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Pie Punks
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Pie Punks
8.3
Casual counter-and-bar turning out round East Coast pies, Detroit-style squares, and thin, crispy Grandma slices. Since 2022, it’s been a reliable downtown stop with late hours, quick service, and a lively drinks program.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pepperoni Grandma (square), Mauro's Molto Meat (round), Cheese Grandma
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Multiple pizza styles done well under one roof since 2022.
Who should go: After-work slices and casual groups
When to visit: Weeknights 6–9pm for energy without long waits
What to order: Pepperoni Grandma; Mauro’s Molto Meat; Caesar
Insider tip: Grab bar register for faster lines during peak.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in the South FiDi area, especially after 6pm. Best bet is nearby paid garages like the Fremont or Mission Street lots.
Dress code: Casual. Jeans, sneakers, and work attire are all common; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate to loud—music and bar chatter mean group convos work fine, but it’s not ideal for intimate talks.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes for tables during peak 7–9pm; slices at the bar usually move quicker.
Weekday lunch: Rarely more than a 5–10 minute wait; walk right up most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—classic cheese, veggie pies, and salads available.
Vegan options: Limited—customize without cheese; no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Not offered—crusts are all wheat-based.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual hangs than first dates—lively energy and bar setup make it fun but not private.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—seating is mostly walk-in. Expect short waits for tables at peak, but bar seating and counter service are usually available.
Is it kid-friendly? More of an adult crowd with a bar focus. Older kids and teens who like pizza will be fine, but not set up for young children (no high chairs or kids’ menu).
Best For
Better for: Late-night energy, multiple regional pizza styles, and pairing pies with drinks in a social setup.
Skip if: You need gluten-free or vegan options, or want a quiet, sit-down family meal.
Pie Punks
8.1
Counter-service pizza bar in the East Cut serving round, grandma, and Detroit-style pies with a lively drinks program. Slices reheat to a crisp edge and the room works for pre- or post-downtown plans until late evening.
Must-Try Dishes:
Detroit Pepperoni, Grandma Slice with crispy edge, Round Margherita
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 6.6
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Three distinct pizza styles under one roof with a buzzy bar.
Who should go: Friends meeting near Transbay after work
When to visit: Weeknights 7–10pm for energy without long waits
What to order: Detroit pep, grandma slice, Caesar
Insider tip: Ask for an extra-crisp reheat on slices for best texture.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in the East Cut; nearby paid garages on Howard and Folsom typically run $5–$10 for evening hours.
Dress code: Casual—jeans and sneakers are fine, but the bar scene leans slightly trendy if you’re staying late.
Noise level: Moderate to loud—conversations are doable at smaller tables, but group energy and music make it lively.
Weekend wait: 25–40 minutes for a table, though slices at the counter are usually faster.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait; counter service keeps lines moving.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—Margherita, veggie pies, and salads are solid options.
Vegan options: Limited—ask about customizations; salads and a few pies can be adapted.
Gluten-free options: Not formally listed; cross-contact is likely, so GF diners should confirm before ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you’re looking for casual energy—a buzzy bar, shareable slices, and drinks make it playful, though not intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—most seating is walk-in only; peak evenings may require a short wait, but bar seats turn over quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Early evenings work fine for kids—counter service and quick pies make it easy—but the vibe shifts more bar-focused later at night.
Best For
Better for: Pie Punks excels at variety—offering round, grandma, and Detroit styles with a lively drinks list in one spot.
Skip if: Skip if you need gluten-free certainty or want a quiet, sit-down dining experience.
Pie Punks
8.3
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Counter-service pizza bar (since 2022) turning out round, grandma, and Detroit-style pies with quick pacing and plenty of seating for families near Transbay. Slices reheat well with a crisp edge, and the drinks list makes it an easy pre-or-post downtown stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Detroit pepperoni square, Grandma slice with extra-crisp reheat, Classic round cheese
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Multiple styles—round, grandma, and Detroit—done fast and well.
Who should go: Families wanting quick, tasty slices
When to visit: Early lunch or pre-dinner to avoid lines
What to order: Detroit pepperoni; grandma slice; Caesar
Insider tip: Ask for an extra-crisp reheat on slices for best texture.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking near Transbay; best bet is nearby garages like Salesforce Transit Center ($5–$8 evenings).
