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Haystack Pizza
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Haystack Pizza
8.0
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Quick Bites Champions
Family-owned Noe Valley stalwart (since 1972) serving classic, generously topped pies alongside pastas and kid-friendly staples. Portions and pricing make it an easy go-to for weeknight dinners and casual celebrations.
Must-Try Dishes:
#3 The Haystack (sausage, salami, pepperoni, mushrooms, peppers, onions), #6 Luigi the Italian (pesto, garlic, tomatoes), Lelani Hawaiian
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Neighborhood institution with a long menu of classic specialty pies.
Who should go: Families wanting reliable, crowd-pleasing pizza
When to visit: Early evenings; weekends fill up quickly
What to order: The Haystack, Luigi the Italian, Lelani Hawaiian
Insider tip: Large ‘Wagon Wheel’ pies feed groups without breaking the budget.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along 24th Street and nearby residential blocks; metered spots can be tight after 6pm but turnover is steady from nearby shops.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, hoodies, and family attire all fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate during dinner; lively chatter but manageable for conversation.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes for groups, quicker for takeout orders.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait—walk right in.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple veggie pies and pasta options available.
Vegan options: Limited—can customize with no cheese, but no vegan cheese substitute offered.
Gluten-free options: Available on request for most pizzas; cross-contact possible in shared kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re going for casual comfort—think easy conversation over a shared pie, not candlelit romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are standard here. Expect short waits during family rush hours on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely—booths, large pies, and fast service make it a hit with families and kids of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Classic, hearty pizzas with generous toppings and nostalgic neighborhood charm.
Skip if: You’re looking for wood-fired artisan pies or trendy cocktails—this is pure old-school comfort.
Haystack Pizza
7.8
Long-running Noe Valley standby (since 1972) for classic pies, thick or thin, plus calzones and salads. Friendly service and value pricing make it a dependable takeout or family night option.
Must-Try Dishes:
Alexander (sausage, salami, pepperoni, mushrooms), Cheese & Sauce (thin or thick crust), Veggie Combo
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Neighborhood classic offering thin or thick crust with generous toppings.
Who should go: Families and takeout planners
When to visit: Call ahead weekends to skip peak waits
What to order: Alexander combo, thin-crust cheese, Veggie Combo
Insider tip: Request well-done bake for extra-crisp thin crust.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available along 24th Street and nearby residential blocks; expect light competition during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Completely casual—jeans, tees, and neighborhood comfort attire are the norm.
Noise level: Low to moderate; easy for family conversation and casual catch-ups.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes for dine-in; takeout can stretch to 40 minutes during rush.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick counter service and steady pickup flow.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple veggie pies and salads available, including the Veggie Combo and Greek options.
Vegan options: Limited—no vegan cheese, but can customize with sauce-only or veggie-loaded pies.
Gluten-free options: Not formally offered; regular crust only, though some salads and sides are safe choices.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re going for laid-back and nostalgic—this is more of a local comfort stop than a romantic venue.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, entirely walk-in friendly. Tables turn over quickly, but takeout remains the fastest option.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—families are the core crowd. Booster seats available, and plenty of menu options for picky eaters.
Best For
Better for: Classic, affordable pies in a homey, unpretentious setting—great for families and takeout reliability.
Skip if: You’re seeking wood-fired or gourmet pizza experiences like Fiorella or Flour + Water Pizzeria.