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SaMo Pizza
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
SaMo Pizza
7.6
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Brick oven pizzeria serving late-night slices and pies until 4 AM on weekends. Established in 2018, this counter-service spot draws Santa Monica College students and locals with affordable prices, quick service, and specialty options including vegan, gluten-free, and creative toppings like their signature SaMo pizza with egg and jalapeño.
Must-Try Dishes:
SaMo Pizza, Margherita, BBQ Chicken
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 7.7
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: Open until 4 AM on weekends with brick oven quality at student-friendly prices
Who should go: Late-night crowds, students, and budget-conscious pizza lovers
When to visit: After midnight when craving quality beats price consciousness
What to order: Signature SaMo with egg and jalapeño, classic margherita, caesar salad
Insider tip: Staff treats regulars like family and occasionally surprises kids with free ice cream
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Pico and side streets - usually available after 8pm. Lot behind building has limited evening spots.
Dress code: Come as you are - t-shirts, hoodies, gym clothes all fine. This is a counter-service slice joint.
Noise level: Lively but manageable - upbeat music and college crowd energy, conversation flows easily
Weekend wait: 5-10 min for slices, 15-20 min for whole pies during peak hours (10pm-2am)
Weekday lunch: No wait - walk up and order, food ready in 5-7 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - extensive options including margherita, veggie combos, and build-your-own
Vegan options: Yes - vegan cheese available, multiple veggie topping combinations
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free crust available for any pizza, prepared with awareness but not certified celiac kitchen
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better as a casual late-night stop after drinks or an activity. The counter-service format and college crowd vibe make it fun but not intimate - save for 2nd or 3rd dates when you're past formalities.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed or accepted - it's counter service with bar seating and a few tables. Grab what's available or take your pizza to go. Busiest midnight-2am on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely - all ages welcome, especially before 10pm. Simple menu kids love, quick service keeps little ones happy, and staff occasionally surprises children with free ice cream. After midnight it's mostly college crowd.
Do they deliver? Yes - available through major delivery apps. But brick oven pizza travels better when picked up fresh, and you'll save $8-12 in fees for a 10-minute drive.
How's the slice selection? Solid rotation of 6-8 varieties ready to grab, including classics and specialty options. Full menu available for whole pies with 15-20 minute wait. Slices reheated quickly in the brick oven.
Best For
Better for: Late-night brick oven quality without the wait or premium pricing - perfect when you want real pizza, not Domino's, after bars close. Also wins for family-friendly quick dinners under $40 and accommodating dietary restrictions without upcharges.
Skip if: You want sit-down service with cocktails, romantic ambiance, or artisanal sourdough crusts with heirloom tomatoes. For that experience, head to Bay Cities or Rustic Canyon. Also skip if you need guaranteed parking within 50 feet.
SaMo Pizza
7.9
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Late-night brick oven pizza joint established in 2018, serving until 3-4 AM with authentic high-quality ingredients and generous portions. The signature SaMo Pizza features creative toppings like egg, jalapeño, and bacon that keep college crowds and night owls coming back.
Must-Try Dishes:
SaMo Pizza, Indian Paneer Pizza, Pepperoni Pizza
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Open until 4 AM on weekends serving quality pizza when nothing else is
Who should go: Late-night crowds and budget-conscious families
When to visit: After midnight for post-party pizza or weekend late dinners
What to order: SaMo Pizza with egg, Indian Paneer pizza, large pepperoni
Insider tip: Order the specialty pizzas over plain cheese for the best value
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Pico and side streets - generally easy to find after 9pm
Dress code: Super casual - college crowd vibe, come as you are
Noise level: Lively but conversational - can chat easily over slices
Weekend wait: 5-10 min for takeout, no wait for counter seating
Weekday lunch: Walk right in, quick service
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple veggie pizzas including Indian Paneer and custom options
Vegan options: Limited - can build custom without cheese, but not a vegan-focused spot
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free crust available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual 2nd or 3rd dates - it's a counter-service pizza spot with a fun late-night vibe, not romantic ambiance. Perfect if you both value good food over fancy settings.
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations - it's walk-up counter service with some casual seating. During late-night hours (after midnight), you'll have no problem. Peak dinner (7-9pm) might mean a short wait for your order.
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly during dinner hours - casual atmosphere, generous portions, and familiar pizzas kids love. Just note they stay open super late serving the bar crowd, so earlier visits (before 10pm) are best for families.
How long does a meal take here? Fast casual - order at counter, pizza ready in 10-15 minutes. Perfect for quick dinners or late-night munchies when you don't want to commit to a 90-minute meal.
Is it good for groups? Great for groups - large pizzas are shareable, prices are budget-friendly, and the casual vibe works for 4-8 people. Just coordinate your orders since it's counter service.
Best For
Better for: Late-night cravings (literally the only quality option after midnight), budget-conscious families wanting real ingredients over chain pizza, adventurous pizza lovers (Indian Paneer, egg toppings), and anyone prioritizing substance over scene
Skip if: You want sit-down table service with waiters, need gluten-free options, prefer traditional Neapolitan-style over creative toppings, or you're looking for a date-night ambiance with mood lighting and romance