I finally broke down and tried this place. I doubt I'll go back.
I wasn't impressed with the selection of slices. The sausage was good, then I went with jerk chicken and pepperoni, neither of which would be my typical order. I wanted to try a variety.
So, again, the sausage slice was quite tasty. The fresh basil and grated (real) Parmigiano were very nice touches. The crust was thin and crispy-ish, though every slice "flopped". Don't buy the "no flop" hype.
I grew up in NJ, lived in New Haven, CT, and spent alot of time in NYC. This was a nice homage to NYC pizza, and even had a bit of New Haven Wooster Square character to it.
For me, ordering the jerk chicken was probably a mistake. Not a choice I would have made if there had been other selections. When I bit into it, I winced at the flavors. I figured, I'm just not used to this flavor combo, so I continued chewing. Briefly. Then I spit it out. The rest of that slice will end up in the bin.
I ordered the pepperoni because it came out "fresh" from the back. Again, pepperoni has never been my preferred slice. Too greasy for me, but I figured, it's right out of the oven, and pepperoni IS a classic, so I'll give it a shot. When I bit into the slice, the ONLY thing I tasted was salt. That slice, too, will go into the bin.
I also ordered the $20 (yikes) meatball sandwich. Though I was then told they had no sandwiches. I asked for the pepperoni first, so I could eat while I waited for the rest of the order, which was to go. The guy said, so you only want the pepperoni heated? I said, no, I want them all heated, but the pepperoni is right out of the oven, no? I'd like that first.
I waited, but the slice was not offered to me. I sat. My name was called, and I got my box, which had only 2 slices, no pepperoni. I tucked into the sausage slice, (HUNGRY), then told them I didn't get the pepperoni slice, sat back down and continued eating.
Soon the pepperoni slice was brought out. She stumbled as she reached the table, and nearly pitched the slice into my lap or face. I said, "That would have topped it." She responded: "Oh, you're having a bad day. Well I'm working my 8th day straight." I reached out for the slice and she pulled it back. I gestured to the table, (mouth full), by way of requesting she put it down.
She said, "Oh, don't do that! Don't you do that!" I got the distinct impression she's the type that likes to tell people belonging to a certain group to sit down and be quiet because they take up too much space.
In summary, the sausage slice was good. I'd give it a 7.5/10. The other 2 slices were not to my liking at all, so 2/3 of what I ordered will go into the trash.
The initial customer service contact was a bit spotty, tho at least with some humor. Reasonable for a very casual pizza joint. The follow on customer service contact was rude, self absorbed, and insulting. Pathetic, really.
In the future I will stick with Picolo...
Read moreOutta Sight Pizza, my 101st pizza establishment tried in San Francisco, has left me torn between admiration for its authentic New York-style slices and a deep sense of unease due to its unfortunate location in the Civic Center-Tenderloin vicinity. As a devoted pizza reviewer and a native of San Francisco, I approached Outta Sight with high expectations, and while the pizza itself deserves recognition, the surrounding area dampens the overall experience.
Situated in the midst of a challenging urban landscape, Outta Sight manages to shine amidst the turmoil. The flavors of their New York-style slices are undeniably outstanding, making it a destination that even Dave Portnoy should consider exploring. However, I must caution potential visitors about the neighborhood. The Civic Center-Tenderloin area is plagued by distressing issues, including the coexistence of tourists and individuals struggling with addiction, creating an unsettling environment that cannot be ignored.
In the context of this peculiar setting, Outta Sight serves as an emblematic representation of the challenges faced by San Francisco. It's a place that Anthony Bourdain himself would have found intriguing, as it encapsulates the raw essence of the city's contradictions. As a devoted pizza enthusiast, I recommend experiencing Outta Sight as part of your pizza pilgrimage, alongside a visit to Pizza Hacker.
To optimize your experience, I suggest either a quick visit to grab one of their cool t-shirts or opting for delivery. Given the neighborhood's challenges, it's best to minimize your time spent in the area. Once you have procured your t-shirt, retreat to a more pleasant location—anywhere that lacks the distressing scenes synonymous with the Tenderloin.
Attention, hipsters: It's difficult to overlook the affinity between Outta Sight and Brooklyn. The authenticity of the pizza and the hipster culture seem intertwined, creating an inevitable association. Consider this a nod to your desires for unique and "bomb" culinary experiences. However, for the sake of authenticity, let's leave the cowboy hats at home, shall we?
For non-hipsters and all pizza aficionados, Outta Sight's pizza undeniably earns its place among the best slices in the city, alongside establishments like Empire Pizza. The videos showcasing the pizza speak for themselves, offering a glimpse into the remarkable culinary craftsmanship at play. Vice should take note and feature Outta Sight in their next San Francisco pizza video.
With an exalted rating of 8.8 on the One Bite Review scale, Outta Sight Pizza deserves recognition for its dedication to delivering authentic New York-style slices. However, it's important to approach this experience with awareness of the challenging neighborhood it inhabits. I'll be content with a t-shirt to commemorate my next visit, as the pizza itself has left an...
Read moreIt is a truth universally acknowledged—well, at least in the culinary crevices of my mind—that pizza in urban locales teeming with tourists often lacks distinction, much like a summer fog rolling in without a breeze. But alas, a peculiary factual media article concerning this establishment reached my eyes, beckoning me to venture forth with great skepticism and a healthy appetite.
Upon arrival, I found a trove of slices priced under $7, each boasting the promise of individuality. Yet the marvel truly lies in their Monday-Friday happy hour—a time between 4 and 6 o’clock when one may procure two slices for a mere $6 or one slice for $3 fifty (a frugal man’s paradise, though with a limit of two slices per soul).
Now, I confess: on my third visit, I arrived at the witching hour of 5:45 PM, greeted by a line so long it might rival a Sunday sermon queue in more devout corners of the country. Logistical doubt clouded my mind, but lo, a benevolent pizza maker emerged to define the official end of the weekdayhappy hour line. That act of courtesy was enough to lift my spirits and give me faith in humanity—at least in the pizza-making sector.
The slices themselves? Oh, a delight to both the palate and the soul! You may opt for a thin crust light as a morning breeze, or indulge in a Detroit-style cheesy crust that embraces decadence. Vegan slices, seasonal creations (pears on pizza, imagine that!), and fresh basil await the discerning diner, with a flourish of shredded cheese to crown your masterpiece should you so choose.
And word reaches me of their expansion to Chinatown—a venture I wish them well in, for such gastronomic generosity deserves success. Moreover, their budget-friendly offerings are a balm for the neighborhood, where even a $3.50 happy-hour slice can feel like a small act of grace.
In summation, if you are of the opinion that pizza ought to be more than sustenance—that it should sing a hymn of flavor and invention—then you must make haste to this Tenderloin treasure. Your stomach, your wallet, and perhaps even your sense of wonder...
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