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Hard Times Pizza Co.
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Hard Times Pizza Co.
7.8
Since 1986, this no-frills neighborhood joint serves classic New York-style thin crust pizzas and traditional Italian pastas at budget-friendly prices. The eastside institution offers reliable delivery service and consistent quality that has sustained generations of northeast Angelenos, with standout options including thick crust variations alongside their signature NYC slices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita Pizza, BBQ Chicken Pizza, Sandro's Homemade Pasta
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Nearly 40 years serving consistent NYC-style pizza to Echo Park families
Who should go: Budget-conscious locals wanting reliable neighborhood pizza
When to visit: Weeknight delivery orders beat the weekend rush
What to order: Thin crust margherita, thick crust for heartier appetite, Mexican Coke
Insider tip: Order online through GrubHub for more consistent service than phone orders
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking on Sunset Blvd and side streets, usually available except Friday/Saturday evenings when it gets tight
Dress code: Come as you are - this is a casual neighborhood spot where athletic wear and work clothes both fit right in
Noise level: Relaxed and conversational - low background music means you can easily chat without raising your voice
Weekend wait: No wait for takeout/delivery, limited dine-in seating fills up 6-8pm Fridays/Saturdays
Weekday lunch: Walk right in - weekday service is quick with minimal crowds
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - classic cheese pizzas, margherita, veggie toppings, and pasta marinara options
Vegan options: Limited - can do marinara pizza without cheese or plain pasta with red sauce, but no vegan cheese substitute
Gluten-free options: No - traditional NYC-style crust only, no gluten-free option available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better as a casual second or third date spot. The no-frills vibe and paper plates keep it low-pressure, but lacks the ambiance for making a romantic first impression. Great if you're both Echo Park locals who appreciate neighborhood authenticity.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but seating is limited since this is primarily a takeout/delivery operation. Weeknights you'll find a spot easily, but Friday/Saturday evenings the few tables fill quickly. Your best bet is ordering takeout and eating at nearby Echo Park Lake.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely - this is a family neighborhood staple. Simple menu that picky eaters love, quick service, and nobody minds if kids get a little loud. No high chairs or changing tables though, so best for toddlers and up.
Best For
Better for: Consistent neighborhood delivery and budget-friendly pricing - Hard Times beats fancier Echo Park spots when you want reliable NYC-style pizza without the $25+ price tag or the wait times of trendier places
Skip if: You want craft/artisanal pizza with creative toppings, a full bar, or Instagram-worthy atmosphere - this is straightforward Italian-American basics, not the place for date night ambiance or foodie experimentation
Hard Times Pizza Co.
8.1
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Hidden Gems Heaven
Quick Bites Champions
A neighborhood institution serving classic New York-style thin crust pizza since 1986. Originally in Silver Lake, now Echo Park's go-to for reliable pies with crispy edges, straightforward toppings, and accommodating service that will arrange pepperoni into hearts or Pokémon designs on request.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Pepperoni, Bronx Pizza (thin crust), Bubba Gump (pesto shrimp)
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Three generations of Northeast Angelenos trust this 39-year neighborhood staple
Who should go: NY pizza purists and families seeking zero-fuss reliable quality
When to visit: Lunch for slice service, weekends for whole pies
What to order: Bronx thin crust, chicken pesto, garlic knots
Insider tip: Staff will customize pizza designs for kids' birthdays with advance notice
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking available, typically easy to find. Sunset Boulevard lot 2 blocks away if needed
Dress code: Ultra-casual - T-shirts, shorts, whatever you're wearing is fine
Noise level: Moderate - comfortable conversation, family-friendly atmosphere without overwhelming noise
Weekend wait: 10-15 min for whole pies, walk up for slices
Weekday lunch: No wait - immediate slice service
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - extensive options including veggie pizzas, salads, and garlic knots
Vegan options: Limited - can do cheese-less pizza with vegetable toppings, confirm preparation
Gluten-free options: No - traditional NY-style crust only, no gluten-free option
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual early dates or post-activity meetups than formal dinners. The relaxed vibe and reliable quality remove pressure, but it's a counter-service spot without romantic ambiance
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed or accepted - it's first-come counter service with casual seating. Weekend evenings may require brief waits for tables but never longer than 15 minutes
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely kid-friendly - staff will customize pizza designs (Pokémon, hearts, smiley faces) with advance notice. All ages welcome, high chairs available, simple menu kids actually eat
Best For
Better for: Reliable NY-style execution without pretension, family-friendly service that goes beyond standard hospitality, neighborhood consistency over 39 years. Best for: quick reliable quality, kid accommodations, budget-conscious groups wanting proven results
Skip if: You want Neapolitan-style pizza, upscale date ambiance, creative/experimental toppings, or gluten-free options. Also skip if you're seeking Detroit-style, Roman al taglio, or wood-fired artisan approaches - this is classic NY thin crust executed well, nothing more