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re going for a nostalgic, casual vibe—it’s cozy and fun, but not ideal for quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's walk-in friendly, but call ahead for groups of 6 or more to avoid long waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—families are the core crowd. Booth seating, shareable portions, and a relaxed staff make it great for kids 3 and up.
Best For
Better for: Classic, hearty sourdough pies and a nostalgic Main Street setting that feels like old-school Pleasanton.
Skip if: You’re looking for thin-crust or modern artisanal pizzas—head to nearby spots like Zachary’s or Blue Line for that.
Gay Nineties Pizza
8.1
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Birthday & Celebration Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Pleasanton institution (since 1959) known for sourdough-crust pizzas and big booths that work for families and teams. Weekend hours run later than most sit-down spots nearby.
Must-Try Dishes:
House Special (sourdough crust), Sausage & Mushroom, Garlic Bread
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Sourdough-crust pies at a long-running Main Street favorite.
Who should go: Families and small celebrations
When to visit: Fri–Sat early evening for shortest waits
What to order: House Special, sausage & mushroom, garlic bread
Insider tip: Call ahead for large pies to cut table wait time.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Main Street and nearby lots behind the building; fills up after 6pm on weekends.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, team gear, and family attire all fit in.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—family chatter and birthday groups, but still manageable for conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially for larger tables.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; seating is quick for small groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several pizzas, pastas, and salads can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—request cheeseless veggie pizza or salads without dressing.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free crust available on request; prep done in shared kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual comfort than romance—think shared pizza and local nostalgia rather than candlelight.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are common, but expect a wait on weekend evenings; call ahead for parties of six or more.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—booths fit families, staff are used to little ones, and menu options please most ages.
Best For
Better for: Group dinners, family nights, and nostalgic local pizza with sourdough crust.
Skip if: You’re seeking trendy thin-crust pies or quiet date-night ambiance.
Gay Nineties Pizza
8.4
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Birthday & Celebration Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
Downtown institution since 1959, known for scratch-made dough and signature sourdough crust. Big booths and hearty combo pies make it an easy pick for family birthdays and team tables.
Must-Try Dishes:
House Special (combo), Sourdough Crust Pepperoni, Garlic Bread
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Pleasanton’s longest-running pizzeria with distinctive sourdough crust.
Who should go: Families and youth sports teams
When to visit: Weeknights 5–6:30pm before peak
What to order: House Special, Sausage & Mushroom, Garlic Bread
Insider tip: Call ahead for large pies to cut table wait time.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking along Main Street and side streets; fills quickly after 6pm on weekends.
Dress code: Casual – jeans, tees, and team jerseys fit right in.
Noise level: Lively during dinner rush with team tables and families; quieter early evenings.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak hours, especially for large groups.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; fast seating before noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several pies like Veggie Special and Margherita, plus salads and pasta options.
Vegan options: Limited – can omit cheese on select pizzas; no dedicated vegan cheese.
Gluten-free options: Available on request for small pizzas; shared kitchen prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? More of a nostalgic family hangout than a romantic spot; better for casual get-to-know-you meals.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes – walk-ins welcome, but call ahead for groups over six, especially on Fridays and Saturdays.
Is it kid-friendly? Very – high chairs, kid-size pizzas, and crayons available; booths fit families comfortably.
Best For
Better for: Large groups, team dinners, and families wanting hearty, old-school sourdough pizza in a nostalgic downtown setting.
Skip if: You’re looking for gourmet toppings, craft cocktails, or a quiet date-night vibe.
Gay Nineties Pizza
8.2
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Birthday & Celebration Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
Old-school Pleasanton institution (since 1959) serving hearty pies, salads, and garlic bread in a lively, family-oriented room. It’s the go-to for birthday slices and team-table dinners after games.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gay Nineties Special Pizza, Garlic Bread with Cheese, Antipasto Salad
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Decades-strong pizzeria tradition with crowd-pleasing pies and portions.
Who should go: Families and youth sports teams
When to visit: Weekdays before 6pm; weekends late afternoon
What to order: House Special pizza, Garlic Bread, Antipasto
Insider tip: Call ahead for large pies to minimize table wait.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Main Street and nearby side streets is free but can fill quickly during dinner hours; two public lots are within a 2-minute walk.
Dress code: Very casual—think jeans, team gear, or whatever you’d wear to a little league game.
Noise level: High during peak dinner hours and weekends; lively crowd noise but still manageable for group chatter.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes for large groups; faster for small parties if you arrive before 6:00pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, even for groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several pizzas, pastas, and salads are fully vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—can customize veggie pizza without cheese, but no dedicated vegan cheese or entrees.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free crust available on request; prepared in a shared kitchen so not fully celiac-safe.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a romantic first date—it’s a bustling, family-oriented pizzeria with loud energy. Better for a casual night with friends or a second date when you’re past first impressions.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm. Expect a short wait on weekends, especially for groups over six. Calling ahead helps for large parties or birthday gatherings.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely—high chairs, booster seats, and kid-sized pizzas make it a go-to for families. Ages 2 and up fit right in, and staff are used to big family tables.
