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Washington Square Pizza
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Washington Square Pizza
7.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Washington Square Pizza is a compact walk-up spot near the beach turning out New York–leaning slices and whole pies from a simple counter. It’s the kind of place locals hit on foot for a quick, affordable slice before or after time on the sand.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cheese slice, Pepperoni slice, Veggie combination pizza
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Beach-adjacent slice window serving straightforward New York–style pies.
Who should go: Beachgoers wanting fast, inexpensive slices
When to visit: Lunch and early evening for fresh pies out of the oven
What to order: Cheese or pepperoni slice, plus a veggie-topped pie to share
Insider tip: Grab your slice and eat on the move toward the water.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only in the Marina Peninsula; can be tight during beach hours but easier on weeknights.
Dress code: Ultra-casual; beachwear, sandals, and grab-and-go attire are all normal.
Noise level: Low to moderate; it’s a walk-up counter with minimal seating, so noise is mostly from foot traffic outside.
Weekend wait: 5–10 minutes depending on slice turnover; whole pies may take 15–20 minutes.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait for slices; small wait for whole pies.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — cheese, veggie slices, and build-your-own veggie pies available.
Vegan options: Limited — may offer sauce-only or veggie-topped pies without cheese, but no dedicated vegan cheese.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free crust; not recommended for strict gluten-free diners.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual hangouts than formal dates; ideal if you’re grabbing quick slices before a beach walk, not for a full sit-down meal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no reservations and minimal seating; expect to eat standing, on a bench, or while walking to the beach.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick stops — slices are inexpensive and fast — but note the lack of indoor seating and limited space for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Fast, affordable slices steps from the sand — ideal for beachgoers and solo diners wanting a no-frills option.
Skip if: You want gourmet toppings, craft pies, or a sit-down dining experience; try Pizzana or Sampa’s for elevated options.
Washington Square Pizza
7.8
Opened in 2025 by Venice architect Tima Bell, this New York-style pizzeria features a walk-up window for late-night slices and seats 140 when fully open. The casual setup with outdoor seating captures the territorial-yet-welcoming Venice vibe.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pepperoni Pizza, Meat Lovers Pizza, Lucky Lu Spicy Pizza
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.2
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: New Venice-designed spot with walk-up window and extensive outdoor seating
Who should go: Beach-goers, locals, late-night slice hunters
When to visit: Late night Friday-Saturday until 2am, happy hour 4:30-6:30pm
What to order: NY-style by the slice, BBQ chicken, The Brine
Insider tip: Two-slice minimum when ordering by the slice
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Abbot Kinney and surrounding blocks - competitive but turnable after 8pm. Public lot at Venice & Pacific available.
Dress code: Pure casual - beach attire, shorts, flip-flops all welcome. This is Venice.
Noise level: Lively outdoor buzz - fine for casual conversation, not ideal for intimate talks
Weekend wait: Walk-up window = no wait for slices. Full dining 15-25 min peak times
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait - grab slices immediately or quick seating
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple veggie pizzas plus build-your-own options
Vegan options: Limited - can do cheese-less pizza with veggie toppings, ask about dough
Gluten-free options: No - traditional NY-style crust only, no GF options available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 3rd+ dates or very casual first meets. Outdoor seating lacks intimacy, but the late-night slice-and-walk vibe works for laid-back chemistry tests.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes - walk-ins welcome, especially weekdays. Weekend evenings might have short waits, but the walk-up window always offers immediate slice service.
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly. Casual outdoor setup, pizza by the slice, no fuss. Perfect post-beach family stop. All ages welcome.
What's the scene like late night? Classic Venice - mix of locals wrapping up bar nights, skaters, artists, beach crew. Territorial but welcoming energy, exactly what you'd expect from a 2am slice window.
Can I just grab a quick slice? That's literally the point. Walk-up window designed for fast slice service. Two-slice minimum, in and out in minutes.
Best For
Better for: Late-night slice accessibility, outdoor Venice atmosphere, casual grab-and-go convenience, authentic NY-style by the slice in beach setting
Skip if: You want upscale pizza dining, need gluten-free options, seeking romantic ambiance, prefer Neapolitan over NY-style, or want full-service restaurant experience