Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
oChef » Pizza Pal – San Diego
Pizza Pal - San Diego
Photo from Pizza Pal
Pizza Pal at a glance
San Diego Pacific Beach
- 🍕 Pizzeria
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 30 of the guests
#430 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#33 Pizzeria out of 68 in San Diego
Good
7.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
236
Reviews
70.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Pizza quality
- Good atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Price changes
- Service inconsistency
The restaurant, a vibrant pizzeria in San Diego’s sunny Pacific Beach neighborhood, invites you to experience a casual dining atmosphere perfect for any occasion. At Pizza Pal, you can enjoy delicious pizza with the added comfort of outdoor seating, making it an ideal spot to soak up the local vibe.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a relaxed dinner, this spot offers a welcoming environment for everyone.
Overview: Introducting Pizza Pal
Pizza Pal offers a mixed experience, with many customers praising the quality of their main dishes. The pizza often receives compliments for its taste and preparation, suggesting a focus on the core product.
You’ll likely find the overall setting to be quite pleasant and welcoming. However, some recent changes to pricing have caused concern, impacting the perceived value.
While the staff can be incredibly friendly, there are also reports of inconsistent service experiences that might affect your visit.
Good
7.1
out of 10
236
Reviews
70.3%
Satisfaction
60
negative
10
neutral
166
positive
Pizza Pal earns a respectable overall score of 7.1, indicating a generally positive dining experience. This is supported by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 70.3%, which suggests most patrons leave content.
The restaurant’s strengths clearly lie in its Food (7.6), which is frequently highlighted for its quality, and the pleasant Ambience (7.5) that makes guests feel at ease. These insights are drawn from a substantial 236 customer opinions.
While the core offerings shine, other areas present a more varied picture. Service (6.4) is perceived as average, with some experiences being very positive due to attentive staff, while others note significant issues.
Similarly, Value (5.5) falls into the average range, as initial affordability is sometimes overshadowed by concerns over price adjustments and additional fees. There were 166 positive remarks compared to 60 negative ones, providing a clear perspective on these aspects.
What people like
- Delicious pizza
- Welcoming atmosphere
- Friendly staff
What people don't like
- Price changes
- Inconsistent service
- Soggy crust issues
If you’re seeking a straightforward pizza experience where the main dish often hits the mark, Pizza Pal is certainly worth considering. The consistent quality of their food, combined with a generally pleasant setting, makes it a solid choice for a casual meal.
However, be mindful of potential fluctuations in pricing and service consistency, which could impact your overall visit. With a Recommendation Score of 7.2, it leans towards a positive endorsement, suggesting that for many, the good outweighs the occasional drawbacks.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Pizza Pal
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 93% of the guests
When it comes to food, this spot generally hits the mark with a solid score of 7.6 and a good customer satisfaction rate of 77.5%. Based on 110 positive remarks, diners frequently rave about the delicious pizza, especially the perfectly cooked crust and great taste. Many also appreciate the deep dish and extensive menu options.
However, not every bite is perfect. With 26 negative comments, some experiences mention issues like soggy crusts and a weird sauce flavor. A few also noted concerns about food not being fully cooked, or an unwelcome greasiness and toughness in some items.
Food
142
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
26
negative
6
neutral
110
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Perfectly cooked crust
- Delicious taste
- Extensive menu
What people don't like
- Pizzas undercooked
- Soggy crust
- Weird sauce flavor
Often praised
- pizzaI love this place and visit it three times a week during my breaks. I usually get two slices of pizza, and when I have extra time, I go for their bbq pizza, which is the best I've ever had. Every time I walk in, I feel welcomed; the owners are wonderful and enjoy talking with me, ensuring I feel comfortable.
- crustperfectly cooked crust—soft, flavorful
- foodMy experience was fantastic! We received great service and enjoyed great food.
- cheeseLots of cheese a thick layer of it
- deliciousalways delicious!
- large cheese pizzaI went to this restaurant to get a pizza with my daughter. Initially, I was skeptical about the quality given the location and the price of $5 for a large cheese pizza, expecting it to be cheap and disgusting. However, I was more than agreeably surprised when we ate it.
- pepperoni pizzaIt was perfect. It was like straight out of Brooklyn.
- tasteGreat taste good flavor.
- toppingsThe toppings were fresh and generous
- 5 dollar pepperoni or cheese pizza5 dollar pepperoni or cheese pizza yoi cant beat it
Frequently criticized
- pizzaPizza Pal's pizza taste like every other institutional pizza
- breadsticksbreadsticks I would honestly compare them to beef jerky with how chewy they were
- Crust feels soggyI liked the old pizza better. Crust feels soggy and the sauce has a weird flavor. And now it’s buy 1 for the price of 2.
