0 Followers
Coalfire Pizza
Master Critic Reviews (7 Lists)
Coalfire Pizza
8.5
A Southport Corridor staple built around coal-fired pies with char and chew, more sit-down than slice-joint. The best experience is one signature pie for the table and a single supporting dish—everything else is diminishing returns.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita pizza, Prosciutto arugula pizza, Sausage and giardiniera pizza
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Coal-fired crust with reliable char and structure.
Who should go: Groups splitting pies with a sit-down rhythm
When to visit: Weeknights for faster pacing and easier tables
What to order: Margherita, prosciutto arugula, sausage giardiniera
Insider tip: Order one pie per 2 people to avoid table sprawl.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Southport Ave; spots are limited after 6pm and fill quickly on weekends. No valet.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but the room leans polished—nice top or jacket fits the vibe.
Noise level: Moderate to lively. You can talk without shouting, but it’s not a whisper-quiet room.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically closed for lunch; dinner service only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetable-forward pies and salads work well.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with no cheese and careful topping selection.
Gluten-free options: Limited — gluten-free crust available, but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The room feels intentional and grown-up without being stuffy, and sharing a pie creates an easy, low-pressure rhythm.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes. Weeknights are manageable if you arrive early; weekends are risky without a reservation unless you’re comfortable waiting.
Is it kid-friendly? Kids are welcome, but it’s better for older kids who can sit through a full meal. It’s not a loud, casual pizza joint.
Best For
Better for: Coal-fired char, chew, and a sit-down pizza experience that feels more like a proper dinner than a quick slice.
Skip if: You want fast slices, a very quiet dining room, or a cheaper, ultra-casual pizza night.
Coalfire Pizza
8.0
A cozy coal-oven pizza room that works for romance when you treat it like a focused two-pie dinner with a bottle. The crust has that crisp, charred edge, and the best nights happen when you keep the order tight and share.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sausage pizza, Stracciatella pizza, Summer tomato pizza
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Coal-oven pizzas with a shareable, candlelit feel.
Who should go: Couples who want pizza and wine.
When to visit: Weeknights for easier tables.
What to order: Sausage pizza, stracciatella pie, seasonal tomato pie.
Insider tip: Two people: one salad, one pie, then decide on pie two.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; manageable on nearby side streets but can be tight after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but a polished top or jacket fits the vibe.
Noise level: Moderate. Lively room, but you can still hold a full conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes. Several vegetable-forward pizzas, salads, and cheese-based options.
Vegan options: Limited. Possible with modifications, but not a dedicated focus.
Gluten-free options: Limited. Gluten-free crust availability varies; cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you like sharing food. The cozy room and pizza-and-wine format keep things relaxed and conversational.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights or earlier evenings. Weekends are tougher—arrive early or be prepared to wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, in the early evening. Pizza makes it approachable, but it feels more adult-oriented later at night.
Best For
Better for: Intimate, shareable pizza dinners with a romantic, neighborhood feel.
Skip if: You want a quiet fine-dining experience or a broad menu beyond pizza.
Coalfire Pizza
8.0
A coal-oven pizza room that plays surprisingly well for special occasions when you treat it like a two-pie, bottle-and-share night. The crust’s char-and-crisp edge is the point—keep the order tight, add one salad, and let the oven do the work.
Must-Try Dishes:
Honey and salami pizza, Sausage pizza, Caesar salad
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Coal-oven pies with a shareable, occasion-friendly flow.
Who should go: Couples and friends celebrating over pizza
When to visit: Weeknights for easier tables
What to order: Honey-salami pie, sausage pie, Caesar salad
Insider tip: Two people: one salad, one pie—then decide on pie two.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; manageable early but competitive after 6pm. Plan a short walk or rideshare on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but lean polished if it’s a celebration.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation is easy once you’re seated, but it’s not a whisper-quiet room.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: No wait typically
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several veggie-forward pizzas and salads work well.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with modifications, but not the focus.
Gluten-free options: Yes — gluten-free crust available, though cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you like relaxed energy. Sharing pizza breaks the ice and keeps things low-pressure without feeling casual.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights. On weekends, expect a wait or arrive early to avoid peak rush.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — pizza makes it approachable for kids, though evenings skew more adult and social.
Best For
Better for: Char-driven, coal-oven pizza with a celebratory, shareable flow that still feels special.
Skip if: You want a quiet, white-tablecloth night or a broad menu beyond pizza and salads.
Coalfire Pizza
8.0
A coal-oven pizza room that’s strongest when you treat it as a two-pie-and-salad patio night. The char and thin, crisp-leaning style reward focused ordering—one signature white-sauce move, one red-sauce counterpoint, and you’re set.
Must-Try Dishes:
White Pizza, Funghi, Stracciatella & Sausage
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 6.6
What makes it special: Coal-oven pizza with a patio-friendly, shareable flow.
Who should go: Friends splitting pies and drinks
When to visit: Weeknights for fastest tables
What to order: White pizza, funghi, stracciatella & sausage
Insider tip: Two people: one salad and one pie, then decide on pie two.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Southport and nearby side streets; manageable on weeknights, tougher after 7pm weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans and clean sneakers are fine, but the room skews polished.
Noise level: Moderate—energetic but still easy to hold a table conversation, especially outdoors.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; patio fills quickly in warm weather.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple vegetable-forward pies and salads work well.
