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Slice House by Tony Gemignani
Master Critic Reviews (7 Lists)
Slice House by Tony Gemignani
8.3
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Counter-service slices in NY, Grandma, and Sicilian styles from a decorated pizzaiolo. Fast turns and by-the-slice flexibility make it a reliable downtown quick stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grandma slice, Pepperoni NY slice, Sicilian tomato pie
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Multiple classic slice styles executed with pro technique.
Who should go: Slice hounds and downtown errand-runners
When to visit: Mid-afternoon lull for the freshest pans
What to order: Grandma; pepperoni NY; Sicilian tomato pie
Insider tip: Ask which pies just came out for peak crispness.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Mt. Diablo Blvd and Locust can be tight during lunch and dinner peaks, but the adjacent Broadway Plaza garage offers free two-hour parking within a five-minute walk.
Dress code: Completely casual—jeans, tees, and sneakers are the norm. Downtown office crowd occasionally pops in wearing business casual.
Noise level: Moderate buzz with background music and quick counter chatter—easy to converse but not quiet.
Weekend wait: 5–10 minutes for counter line; tables turn quickly with steady flow.
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait unless a nearby event lets out.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several pies like Margherita and veggie Sicilian are fully meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited—can customize slices by skipping cheese, though no vegan cheese substitute is offered.
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free crust available, but gluten-sensitive diners can enjoy salads or sides.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only for casual, low-pressure meetups—counter seating and self-serve setup make it informal but friendly.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's entirely walk-in. Tables rotate fast, and solo diners or pairs usually find space right away.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families with kids often stop in for quick dinners. Portions are easy to share, and there’s no wait service to slow things down.
Best For
Better for: Fast, authentic NY- and Sicilian-style slices made with artisan technique—ideal when you want serious pizza without a sit-down commitment.
Skip if: You’re looking for a full-service meal, alcohol options, or quieter ambiance for longer conversations.
Slice House by Tony Gemignani
8.2
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Counter-service slice spot from world-champion pizzaiolo Tony Gemignani with NY, Grandma, and Sicilian styles. Quick lines and by-the-slice flexibility make it parent-friendly.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grandma Slice, Pepperoni NY Slice, Sicilian Tomato Pie
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Multiple classic slice styles executed with pro technique, fast.
Who should go: Families needing speedy, no-fuss pizza
When to visit: Mid-afternoon lull for freshest pans
What to order: Grandma slice; pepperoni NY; Sicilian tomato pie
Insider tip: Ask which pies just came out for peak crispness.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared plaza lot behind the building with free 90-minute spots; fills up around dinner rush, but turnover is quick.
Dress code: Totally casual—T-shirts, jerseys, or kids’ uniforms after games all fit right in.
Noise level: Lively during peak hours with music and chatter, but conversation is easy at side tables or outdoors.
Weekend wait: 10–15 minutes for a table; slices move quickly even when lines form.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically—grab-and-go moves fast.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several pizzas and salads are vegetarian, including Margherita and white pies.
Vegan options: Limited—no dedicated vegan cheese, but you can build a veggie pie without cheese.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free crust available on whole pies, not by the slice.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re going for casual and fun—great for low-key dates or pizza-loving couples, not for candlelight romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-up only. Indoor and outdoor tables turn fast; just grab a number or head to the patio if it’s full.
Is it kid-friendly? Definitely—quick service, booster seats, and slice options make it ideal for families with kids 3 and up.
Best For
Better for: Faster service and more slice-style variety than Melo’s or Benvenuti; great for casual family eats.
Skip if: You want full-service dining, wine service, or an extended sit-down meal—try Montecatini instead.
Slice House by Tony Gemignani
8.3
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Counter-service slice shop known for New York, Sicilian, and Grandma styles baked with strong fundamentals. Locals stop in for quick slices before or after downtown errands.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grandma slice, New Yorker pepperoni slice, Sicilian tomato pie
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Multiple classic slice styles executed with pro technique.