- FoodFood:1
- Mexican restaurantthe m e x restaurant that is n-e-x t door is awful
- baconit had bacon in it
- cakerock hard and dry, and the icing was starting to look moldy
- crust problemsfigure out the crust problems
- flavorno flavor
- foodTo make matters worse, the pizzas were not fully cooked. The service was terrible and the food was terrible.
If you're craving pizza, especially deep dish, this place is definitely worth a try, given its generally good food and taste. Just be aware that some experiences have noted inconsistencies with crust texture and cooking, so manage your expectations.
Service (6.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 69% of the guests
When it comes to service, theres a lot to smile about! Out of 56 comments, 35 customers praised the experience, often highlighting the friendly customer service and helpful staff. Many appreciated the on-time delivery and the great owners who go the extra mile.
The service score is a solid 6.4, with customer satisfaction at 62.5%, indicating a generally positive, though somewhat mixed, experience. However, not everyone had a smooth experience. 21 customers reported issues, with complaints about terrible service, rude staff, and long waits.
Some faced delivery issues and problems with orders, leading to frustration. While many found the service friendly, these points suggest theres still room for improvement to ensure consistency for all.
Service
56
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
21
negative
0
neutral
35
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Prompt, on-time delivery
- Supportive new management
What people don't like
- Rude staff members
- Frustrating long waits
- Unreliable delivery service
Often praised
- serviceI stopped by on my way through town and was impressed with the very good pizza. The friendly service also stood out. What was particularly helpful was that they were able to accommodate a special request for my dog, providing a plain burger patty.
- ServiceService:5
- deliverywent out of his way to deliver the pizza after the store was closed
- ownerthe very nice and humble man was the owner
- ownersthe owners are the best they love talking to me
- staffThe staff are incredibly friendly
- JesusJesus always greets me with a smile and is very helpful
- Service:Take outService:Take out
- Wait timeWait time:No wait
- customer servicecustomer service is amazing
Frequently criticized
- staffThe worst staff ever. Specially the guy with the mustache
- ServiceService:1
- Terrible serviceTerrible service
- carehe didn’t even care
- deliverysupposed to get pizzas delivered at 4:30 which never happened
- experiencein total definitely not a good experience at this place
- guy with mustachethe guy with the mustache should be fired
- language barrier issueThat was a language barrier issue
- multiple callshad to call multiple times
- no driverstold me they had no drivers
Service here is a mixed bag, leaning positive. While many praise the friendly staff and prompt delivery, be aware that some customers have faced frustrating issues like long waits or order problems. If you're looking for generally good service with a chance of a hiccup, it might be worth a try.
Ambience (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 14% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.5 and a solid customer satisfaction of 72.7%. Many guests, 8 out of 11, felt welcomed and appreciated the clean environment. The ample and free parking options were also a definite bonus, making your visit hassle-free.
However, it's not universally loved, as a couple of comments (2 out of 11) noted some issues with the atmosphere, even giving it low scores. While most found it pleasant, a few experiences suggest there might be room for improvement in consistency.
Ambience
11
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
2
negative
1
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Welcoming atmosphere
- Ample free parking
- Clean environment
What people don't like
- Atmosphere inconsistency
Often praised
- atmosphereEvery time I walk in I feel welcomed
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ample parkingAmple parking
- clean environmentenvironment was notably clean
- free parking lotParking options:Free parking lot
- plenty of parkingParking space:Plenty of parking
Frequently criticized
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:1
- atmosphereatmosphere also received low scores
If a welcoming, clean environment with easy parking is important to you, this place delivers. While a few found the atmosphere less appealing, it's generally a pleasant spot that enhances your meal.
Value (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 38% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot is a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.5 and customer satisfaction at 48.1%. Many customers, however, appreciate the reasonable price and affordable options, often finding a good price for their meals. There are even mentions of great deals like a $5 pizza, making it a budget-friendly choice for some, with 13 positive remarks.
On the flip side, some recent changes have caused frustration. There are concerns about price increases, with some deals no longer honored, and mentions of hidden fees or debit card fees adding to the final cost. These issues have led to feelings of it being a waste of money for 11 customers.
Value
27
Reviews
48%
Satisfaction
11
negative
3
neutral
13
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Great deals
What people don't like
- Hidden fees
- Price increases
- Deals not honored
Often praised
- priceI went to this restaurant to get a pizza with my daughter. Initially, I was skeptical about the quality given the location and the price of $5 for a large cheese pizza, expecting it to be cheap and disgusting. However, I was more than agreeably surprised when we ate it.
- 5 dollar pepperoni or cheese pizza5 dollar pepperoni or cheese pizza yoi cant beat it
- Price per person:$1–10Price per person:$1–10
- affordableaffordable pizza
- competitive pricingpricing was very competitive
- deal before 3 o’clockgood deal before 3 o’clock
- good pricePretty good pizza at a good price
- great dealit's a great deal
- price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- reasonable priceMy experience at this restaurant was about the best approximation of New York pizza I've had in San Diego. It's a no-frills establishment with a reasonable price and decent taste.
