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California Pizza Kitchen
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
California Pizza Kitchen
7.6
Pioneering California-style pizza chain that's been serving innovative toppings like BBQ chicken pizza since 1985. This Old Town location offers a full bar and patio seating perfect for people-watching on Los Robles.
Must-Try Dishes:
Original BBQ Chicken Pizza, Thai Chicken Pizza, Margherita with Burrata
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 7.4
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Inventor of the BBQ chicken pizza phenomenon
Who should go: Business lunchers and casual diners
When to visit: Happy hour 3-6pm weekdays
What to order: BBQ chicken pizza, butter cake dessert
Insider tip: Half-price appetizers during happy hour at the bar
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Los Robles and Colorado Blvd, free 2-hour spots until 6pm then metered. Public garage on Green Street (2 blocks) $3 flat rate evenings
Dress code: Casual dining atmosphere, anything from jeans and tee to business casual works
Noise level: Moderate to loud - energetic atmosphere but conversation-friendly at booths
Weekend wait: 30-45 min Friday/Saturday peak times, call-ahead seating available
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min wait typical, business crowd 12-1pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple pizza options, pastas, and salads clearly marked
Vegan options: Limited - can customize pizzas with vegan cheese (upcharge), several salads
Gluten-free options: Yes - cauliflower crust available, dedicated gluten-free menu section
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Works for casual first dates - lively but not too loud, shareable pizzas create natural conversation, full bar helps nerves. Skip for impressive/romantic dates
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunches and early dinners (before 6pm) usually fine. Weekend dinners risky - use call-ahead seating or expect 30+ minute wait
Is it kid-friendly? Very - kids menu with activities, high chairs available, staff patient with families. Peak family time is 5:30-7:30pm
Best For
Better for: Creative pizza combinations you won't find at traditional pizzerias, full bar with cocktails unlike most pizza spots, consistent chain reliability for groups
Skip if: You want authentic Neapolitan or NY-style pizza, seeking intimate romantic atmosphere, need quick takeout (20-25 min minimum)
California Pizza Kitchen
7.6
The original California-style pizza innovator serves creative combinations like Thai Chicken and BBQ Chicken alongside traditional favorites. Located with validated parking underneath, it's a reliable choice for families and business dinners staying open until 11 PM weekends.
Must-Try Dishes:
BBQ Chicken Pizza, Thai Chicken Pizza, Original Margherita
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 7.7
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: Original California-style pizza innovator with validated parking
Who should go: Families and business groups needing reliability
When to visit: Weeknight dinners to avoid weekend crowds
What to order: BBQ Chicken, Thai Chicken, spinach artichoke dip
Insider tip: Join rewards program for free appetizers and birthday perks
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated parking in structure underneath - 2 hours free with validation, $3 per hour after
Dress code: Casual - anything from shorts to business casual fits right in
Noise level: Moderate to loud - conversational but energetic, especially weekend evenings
Weekend wait: 30-45 min typical, up to 60 min peak hours without reservation
Weekday lunch: 10-15 min during business lunch rush (12-1pm), minimal otherwise
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple pizzas, salads, pastas, and appetizers clearly marked
Vegan options: Limited - can modify salads and request cheese-free pizzas with veggie toppings
Gluten-free options: Yes - cauliflower crust available for any pizza (+$3), marked menu items
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual second or third dates - the family-friendly vibe and moderate noise make intimate conversation challenging, but sharing creative pizzas is fun and low-pressure
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights usually yes with 15-30 min wait, weekends risky - use the Yelp waitlist feature to join remotely while parking
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely - kids menu with activities, high chairs available, staff patient with families, and the noise level means nobody notices crying babies
Best For
Better for: Large group flexibility with shareable options, validated parking convenience, and late-night hours when other sit-down spots close
Skip if: You want authentic Neapolitan pizza, intimate atmosphere, or quick grab-and-go service