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Emmy Squared Pizza
Master Critic Review
Emmy Squared Pizza
8.4
Vibes:
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Trendy Table Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Detroit-style pizza specialists with crispy frico crust and creative toppings, housed inside Santa Monica Brew Works. The NYC-bred concept brings square pies with signature sauce stripes.
Must-Try Dishes:
Nashville Hot Chicken Pizza, Le Big Matt Burger, Caesar Salad
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: West Coast debut of acclaimed NYC Detroit-style pizza with award-winning burgers
Who should go: Craft beer lovers and Detroit-style pizza converts
When to visit: Weekend brunch with spritz cart or evening beer garden
What to order: Any square pie, Le Big Matt burger, seasonal salad
Insider tip: Order via QR code at table, share multiple pies for variety
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Broadway and side streets, 2-hour meters ($2/hr) weekdays. Public lot at 4th & Broadway ($3/hr). Easier after 6pm when meters expire.
Dress code: Casual brewery vibe - jeans, sneakers, t-shirts all fine. Think craft beer spot, not upscale dining.
Noise level: Lively brewery atmosphere - expect buzz from beer garden crowd. Can hear conversation at your table but not intimate.
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation 6-8pm, walk-in bar seating usually available
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, 5-10 min max during peak 12-1pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - strong options including Margherita, Colony pie (pickled jalapeños), seasonal veggie pies, plus salads and apps
Vegan options: Limited - can customize pies without cheese, has vegan cheese available but not house-made
Gluten-free options: No - Detroit-style requires specific dough, cross-contamination risk high in pizza-focused kitchen
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 2nd-3rd date than first. Casual brewery setting takes pressure off, sharing square pies is interactive, but noise level makes deep conversation harder. Perfect if you want relaxed vibes without stuffy formality.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially weekdays and early weekend slots (before 6pm). Bar seating almost always available for walk-ins. Friday/Saturday 7-9pm can hit 45+ min waits - reserve ahead or arrive by 5:30pm.
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly - casual setup, pizza focus, outdoor beer garden space. Works great for families with kids 5+. Gets louder during evening brewery crowd, so earlier dinner (5-6:30pm) ideal with children.
Best For
Better for: Detroit-style pizza specifically (crispy frico edges), craft beer selection, casual group hangs where you want solid food without fuss. More approachable than upscale pizza spots, better quality than chains.
Skip if: You want quiet romantic dinner, Neapolitan/thin-crust pizza, extensive wine program, or white-tablecloth service. Not the move for gluten-free diners or first dates requiring intimate conversation.