Who should go: Slice hounds and downtown errand runners
When to visit: Mid-afternoon lull for fastest service
What to order: Grandma slice; pepperoni slice; Sicilian tomato pie
Insider tip: Ask which pies just came out to catch peak crispness.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Mt. Diablo Blvd and nearby public garages; easiest access at the South Locust garage behind Starbucks.
Dress code: Totally casual—come as you are, from gym clothes to jeans.
Noise level: Moderate—steady foot traffic and music, but conversation still easy.
Weekend wait: 5–10 minutes for fresh slice turnover; seating may fill briefly.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait—grab-and-go moves quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—Margherita, white pies, and veggie Sicilian options rotate daily.
Vegan options: Limited—can request cheeseless slices or tomato pie; no vegan cheese.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free crust available on whole pies, not by the slice.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re keeping it ultra-casual—better for a quick lunch meet-up than a romantic dinner.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—no reservations taken; counter seating and a few small tables are first-come, first-served.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely—easy for families, high chairs available, and slices come fast for restless kids.
Best For
Better for: Crisper New York–style crusts and faster service than sit-down pizzerias nearby.
Skip if: You’re seeking a wine list, table service, or long linger—this is a grab-and-go shop.
Slice House by Tony Gemignani
8.2
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Counter-service shop turning out New York, Grandma, Detroit, and Sicilian slices from the Tony Gemignani playbook. Fast lines and consistent bake make it an easy family stop downtown.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grandma Square Slice, Detroit Pepperoni, Sicilian Burrata Slice
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Multi-style pizza executed at volume with reliable bakes.
Who should go: Families who want quick, quality slices
When to visit: Late afternoon before dinner rush
What to order: Grandma slice; Detroit pepperoni; Sicilian burrata
Insider tip: Ask for a reheat on slices for best crisp.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Mt. Diablo Blvd and Locust Street; free garage at the Broadway Plaza garage is a 3-minute walk.
Dress code: Completely casual—come as you are; shorts and tees are fine.
Noise level: Moderate during rushes—conversational but lively near the counter area.
Weekend wait: 10–15 minutes for slices or box orders; indoor seating can fill fast after 6:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, though line builds slightly from 12:15–12:45pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetarian pizzas including Margherita and veggie slice.
Vegan options: Limited—no dedicated vegan cheese, but crust and red sauce are dairy-free.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free crust available on whole pies (not slices); cross-contact possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only for casual dates—fun and low-key but not romantic. Better for shared slices before a movie.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, it’s counter-service; tables are first-come-first-serve. Turnover is quick even at peak times.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—kids love watching the pizza oven and picking slice styles. Booster seats available, though no highchairs.
Best For
Better for: Quick, affordable multi-style slices and takeout; ideal when you want high-quality pizza fast.
Skip if: You’re looking for a long sit-down meal with full bar service—try Melo’s or Montecatini instead.
Slice House by Tony Gemignani
7.8
Counter-service pies and slices from a world-champion pizzaiolo with New York, Grandma, Detroit, and Sicilian styles. Quick lines, plenty of kid-approved options, and fair prices make it an easy family stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grandma Slice, Detroit Pepperoni, Sicilian Burrata Slice
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Multi-style slices executed at a high level, fast.
Who should go: Families needing speedy, affordable pizza
When to visit: After-school and early evenings for the shortest queues
What to order: Grandma slice; Detroit pepperoni; Sicilian burrata
Insider tip: Mix slice styles—ask staff to reheat for best texture.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Mt. Diablo Blvd and Locust St; garage parking available nearby at the Mt. Diablo / Locust structure (first hour free).
Dress code: Casual—come as you are; family and takeout-friendly atmosphere.
Noise level: Lively during meal rushes with background music and chatter; still manageable for family conversations.
Weekend wait: 5–10 minutes for ordering; tables turn quickly even when lines reach the door.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; expect steady foot traffic from nearby offices.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple veggie pies including Margherita, Grandma, and spinach-artichoke styles.
