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Pitfire Pizza
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Pitfire Pizza
7.6
Established LA chain's Echo Park location occupies the historic Mohawk Bend vaudeville theater space, offering sourdough crust pizzas with extensive vegan options and 40 craft beers on tap. The massive dining room with vaulted ceilings, two heated patios, and full bar serves as ideal last-minute group venue, featuring signature pizzas like Honey Bear alongside legacy Mohawk Bend menu items.
Must-Try Dishes:
Honey Bear Pizza, Sausage and Ricotta with Hot Honey, Buffalo Cauliflower
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.4
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Massive historic theater space perfect for large groups with extensive tap list
Who should go: Large parties needing spacious venue with varied menu options
When to visit: Last-minute weekend group dinners when other spots are packed
What to order: Sausage-ricotta pizza with hot honey, craft beer from 40-tap selection
Insider tip: Free kids pizza-making classes on Saturday mornings throughout opening months
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free lot behind building with 50+ spaces, plus street parking on Sunset Blvd - easier than most Echo Park spots
Dress code: Ultra casual - jeans, t-shirts, whatever. It's a pizza place in a former dive bar
Noise level: Loud - vaulted ceilings amplify sound, especially when packed. Not ideal for intimate conversation
Weekend wait: 15-30 min for tables under 4, but massive space means large groups get seated faster than most restaurants
Weekday lunch: Walk right in, plenty of seating
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 8+ vegetarian pizzas plus salads and apps from legacy Mohawk Bend menu
Vegan options: Excellent - extensive vegan cheese options, clearly marked on menu, better than typical pizza chains
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free crust available for any pizza
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? No - way too loud for conversation and zero romantic ambiance. The massive theater space and group-dining vibe work against intimacy. Better for 3rd-4th dates when you're comfortable with comfortable silence
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes for parties under 6 - the space is huge. Groups of 8+ should call ahead on weekends, but even then they can usually accommodate walk-ins better than smaller restaurants
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely - free Saturday morning pizza-making classes, casual atmosphere where kids can be loud, and standard pizza/pasta options picky eaters will actually eat. One of Echo Park's best family spots
What's the deal with Mohawk Bend menu items? Pitfire kept some of the previous tenant's popular dishes - buffalo cauliflower, quinoa bowl, etc. Gives you non-pizza options if someone in your group doesn't want Italian
Is the craft beer selection actually good? Yes - 40 rotating taps inherited Mohawk Bend's reputation. Not just IPAs - solid representation of sours, stouts, and local LA breweries. Better beer program than pizza program honestly
Best For
Better for: Last-minute large group dining (10+ people) when everywhere else is booked - the massive space is their competitive advantage. Also better for beer selection than any other pizza chain, and unmatched for vegan options in the category
Skip if: You want intimate dining, stellar pizza quality, or quiet conversation. Also skip if you're solo/couple on a weekend night - you'll feel lost in the cavernous space. Choose Masa, Triple Beam, or L'Antica for better pizza; choose anywhere else for better date atmosphere
Pitfire Pizza
7.8
A spacious neighborhood pizzeria housed in a converted vaudeville theater serving wood-fired sourdough crust pizzas with seasonal California ingredients. The sausage and ricotta pie with hot honey balances savory and sweet, while the massive dining room with vaulted ceilings and two heated patios makes it ideal for last-minute group gatherings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sausage & Ricotta with Hot Honey, Field Mushroom Pizza, Boneless Buffalo Wings
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Converted vaudeville theater with massive space perfect for spontaneous groups
Who should go: Families and groups needing flexible late-night seating
When to visit: Friday-Saturday until midnight when most places close
What to order: Sausage ricotta pie, field mushroom, smothered cookie
Insider tip: Reservations available but rarely needed due to generous capacity
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available on Glendale Blvd and side streets, easier after 8pm. Small lot behind building fits ~15 cars.
Dress code: Super casual - jeans, t-shirts, sneakers all standard. This is Echo Park pizza, not fine dining.
Noise level: Lively but manageable - vaulted ceilings amplify sound during peak hours, but conversation flows easily. Patios quieter.
Weekend wait: 15-25 min peak hours (7-9pm), but large space turns tables quickly. After 10pm minimal wait.
Weekday lunch: Walk right in - rarely a wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - strong selection with field mushroom, margherita, seasonal veggie pies plus salads
Vegan options: Limited - can customize pizzas with no cheese, has vegan dough. Better options elsewhere for dedicated vegan dining.
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free crust available for any pizza, prepared with care but shared kitchen
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Solid choice but not romantic. The massive space and family vibe mean it's casual and low-pressure, but the noise level and fluorescent lighting don't create intimacy. Better for early-stage dates where you want activity around you, or second dates after somewhere fancier.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, easily - especially after 9pm. The converted theater holds 200+ people with two patios, so unlike most Echo Park spots, they can absorb walk-ins. Friday/Saturday 7-8pm might have a short wait, but nothing prohibitive.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely - this is a neighborhood family staple. High chairs available, kids menu with simple options, tolerant noise level. The spacious layout means your toddler's meltdown won't ruin someone's anniversary. Go early (5-7pm) to blend with the family crowd.
How late can I actually eat here? Kitchen open until midnight Friday-Saturday, 11pm other nights. This is legitimately late-night dining, not 'kitchen closes at 9:30pm' late. Full menu available until close - they won't rush you out.