Frequently criticized
- Grouponpaid for a Groupon and was told “the boss doesn’t accept Groupons anymore”
- Groupon dealowner is no longer accepting the deals
- debit card feethey add to debit fee to the price
- five dollar pepperoni pizzaI used to stop by and grab a five dollar pepperoni pizza every other day. They no longer offer that deal; they now ask ten dollars. There is no reason for me to go there now.
- hidden feesAdding hidden fees without enumerating them is illegal
- menu priceMenu price says $13.99
- priceMy experience at this restaurant used to be great. However, they have now doubled their prices, claiming to use better ingredients. Unfortunately, the food is not as good as it was before.
- register priceRegister price said $14.50
- ten dollarsThey asked ten dollars
- waste of moneyThis raises the question: why are they still selling them? It felt like a complete waste of money and time.
If you're looking for a potential bargain, you might find some affordable options here, especially if you catch a good deal. However, be cautious of potential price changes or unexpected fees that could impact your overall experience.
How are the prices at Pizza Pal?
On average, you’ll spend around 20 per person – from 30 guests. That puts this Pizzeria in the $11–$20 category. For a Pizzeria, that’s comfortably mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at what people actually spend, most diners land in that $11–$20 sweet spot, right around the average. But hey, there are some wallet-friendly options under 10 $ too, and a few folks go all out, even above 100 $!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 30 reviews.
How this Pizzeria’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Pizzeria in San Diego. Its not the cheapest slice in town, but youre getting good value for a mid-range experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Pizza Pal
Price per Person
- $100+
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Delivery
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
1
Horrible Experience: Late Delivery, Undercooked Food
My experience was horrible. I ordered two giant pizzas the day before and paid over the phone for a 4: 30 PM delivery, which never happened. After multiple calls and being told it would be "20 more minutes" each time, at 5: 45 PM, I was informed they had no drivers.
I had to pick up the pizzas myself. To make matters worse, the pizzas were not fully cooked. The service was terrible and the food was terrible.
- giant pizzas2
- delivery1
- multiple calls2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Delicious Pizza, Friendly Staff!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The pizza was sooo good 😋, with everything tasting incredibly fresh and super tasty. The crust was perfect, and the staff were super nice.
I'm definitely coming back!
- pizza10
- everything9
- crust10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Amazing Pizza and Welcoming Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was truly amazing. I love this place and visit it three times a week during my breaks. I usually get two slices of pizza, and when I have extra time, I go for their bbq pizza, which is the best I've ever had.
Every time I walk in, I feel welcomed; the owners are wonderful and enjoy talking with me, ensuring I feel comfortable. I would 100% recommend this place to others.
- bbq pizza10
- pizza9
- owners10
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Great BBQ Chicken Slice!
My experience at the restaurant was great. I had a bbq chicken slice which really hit the spot last night. The food was excellent, with a score of 5.
The atmosphere was also fantastic, rated at 5. Service was quick and easy, and there was no wait time. The price per person was between $1–10, and the noise level was moderate.
- bbq chicken slice9
- food10
- atmosphere10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
1
Worst Pizza Ever
My experience with the pizza was extremely negative. The pizza was described as the worst ever, with a soft, doughy texture and no crispiness or undercarriage. It also lacked any discernible flavor.
I rated it a 02 out of 10, considering it worthless.
- pizza1
- flavor1
- worthless1
What Pizza Pal offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
- Catering
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed inside
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What parking and accessibility options are available at Pizza Pal?
You’ll find convenience at Pizza Pal with a free parking lot that usually has plenty of space. The restaurant also ensures everyone can visit, offering a wheelchair accessible entrance and a dedicated wheelchair accessible parking lot for your ease.
Is Pizza Pal a family-friendly restaurant, and can I bring my pets?
Yes, Pizza Pal is good for kids, making it a perfect spot for family dining. You can also bring your furry companions along, as dogs are welcome both inside and outside the restaurant, ensuring a fun experience for everyone.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Pizza Pal?
Pizza Pal has an overall Restaurant Score of 7.1 and a Customer Satisfaction of 70.3%, indicating a generally good experience. Customers particularly appreciate the Food (7.6) and Ambience (7.5), while Service (6.4) and Value (5.5) are considered average.
Are there any common issues customers experience at Pizza Pal?
Some customers have expressed concerns regarding recent price changes, unexpected fees, and issues with Groupon acceptance, impacting the perceived value. There are also reports of inconsistent service, including delivery problems and unhelpful staff members.
What do customers enjoy most about Pizza Pal's food?
Customers frequently praise the delicious pizza, noting its well-cooked crust, generous cheese, and fresh toppings. Many describe the taste as authentic and satisfying, with specific mentions of the large cheese and pepperoni pizzas.