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Uncle Vito's Pizzeria
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Uncle Vito's Pizzeria
7.7
Old-school slice shop near the Powell Street cable car serving New York-style pies, pastas, and subs since the late 1970s. Quick counter service makes it a reliable budget stop around Union Square.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sicilian square slice, Spaghetti with meatballs, Meatball parm sub
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Classic SF pizzeria with counter service and late hours.
Who should go: Budget-minded pizza and pasta fans
When to visit: After 8pm for shorter lines
What to order: Sicilian slice; meatball sub; spaghetti & meatballs
Insider tip: Grab a slice and a perch by the window for cable-car views.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated parking; nearby paid garages on Sutter or Powell. Street parking is scarce, especially evenings.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, hoodies, and sneakers are the norm.
Noise level: Moderate—counter bustle and street noise, but you can hold a quick conversation.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes, mostly for slices or a table if you want to sit.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, though the line can move steadily during peak noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—cheese pizza, veggie pastas, and a few subs.
Vegan options: Limited—no vegan cheese; you can do a plain veggie slice without cheese.
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free crust or pasta options available.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a first date—it’s more a quick, casual bite than a romantic setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, it’s first-come, first-served counter service. Small tables are usually open after a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families often stop in for pizza and pasta. Simple menu, fast service, and no need to worry about noise.
Best For
Better for: Late-night slices and budget-friendly pasta near Union Square. Faster and cheaper than sit-down Italian spots nearby.
Skip if: Skip if you’re looking for gourmet pizza, craft cocktails, or a quiet, upscale dinner experience.
Uncle Vito's Pizzeria
7.9
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Since 1977, this Union Square standby has served classic, comforting pies and late-night slices with friendly counter-service reliability. Portions and prices make it a go-to for quick dinners near the cable car line.
Must-Try Dishes:
The Red Eye (pepperoni, red onion, roasted red peppers), Pizza Pesto (basil pesto, sun-dried tomato, olives), Tia Mia (mushroom, spinach, feta)
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Old-school pies and slices at wallet-friendly prices since 1977.
Who should go: Budget diners craving classic, customizable pizzas
When to visit: After 8pm for shorter waits and steady slice availability
What to order: Red Eye; Pizza Pesto; Tia Mia or build-your-own
Insider tip: Personal 8-inch pies cook fast if slices have sold out.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated lot; limited street parking near Union Square. Public garages available within 2–3 blocks (expect $5–8/hr).
Dress code: Casual—jeans, tees, and sneakers are the norm.
Noise level: Moderate to lively; counter and slice service keeps the room busy but conversations are still manageable.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes for a table; slice counter moves quickly.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, though to-go orders stack up around noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several meatless pizzas and customizable veggie toppings available.
Vegan options: Limited—no dedicated vegan cheese, but can build veggie-only pies.
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free crust option; cross-contact is unavoidable.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-stakes outing than a romantic first impression. Think comfort food over candlelight.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—tables are first-come, first-serve. Walk in, and if it’s busy, counter slices are a faster backup.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—simple menu, quick service, and booths make it easy for families with kids. High chairs are limited but staff is accommodating.
Best For
Better for: Late-night slices and affordable full pies in a central location—faster and cheaper than trendier sit-down pizza spots nearby.
Skip if: You want artisanal toppings, wood-fired crusts, or a quieter, date-night atmosphere. Try Back to Back instead.
Uncle Vito's Pizzeria
7.8
Old-school pizzeria just off Powell with slices, pies, and simple pastas at wallet-friendly prices. Counterservice speed and casual seating make it an easy family stop near Union Square.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pepperoni slice, Pesto tortellini, Garlic bread
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 7.7
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Straightforward pies and pastas steps from the cable car line.
Who should go: Families needing fast, affordable Italian
When to visit: Before theater rush or after 8pm for shortest waits
What to order: Pepperoni slice; pesto tortellini; garlic bread
Insider tip: Grab counter seats for the quickest turnaround on busy nights.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is very limited near Union Square; best bet is the Sutter-Stockton Garage a few blocks away, usually $4–6 per hour.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, tees, and sneakers are all perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversations are possible but expect background bustle, especially evenings.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during peak hours; line moves steadily with counterservice.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait except right at noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—cheese pizza, pesto tortellini, salads, and other meat-free pasta options are available.
