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Marcello’s Pizza
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Marcello’s Pizza
8.4
Castro stalwart since 1978 turning out hefty New York–style and Sicilian slices late into the night. Locals come for fast counter service, consistent bake, and a broad topping lineup that travels well.
Must-Try Dishes:
Big Sicilian Slice, Margherita, Pepperoni & Mushroom
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Long-running slice shop with late hours and reliable Sicilian pies.
Who should go: Night owls and slice traditionalists
When to visit: After 10pm for fastest turnover and fresh pies
What to order: Big Sicilian, Margherita slice, pepperoni-mushroom
Insider tip: Ask for a reheat for extra-crisp edges on Sicilian slices.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited metered street parking along Castro and 18th; best to use the nearby public lot on Collingwood after 6pm.
Dress code: Completely casual—hoodie, jeans, or post-bar attire all fine.
Noise level: Moderate to lively late night; quieter during early evenings.
Weekend wait: Usually 5–10 minutes for slices; full pies may take 15–20 minutes.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait unless a rush of foot traffic hits.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—Margherita, veggie, and cheese slices are always available.
Vegan options: Limited—no vegan cheese, but can customize with sauce and veggie toppings.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free crust; cross-contact likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re going casual—think post-movie or after-bar slice, not a sit-down dinner. Fun, low-pressure vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, always. Walk-in counter service only—grab a booth or counter stool if available.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick meals—simple menu, fast service, and big slices, though late-night crowds skew adult.
Best For
Better for: Late-night slices and reliable consistency—hard to beat for quick, classic New York–style pizza in the Castro.
Skip if: You want a sit-down pizzeria with wine service or gourmet toppings; Il Casaro nearby fits that better.
Marcello’s Pizza
8.3
Long-running Castro slice shop known for late-night hours and hefty New York–style slices. Expect a steady post-bar crowd and quick counter service that keeps the line moving.
Must-Try Dishes:
Big Sicilian Slice, Pepperoni Slice, Meatball Calzone
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Castro mainstay serving slices well past midnight.
Who should go: Night owls craving fast, satisfying slices
When to visit: Fri–Sat after 11pm for fastest turnover
What to order: Big Sicilian, pepperoni slice, meatball calzone
Insider tip: Grab a Sicilian slice—thicker, reheats perfectly for the walk.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; can be tricky late at night, but nearby residential streets often open up after 11pm.
Dress code: Casual — come as you are; post-bar attire and hoodies fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — expect chatter from late-night crowds but still manageable for quick conversation.
Weekend wait: 5–10 minutes for counter service; line moves fast even at peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; steady slice traffic only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple veggie slice options like Margherita and mushroom are always available.
Vegan options: Limited — can request cheeseless veggie slice but no dedicated vegan cheese.
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free crust available; traditional dough only.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date loves late-night slice runs — it’s casual, fun, and nostalgic, but not a sit-down spot for lingering.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — no reservations needed; counter seating and a few small tables turn over quickly even late.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes during the day; after 10pm it’s mostly a post-bar crowd, so better for older teens and adults.
Best For
Better for: Faster, cheaper, and more consistent late-night slices than nearby spots like Orphan Andy’s or The Detour’s kitchen.
Skip if: You’re looking for a sit-down pizza dinner or specialty toppings — this is a grab-and-go slice joint.
Marcello’s Pizza
7.8
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Comfort Food Classics
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Neighborhood slice shop that grills its wings to order, turning out garlicky, well-seasoned batches alongside Sicilian slices. Expect counter service, quick turns, and portions that outperform the price.
Must-Try Dishes:
Garlic Parmesan Wings, Grilled Buffalo Wings, Sicilian Slice
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Grilled, not fried, wings with punchy garlic-parmesan seasoning.
Who should go: Budget-minded wing-and-slice fans
When to visit: Late afternoon for shortest counter wait
What to order: Garlic parmesan wings; Buffalo wings; Sicilian slice
Insider tip: Order wings first—grilling takes a few extra minutes.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Castro and 18th; generally available midday but tight after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, tees, and ball caps are all standard here.
Noise level: Moderate — steady chatter and kitchen sounds but fine for casual conversation.
Weekend wait: 5–10 minutes for counter orders, seats usually open up quickly.
Weekday lunch: No wait; most grab and go.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — cheese, veggie, and mushroom slices available daily.
Vegan options: Limited — dairy-free pizza by request, but wings are not vegan.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated crusts or prep area; cross-contact possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if the date’s casual — it’s more of a grab-a-slice spot than a sit-down meal setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — walk up and claim a counter or one of the small tables; turnover is quick.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids; counter seating and quick service work well, though space for strollers is limited.
Best For
Better for: Quick, inexpensive wings and slices when you want flavor and speed over atmosphere.
Skip if: You’re looking for cocktails, table service, or a long sit-down dinner.