0 Followers
Escape From New York Pizza
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Escape From New York Pizza
8.1
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Group Dining Gatherings
Long-running FiDi slice shop turning out New York–style pies with quick counter service and late hours on select days. Families lean on it for dependable pepperoni, build-your-own combos, and gluten-free options without a long sit-down.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pepperoni Pizza, You Say Potato (pesto, roasted potatoes, garlic), Miss Figgy (figs, bacon, goat cheese, balsamic)
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Legacy SF slice shop (since the ’80s; this FiDi outpost since 1999) with fast, family-friendly service.
Who should go: Families wanting quick slices near Montgomery
When to visit: Weekdays before noon or after 1:30 to skip lines
What to order: Pepperoni slice; You Say Potato; Miss Figgy
Insider tip: Order online for pickup to avoid the lunch rush; ask about gluten-free medium pies.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking around Belden Place is scarce during business hours; the nearest garage is the Sutter-Stockton Garage (about a 5-minute walk).
Dress code: Casual – office wear, jeans, and sneakers are all fine.
Noise level: Moderate during lunch rush; quiet mid-afternoon and evenings.
Weekend wait: Typically no wait, though hours vary—check before visiting.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minutes at peak noon hours; usually no wait off-peak.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several pies like Miss Figgy and Margherita are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited – can request cheeseless veggie slices or vegan modifications when available.
Gluten-free options: Yes – gluten-free medium pies offered; request extra time for prep.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a formal date—it's counter-service and casual—but great for a laid-back lunch or quick post-work bite.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, all seating is first-come counter-style; indoor and outdoor tables on Belden Place open up frequently.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – quick service, simple menus, and big slices make it easy for families with kids 5 and up; strollers fit best at outdoor tables.
Best For
Better for: Faster turnaround and larger, classic NY-style slices than nearby boutique pizza spots.
Skip if: You want artisanal Neapolitan-style pies, table service, or a quieter dining room.
Escape From New York Pizza
7.8
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Late Night Legends
Long-running slice shop known for jumbo New York–style pies, fast counter service, and late hours Thu–Sat. Office crews lean on it for quick lunches and reliable after-hours slices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pepperoni slice, You Say Potato (pesto, potato, garlic), Great Escape (pepperoni, mushrooms, onions)
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Classic New York–style slices downtown with speedy service and late hours.
Who should go: Slice-seekers and hungry office crowds
When to visit: Before 12:05 pm or after 1:30 pm for shortest lines
What to order: Pepperoni; You Say Potato; Great Escape
Insider tip: Order ahead online and pick up at the Bush Street entrance.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots on Bush and Montgomery are limited during lunch hours but easier after 6pm.
Dress code: Totally casual — come as you are; office attire, jeans, or gym clothes all fit in.
Noise level: Lively during lunch rush with background chatter; otherwise moderate and easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: Minimal wait — slices move fast even on busy nights.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minutes at peak; nearly instant before noon or after 1:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several options like Margherita and You Say Potato.
Vegan options: Limited — no vegan cheese but some veggie pies can be customized by the slice.
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free crusts available; stick to salads if avoiding gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date’s into low-key, grab-a-slice energy — it’s more casual lunch or post-bar pit stop than date-night spot.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter service only with a few indoor seats; no reservations needed or offered.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — casual, quick, and affordable. Ideal for older kids or teens who can handle downtown crowds.
Best For
Better for: Quick, classic New York–style slices and late-night convenience.
Skip if: You’re after sit-down service, artisan crusts, or wine-paired pizza dinners — head to Café Tiramisu instead.
Escape From New York Pizza
8.2
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Counter-service New York–style slices with late-night hours Thursday through Sunday. Office workers and night owls hit it for fast, foldable pies and predictable timing right in the heart of FiDi.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pepperoni slice, Cheese slice, Mushroom slice
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Late-night slice service in a central FiDi location.
Who should go: Night owls and office crowd on budgets
When to visit: Thu–Sat after 10pm for shortest lines
What to order: Pepperoni, cheese, mushroom slices
Insider tip: Order online for pickup; window seats turn fast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is scarce in FiDi, especially at night; garages nearby (Embarcadero Center, 1–2 blocks) run $8–12 after 6pm. No valet.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, hoodies, office wear all fine. No dress code enforced.
Noise level: Moderate to lively late at night; you can hold a conversation but expect background chatter and music.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes for slices after 10pm; lines can form but turnover is quick.
Weekday lunch: No real wait—grab-and-go counter service keeps things moving.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—cheese and mushroom slices are staples, and veggie specials rotate.
Vegan options: Limited—can do plain cheese-free slice if available, but no dedicated vegan cheese.
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free crust; not recommended for strict GF diners.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a traditional date—it's counter-service and casual. Better for a low-key, late-night hang or quick post-bar snack.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are a few counter seats and small tables, but turnover is fast and no reservations are taken.
Is it kid-friendly? Kids can eat here early evenings, but seating is limited and late-night hours cater more to adults. No high chairs or kid amenities.
Best For
Better for: Late-night reliability in FiDi with fast, foldable New York–style slices when most kitchens are closed.
Skip if: You want gourmet toppings, a sit-down meal, or gluten-free/vegan-friendly options—other pizzerias or Italian spots will fit better.
Escape From New York Pizza
7.7
Counter-service New York–style slices that kids and adults agree on, with quick lines and easy takeout. A practical option for families needing a fast, affordable bite in the heart of FiDi.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pepperoni slice, Cheese slice, Mushroom slice
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Fast, no-frills slices with reliably quick turnaround.
Who should go: Families on budgets and tight timelines
When to visit: Mid-afternoon to avoid office lunch lines
What to order: Pepperoni, cheese, mushroom slices
Insider tip: Grab multiple slices and a window seat; turnover is quick.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is scarce in FiDi; best bet is nearby paid garages on Clay or California Streets.
Dress code: Completely casual—jeans, t-shirts, and sneakers are the norm.
Noise level: Moderate during peak lunch, quieter mid-afternoon; easy enough for family conversation.
Weekend wait: Typically no wait; counter moves quickly.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minutes in line during peak office rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—classic cheese, mushroom, and veggie slices available.
Vegan options: Limited—plain slice without cheese, but no dedicated vegan cheese options.
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free crusts offered.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it’s a quick slice shop with counter seating, better for casual hangs than dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-in only, counter and small tables turn over fast.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—slices are shareable and service is quick; best for kids 5+ who can manage counter seating.
Best For
Better for: Fast, affordable New York-style slices in the middle of FiDi—quicker and cheaper than sit-down Italian spots.
Skip if: You want a leisurely dinner, gluten-free options, or a romantic setting—look elsewhere.