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Golden Boy Pizza
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
Golden Boy Pizza
8.6
Beloved North Beach slice shop turning out thick, focaccia-style squares with crisp edges and bold toppings. Lines move quickly and takeout is the move for a park or sidewalk bite.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pepperoni Sicilian Slice, Garlic Clam Slice, Pesto Veggie Slice
Scores:
Value: 9.1
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Iconic Sicilian-style squares with a perfectly airy, crispy base.
Who should go: Slice hunters and night walkers
When to visit: Mid-afternoon or late night to skip peak lines
What to order: Pepperoni square; garlic clam; pesto veggie
Insider tip: Grab a slice to go and eat at Washington Square Park nearby.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; spots on Green and Grant fill up fast at night. Best to park a few blocks away near Columbus or use a rideshare.
Dress code: Casual. Hoodies, jeans, and late-night streetwear fit the vibe perfectly.
Noise level: Moderate to lively, especially on weekends. Expect chatter and music from nearby bars.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on line length; the queue moves quickly.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; grab-and-go pace with quick turnover.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple options like pesto veggie and cheese squares are staples.
Vegan options: Limited – can request veggie slices without cheese but no dedicated vegan pies.
Gluten-free options: No – classic Sicilian dough only, no gluten-free crust available.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates iconic local eats and casual counter vibes—better for a quick, low-pressure meet than a sit-down meal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no tables or reservations; it’s a counter-only setup with a few sidewalk ledges for standing or takeaway to the park.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, for older kids or teens—fast service and easy pizza slices, but no seating or high chairs for small children.
Best For
Better for: Late-night slices and quick bites with that classic North Beach grit—few spots match its character and efficiency.
Skip if: You’re looking for a quiet, sit-down pizza dinner or need gluten-free options.
Golden Boy Pizza
8.0
North Beach counter serving thick, focaccia-style square slices since 1978. Quick lines, standing tables, and kid-friendly flavors make it an easy, affordable stop before or after neighborhood strolls.
Must-Try Dishes:
Clam & Garlic slice, Pepperoni slice, Pesto Veggie slice
Scores:
Value: 9.1
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Sicilian-style squares by the slice with lines that move fast.
Who should go: Budget-minded families on the move
When to visit: Before 12:00 or after 1:30; later nights Fri/Sat
What to order: Clam & Garlic; Pepperoni; Pesto Veggie
Insider tip: Order a half-sheet ahead for park picnics on Washington Square.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Green and Stockton is hit-or-miss; the closest paid option is the Vallejo Street Garage two blocks away.
Dress code: Totally casual—tees, hoodies, and sneakers are the norm.
Noise level: Loud but lively; you’ll hear music and chatter but it’s all part of the charm.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes for slices; can be longer late night.
Weekday lunch: Usually under 5 minutes even when busy.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—pesto veggie, cheese, and mushroom options are always available.
Vegan options: Limited—ask to skip cheese; crust and sauce are vegan-friendly.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free crusts, and shared surfaces make cross-contact likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re both into low-key, grab-a-slice energy. Fun for casual meetups, not ideal for romantic ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no reservations or formal tables—just standing counters and a few window ledges. Grab and go is the move.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—teens love it and younger kids can share a slice. No high chairs or booster seats, so best for ages 6 and up.
Best For
Better for: Quick, satisfying North Beach pizza fix when you don’t want to sit down or spend much.
Skip if: You’re after table service, wine lists, or quieter conversation—try Tony’s or Il Casaro instead.
Golden Boy Pizza
7.7
North Beach slice institution serving thick, focaccia-like squares from a speedy counter. A pragmatic option when you need an under-15-minute lunch between meetings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Clam & Garlic Slice, Pepperoni Slice, Pesto Veggie Slice
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Fast counter slices with classic North Beach pedigree.
Who should go: Time-crunched pros between meetings
When to visit: Before 12:00 or after 1:30 to avoid the line
What to order: Clam & garlic, pepperoni, pesto veggie
Insider tip: Order whole pies ahead for team lunches—pickup is efficient.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Green and Stockton; limited availability during lunch rush. No dedicated lot or valet.
Dress code: Totally casual — office attire or jeans both fine; it’s a grab-and-go counter spot.
Noise level: Lively during peak hours with street chatter and kitchen bustle; still manageable for quick conversation while waiting.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes in line, depending on foot traffic and events nearby.
Weekday lunch: Typically 5–10 minutes; short waits if you arrive before noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several options like pesto veggie or cheese slices.
Vegan options: Limited — no vegan cheese, but can request veggie slice without cheese.
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free crust currently offered.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates casual, no-frills North Beach energy — better for a spontaneous slice and walk than a sit-down evening.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — there are a few small standing counters inside and benches outside, but it’s mostly grab-and-go; no reservations taken or needed.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — kids love the thick focaccia crust, and service is quick; best for older kids who can stand or eat outdoors.