Best For
Better for: Larger family groups, birthday parties, and anyone wanting an old-school Pleasanton pizza night with history and heart.
Skip if: You’re after a quiet dinner, modern Italian cuisine, or a wine-focused dining experience—try Locanda Amalfi or Pastas Trattoria instead.
Gay Nineties Pizza
8.0
Old-school downtown institution (since 1959) serving hearty red-sauce classics; their baked lasagna comes with nostalgic vibes and generous portions. Families and teams pile in for big salads, pasta, and pizza.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lasagna (A La Carte or Full Dinner), Rigatoni with Meat Sauce, Eggplant Parmesan
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Long-running, crowd-pleasing lasagna with classic red-sauce flavors.
Who should go: Families and nostalgic red-sauce fans
When to visit: Weeknights before 6:30 or late lunch
What to order: Lasagna dinner, garlic bread, cobb salad
Insider tip: Choose the full dinner for salad and bread—best value.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking and nearby public lots behind Main Street; can fill up during dinner rush.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—jeans and team gear common for family nights.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation possible but energetic during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes for large parties, shorter for 2–4 if early.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, even for groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—lasagna, cheese ravioli, and veggie pizza are reliable picks.
Vegan options: Limited—salads without cheese or dressing are the only options.
Gluten-free options: Basic gluten-free pizza crust available on request; pasta not gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual or nostalgic dates than romantic ones—expect family energy and classic booths, not dim lighting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm; just avoid peak weekend dinner hours if you’re in a hurry.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—booths, shareable portions, and a relaxed staff make it ideal for families and team celebrations.
Best For
Better for: Group dining, hearty comfort food, and old-school Pleasanton charm.
Skip if: You’re looking for modern Italian or quieter date-night ambiance.
Gay Nineties Pizza
8.1
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Historic 1864 building houses Pleasanton's first pizzeria since 1959, winning Best Pizza from Tri-Valley Herald since 1997. Hand-pounded sourdough crust aged slowly distinguishes pies made entirely from scratch, including sauces and dressings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sourdough Specialty Pizza, Fried Zucchini, All Meat Pizza
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Award-winning sourdough crust recipe perfected since 1959
Who should go: Families and budget-conscious diners craving authentic pizza
When to visit: Lunch specials Monday-Friday offer baby pizza with soup/salad
What to order: Any sourdough specialty, fried zucchini as appetizer
Insider tip: Building rumored haunted by 'Blue Lady' ghost from brothel days
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Convenient lot adjacent to building shared with other businesses, plus street parking on Main St (metered until 6pm, free after)
Dress code: Ultra casual - t-shirts, jeans, anything goes, this is a pizza parlor not fine dining
Noise level: Lively family atmosphere - moderate noise from conversations and activity, not ideal for quiet intimate talks
Weekend wait: 30-45 min typical Friday/Saturday peak hours, popular with locals so arrive early or call ahead
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, quick turnaround for lunch crowd, rarely more than 10-15 min
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - excellent veggie pizza options, customizable toppings, famous fried zucchini
Vegan options: Limited - can do cheese-less pizza with veggie toppings, check on dough ingredients
Gluten-free options: Ask about availability - not their specialty given famous sourdough crust is the signature
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Great for super casual first date if you both love pizza and vintage vibes - budget-friendly ($15-20/person), laid-back, and the historic building gives you conversation starters. Not romantic-intimate though.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, they take walk-ins daily. Reservations available Monday-Thursday for dinner and anytime for lunch. Weekends get busy so calling ahead helps, but they'll usually squeeze you in.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely kid-friendly - locals bring families for generations. Kids love the vintage decor and ghost stories. All ages welcome. High chairs available. This is classic family pizza night territory.
What's the lunch special? Monday-Friday lunch special: buy baby pizza, get choice of soup or salad included - unbeatable value for quick downtown lunch under $15.
Is the ghost thing real? Building dates to 1864, was a brothel upstairs in old days. Staff and locals report 'Blue Lady' sightings. Even featured on TV shows. Ask about the underground tunnel to old jailhouse. Fun local lore whether you believe or not.
Good for takeout? Yes, excellent takeout option - pizzas travel well, everything made from scratch holds up. Popular choice for family movie nights. Call ahead to skip wait.
Best For
Better for: Best traditional sourdough crust pizza in Tri-Valley (award-winning since 1997), unbeatable value for families on budget, most historic atmosphere with authentic character, fastest casual lunch in downtown, genuine local institution since 1959
Skip if: You want upscale date-night ambiance or Neapolitan-style pizza, need extensive gluten-free options, prefer modern trendy spots over vintage charm, or seeking quiet intimate setting