Vegan options: Limited—possible with modifications, but not a core strength.
Gluten-free options: Limited—no dedicated coal-oven gluten-free pizza; cross-contamination risk.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you like a casual-but-considered vibe. Splitting a couple of pies keeps things relaxed and interactive without feeling heavy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights, but weekends are unpredictable—arrive early or be flexible with patio seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes in a limited way—kids who like simple pizza will be happy, but it’s more of an adult, share-plates atmosphere than a family restaurant.
Best For
Better for: Coal-oven char, thin-crust pizza, and a focused two-pie-and-salad flow that feels elevated but not fussy.
Skip if: You want a broad menu, gluten-free pizza, or a low-cost neighborhood slice night.
Coalfire Pizza
8.0
Coal-oven pizza with a crisp-leaning char that rewards focused ordering and sharing. The best meal is a two-pie rhythm with one salad in the middle—one white-sauce move, one red-sauce counterpunch. It’s a Southport standby that still feels like the neighborhood’s go-to for a buzzy pizza night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Funghi pizza, Stracciatella & sausage pizza, Caesar salad
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Coal-oven char and shareable pies built for a two-pizza night.
Who should go: Friends splitting pies and drinks
When to visit: Weeknights for fastest tables
What to order: Funghi, stracciatella & sausage, Caesar salad
Insider tip: Start with one pie per two people, then decide on pie two.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Southport Ave; limited after 6pm. Metered spots nearby, no valet.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but most diners lean polished for a night out.
Noise level: Moderate-loud. Lively buzz; conversation is easy across the table but not whisper-quiet.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or short wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several vegetable-forward pizzas and salads work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited – possible with modifications, but not a dedicated strength.
Gluten-free options: Limited – gluten-free crust may be available, but cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you want a lively, social energy. Sharing pizzas keeps things interactive, though it’s better for confident conversation than quiet intimacy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weeknights if you arrive early. On weekends, expect a real wait unless you’re willing to sit at the bar.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who like pizza, but the noise level and tight spacing make it less ideal for toddlers or strollers.
Best For
Better for: Char-driven, crisp pizza with a buzzy neighborhood scene and shareable group energy.
Skip if: You want a quiet, romantic dinner or deep-dish–style pizza with a slower pace.
Coalfire Pizza
8.1
A Southport Corridor coal-oven spot turning out thin, char-kissed pies with topping combos that skew modern and a little chef-y. It hits best when you order two pizzas with contrasting profiles—one bright/herby, one salty/spicy—then let the crust and heat do the talking.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pistachio Pesto Pizza, Honey & Salami, Black & White Pizza
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Coal-oven thin crust with modern topping-driven pizzas.
Who should go: Date nights and groups who like creative pies
When to visit: Later dinners when you want sit-down pizza
What to order: Honey & Salami, Pistachio Pesto, Black & White
Insider tip: Order one “bright” pizza and one “savory” pizza for balance.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Southport Ave; can be tight after 6pm, especially weekends. Allow extra time or plan to walk a block or two.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but this skews a little dressier than a typical pizza spot.
Noise level: Moderate. Energetic dining room but still workable for conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: No wait or very short wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several vegetable-forward pizzas and meat-free topping combinations.
Vegan options: Limited – possible with modifications, but not a strong vegan-focused menu.
Gluten-free options: Limited – no dedicated gluten-free crust; not ideal for strict gluten avoidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The space feels polished and intimate without being stuffy, and the shared-pizza format gives you something easy to talk about.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes, but weekends are risky. Early dinners or later-night arrivals work best if you’re walking in.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens than young kids. The menu is approachable, but the vibe leans adult and date-oriented.
Best For
Better for: Modern, chef-driven pizza with creative toppings and a date-night atmosphere.
Skip if: You want classic tavern-style pizza, a super-quiet dinner, or strong gluten-free options.
Coalfire Pizza
8.4
Coal-oven thin crust built around high-heat char, fast bakes, and bold topping combinations that stay crisp. It’s most rewarding when you pick one or two specialty pies and let the oven-driven texture do the work rather than overloading the order with sides.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pepperoni & Whipped Ricotta Pizza, Pistachio Pesto Pizza, Honey & Salami Pizza
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Coal-oven thin crust with char-forward specialty toppings.
Who should go: Groups craving crisp, modern thin-crust pies
When to visit: Weeknights for fastest tables and bakes
What to order: Pepperoni & whipped ricotta; pistachio pesto; honey & salami
Insider tip: Order two specialty pies; skip extra toppings.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking in the surrounding neighborhood; can be competitive after 6pm, especially on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and a nice top are perfectly fine; slightly dressier at night.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation is easy at the table but the room has energy during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak dinner hours
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or a short 5–10 minute wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetable-forward specialty pies and customizable options.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with no cheese and vegetable toppings, but not a dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Limited — gluten-free crust availability varies and shares kitchen space, so not ideal for severe allergies.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the atmosphere feels modern and energetic without being overwhelming, and sharing one or two pizzas keeps things casual and interactive.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes on weeknights or earlier in the evening; weekends are doable but expect a short wait if you arrive during peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy thin-crust pizza; the vibe skews more adult and social than family-focused.
Best For
Better for: High-heat, char-driven thin crust with bold, creative toppings and a trendy dine-in experience.
Skip if: You want classic tavern-style pizza, deep dish, or a quiet, family-centric dining room.