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Tarantino's Pizzeria
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Tarantino's Pizzeria
7.9
Cash-only neighborhood pizzeria serving New York-style slices and whole pies since 1982. The no-frills spot with checkered tablecloths delivers authentic East Coast flavors and generous portions that keep locals coming back.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pepperoni by the Slice, White Pizza with Ricotta, Sicilian Square
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Authentic NY-style pizza with 40+ years history
Who should go: Pizza slice seekers and cash carriers
When to visit: Weekday lunch for fresh slices
What to order: Two pepperoni slices and a soda combo
Insider tip: Bring cash - they don't accept cards
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking usually available, small lot behind building fills quickly
Dress code: Come as you are - locals in everything from gym clothes to work attire
Noise level: Lively but manageable - families and sports on TV create neighborhood buzz
Weekend wait: 15-30 min for tables, counter seats usually available
Weekday lunch: No wait - grab slices at counter immediately
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - cheese, veggie, and margherita options always available
Vegan options: No - traditional NY recipes use dairy cheese exclusively
Gluten-free options: No - classic thin crust only, no alternatives
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual third dates - the cash-only policy and paper plates keep it very low-key, which works if you're past the impression stage
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations - it's first-come, first-served with quick turnover, rarely more than 20 minutes wait
Is it kid-friendly? Perfect for families - high chairs available, kids love watching the pizza toss, and the casual atmosphere means no stress about noise
Best For
Better for: Authentic NY-style thin crust at unbeatable prices - when you want a quality slice without the trendy markup
Skip if: You need delivery, want gourmet toppings, or forgot to hit the ATM - head to Blaze or Pizza Press instead
Tarantino's Pizzeria
8.5
Family-owned neighborhood pizzeria since 1998, serving New York-style pies in a cozy setting reminiscent of East Coast Italian neighborhoods. Known for generous portions, authentic recipes, and warm hospitality that makes regulars feel like family.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic NY-Style Pepperoni, Sicilian Square Pizza, Homemade Meatball Sub
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.9
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: 26-year legacy of authentic neighborhood Italian dining
Who should go: Families wanting authentic NY-style in casual setting
When to visit: Weeknight dinners for quieter family time
What to order: NY pepperoni pizza, antipasto salad, cannoli
Insider tip: Cash-only restaurant, ATM available inside
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking usually available, busiest Friday/Saturday nights when you may need to circle the block
Dress code: Come as you are - families in jeans and t-shirts fit right in
Noise level: Lively family buzz - conversation-friendly but energetic during peak hours
Weekend wait: 20-30 min typical Friday/Saturday, no reservations taken
Weekday lunch: Walk right in, rarely a wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple pizza options plus pasta dishes and salads
Vegan options: Very limited - salads without cheese, ask about pizza dough ingredients
Gluten-free options: No dedicated options - traditional flour-based menu only
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual dates than romantic ones - the family atmosphere and bright lighting create a relaxed vibe but lack intimacy
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations - it's first-come, first-served. Weeknights usually no problem, weekends expect a short wait
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely - high chairs available, kids menu, patient staff, and other families create a judgment-free zone for little ones
Best For
Better for: Authentic NY-style at neighborhood prices - better value than trendy spots, more genuine than chains
Skip if: You want modern California-style pizzas, craft cocktails, or dietary accommodations beyond vegetarian
Tarantino's Pizzeria
7.8
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Hidden Gems Heaven
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Cozy neighborhood Italian serving homestyle recipes passed down from owner Dan Tarrantine's grandmother since 1984. Cash-only establishment in the Playhouse District known for generous portions, famous garlic rolls, and made-from-scratch marinara. Regulars crowd communal tables for the family-style experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grandma Tony's Special Pizza, Garlic Rolls, Pepe Salad
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Four decades of grandmother's recipes served in intimate, retro atmosphere
Who should go: Budget diners, neighborhood regulars, garlic lovers
When to visit: 11am-noon for fewer crowds, cash only
What to order: Tucci's Special pizza, garlic rolls (bring mints), linguini with meatballs
Insider tip: Arrive between 11am-noon to avoid dinner rush in the small space
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - relatively easy to find spots on side streets, free after 6pm and weekends
Dress code: Ultra casual - jeans, t-shirts, come as you are neighborhood spot
Noise level: Lively and echoey - communal tables mean you'll hear neighboring conversations, not ideal for intimate talks
Weekend wait: 30-45 min peak hours (6-8pm), cash-only warning means some people turn away
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, 11am-noon is sweet spot before lunch rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - cheese pizzas, marinara pasta dishes, eggplant parm, garlic rolls are vegetarian
Vegan options: Very limited - marinara sauce is vegan, can request plain pasta with vegetables, but kitchen uses butter heavily
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free options - traditional Italian recipes, no alternative crusts or pasta
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Skip it for first dates - communal seating, high noise level, and cash-only logistics create awkward moments. Save it for casual hangouts or established relationships.
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations - it's first-come, first-served. Arrive 11am-noon or after 8:30pm to avoid waits. Weekday lunches are your safest bet for walking right in.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely kid-friendly - communal tables, generous portions for sharing, garlic rolls keep kids happy while waiting, and the casual vibe means no one minds noise. Popular with local families.
Best For
Better for: Budget-conscious groups wanting authentic homestyle Italian in generous portions - you'll pay $15-20 per person versus $35+ at Pasadena's upscale Italian spots. Best for regulars who know what they want and embrace the quirky cash-only, communal table experience.
Skip if: You need dietary accommodations beyond vegetarian, want a quiet romantic dinner, forgot to hit the ATM, or prefer modern Italian with craft cocktails. For polished date nights, try Union on Arroyo; for gluten-free, head to Locale.