Is the wood-fired thing just marketing? No - you can see the ovens, and the sourdough crust has real char and chew. It's not life-changing Naples-style pizza, but it's proper wood-fired technique with good ingredient sourcing. The crust carries the experience.
Best For
Better for: Late-night groups (most competitors close by 10pm), last-minute large parties (space + no reservation needed), families wanting actual atmosphere (not just a pizza counter). The sausage-ricotta with hot honey specifically beats standard pepperoni at nearby chains.
Skip if: You want intimate/romantic ambiance, cutting-edge pizza innovation, or quick in-and-out service. If you're solo or a couple seeking destination pizza, Apollonia's or Triple Beam are better. If you need guaranteed quiet conversation, go elsewhere.
Pitfire Pizza
7.8
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Birthday & Celebration Central
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Spacious former vaudeville theater transformed into family-friendly pizza emporium with vaulted ceilings, full bar, and two heated patios. The extensive space accommodates large groups easily, while seasonal menu items and Saturday morning kids pizza-making classes demonstrate commitment to community and family dining.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sausage and Ricotta with Hot Honey, Margherita Pizza, Chopped Salad
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.7
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Historic theater space with massive capacity perfect for last-minute group gatherings
Who should go: Large families or groups needing reliable space without advance planning
When to visit: Weekend afternoons when kids enjoy spacious indoor-outdoor layout
What to order: Hot honey sausage pizza, chopped salad, kids size portions
Insider tip: Saturday morning free kids pizza-making classes during first two months of opening
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking available but competitive. Small lot behind building. Arrive 10-15 min early on weekends.
Dress code: Casual - jeans, t-shirts, athletic wear all common. Family pizza spot, not dressy.
Noise level: Lively/energetic - high ceilings amplify sound. Conversation easy but not intimate.
Weekend wait: 20-30 min without reservation, but large capacity means faster turnover than typical
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait - usually seated within 5-10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple veggie pizzas plus salads, appetizers. Easy to customize any pizza.
Vegan options: Limited but workable - can do pizza without cheese, vegan salad options available
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free crust available for any pizza at small upcharge
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal - high noise level and family atmosphere make it better for casual group hangouts than romantic dinners. Go elsewhere for first date intimacy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, very doable especially for groups under 6. Historic theater space has massive capacity. Weekday dinners almost never need reservations. Weekend dinners may have 20-30 min wait but space turns over quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely - this is a family headquarters. Kids menu, high chairs readily available, spacious layout means kids can move around. Saturday morning pizza-making classes for children. All ages welcome and common.
Good for large groups? Perfect for it - one of Echo Park's best large group options. Theater space accommodates parties of 10-20+ easily. Call ahead for groups over 12 but often can handle walk-ins.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes - two heated patios available year-round. Popular in good weather but indoor space is also airy with high ceilings.
Best For
Better for: Last-minute large groups (10+), families with active kids who need space, weekend gatherings when you need reliable capacity without advance planning, birthday parties wanting built-in activity (pizza-making classes)
Skip if: You want romantic ambiance, need quiet conversation for business dinner, prefer artisanal/upscale pizza experience, dining solo or as couple seeking intimate atmosphere
Pitfire Pizza
7.7
Vibes:
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Sports Bar Central
Part of Southern California mini-chain serving hand-stretched artisan pizzas in wood-fired ovens since the late 1990s, this Echo Park location provides chef-driven seasonal menus alongside crowd-pleasers like the Burrata and Pitfire Sausage. The casual brewpub atmosphere accommodates groups with indoor and outdoor seating and craft beer pairings.
Must-Try Dishes:
The Burrata, Pitfire Sausage, Wild Mushroom with Four Cheeses
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Reliable neighborhood pizzeria with craft beer selection and patio seating
Who should go: Families, groups, and craft beer enthusiasts seeking casual dining
When to visit: Happy hour or game days for beer specials
What to order: Burrata pizza, any seasonal special, pair with craft beer selection
Insider tip: Multiple cheese pizzas showcase their layering technique—Wild Mushroom has four
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking on Sunset Boulevard and side streets; evenings get competitive but usually findable within a block. Small lot available.
Dress code: Ultra-casual - athletic wear, jeans, t-shirts all standard. This is a neighborhood pizzeria.
Noise level: Moderately loud when busy - conversation-friendly but expect sports game volume during broadcasts
Weekend wait: 20-30 minutes peak times (6-8pm), walk-ins usually accommodated within 15 minutes off-peak
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait - seats available immediately
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - multiple veggie pizzas, seasonal vegetable options, and easy customization
Vegan options: Yes - vegan cheese available, several vegetable-forward pizzas can be modified
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free crust available for all pizzas, prepared in shared kitchen
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual second or third dates. The brewery atmosphere and communal energy work well for relaxed conversation, but it lacks romantic ambiance. Opt for patio seating for quieter setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially for parties of 2-4. Weekday evenings and lunches are easy walk-ins. Friday/Saturday dinners may have 20-30 minute waits, but bar seating usually available immediately.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely kid-friendly - high chairs available, tolerant atmosphere, simple cheese and pepperoni options. Noise level means you won't worry about kids being loud. All ages welcome, particularly popular with families 4-7pm.
Good for large groups? Yes - one of their strengths. Can accommodate parties of 8-12 with advance notice. Communal tables and brewpub setup designed for group gatherings. Great for birthday parties or team celebrations.
Do they serve alcohol? Yes - extensive craft beer selection is a major draw. Rotating taps feature local Southern California breweries. Wine available but beer is the focus. Full bar service.