Dress code: Casual—jeans, tees, and sneakers are common; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate—families and groups make it lively, but you can still hold a conversation at your table.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes at peak hours; usually quick turnover since it’s counter-service.
Weekday lunch: Typically under 10 minutes except at peak noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple veggie pies and salads available.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 pies can be customized with no cheese; check daily slice lineup.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free crust; salads are the safer option.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-pressure hangout than a romantic dinner. Fun if you both like pizza variety and counter-service energy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t taken. Seating is usually available with quick turnover, though larger groups may need to wait briefly at peak.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—kids enjoy choosing slices and watching the reheats. Booths and high chairs are limited, but casual setup works well for ages 4+.
Best For
Better for: Mix-and-match pizza styles and quick counter flow make it stronger for variety and speed than traditional sit-down pizzerias.
Skip if: If you need gluten-free or vegan menus, or a quieter, romantic vibe, look to alternatives.
Pie Punks
8.2
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Casual pizza spot (opened 2022) serving round, Detroit-style, and grandma pies with fast counter service and plenty of seating. Families come for mix-and-match slices and quick, friendly pacing before or after downtown errands.
Must-Try Dishes:
Detroit-style pepperoni with hot honey, Grandma pie with garlic confit, Classic cheese slice
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Multiple pizza styles (round, Detroit, grandma) done well.
Who should go: Families wanting fast, kid-approved pizza
When to visit: Early lunch or pre-dinner for shortest lines
What to order: Pepperoni Detroit slab, grandma slice, Caesar
Insider tip: Ask for reheat to extra-crisp your slice for better crunch.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited metered street parking nearby; best bet is the Fremont Street garages within a 5-minute walk.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, tees, and sneakers are all fine; family-focused atmosphere.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during peak hours; conversation at the table is fine but expect kid chatter and background buzz.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes during peak early evening family rush (5–7 pm).
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick counter service keeps things moving.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple veggie pies and salads are offered.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 clearly marked vegan pizza options, plus sides like salads without cheese.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free crust available by request, but not a separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal unless your date is into casual, playful settings—better suited for group hangs or low-key meals.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—counter service with open seating; tables turn quickly even at peak times.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—plenty of space for strollers, high chairs available, and the mix-and-match slice format works well for younger kids.
Best For
Better for: Faster service and variety of pizza styles compared to sit-down Italian spots; especially strong for families with kids.
Skip if: You’re looking for a quiet or romantic Italian dinner—opt for a full-service trattoria instead.
Pie Punks
8.4
SoMa’s punk-spirited pizzeria turns out Detroit-style and grandma pan pies alongside thin-crust rounds, backed by a full bar with tiki-leaning cocktails. Locals hit it for crunchy-edged squares, creative toppings, and a lively, late-after-work scene.
Must-Try Dishes:
Detroit-style pepperoni (cup & char), Grandma pie with garlic–onion confit, Thin-crust corned beef & pickled pepper
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Detroit and grandma-style pies with a full cocktail program.
Who should go: Slice lovers who want a bar scene
When to visit: Weeknights 5–7pm or late after 9pm
What to order: Detroit pepperoni, grandma garlic-onion, seasonal thin-crust
Insider tip: Bar seats get fastest service and hot pies right from the pan.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Howard and 6th can be tough after 6pm; nearby paid lots average $10–15 for evening stays.
Dress code: Casual with a stylish edge; jeans and tees work, but many lean trendy for the bar vibe.
Noise level: Lively and upbeat, especially after 7pm; still possible to chat in smaller groups but not quiet.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: No wait, though lunch service is limited—mostly evening crowds.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple veggie pies and share plates are offered.
Vegan options: Limited – 1–2 pies can be ordered without cheese, plus salads.
Gluten-free options: Yes – gluten-free crust is available on request, though not in a separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you’re looking for casual energy and creative cocktails—less ideal if you want a quiet setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—bar seats and high-tops turn quickly, but expect a wait for groups on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—geared more toward adults with a bar focus. Best for older teens who enjoy pizza, not for small children.
Best For
Better for: Great for groups and nightlife compared to more traditional pizzerias; standout Detroit-style pies and cocktails.
Skip if: If you want a quiet family dinner or dedicated vegan/gluten-free options, choose a more low-key spot.