Vegan options: Limited—basic cheeseless pizza can be made and salads can be adjusted, but no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free crust or pasta; best to skip if strict gluten-free is required.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it’s more of a casual family or group spot with counterservice and simple seating.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Uncle Vito’s doesn’t take reservations; seating is first come, first served, with counter ordering.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—kids of all ages are welcome, and menu items like pizza and pasta are easy for families. No kids’ play area, but high chairs are available.
Best For
Better for: Quick, affordable pizza and pasta in the Union Square area compared to sit-down Italian spots nearby.
Skip if: You’re looking for upscale ambiance, extensive wine lists, or gluten-free/vegan-friendly menus.
Uncle Vito's Pizzeria
7.8
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Classic downtown pizzeria serving New York–leaning pies since 1977, steps from the Powell cable car. Families land here for approachable toppings, quick service, and value-friendly portions before or after Union Square outings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pepperoni, Margherita, Sausage & Mushroom
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Old-school pies and slices at tourist-and-local friendly prices.
Who should go: Families near Union Square on a budget
When to visit: Early evening or after 8pm for fastest seating
What to order: Pepperoni, Margherita, sausage-mushroom combo
Insider tip: Lines shrink after the Powell cable cars slow down.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated parking. Street parking around Union Square is scarce; the closest option is the Sutter-Stockton Garage, a 5-minute walk away.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, t-shirts, and sneakers are common; no dress code enforced.
Noise level: Moderate to lively, especially during dinner rush. You can carry on a conversation, but expect background chatter.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during peak hours, especially between 6–8pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait, except right at noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple pizza and pasta options such as Margherita or veggie pizza.
Vegan options: Limited—can order cheese-free pizzas or basic salads, but menu isn’t tailored to vegans.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free crusts; only salads or appetizers suit gluten-free diets.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a romantic first date—it’s casual, busy, and geared toward families and groups. Better for a relaxed hangout than a special occasion.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Uncle Vito’s is walk-in only. Arriving before 6pm or after 8pm helps avoid the peak rush.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—kids of all ages are welcome. High chairs are available, and pizza by the slice makes it easy for younger eaters.
Best For
Better for: Quick, affordable pizza near Union Square with a classic, old-school feel.
Skip if: You’re seeking gourmet pizza, vegan options, or a quiet, upscale atmosphere.
Uncle Vito's Pizzeria
7.9
Since 1977, this Union Square standby turns out New York–leaning pies and slices late into the evening (Fri–Sat to 11pm). Expect crisp-edged pepperoni, sausage-mushroom combos, and quick counter-style efficiency before or after downtown plans.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pepperoni Pizza, Sausage & Mushroom Combo, Margherita
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Old-school SF pizzeria serving until 11pm on weekends.
Who should go: Budget-minded downtown night owls
When to visit: After 9pm for shorter lines
What to order: Pepperoni, Margherita, sausage-mushroom slice
Insider tip: Grab a booth upstairs for faster seating than street level.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is scarce near Union Square; paid garages on Sutter and Stockton are the most reliable options.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, sneakers, and tourist attire are all welcome.
Noise level: Moderate buzz—conversations are possible but the counter area stays lively late at night.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes for a booth upstairs; slices at the counter are immediate.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, even during peak hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—Margherita and veggie-topped pies are always on the menu.
Vegan options: Limited—no vegan cheese, but you can order a sauce-only veggie pie.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free crust; cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want a casual, low-key vibe—better for a post-movie bite than a romantic dinner.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins only. Upstairs booths turn over quickly, especially after 9pm.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families stop in often, but note the narrow stairway and small dining room. Best for kids 5+.
Best For
Better for: Quick late-night slices near Union Square at wallet-friendly prices.
Skip if: You want craft cocktails, gourmet toppings, or a quieter sit-down pizzeria experience.