Vegan options: Limited—no dedicated vegan cheese, but several cheeseless red-sauce slices can be customized.
Gluten-free options: Yes—personal 10-inch gluten-free crust available; prepared separately on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re going for a casual, low-key vibe—more grab-and-go energy than romantic setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—counter-service only; first-come, first-served seating indoors and on the patio.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—high chairs available, slices come fast, and the staff is used to families with young kids.
Best For
Better for: Quick, affordable pizza that’s actually great—perfect when you don’t want full-service Italian but still care about quality.
Skip if: You’re seeking a sit-down meal with table service, wine pairings, or a quieter ambiance.
Slice House by Tony Gemignani
8.4
Fast-casual shop from 13-time world pizza champion Tony Gemignani turning out NY, Detroit, Grandma, and Sicilian pies by the slice. Late evening counter service makes it a reliable downtown stop after shows and shopping.
Must-Try Dishes:
Detroit Rosa slice, NY Pepperoni (cup & char), Grandma-style pesto slice
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Award-winning multi-style slices from Tony Gemignani available late.
Who should go: Slice hunters and post-event grazers
When to visit: After 9 pm for shorter lines and fresh slices
What to order: Detroit Rosa; cup-and-char pepperoni; Grandma slice
Insider tip: Ask which trays are about to pop—fresh bakes hit in late waves.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Garage parking available at Broadway Plaza—first 3 hours free, easy access after 8 pm when shops close.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; most guests come in jeans or streetwear from shopping or the movies.
Noise level: Moderate; lively counter chatter and background music, but you can still hold a quick conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–15 minutes for hot slices, but longer waits for whole pies during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait—walk right up for slices ready to go.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several veggie slice options daily, including margherita and seasonal specials.
Vegan options: Limited – usually one vegan slice or whole-pie option; confirm daily availability.
Gluten-free options: Yes – gluten-free crusts available for whole pies, prepped separately upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? More of a casual meet-up spot than a romantic setting—great if your date loves pizza and conversation over quick bites.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-in only. Counter and small tables turn over quickly, even during weekend rushes.
Is it kid-friendly? Definitely—families frequent it for quick dinners; plenty of seating and slice options for kids.
Best For
Better for: Best for late-night slice runs or casual groups who want quality pizza without committing to full service.
Skip if: Skip if you’re looking for a slow, sit-down meal or quiet ambiance—energy stays upbeat until close.
Slice House by Tony Gemignani
8.0
Counter-service pizzeria from a world pizza champion serving NY, Detroit, and Grandma slices. Open late for quick post-shopping or post-bar fuel.
Must-Try Dishes:
Detroit Rosa slice, Classic NY cheese slice, Grandma slice
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Award-winning slices in multiple styles served fast until late.
Who should go: Hungry night owls on a budget
When to visit: After 9 pm for quick counter service
What to order: Detroit Rosa; NY cheese; Grandma slice
Insider tip: Ask which pies are freshest—slices turn quickly near close.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated parking in the Broadway Plaza garage—free for the first three hours and plentiful late at night.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are from shopping or after drinks.
Noise level: Lively but manageable; expect background music and chatter, but conversation is easy at the counter or outdoor tables.
Weekend wait: 10–15 minutes for hot slices; line moves fast even during peak bar hours.
Weekday lunch: No wait; grab-and-go service is quick.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—classic cheese, margherita, and veggie slices rotate daily.
Vegan options: Limited—occasional vegan pies, but check case for availability.
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free slices; whole gluten-free pies available at the full-service Tony’s location nearby.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only for casual hangs—grab slices and walk Broadway Plaza; better for low-pressure meetups than romantic dinners.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—this is counter service; order inside and grab an open table or patio seat.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—kids love the slice variety and quick service; outdoor seating works well for families.
Best For
Better for: Fast, affordable late-night pizza with authentic NY and Detroit styles unmatched nearby.
Skip if: You’re seeking a full-service dinner, craft cocktails, or a quieter sit-down meal—head to Tony’s or Rooftop instead.