Best For
Better for: Fast, satisfying pizza between meetings or before events; the slice size and speed beat most nearby options.
Skip if: You want table service, a quieter meal, or dietary flexibility like gluten-free or vegan options.
Golden Boy Pizza
8.0
Counter-only North Beach landmark serving square Sicilian slices with an airy crumb and olive-oil crunch. Fast lines, late-day turnover, and a tight menu keep things moving.
Must-Try Dishes:
Clam & Garlic Slice, Pepperoni Sicilian, Combo Slice
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: High-turnover Sicilian slices with signature olive-oil crisp.
Who should go: Slice hunters on the move
When to visit: Mid-afternoon lull for shortest line
What to order: Clam & garlic; pepperoni Sicilian; combo
Insider tip: Order two different slices—edges deliver the crisp you want.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking along Green and Stockton; meters until 6pm and tight turnover on weekends.
Dress code: Totally casual—jeans, hoodies, and sneakers fit right in.
Noise level: Lively and bustling—expect constant foot traffic and street chatter.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes in line during peak hours; quick once you order.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; grab-and-go is fast.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—cheese, pesto, and veggie slices are always available.
Vegan options: Limited—no dedicated vegan cheese but some veggie slices work if dairy is skipped.
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free crusts; cross-contact unavoidable in the compact kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date loves casual, classic pizza experiences—it's more grab-and-go than sit-down romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No tables and no reservations—just counter space and curbside benches for quick bites.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—fast service and simple slices make it easy for families, though space is tight for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Crispy Sicilian-style slices and fast service beat most North Beach spots for pure convenience and nostalgia.
Skip if: Skip if you’re looking for a full meal, alcohol service, or a quiet dining room—this is a standing-room-only classic.
Golden Boy Pizza
8.0
Tiny North Beach counter famous for thick, focaccia-like Sicilian squares. Quick, cash-forward energy and a short menu keep the line moving.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pepperoni Square, Garlic Clam Slice, Combo Square
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Beloved square slices with a crispy base and bold toppings.
Who should go: Slice chasers and bar-hoppers
When to visit: Afternoons—lines shrink between lunch and dinner
What to order: Pepperoni; garlic clam; combo
Insider tip: Bring cash; tap-to-pay isn’t always available.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—can be tricky on Green Street, especially evenings; best to walk or rideshare.
Dress code: Totally casual—hoodies, jeans, and sneakers fit right in.
Noise level: Loud and lively, with chatter and music from nearby bars; not ideal for long conversations.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on the line; moves quickly thanks to counter service.
Weekday lunch: Usually under 5 minutes unless there’s a rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—cheese and veggie slices are reliable staples.
Vegan options: Limited—no dedicated vegan cheese or toppings.
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free crust options available.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates old-school pizza counter charm—great for casual hangs, not romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it’s counter service only with limited standing spots; most people eat on the go.
Is it kid-friendly? Fine for older kids who can handle the line and limited seating; not stroller-friendly due to tight space.
Best For
Better for: Faster slices and late-night energy than sit-down North Beach pizzerias like Tony’s.
Skip if: You want a relaxed meal, table service, or wine with your pizza—this is a grab-and-go institution.
Golden Boy Pizza
7.9
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Late Night Legends
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
A neighborhood standby for thick-crust, focaccia-style squares served hot from the pan. Families love the quick service, shareable slices, and late hours after a day at the Wharf or Coit Tower.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pesto Slice, Pepperoni Slice, Clam & Garlic Slice
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Focaccia-base pizza by the slice, fast and affordable.
Who should go: Families needing a speedy slice stop
When to visit: Mid-afternoon or post-dinner to avoid peak line
What to order: Pesto; pepperoni; clam & garlic
Insider tip: Cash moves fastest—have it ready at the counter.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking around Green and Grant can be tough at peak times; try Stockton Street or nearby garages after 6pm.
Dress code: Completely casual—come as you are in jeans, hoodies, or tourist wear.
Noise level: Loud during rush hours with music and chatter; minimal seating means mostly standing conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on slice demand; quick turnover once you’re at the counter.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait before noon; brief lines form midday but move quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several vegetarian pies including pesto and cheese options.
Vegan options: Limited – no dedicated vegan cheese, but marinara slice works for strict vegans.
Gluten-free options: No – all slices use focaccia-style dough with gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a sit-down date—there’s little seating and a grab-and-go vibe. Better for a casual post-bar or Wharf stroll stop.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations here. Grab a counter spot or take your box outside to nearby benches.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—kids love the thick slices and quick service. No highchairs, but it’s great for ages 5+ who can eat standing or outdoors.
Best For
Better for: Late-night, affordable slices served blazing hot and perfect for casual groups or families between attractions.
Skip if: You want sit-down dining, gluten-free dough, or a quiet meal—it’s a standing-room, grab-and-go experience.